April/May 2015 - Tahoma Audubon Society

2014
Annual
Report
Inside
Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969.
Vol. 46 No 2
April/May 2015
Tahoma Audubon’s 46thAnnual Banquet
T
hanks to 160 guests and volunteers
who joined us at the annual meeting
and banquet on February 28th! (In case
you missed it, a slideshow was posted to
Youtube and you’ll find a link on our
homepage, tahomaaudubon.org.)
The board elections were conducted at
the meeting, and Javier Figueroa, Bob
Furman, and Robert Mack were all
unanimously elected to the board.
Together, we raised over $3,000 for
scholarships and our summer teen internship
thanks to tables that participated in the Cake
Walk fundraiser and thanks to the Lucky
Seven Foundation.
Dana Lyons entertained and educated
guests with his powerful music.
We honored several outstanding volunteers
and partners, as well:
Legacy Award – goes
to Ken Brown for many
years of teaching the
Advanced
Birding
Class, even though he
commutes from Kitsap
County to do so. Ken
also works with the
Advanced Birding Club, an offshoot of his
class when there was otherwise no room in
the class. He has also done the Christmas Bird
Count for decades, including owling. Diane
Yorgason-Quinn gave a moving introduction
to Ken, complete with a slideshow.
Distinguished Service – Member – goes
to Kay Pullen member and ad agency
executive, Kay donated her time and money
to develop a new professionally designed
membership brochure, our first in 9 years!
Kay was not able to attend, but we thanked
her for her service, regardless!
Current Board of Directors of The Tahoma Audubon Society onstage at our annual banquet.
Upcoming membership meetings:
April: Volunteer appreciation
id you share your
time and talents
with us during
2014? If so, we would like
to honor and thank you with
a fun and social event. For
the second year in a row,
we will be using our regular
April Monthly Membership
meeting time for a Volunteer
Celebration Event. Volunteers (and anyone wanting
to join in appreciating our
volunteers) are invited.
Thur, April
16th, 7:00 –
8:30 pm.
D
nd for our May
APRIL
Meeting, we
will have an
PROGRAM
Artist’s Reception for
Thur, April 16
our 16th Annual Youth
7:00 pm Bird Drawing Contest
8:30 pm
winners. Thurs, May
21 - program goes from
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
MAY
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Tacoma Nature CenPROGRAM
ter,1919 South Tyler
Thur, May 21
Tacoma, WA. Please
7 pm - 8 pm
RSVP by April 9th to
Paulette Peterson:
email: [email protected]
or give Paulette a call at 253-565-9129
(See drawing contest info on page 4.)
A
Nell and Ken Batker at last
year’s Volunteer Celebration.
Enjoy our annual banquet
with a Youtube slideshow!
Whether you missed the big night (story above) or just
want to relive the experience, you can watch this fun slideshow of the event.
Lots of photos taken
by Diane YorgasonQuinn of everyone
having a good time.
Simply click either
image to view it.
See "Banquet" on page 9
Time for Birdathon!
April 25th to May 31st
And it’s as easy as 1 ... 2 ... 3!
1) Ask family, friends, co-workers,
neighbors - ANYONE - to sponsor
you. You can call, email, or send a
written request to sponsors. They
can sponsor you for a set dollar
amount, or an amount per bird
species that you count (Example:
$5 per species).
2) Get outside and do your Birdathon between Earth Day and May
31st. You can do it in a park, at
home, at the beach. or on one of
our fun, expert-guided field trips.
3) Count species seen and heard
during the trip. Write your Field
Trip Report and Birdathon Thank
You Letter. Send to your sponsors
after the trip and ask your sponsors to send their checks by June
15th to:
Tahoma Audubon Society
2917 Morrison Road West
University Place, WA 98466
You’ll find the list of Birdathon field trips on page 12
In this issue:
25 Years Ago
page 8
Birdathon Field Trips
page 12
Birdsongs
page 10
Book Club
page 10
Calendar
page 12
Crossword Puzzle
page 10
Education
page 4
Field Trips
page 5
New Board Members
New Members
page 2
page 11
Puerto Rico!
page 6
Ridgefield Field Trip
page 8
Wenas Campout
page 9
TAS joins National Audubon President at first
Audubon Lobby Day
By Art Wang
Eight Tahoma Audubon members joined in the
first Audubon Lobby Day in Olympia on Feb. 18.
National Audubon President David Yarnold came to
Olympia to speak with and inspire 75 grassroots
participants from around the state and to join
them in meeting legislators. The day began with
workshops to prepare Audubon activists on current
issues and how to talk with legislators.
Audubon Washington took the lead in setting up
individual appointments with legislators throughout
the state so they could meet with their constituents.
Tahoma Audubon members met with legislators in
the 27th, 28th, and 29th legislative districts to discuss
climate change (Gov. Inslee’s cap-and-trade bill); oil
transportation safety and oil trains; birds, fish, and
habitat in the capital budget; and forage fish. While
most legislators were familiar with climate change, oil
trains, and the capital budget, they knew little about
forage fish legislation and its importance for birds.
Audubon members were visible throughout
the legislative buildings as they wore large
buttons (upper left) that read, “You Are What
Hope Looks Like to a Bird. Audubon.”
In past years, Audubon has participated with
coalitions of environmental groups on lobby days.
This was the first time that Audubon sponsored
Happy Birthday Helen Engle!
– from David Yarnold.
Meet the new Biodiversity Coordinator
Jennifer (Jenn) Grimm earned her
bachelors degree from the University of
San Diego (USD) in Marine Science.
She also received a teaching credential
from USD. After completing her
degrees Jenn served as a U.S. Peace
Corps volunteer in the Philippines.
Here she assisted local fishers transfer
from illegal harvesting methods to more
sustainable fishing techniques. Jenn
also assisted in the establishment of a
marine protected area, alternative
livelihoods, and education campaigns.
Following her time in the Philippines
she was an Education Program
Assistant with the University of
Jenn at the temples in Bagan, Myanmar.
Southern California, Wrigley Institute
for Environmental Studies. She created
and implemented marine science
outreach programs for a broad audience.
Jennifer then returned to school at the
University of Miami Rosenstiel School
for Marine and Atmospheric Science to
pursue her masters in Marine Affairs and
Policy. Her research focused on
designing marine protected areas in the
Bahamas. Subsequently, Jenn accepted
a position with the City of Miami as the
Environmental Outreach Liaison for the
Office of Sustainable Initiatives. For the
City, Jenn wrote a variety of
environmental ordinances, including
ones for water conservation and
environmental procurement. She also
developed and executed a bicycle action
plan and programs to increase the City’s
tree coverage. Jenn then became the
Environmental Programs Manager at
Florida International University. While
in this position she initiated a twelveacre mangrove restoration project, taught
a variety of courses for undergraduate
students, developed environmental
curriculum, and created several native
gardens. Jenn has recently moved to
Seattle, her first time living in the Pacific
Northwest, after returning from a one
year trip around the world.
Jenn is now the coordinator for the
Biodiversity Community of Interest
for the Puyallup Watershed Initiative,
a program funded through The
Russell Family Foundation.
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its
member’s experiences in and with the natural world.
The Towhee is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year. Submissions of articles and photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, and environmental education are
reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor. Copy is due by the 15th of the month
prior to publication and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
• Editor: [email protected] • Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
• Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: [email protected] • Printing: Consolidated Press
Above: National Audubon CEO/President
David Yarnold speaks to Audubon activists
gearing up for over 80 legislator meetings.
Left: Rebecca and Krystal at Lobby Day.
Donate your old (working) lawnmower!
The Morse Wildlife Preserve
is in need of a lawn mower. Do
you have one that you no
longer need or want?
The mower should
be 21”, gasoline
powered, and
self-propelled. And, as one Morse
Force member told me, it should
be “industrial strength.” After cutting all the trails this year I know
that to be true!
Contact caretaker Randy Stearnes
at 253-514-2226.
The Pierce County Chapter of
The National Audubon Society
Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Front desk 253-565-9278
Tahoma Audubon Staff
Krystal Kyer
Executive Director
[email protected]
Paulette Peterson Membership & Outreach Director
[email protected]
253-565-9129
Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
Art Wang President
Martha Scoville
Vice President
Ione Clagett Interim Secretary
Geoff Lawrence Treasurer
Tahoma Audubon Board of Directors
Thelma Gilmur
Margie Shea
Lloyd Fetterly
Ione Clagett
Nalani Linder
Robert Mack
Javier Figueroa
Jerry Broadus
Bob Furman
Kris Sherman
Printed on recycled newsprint
Page 2
our own Advocacy Day, hosted by Audubon Washington
and Black Hills (Thurston County) Audubon Society.
The regular legislative session is scheduled to end in
late April, so as of this writing we don’t know the outcome
of the various bills we addressed. But we do know that
contact with constituents from Audubon helps convey the
importance of these bills to legislators and helps them to
understand the concerns behind them.
Participants in lobby day were Ione Clagett, Helen Engle,
Bruce Hoeft, Krystal and Rebecca Kyer, Laura Martinez,
Martha Scoville, and Art Wang.
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Find us on Facebook and Twitter!
April/May 2015
Figueroa, Furman, and Mack elected to Board of Directors
Supporters of Tahoma Audubon Society, a 46 year
old grassroots environmental education and conservation organization serving Pierce County, celebrated
together on Saturday, February 28, 2015 with a dinner,
awards ceremony, and concert at the Temple Theatre in
Tacoma Landmark Convention Center.
Annual board elections were held at the banquet. Three
board candidates were previously nominated by the board,
and elected by members at the banquet to serve 3-year
terms: Javier Figueroa, Bob Furman, and Robert E. Mack.
Members also said goodbye and thanked outgoing
board members Jane Brosius, Peter Wimberger, and
Scott Kiersztyn for their
combined 15 years of service.
Javier H. Figueroa
Javier Figueroa is the Mayor
Pro Tem for the City of
University Place.
He serves on the Council’s
Finance Committee, President
of the Rainier Communication
Commission and is on the
city’s’ 2015 U.S. Open Task
Force. Figueroa is the first natu- Javier H. Figueroa
Robert E. Mack
ralized citizen from Mexico to be elected in
Washington State. Deeply committed to the community, Figueroa is a gubernatorial appointee to the State
Council on Aging and is serving his 20th year as a
certified arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau of
Washington. Figueroa is a Vietnam Veteran that
served 14 years in the U.S. Army. Figueroa’s tenure
includes work with The White House of Environmental
Policy as the Secretariat & Co-Author of Action #8 of
the 1993 U.S. Climate Change Action Plan.
A native of Tacoma, Bob Mack
currently is serving as Deputy
Director for Public Affairs at
Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU).
TPU provides regional power
and water services, in addition to
operating Tacoma Rail. Bob has
served as Deputy Director for
eight years. Before that, Bob
served in various positions in Robert E. Mack
state government. He practiced
land use and natural resources law in the Tacoma firm
of Smith Alling. He represented Tahoma Audubon in
a number of administrative and court actions. He has
served on the boards of the Washington Environmental
Council, 1000 Friends of Washington (Futurewise),
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Point
Defiance Zoo Society, and City Club of Tacoma.
Bob Furman
Bob was born into an Audubon
family where his father was
President of the Oklahoma
Audubon Society and Audubon
Screen Tour presenters stayed in
his home. Bob is a retired social
worker where he supported people with developmental disabilities. He is married to Mary Hart
and they are parents to two Bob Furman
grown daughters. Bob has 30+
years of involvement with nonprofit organizations.
The mission of Tahoma Audubon Society is to connect
people with birds, other wildlife, and their habitats
through education, conservation and recreation.
14th Annual Parks Appreciation Day
This year, Parks Appreciation Day is
Saturday, April 25. In parks
throughout Pierce County, we’ll
trim limbs, groom grounds,
comb beaches and plant more
flowers and trees. Join us and
come to a designated park
between 9 a.m. and noon.
Be part of a major county-wide
Of a Feather: Artists, Birds and the Northwest
The White River Valley Museum in Auburn offers a
powerful art exhibit featuring and inspired by birds. Of a
Feather: Artists, Birds and the Northwest will remain on
display in the Museum’s temporary exhibit gallery through
June 7, 2015. In this exhibit the White River Valley
Museum presents seemingly disparate works of art which
are tied together by a common subject matter--birds.
The collection reveals artists inspired by place and
nature, by birds as metaphors for the human experience and
hope, and by more than a touch of the divine and mystical.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from
noon to 4 p.m. On the first Thursday of each month the
hours are extended from 6 to 8 p.m. It is located at 918 H
St. S.E. in Auburn. Regular admission is $5 adults, $2
seniors and children, children 2 years of age or younger are
always free. Admission is free for everyone all day on the
first Thursday and the third Sunday of every month.
Call 253-288-7433 with questions or visit us online at
www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.
Golden Eagle, by Seattle artist Tony Angell.
14T
H A N N UA L
effort of giving back to the earth with
nearly 2,000 other people working in
their local parks at the same time.
Participating parks listed at www.
ParksAppreciationDay.net
Love your local park!
Tahoma Audubon will be hosting a work party event at Adriana
Hess Wetland Park.
40th Annual Conference of
Western Field Ornithologists
The 40th annual conference of
Western Field Ornithologists will
be held in Billings, Montana,
June, 10 - 14. Field trips will
visit a variety of habitats from the
high mountains (Black RosyFinch) to the grasslands
(Sprague’s Pipits). One can see
McCown’s and Chestnutcollared Longspurs, along with
Upland Sandpipers and Lark
Buntings.
There will be workshops on
field identification and more.
Science sessions will update you
on the most current avian
research from the region and the
Saturday evening banquet will
feature a keynote address by
June, 10 - 14
Billings, MT
Stephen Dinsmore on Mountain
Plovers. Ed Harper and Nathan
Pieplow will offer sessions on
bird ID by sight and sound.
Registration opens in February.
If you are NOT on our email list,
email: [email protected],
include full name plus city and
state of residence. WFO members are able to register for our
conferences at a reduced rate and
have early access to registration.
If you are not currently a WFO
member, you can join at westernfieldornithologists.org/join.php
Cruise the San Juans and benefit Tahoma Audubon
Join Puget Sound Express in Port
Townsend for an exciting 3 day
cruise through the San Juan Islands May 7-9, 2015, and 10%
of proceeds will be donated to
Tahoma Audubon Society!
Selected by National Geographic as
one of the World's Top 3 destinations, the
waters around the San Juan Islands are
home to a wide variety of marine life, and
a dizzying array of seabirds.
3 Days, 2 nights; $850 ppdo/925 per
single. Days on the water, evenings at
luxurious Roche Harbor Resort on beautiful San Juan Island.
To reserve, visit PSE at http://goo.
gl/06tbXW and enter coupon code
TAHOMA15.
Puget Sound Express is a family-run
wildlife and whale watching company
based in Port Townsend. They have strong
educational partnerships with the Center
for Whale Research, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, the Olympic Audubon
Society, and the Seattle Audubon Society.
April/May 2015
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Page 3
Tahoma Audubon’s 16th Annual
Youth Bird Drawing Contest
Pierce County youth in grades 1-8
are invited to research, observe, and
draw/paint one of the below bird species
in their natural habitat.
Artwork paper/canvas: 11" x 14" maximum size; no minimum size. Any medium.
Submit artwork by April 22, 2015
Bring it in person or send it postmarked to:
Rufous Hummingbird
Tahoma Audubon –
2917 Morrison Rd. WA,
University Place, WA 98466
Go to www.tahomaaudubon.org/contest
for complete rules and entry form.
Learn more about these birds and their
habitats at www.birdweb.org.
A special reception with prizes will be held
Barrow’s Goldeneye
Special Events
Earth Day & Beyond! Sat, April 18, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages 5 and up, FREE! Join us for this special Earth Day
Event at the Tacoma Nature Center. Explore how we can
all be more involved with caring for our earth beyond this
day and in our neighborhood as well as further afield.
Native Plant Sale – May 2, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Landscape your yard with plants that are native to our area.
Planting natives ensures the conservation of our precious
water resources and provides habitat for local birds,
mammals and insects. A list of available plants will be
posted on www.tacomanaturecenter.org by 1:00pm on
Friday, May 1. Come early for the best selection.
Tiptoe through the Tidepools
All ages, Free! Bring your family to explore the beach,
learn about tide pool life and have lots of fun during some
of the lowest tides of the year! Titlow Beach is located at
the west end of 6th Avenue in Tacoma.
May 17 10:00am – 1:00pm
Volunteer Stewardship
Habitat Restoration Work
All ages welcome, free! Join us for our regular stewardship
activities as we care for the park by removing invasive
plant species, re-planting areas with native plants and
helping those plants thrive. No experience necessary.
Come dressed for the weather and prepared to get dirty.
Work parties occur rain or shine! Children must be
accompanied by adults.
April 3
9:00am – 12:00pm
April 25
9:00am – 12:00pm (Parks Appreciation Day)
May 1
9:00am – 12:00pm
May 15
9:00am – 12:00pm
Family Programs
Family Nature Walks - All ages welcome, free
Explore Tacoma Parks during these seasonal naturalist-led
family walks. Discover the amazing plants and animals
that live in these parks and how they adapt in the different
seasons. Not recommended for wheelchairs, strollers or
children under 3. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.
Spring is in the Air
April 4 10am – 11am
Swan Creek Park
2820 Pioneer Way E 74281
April 11 10am – 11am
Wapato Park
6500 S. Sheridan Ave. 74282
April 11 1pm – 2pm
Oak Tree Park
S. 74th St. & S. Cedar St 74283
Page 4
April 18 10am – 11am
April 25 1pm – 2pm
May 2
1pm – 2pm
May 9
10am – 11am
Vaux’s Swift
Wapato Hills Park
6231 S. Wapato St. 74284
Tacoma Nature Center
19th & Tyler
74285
Titlow Park
8425 6th Ave.
74286
McKinley Park
645 Upper Park St. 74287
Homeschool Science
Homeschool students explore science through hands-on
experiments and activities. Register early – these classes
fill quickly! Note – topics are repeated during the month,
so select class appropriate for your child’s age, knowledge
and abilities.
Contact Margie with questions or for more information at
591-6439 or [email protected].
Elementary Level Homeschool Science
Ages 8-10, $12 per student, $10.80 per member child
To participate in this class, students should be able to do
basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Each class is offered twice, choose one time.
April 9 9:30am – 11:30am Under the Microscope
1:00pm – 3:00pm Under the Microscope
May 7 9:30am – 11:30am It’s All Connected
1:00pm – 3:00pm
It’s All Connected
Intermediate Level Homeschool Science
Ages 10-12, $12 per student, $10.80 per member child
To participate in this class, students should be able to
multiply and divide numbers, add and subtract fractions.
Each class is offered twice, choose one time.
April 16 1:00pm – 3:00pm Under the Microscope
May 14 1:00pm – 3:00pm It’s All Connected
at the Tacoma Nature Center on the
evening of May 21, 2015.
Selected winners will also be recognized
here in the June/July issue of Tahoma
Audubon's newsletter, The Towhee,
and winning art work will be framed and
on display at the Tacoma Nature Center in
June & July!
Osprey
Adult Education
Parenting Workshops
Adults 18 and up, $5/person, TNC Members free
This series of parent education classes will offer parents a
variety of views and techniques in support of guiding
young children in their early learning of self-control,
responsibility, communication, cooperation and following
directions. Information and resources, large and small
group interactions, and group discussions are all included.
One or both parents are welcome, as are child-care givers
and grandparents, but children should be left at home.
Come for one or all of the workshops. Pre-registration
required.
April 15 6:00pm - 8:00pm
What is Kindergarten Readiness?
Taking Better Pictures with Your Phone
Adults 18 and up, $25/person, $22.50/TNC Member
Phones are quickly replacing cameras to take pictures.
Learn how to have a better “eye” for taking photos with
simple tips and understanding of what makes good
composition. We’ll look at a few apps to add creativity and
perform easy editing. Materials: Phone with your own
data/internet connection and that can take pictures, dress
for the weather, bring an umbrella if raining. Pre-registration
required.
May 14
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Create a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Adults 18 and up, $25/person, $22.50/TNC Member
Create a fun scavenger hunt for your kids to use the next
time they are out enjoying nature. From taking pictures, to
completing challenges and answering trivia questions,
we’ll look at a phone app that you can create the hunt in to
engage them in technology. Materials: Phone with your
own data/internet connection and that can take pictures,
dress for the weather, bring an umbrella if raining. Preregistration required.
April 9 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Upper Level Homeschool Science
Ages 12-15, $15 per student, $13.50 per member child
Students use problem-solving, cooperative learning, and
inquiry-based activities to study different topics and
1919 South Tyler Street
explore careers in the field. To participate in this class,
Tacoma WA
students should be able to calculate averages, percentages
(253) 591-6439
and solve simple equations. Optional lab class requires
participation in class on previous day.
metroparkstacoma.org
April 2 1:00pm – 3:00pm BioSciences: Microbiology
April 24 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lab: Microbiology May 21 1:00pm – 3:00pm BioSciences: Ecology & Biodiversity
May 22 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lab: Ecology & Biodiversity Open Mon – Sat 9:00am - 4:00pm
www.tahomaaudubon.org
April/May 2015
FIELD TRIPS and Events
If you want to be notified as new field
trips are offered, send your email address
to [email protected] Your
address will be used only to notify you of
new trips and you can cancel at any time.
APRIL
Fort Steilacoom Park
Tuesday, April 7th, 8AM to Noon. Lakewood’s 342 acre
park offers a diversity of habitat including Waughop Lake.
There are numerous foot trails throughout the park. Join
Russ Smith and/or other co-leaders rain or shine (unless
torrential). Contact Russ at [email protected] if you need
further info. Reservations not needed. Birders of all ages and
skill levels welcome. Bring binoculars and a field guide if
you have them. Dress appropriately for the weather. Trip
will include a loop around the lake as well as some of the
surrounding meadows and woodlands at a leisurely pace,
estimated to be 1-2+ miles and several hours. Month to month
may experience different routes through the park dependent
on best estimates of optimizing seasonal variances in bird
species and their preferred habitat. Birders may leave at any
time. Meeting location: gravel parking lot between barns
and Waughop Lake, west end of lot nearest lake. Enter Ft
Steilacoom Park off Steilacoom Blvd, turn south at the traffic
light at the northeast corner of the park at the intersection with
87th Ave SW, then turn right into the park and immediately
left around the south side of the playfields, proceed to end of
Dresden Lane to gravel parking lot past barns.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, April 8th--8:00 AM to Noon. Join Phil Kelley
on his weekly bird walks as he counts the birds at Nisqually
NWR. The group walks to area near visitor’s center to view
entry road estuary, then takes boardwalk/trail loop out to
Twin Barns and Nisqually overlook area, then to dike and
back to Riparian Forest. Some may choose to continue on
new estuary boardwalk extension, which goes out toward
the mouth of McAlister Creek. It has benches and covered
viewing areas. The walk totals 2.0 miles roundtrip to estuary
boardwalk extension, which is 2 more miles. Bring: Good
walking shoes or boots, raingear, water, snacks, $3 for entry
fee, unless you have pass. Scopes welcome. Meet: At the
Visitor’s Center Pond Overlook. Take I-5 south from Tacoma
and exit to Nisqually NWR, exit 114; right at light. Signup not necessary. Questions: Phil Kelley (360) 459-1499,
[email protected]
Sehmel Homestead Park - field trip
Wednesday, April 8th --8AM to 10AM
Join Melissa Sherwood as she leads one of her bird walks
through the Sehmel Homestead Park. Wear appropriate
clothing. There may be some muddy areas that need to be
negotiated on the trails. If available, bring field glasses.
Directions: Exit off Hwy 16 onto Burnham drive; head west
to the “T”, which is Sehmel Drive; turn left and continue on
that road until you get to 78th Ave. NW; then turn left. The
park entrance is on the left. Enter, turn right at the baseball
fields and head south to the Heritage and Masters Gardens,
past the Pavilion and the Master Gardener’s yard. Call
Melissa (253-851-7230) to register for the walk.
Theler Wetlands---Belfair
Thursday, April 9th -8:00 to Noon. Join leaders Faye Hands
and John Riegsecker of the ABC Club of Tahoma Audubon
for a walk through this great estuary. For questions, contact
Faye at [email protected]
Second Sunday at Morse
Sunday, April 12th –10 AM to 6 PM. Details below.
Monthly Bird Walk at Adriana Hess
Monday, April 13th --Noon to 1:30 PM
Enjoy a guided bird walk through Adriana Hess Park led by
leaders Rosanne Becker and Russ Smith.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, April 15th --8:00 AM to Noon
(See previous description.)
Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course at JBLM
Thursday, April 16th –8AM to 11 AM
Eagle’s Pride Golf Course has many acres of undeveloped
ponds, meadow, and conifer and deciduous forest, just onehalf mile from the Nisqually River. Over 96 species of birds
have been documented so far. This trip will be from 1-3 miles
long on relatively level ground, and explore coniferous/
deciduous forests, ponds, and open area species. No security
passes are required. Trip starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. at the
golf course driving range parking lot. Location: Exit 116
(Mounts Road), turn north, turn right into clubhouse parking
area, go down ramp and make an immediate, hard left onto
driving range access road (narrow road). Proceed to driving
range parking area. For questions, contact David Wienecke
at [email protected] or 253-606-1398 (cell)
Kitsap County Birding
Saturday, April 18th, 8AM to 3PM. Sign up with Ken Brown
by e-mail ([email protected]) or call him at
360 876 9509 for a reservation. Could be a county survey or
a twitching trip, depending on what is being seen.
Birding the Batker’s Corner
Saturday, April 18th—8:30 AM to 11 AM
Birding a productive back yard, a short wetland trail, and a
peek at the Bresemann Forest trails. Meet at Ken and Nell
Batker’s house, 14409 Duryea Lane S. in Parkland at 9:00
AM. Registration is not necessary. Just come and enjoy!
Fort Steilacoom Park, Lakewood--Nature Photography
Sunday, April 19, 8 AM to Noon. Join photographers
Heather Roskelley and Laurel Parshall for Tahoma
Audubon’s spring field trip specifically planned for nature
photography. Bring your cameras (whether point-and-shoot
or DSLRs with any size lenses) and we’ll see what we can
shoot, including early migratory birds and flowers. This is
For Birdathon Field Trips
please turn to page 12
not a photography class, but we can all learn from each other.
Meet at 8 AM in the big gravel parking lot at Fort Steilacoom
Park near the barns at the west end closest to Waughop Lake.
Trip will be cancelled for heavy rain,but not light showers.
Contact Heather Roskelley at [email protected].
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Tuesday, April 22nd --8:00 AM to Noon
(See previous description.)
Theler Wetlands---Belfair
Thur, April 23rd-8:00 AM to Noon (See previous description.)
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Tue, April 29th--8:00AM to Noon (See previous description.)
MAY
Fort Steilacoom Park
Tuesday, May 5th, 8AM to Noon (See previous description.)
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed, May 6th --8:00 AM to Noon (See previous description.)
Sehmel Homestead Park - field trip
Wed, May 6th 8AM to 10AM (See previous description.)
Second Sunday at Morse
Sun, May 10thth –10 AM to 6 PM (See previous description.)
Monthly Bird Walk at Adriana Hess
Monday, May 11th --10AM to 11:30 AM (New time!)
Enjoy a guided bird walk through Adriana Hess Park led by
leaders Rosanne Becker and Russ Smith
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed, May 13th -8:00AM to Noon (See previous description.)
Theler Wetlands---Belfair
Thursday, May 14th 8:00 to Noon (See previous description.)
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, May 20th --8:00 AM to Noon
(See previous description.)
Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course at JBLM
Thursday, May 21st –8AM to 11 AM
(See previous description.)
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, May 27th --8:00 AM to Noon
(See previous description.)
Theler Wetlands---Belfair
Thursday, May 28th -8:00 AM to Noon
(See previous description.)
BirdFest
“Second Sundays” Olympic
Come bird April 10-12
@
with us!
www.MorseWildlifePreserve.org
Don’t miss your chance to visit this special place!
Morse Wildlife Preserve, in Graham, WA, is a privately
owned nature preserve open to the public on special
days throughout the year, including “Second Sundays”
in the months of April-October from 10am-6pm.
No pets are allowed; carpooling is encouraged.
In partnership with Tahoma
Audubon Society, Forterra
NW, Tacoma Nature Center,
& the Morse Force volunteers.
2015 Second Sundays:
April 12
May 10 (Mother’s Day)
June 14 (Father’s Day)
July 12
August 9
Sep 13 (Grandparent’s Day)
October 11
Call 253.565.9278 for directions.
April/May 2015 www.tahomaaudubon.org
in Sequim!
Learn more at www.olympicbirdfest.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society
Call us at 360-681-4076
20th Annual • May 1st - 3rd
Celebrating our Natural World and the Annual
Spring Shorebird Migration in Grays Harbor Co.
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
Learn more online at: shorebirdfestival.com
Or contact us at: [email protected]
Page 5
PUERTO RICO!
Paradise without a passport
Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Above: Orange-Cheeked Waxbill, introduced, but adorable. Below left: Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo,
a loud and large crowd pleaser. Below right: Pearly-Eyed Thrasher, another of our followers.
Right: Puerto Rican Flycatcher, an endemic.
Below left: American Oystercatcher. Below right: Dragonlet.
Welcome to a world where reptiles and birds rule.
Yes, Puerto Rico has no native land mammals other
than bats. When the non-native mammal Homo
sapiens colonized the island, livestock and
mongooses were not far behind, but this is still a land
of lizards, iguanas, tortoises, and coqui (frogs). When
Faye McAdams Hands came up with the idea to bird
Puerto Rico together, I was immediately interested! The
travel part was very easy since it’s a U.S. territory, so no passport, no
customs, no immigration hassles. However, you know you’re in the
tropics as soon as you step off the plane. Luckily our guide on the
tour, Gavin Bieber of Wings, spoke Spanish, because once we were
out of the capitol area, it was Spanish all the way. The cities and
towns were colorful, cheerful, and noisy.
On a Sunday afternoon, it seemed that every
car in town was cruising the waterfront, like
Ruston Way used to be, but even louder,
with many cars equipped with built-in
loudspeakers and some with sirens! The
roads seemed to be just one lane, and
accommodations were made when meeting
another car head-on. Our group was small
so as to fit into a single van, and everyone
was great to bird with. There was a couple
from England, and the rest were from all
points of the U.S., all as avid as we were.
One notable fellow birder was Sandy
Komito, whom you might have heard of if
you read “The Big Year: A Tale of Man,
Nature, and Fowl Obsession,” by Mark
Obmascik (later made into a purely fictional
movie). Needless to say, Sandy had seen all
these birds many times. He was now no
longer counting, but attempting to
photograph all the birds he’d seen for a
future project. He was a very personable
and entertaining guy.
One reason this island is a paradise is
freedom from most hurricanes, thanks to
being tucked between the Muertos Trough
on the south and the Puerto Rico Trench
on the north which hosts the deepest point
in the Atlantic Ocean. The tectonic plates
are constantly moving, however, so
earthquakes and tsunamis are big worries
here. We recognized the same tsunami
horns that are stationed along our own coast.
Even those like Faye who have birded the
Caribbean a lot have the potential for lots of new
birds because each island has its own endemics
(species found nowhere else). Puerto Rico boasts
19 endemics, which includes 17 full species and 2
subspecies that are expected to be split in the future.
Like most islands with human populations, a number
of species have been lost, however, due to habitat loss,
inability to compete with introduced species, and predation.
We were unable to try for the Puerto Rican Parrot, as it has been
sequestered in a remote area where captive birds are slowly being
reintroduced in a safe area off limits to us, a hopeful success story so
far, as the species was down to 13 individuals in 1975. It is the last
native parrot species left on U.S. soil.
However, of the remaining 18 endemics, success!! Every day of
our week brought new birds, endemics, Caribbean specialties, and of
course introduced birds, not to mention many anoles, those lizards
who are doing the Darwinian trick of evolving into many new species
on the various islands at an amazing rate. Sometimes an hour would
go by just hearing the birds, but mostly seeing anoles.
But birds – wow! Gavin reported that previous tour participants
have liked two species best: Puerto Rican Tody and Puerto Rican
Lizard-cuckoo, and that was true of us, too. From tiny to huge, these
two carnivores (insects for the Tody and lizards for the Lizardcuckoo), were easy to see and a feast for the eyes, yet really alien to
northwesterners.
Around here, we hardly look at our “junk birds,” crows, starlings,
etc., but even the junk birds on this island were joys to behold. Gray
Kingbirds, Bananaquits, Greater Antillean Grackles, and Cattle
Egrets filled that niche. We even went by a garbage dump where
Cattle Egrets were acting as gulls do at home, but with few gulls here.
The really special birds were Elfin-woods Warbler, Yellowshouldered Blackbird, and Plain Pigeon, all of which we were able
to see, thanks to Gavin’s inside knowledge. There were no good
roads into the mountains until the 1960s, keeping the Elfin-woods
Warbler from being discovered until the 1970s. Elfin woods are
stunted forests in the higher dry areas (but no actual elves!). The
endemic Yellow-shouldered Blackbird remains critically
endangered, once down to 200 individuals. The Plain Pigeon had
been nearly extirpated on the island, but is slowly being reestablished
through a breeding program. As we observed these birds, we
understood the impermanence of island life and maybe all life.
Other island life included many bugs:
Beautiful butterflies and moths
everywhere we went, the huge Puerto
Rican Giant Centipede, a foot long and
highly venomous, and dragonflies at
the top of the food chain when no
Kestrels were patrolling the wetlands.
Above left: Gavin Beiber with Diane and Faye. This was
Not too many mosquitoes (but too many
taken by a tour participant. All other photos taken by
for me!), a few ants, and those weird
little red beetles, the cotton stainers.
Diane Yorgason-Quinn.
We’ve been getting used to the influx of Eurasian Collared Doves
Above: Greater Antillean
in the northwest, and we think we know them now, but in Puerto Rico
Grackle - Found everywhere.
one also has to contend with African Collared Doves, slightly paler
Below: Mangrove Cuckoo.
and maybe smaller, but freely interbreeding. So they’re just referred
to as “collared” doves.
Besides the elfin woods and the mangrove forests, there are also
bamboo forests in this land of surprises. The important landscapes
also include savannahs, mountains, wetlands, and beaches, both
rocky and sandy.
We were happy to see and hear Yellow Warblers, but here they are
called the “canary of the mangroves.” The breeding warblers were
singing for us, including the beautiful endemic Adelaide’s Warbler,
but the wintering warblers who would soon be heading north were
not singing yet.
On the west coast, we visited Pinky, a lonely American Flamingo
who had been making a good living here for several years, presumably
blown in by a storm. He was surrounded by White-Cheeked Pintails
and getting along well.
We had great accommodations around the island, at one point on the
southwest coast looking out onto the island where Gilligan’s Island
was filmed! The food was yummy, too! I’m now a fan of plantain!
Faye and I are back, but as they say, we left a piece of our heart…
Above: Large Central American Slider, one of many. Below: Least Grebe (right front) and friends
(Black-Necked Stilts, Cattle Egrets, & White-Cheeked Pintails).
Above, from left: Collared Dove, maybe African, maybe European. 2nd from left: One of many Iguanas! 3rd from left: Beautiful Malachite butterfly.
4th from left: Gray Kingbird, another bird following us everywhere. 5th from left: Antillean Euphonia, Puerto Rican race.
Below: White cattle covered with white Cattle Egrets. Below right: Ground Doves necking on playground equipment.
Above: Puerto Rican Pewee.
Right: Giant Centipede. These are
about a foot long and very poisonous.
Page 6
www.tahomaaudubon.org
April/May 2015
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Page 7
Just the other day...
By Helen Engle
Tahoma Audubon in April-May, 1990
Springs, Joe McGure led Walker Mountain.
BIRDATHON TRIPS: Nisqually Wildlife
Refuge, Bowerman Basin & Ocean
Shores: Ken and Nell Batker.
Titlow Park, Waughop Lake and
Chambers Creek with Walt Adams.
Thelma Gilmur announced the
new edition of the Peterson Field Guide
To Western Birds has arrived a the office,
for sale at a discount price of $13.95.
An intervener group (made up of Friends of the
Earth, Olympic Park Associates, Seattle Audubon,
and Sierra Club) has convinced FERC (Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission) that the dams on
the Elwha River must be removed, and an
Environmental Impact Statement must be prepared which includes watershed restoration. The
Elwha, largest watershed in Olympic National
Park, was one of the few NW Rivers where all five
Pacific Salmon species spawned until the Glines
Canyon Dam was built.
Ray Duff, a state wildlife biologist reported a
newly discovered, 200-member pygmy rabbit
population in Douglas County. It remains to be
seen if grazing leases will come before critical wildlife habit for the greatly diminishing numbers of
these little animals that depend on the grassy,
sagebrush habitat.
As we watched Pierce County ‘s land-use planning we saw the county struggling with growth,
gridlock and thinning (disappearing) green belts in
its comprehensive plan. Lois Curry was TAS’
25
The Audubon WA State Office had a
change in personnel with Tom
Shoemaker and Chuck Cisco moving on to grad school. Jim Pissot, a
wildlife specialist in National Audubon’s
DC office, will come to our State Office
to take the position of State
Representative, involving himself in a campaign in which he is already a specialist. Jeff Parsons, who has been serving as our part
time lobbyist, will be upgraded to full-time. He will
be working closely with each of our chapters.
Field Trips were plentiful this spring!
Ken Brown led Bowerman Basin & Grays Harbor
for the viewing of thousands of migrating shorebirds. Mary Jane Cooper led an exploration of the
Spanaway Park area, and Joe McGuire led Bald
Hill and Lake.
Extended Trips: Charter boat cruise out of
Westport to watch for Gray Whales; plus Birds at
migrating shorebirds at sea.
During Earth Week, April 22-28, TAS offered the
public mini-wilderness walks: Fircrest wetlands &
Leach Creek with Ruth Sullivan; Ruston Way small
streams & gulches with Moliy Hukari and Diana
Vincent; Seeley Lake Park and sphagnum bog with
Joe McGuire; Waughop Lake and its mini wilderness with Jan McIlroy and Rosemary Lenigan.
Wildwood Park in Puyallup with Sandy Sieber and
Shelagh Taylor. Bob Ramsey led Audubon
YEARS AGO
observer and reported on
various
struggles:
for
instance who will determine
when parcels of agricultural
land are economically unviable and should be developed?
With a goal of protecting
the Nisqually River Basin a
new organization is forming
Helen Engle
and will launch its plan to
acquire property for perma- from days of yore.
nent protection. George
Walter is the president of the newly formed
Nisqually Basin Land Trust. Among its goals is
acquiring habitat for at least ten threatened or
endangered species, as well as acquiring the remaining old growth forest in the basin.
TAS’ board of directors selected five conservation
priorities at its meeting. Reauthorization of the
Clean Air Act and acid rain prevention came first.
Protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,
and Protection of wetlands and riparian forests
ranked second and third on our list of priorities. Ancient forest protection and promotion of
rational strategies for offshore gas and oil development were numbers four and five on the list of local
priorities. Our list will be sent to the NAS high priority campaigns.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome.
Contact Helen at 253-564-3112 or [email protected].
Sunny field trip to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1965 to help preserve
the Dusky Canada Goose subspecies
whose breeding habitat had been
imperiled by the 1964 Alaska earthquake.
By Art Wang
Photo/Maggie Tieger)
A Northern Harrier flying in the clear, blue sky.
Four carloads of Tahoma Audubon birders trekked
to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, just north of
Vancouver WA, on Feb. 21. This winter may have been
mild and short of precipitation, but we took advantage of
the sunshine and warmth to enjoy this trip.
We enjoyed walking through the oak
woodland of the Carty Unit in bright morning sunshine,
then took our time driving the 4.2 mile Auto Tour loop
road at the River S Unit of the refuge, stopping frequently
for photo ops. In the afternoon, we headed for Marine
Park in Vancouver to look (unsuccessfully) for a Tufted
Duck. We ended the day by watching thousands of
Cackling and Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes in the
Vancouver Lake lowlands.
Among the 66 species seen, highlights included the local
race of White-breasted Nuthatch in the tall Garry Oaks,
a very early Turkey Vulture seen by one car, hundreds
of Tundra Swans, a grand variety of handsome ducks,
including Cinnamon Teal, and many flights of Sandhill
Cranes, especially listening to their magical bugling.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
A pair of Canada Geese is alert to us.
Signs along the Auto Tour loop road direct visitors to stay in their vehicles
and use them as a photography blind.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Our group posing in front of a massive Garry Oak at the Carty Unit.
Page 8
One of many Great Egrets along the
road at the River S Unit.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Birders searching in vain for a Tufted Duck that had been spotted two days earlier.
www.tahomaaudubon.org
April/May 2015
...Banquet
Distinguished Service – Member
– goes to Jane Brosius. She is a
faithful tireless supporter, and
she’s served on the board for eight
years in the essential role of
Secretary of the board. Board
member Margie Shea introduced
Jane, and we were all pleased to
finally meet Jane’s son, who also
attended the banquet.
Distinguished Service – Community
– goes to City of University Place
(Parks & Rec) for their strong
partnership that makes the Adriana
Hess Audubon Center possible,
since it was established 15 years
ago. Executive Director Krystal
Kyer introduced Mayor Denise
McCluskey and Public Works
Director Gary Cooper. In March,
– from page 1
Krystal presented the award
before the City Council, as well.
Distinguished Service – Community
– goes to Michele Cardinaux for
volunteering her time to coordinate
the execution of the Fuchs
Foundation grant with the
assistance of the Morse Force, in
re-designing and expanding the
trail system, redesigning the
educational
markers
and
producing a new self-guided
brochure, and associated signage
over the course of the last 2 years.
Board Member and Morse Force
member Ione Clagett introduced
and thanked Michele.
Special thanks to the Tacoma
Public Utilities for their generous
sponsorship of the event.
Distinguished service award presentation to City of University Place Mayor Denise McCluskey and Public Works Director Gary Cooper, presented by Krystal Kyer and Art Wang.
Paulette Peterson and Nell Batker.
Jane Brosius is congratulated by Margie Shea.
Left: Ken Brown receives the
Legacy Award from Krystal, Art, and
Diane. The word legacy suggests a
gift from one generation to another,
which richly describes what Ken
Brown has given Tahoma Audubon.
Starting with his personal l egacy
from Georgia and Bob Ramsey, two
of the original members of Tahoma
Audubon and legendary birders of
their time to Ken’s current classes for
Audubon, Ken continues to pass on
Time for the Wenas
Audubon campout!
that legacy to many others with his
impressive teaching skills.
Ken’s classes are an immersive
birding experience, combining high
academic standards with a deep
enjoyment and appreciation of
birding that inspires study well
beyond the classroom. Ken has
created a community of birders that
continues to bird and study together
year after year.
Thank you, Ken!
The Wenas Audubon Campout
will take place this Memorial
Day Weekend (May 22-25) at
Wenas Creek Campground.
(SW of Ellensburg)
You’re invited to attend a celebration of birds,
botany, and the beauty of spring in eastern
Washington at the annual Wenas Audubon Campout.
The event takes place on Memorial Day Weekend
(May 23-26) at the Wenas Creek Campground. This
casual and
friendly gathering offers
a variety of
activities, including birding field trips,
April/May 2015
See more photos of the big night
taken by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
in a slideshow produced by Robert
Kelton. Just click on this box...
flower walks, field sketching,
and bat and owl prowls. You
do not need to be an Audubon member to attend.
All are welcome.
Visit the Wenas Audubon
website (www.wenasaudubon.org) for directions,
an outline of field trips and programming, and more
information. Pre-registration is not required. The
campout is free and open to all ages; however, dona-
www.tahomaaudubon.org
tions are encouraged. Every vehicle must display
a Washington State Discover Pass, which you can
purchase online at discoverpass.wa.gov
Questions? Doris Johnson at [email protected]
Page 9
TAS Crossword puzzle
Washington Native Evergreens
by Rylla Goldberg (Source: Washington Native Plant Society)
Across
1. Construction plan detail,
briefly
5. Attachment for guitar,
banjo, lute, etc.
9. Pertaining to bees
14. Beginner (var.)
15. Russian river
16. Louis ___, South
African statesman
17. Soon, to Shakespeare
18. Gulf War missile
19. “__ of Old Smoky”
(song title)
20. Pine found on dry
mountain slopes; has long,
spiky needles and a thin
trunk; often used in Native
American structures
22. Drug used to reverse
Parkinson’s disease
23. Massage bread dough
24. Movie made by nonbig-studio folks
26. Rage
29. Golda Meir was Prime
Minister of this country
33. Dagwood of comics
43. Its capital is Belgrade
crown of a tooth
47. Student who is absent
without leave
7. ___ Girl Beer (from
Twin Cities)
45. Deep cleft in glacial ice
48. Period of time
49. Central Yorkshire city
52. Divans
57. Sea or land ending
60. Pine with pale skin,
found on slopes near timberline; bush-like, grows
close to ground
63. Tiny garden pest found
on the underside of leaves
64. First class
6. Big gas company: abbr.
8. Like days gone by
9. Repeal
10. Pine found in dry, higher elevations; very tall and
majestic
11. “Give ___me!” :2 wds.
12. . . .”just ___, skip and
jump away.”
13. Calif. city and wine area
21. “Fix” a manuscript
25. Negotiate a price
65. Light tan
66. Pioneer Daniel or singer Pat
67. Track meet event
27. Refund of part of a payment
28. Sound organ
30. ___ and alack
68. Loyal in Scotland
31. Building additions
69. You (Spanish)
32. After the appointed time
70. Mexican custard
71. Pastoral poem (var.)
33. ___ Buy – retailer
Down
35. Name on many Japanese ocean-going vessels
1. Plant stem
38. Prickly pear
2. Southern Rockies tree
with large edible seeds
40. Creek
4. Cuban line dance
39. Jacob’s brother
3. Wear away
42. Sodium chloride compound
5. Point or projection on the
34. Computer practitioner
36. Fir found on slopes
below timberline; light
green with clusters of short
needles and smaller cones
than pine
44. “Thanks, ___ that!”: 2 wds
41. Mine output
53. Marginal marks on
37. Physician, familiarly
46. Flower holder
50. Plant or animal of small
stature at maturity
51. Throng of fish
Help us earn Community Rewards!
You can earn donations for
Tahoma Audubon Society just by
using your Fred Meyer Rewards
Card!
Fred Meyer is donating $2.5
million per year to non-profits in
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, based on where their customers tell them to give.
Here’s how the program works:
Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your
Fred Meyer Rewards Card to
Tahoma Audubon at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.
You can search for us by our
name or by our non-profit number: 94920
Use code: 94920
Then, every time you shop and
use your Rewards Card, you are
helping Tahoma Audubon earn a
donation!
You still earn your Rewards
Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates,
just as you do today.
If you do not have a Rewards
Card, they are available at the
Customer Service desk of any
Fred Meyer store.
For more information, visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.
Answers to puzzle above
ancient manuscripts to
show spurious words
country of India
54. Confronted
55. Impressive display
58. Noncommissioned
naval personnel
56. Skeleton of a head
59. It’s ___ potato, which
public figures like to avoid:
2 wds.
57. Famous wrestler from
61. Pre-Columbian empire
in Peru
62. High school student,
usually
Answers below.
Exploring Nature Book Club
Our March book selection, Our next Book Club selections
Kenn Kaufman’s memoir,
Kingbird Highway, is an
amazing birding, road trip,
coming of age chronicle.
Art Wang facilitated our
discussion as we traveled
back in time to the ’70s
and shared our own tales April 7:
June 2:
May 5: Extraordinary
of hitchhiking, following a Decade of the Wolf Women Conservation- Subirdia
ists of Washington:
passion, and exotic birding by Douglas Smith
by John Marzluff
Mothers of Nature
spots (think Brownsville
by Dee Arntz
dump). As always, we learn
specific actions these remarkable women
so much from each other – about each
took to save, preserve, and protect our
other, birding, and life in general - when
precious forests and rivers.
we share perspectives on a good book.
Join us for lively discussions of books
Please note, our book for May
that you have always wanted to read! We
is changed to the newly released,
meet at Adriana Hess Audubon Center, at
Extraordinary Women Conservationists
1:30 pm the first Tuesday of the month.
of Washington: Mothers of Nature by
For more information, contact Martha
Dee Arntz (available at Costco or King’s
Scoville at [email protected] or
Books). These are women you know!
253-752-5014.
Read this book to learn more about
BIRDSONGS Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org
by Phil Buly
April/May 2015
WELCOME to New and Returning Members
January 16 to March 15, 2015
Introductory Members
Chapter Renewals
Barbara Williams, Bob Whitney, Carol Wall, D. E.
Thomas, Denise Campbell, Diane Martin, Emily
Matthiessen, G.E. Vaughn, Gertrud Wolbauer, Jan
Barsi, Jane Wooster, Janet Williams, Jeff Bandt,
Judy Traut, Kay Coulter, Ken Slattery, Kimberlie
Lelli, Kris Dessen, L. Musatti, Linda Harbin,
Margaret Eckler, Maureen Ezell, Neil Ball, Peter
Andrews, Phyllis Thompson, Rebecca Stonestreet,
Renee Buck, Robin Wilson, Sanford McCloud,
Sara Perdue, Sylvia Rivera.
Albert & Linda Bird, Ann Elliston, Arthur Wang,
Becci & Mark Crowe, Bill & Allison Smith, Bonnie
Stiff, Carla Gramlich, Carol Heeren, David Holmes,
Dr. A. M. Warner, Dr. Burton & Doris Johnson,
Gary Sogard, Ione & John Clagett, Jack & Vera
Cragin, Janet Stirling, Jeffrey & Tammis Greene,
JoAnne V Gallwas, John Garner & Caroline Harris,
Jon & Kay Wagner, Joseph & Alberta McGuire,
Joyce & Colin Ehli, Judith Lewis, Judith Stephens,
Kate Comis, Kathleen Donehower, Kathryn Cooper,
The Willettes visit the Slater Museum at UPS
Katrina A. Weihs, Ken Luthy, Sara Siemens-Luthy,
Lawrence Martin, Louise Schumock, Lynn L
Epstein, M. Eleanor Block, Marsha Williams, Milton
Hilmer, Paul & Ruth Anne Hickey, Paul Ryhajlo,
Peter Wimberger, PhD, Robert & Rosemary Lenigan,
Ronald Dyson, Teri Martine, Terry & Debby Puskas,
Tom & Suzanne Brown, Tracy Tedesco.
Support TAS with this great promotion!
When you renew your Tahoma Audubon
Chapter or Joint Chapter and National
Membership through us and donate an
additional $50.00, you will receive a
$25.00 gift certificate to Wild Birds
Unlimited in Gig Harbor!This is a great
way for our members to support Tahoma
Audubon and all the great work we do in
Pierce County, and a great way to say
thank you to our members with a gift in
return for their generous donation.
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Jim Ulrich
of Wild Birds Unlimited for his continued
support of our organization.
Photo/Katy Papoulias
Left to right: Wendy Peter, Joannie Dranginis, Diane Kerlin, Rhio
Reigh, director and host Peter Wimberger, Faye McAdams Hands,
Carol Smith, Melissa Sherwood, Janet Bosshard, Diane Yorgason-Quinn.
Help Tahoma Audubon get
5% of sales from Wild Birds
Unlimited in Gig Harbor If you are a Tahoma Audubon Society Member you will receive a free set
of “Bino-Straps” with your optics purchase. And, for EVERY purchase made
by a Tahoma Audubon Member, our chapter will receive 5% of the sale!
So, please visit the experts at Wild Birds Unlimited in Gig Harbor for
all your birding and optic needs and help YOUR Tahoma Audubon! If you are not a member of our chapter,
please join or renew today!
3120 ½ Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253-851-2575 or 800-851-2575
Like us on Facebook or go to gigharbor.wbu.com/
New Members
__Introductory Membership $20 All new members will receive a joint membership with National and Tahoma Audubon for 1 year, including the Audubon Magazine and
The Towhee mailed to your home.
New Chapter Membership Levels:
INDIVIDUAL LEVELS
___Individual Renewal $30
___Senior Individual* (65y.o.+) $25
___Student/Jr. Audubon $15
(Under 18 and/or college students)
HOUSEHOLD LEVELS
___Oak $600yr or $50/mo. online
___Cedar $300yr or $25/mo. online
___Fir $144yr or $12/mo. online
___Family $40
___Military (active & retired) $35
*Tip: If you have more than one senior in your household and would like to both be members and
receive full benefits, consider joining at one of the household levels, which would cost less than 2 senior
memberships.
Member(s) Name: ________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
City______________________________________ Zip__________________
C9ZY020Z
Phone: Home ____________________ Message ________________________
e-mail: _________________________________________________________
You may also join or renew online at: www.tahomaaudubon.org
We also encourage you to support National Audubon Society by renewing directly with them.
Checks payable to: Tahoma Audubon 2917 Morrison Rd. W. University Place, 98466
Tahoma Audubon Society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible.
April/May 2015
`
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Membership
Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County Chapter of National
Audubon. As an Introductory Member of TAS, you will
receive a joint membership with National and Tahoma
Audubon with Audubon Magazine for one year. New membership levels have been added for chapter membership
renewals. Renewing your chapter membership ensures that
we can collectively continue to do our work in Pierce County.
At all levels, Tahoma Audubon members will receive a discount for classes and workshops where fees are paid; a 10%
discount in our Nature Shop, support of Important Bird Areas
(IBA) and state and national conservation agendas; a newsletter (The Towhee) mailed to their home, unless they opt for an
electronic notification; free participation in field trips; free
family events; recognition in our newsletter and annual
report; and invitations to special events and volunteer opportunities. Oak, Cedar, and Fir membership levels will receive
invitations to exclusive events. Additionally, all membership
fees are 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
Page 11
BIRDATHON Field Trips - April 25 - May 31
Birdathon field trips are for birders participating in Birdathon – meaning they are collecting pledges from donors for this fundraiser. No exceptions.
Titlow Park
Tuesday, May 5th 10am – Noon. Enjoy both water and
songbirds at this Tacoma Park lead by Rosanne Becker
and Joann Sims. A variety of bird habitats will be
explored including salt water, pond, and forest. We will
meet at the parking area by the pond. Register by
contacting Rosanne Becker at [email protected] or by
calling the Audubon Center office at 253.565.9278.
Please provide an email address and phone number when
you sign up.
Tacoma to Moses Lake
Saturday, May 9, 5:30 am to 8:30 pm (in Moses Lake)
Lead by: Art Wang. Last year Team Towhee with Marcus
Roening and Art Wang saw 135 species on this fast-paced
route from Commencement Bay to the Potholes. We go
through 15 habitat zones in a race against time to see as
many species as possible. We’ll hit West Hylebos, Emerald
Downs, Snoqualmie Pass, Cle Elum ponds, the Teanaway
Nisqually NWR and Ocean Shores
Saturday, May 2nd. Lead by: David Batker, Nell & Ken
Batker. Part I - The trip will begin by walking the
Nisqually trail from 8am to 10:30. Part II - Afterwards, we
will have lunch (please bring) and set forth to carpool to
Gray’s Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and from there to
Ocean Shores on another birding adventure until dusk. The
day ends with dinner to recap the day’s counts and
activities. Participants are welcome to come for the entire
day, Nisqually, or Ocean Shores. If you choose to do just
Ocean Shores, you should plan on meeting at Nisqually at
11am so we can carpool to Ocean Shores. Meet at the
Flagpole by the visitor’s center at Nisqually NWR.
Register by contacting David Batker at dbatker@yahoo.
com. Please provide an email address and phone number
when you sign up.
Klamath Bird Observatory
May 29th – 31st Mountain Bird Festival
Presented by Cornell Laboratory
of Ornithology’s International
eBird project leader, Brian Sullivan
Grays Harbor Shorebird & Nature Festival
May 1st – 3rd
Hoquaim, WA
(360) 289-5048
www.shorebirdfestival.com
2015 Yakutat Tern Festival
May 28th -31st
Yakutat, AK
www.yakutatternfestival.org
Leavenworth Bird Festival
May 14th – 17th
Leavenworth, WA
www.leavenworthspringbirdfest.com
Green River Watershed
Saturday, May 2. Lead by: Greg Volkhardt. This is a
rare opportunity to see the protected watershed managed
by Tacoma Water. We will bird in forests and fields
around the Howard Hanson Lake (elevation 1200 feet)
then visit Eagle Lake (2200 feet). Space is limited to the
first 11 people. Bring picture I.D. as this is a restricted
access area. Please bring a lunch and wear appropriate
clothing. Be prepared to do some walking. Meet at
Tacoma Public Utilities, 3628 South 35ty St Lot A1, on
the Westside of the Administration Building at 8:00am.
You will travel in one or two vans and will be brought
back to the parking lot at 3:00pm. Register by contacting
The Audubon Center office at 253.565.9278.
Valley, Swauk Cemetery, Gingko Petrified Forest,
Frenchman Coulee, the Potholes, and many places between.
Marcus and Heather can’t do it this year, so Art will need
help! Novices and experts are both welcome. We’ll stay
overnight in Moses Lake, then take a leisurely trip back on
Sunday. Sign up with Art at [email protected] or
253-209-4420, providing email and phone number to
coordinate lodging and details
Birding festivals taking place during Birdathon:
Birdathon is here and we need you!
It's time to register for Birdathon! Complete information is on page 1, or go to our website, TahomaAudubon.org,
where you can register to be a birder, a sponsor or corporate sponsor. Or you can just send in the form below:
Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
Phone #:______________________ Email: ________________________________________
Yes! I will be a Birder _________
Yes! I will be on the Birdathon Committee __________
Yes! My company would like so sponsor Birdathon________ (Sponsorship details given upon request)
Mail this form to TAS, 2917 Morrison Road West, University Place, WA 98466
for your chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate to Wild Birds Unlimited!
Calendar
Unless otherwise stated:
To register for field trips, call (253) 565-9278.
To register for education classes, call (253)
591-6439. See further descriptions inside.
Check our calendar online at TahomaAudubon.
org for more information and updates.
APRIL 2015
Fort Steilacoom Park
Tue Apr 7 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Book Club
Tue Apr 7 1:30pm - 3pm. Details page 10.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed Apr 8 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
Sehmel Homestead Park
Wed Apr 8 8am - 10am. Details on page 5.
Theler Wetlands Field Trip
Thu Apr 9 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
TAS Board Meeting
Thu Apr 96:30pm - 8:30pm. Monthly Meeting
of the Tahoma Audubon Board. Guest welcome,
call ahead (253) 565-9278.
Second Sunday at Morse
Sun Apr 12 10am - 6pm. Details page 5.
Monthly Birdwalks at Adriana Hess
Mon Apr 13 10am - 11:30am. Details on page 5.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed Apr 15 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course (JBLM)
Thu Apr 16 8am - 11am. Details on page 5.
Membership Program: Volunteer Celebration!
Thu Apr 16 7pm - 8:30pm. Details on right.
Kitsap County Birding
Sat Apr 18 8am - 3pm. Details on page 5.
Birding the Batker’s Corner
Sat Apr 18 8:30am - 11am. Details on page 5.
Fort Steilacoom Park--Nature Photography
Sun Apr 19 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
MONTHLY PROGRAMS
April Membership Meeting
May Membership Meeting
Volunteer Celebration Event. Thu, April
16th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Tacoma
Nature Center. Please RSVP by April 9th
to Paulette Peterson at 253 565-9129 or
[email protected].
16th Annual Youth Bird Drawing Contest Artists’ Reception. Thu, May 21.
Program goes from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00
p.m. At The Tacoma Nature Center,
1919 S Tyler in Tacoma.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed Apr 22, 2015 8am - 12pm. Details page 5.
Second Sunday at Morse
Sun May 10, 10am - 6pm. Details on page 5.
Theler Wetlands Field Trip
Thu May 28 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Theler Wetlands Field Trip
Thu Apr 23 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Monthly Birdwalks at Adriana Hess
Mon May 11 10am - 11:30am. Details page 5.
NOTE: new start time beginning in May!
Membership Committee meeting
Thu May 28 6:30pm - 8pm.
Membership Committee meeting
Thu Apr 23 6:30pm - 8pm
Parks Appreciation Day
Sat Apr 25 9am - 12pm. Details on page 2.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed Apr 29 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed May 13 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Theler Wetlands Field Trip
Thu May 14 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
JUNE 2015
Book Club
Tue Jun 2, 1:30pm - 3pm. Details on page 10.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed Jun 3 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
MAY 2015
TAS Board Meeting
Thu May 14 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Monthly
Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon Board. Guest
Welcome, please call ahead at (253) 565-9278.
Fort Steilacoom Park
Tue May 5 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed May 20 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Monthly Birdwalks at Adriana Hess
Mon Jun 8 10am - 11:30am. Details on page 5.
Book Club
Tue May 5 1:30pm - 3pm. Details on page 10.
Birding at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course (JBLM)
Thu May 21 8am - 11am. Details on page 5.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed Jun 10 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed May 6 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Membership Program:
16th Annual Youth Bird Drawing Contest
Thu May 21 7pm - 8:30pm. Details box above.
Theler Wetlands Field Trip
Thu Jun 11 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Sehmel Homestead Park
Wed May 6 8am - 10am. Details on page 5.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Wed May 27 8am - 12pm. Details on page 5.
Second Sunday at Morse
Sun Jun 14 10am - 6pm. Details on page 5.
Sehmel Homestead Park - field trip
Wed Jun 3 8am - 10am. Details on page 5.
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org