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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWhite-tailed Kite newsletter Aug-Sept 2015 th f- Ci t atCe d~ ite NEWSLETTER OF THE ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Butte, Glenn,and Tehama Counties of Northern California AUGUST 1 SEPTEMBER 2015 ALTACAL Programs DOW OF SUPERVIM Programs for the general community are normally held on the third Monday of each month AUG Q 3 2015 at 6:30 p.m.,at the Chico Creek Nature Center, 1968 E. 8th St. Chico. in December the program is held on the second Monday and in July and August there are no programs. OMMLLE,MFORlwflq Se�"tember Monday, September 21, 2015 6:30 p.m. Chico Creek Nature Center BADGES, BEARS, AND EAGLES The True-Life Adventures of a California Fish and Game Warden Presented by STEVEN T CALLAN Award-winning author and retired Fish and Steve grew up in the small Northern California Game patrol lieutenant Steven T Callan , „ , ,, ,P farm town of Orland.With an insatiable inter- recounts his adventures during his thirty-year ... est in wildlife,he never missed an opportunity career in Badges,Bears,and Eagles,a`Book ® to ride along on patrol with his father,a Cali- of the Year"finalist. One of Steve's most im- �� �' fornia Fish and Game warden.Steve went on portant cases begins with a slain Bald Eagle ® to graduate from CSU, Chico, and attended dropped on the doorstep of the Redding Fish graduate school at CSU, Sacramento. Hired and Game office,along with a note threaten by the California Department of Fish and ing the life of a fellow warden. Throughout �i Game in 1974, he began his career as a his career,one of Callan's proudest achieve- game warden near the Colorado River, pro - ments was leading an effort to save a beloved to patrol lieutenant in the Riverside/San wildlife sanctuary from development. Pas- Bernardino area, and spent the remainder of sionate about the environment, this Chico his thirty-year enforcement career in Shasta State graduate and his wife, Kathy, are avid evenCounty.Callan has earned numerous awards birders and members of National Audubon. for his work in wildlife protection. He also re- Don't miss this presentation covering this lo- cently received the"Best Outdoor Magazine cal author and his hit book. The book will be Column" award for the second year in a row available for purchase and signing after the presentation. from the Outdoor Writers Association of California. ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY from the. President Board of Directors by STEVE OVERLOCK President STEVE OVERLOCK ust a couple quick notes then on to an 530 514-4109 stephenove rlock @sbcglobal.net excellent article about the work Melinda Teves has done locally with the Certified Vice President JOSEPH O'NEIL Neighborhood Habitat Program,..She has josephoneil @ earth l i n k.net recently been awarded another grant from Secretary KATE BRICE the City of Chico. Frankly, no surprises 773 206-0876 there,just wonderful news. bricekc7@gmail.corn Please consider visiting the link from Audubon re:Duke Energy Treasurer/ LEANN MCCONNELL and the MBIA. It seems their answer to being fined fortaking Finance 530 .893-4703 birds (some Eagles, in fact) at two of their solar farms is to 'lean,nmc?046.4 sbcglobal.net support Congressmen who will vote to do away with the MBTA Membership CATHY CARTER altogether.The Migratory Bird Treaty Act has been around since 530..342-9152 1918 and.has served its purpose well,.as recently as the hor- acd2@digitalpath.net rific BP spill of 2010, in fact. So why not put effort and money Publications 1 DENISE DEVINE into developing technologies that will help protect birds at wind Newsletter 530 345-8444 farms.Tell Duke Energy:Stop Killing Birds-and the Laws That ds rdevine@hotmai1.com ProtectThem—http://tinyuri.com/gf9r4wg and for more history: Publicity) WAYLAND AUGUR www.audubon.org/news/duke-energy-looking-payback Web Site 519-4724 wba@acm.org (Just received notice that the MBTA will NOT be rescinded at this time. Still, the fact it was even an issue speaks volumes. Field Trips MATT FORSTER Please consider voicing your concern.) 619 347-2269 findforster@yahoo.com See you on the trail and again at the September Program,which Sanctuary 1 KEN SOBON is also ourAnnual Members Meeting,Though we are not voting Lands/Refuge 530 592-3350 this year,we will be requesting approval from the Membership ksobon @ th a rmal ito.o rg to a few changes in the bylaws.Detailed information about this Conservation DAWN GARCIA will be posted on the web page and via an:email. Do consider Co-chair 872-2165 your input to be sincerely solicited and valued. avifan59@gmail.corn Altacal is participating in the Annie B's Community Drive again Education VACANT this year. And even though we represent just one of a large Programs JENNIFER PATTEN number of worthy, participating organizations, we sincerely 345-9356 hope you will carefully consider making a contribution to our jpchico @ sbcglobal.net work learning about,protecting and appreciating our Birds and Sac NWR LEANN MCCONNELL their habitats. Bookstore 530 893-4703 Thank You,very much. p Ieannmc2006@sbcglobal.net COAIINUNI.TY D�IYE Director- K.;THRYN HOOD at-Large 321-2852 verdant44@gmaii.com BOARD MEETINGS Director- MARILYN GAMETTE at-Large 343-3154 5:15 p.m... gamettec@aol.com 2nd Wednesday of each month Director- DEREK DUNN Altacal Audubon Society 1 Snow Goose Festival Office at-Large 414 698-3$51 635 Flume Street, Chico d e r e kw B u n n@ g m a i l.corn Altacal Audubon Members are welcome to attend 2. NOW IS THE TIME ,,. . . ..., by MELINDATEVES, Project Director _ � � aving a clean,and safely placed, bird bath is more important now than ever. Severe drought conditions have diminished natural °� -d�rwzr water resources.And positive water conservation efforts have re- duced yard and street puddles for birds and bees. By placing bird baths in our yards, we can conserve water and still help thirsty wildlife. NOW IS A PERFECT TIME TO`RETHINKOUR FRONT YARDS And there are a couple of great programs out there to support residents, making exciting changes ... the kinds of changes that can help us restore needed habitat and protect our precious water. Cal Water recently introduced a Turf Rebate Program that can help its custom- ers with the cost of replacing thirsty lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping. Cal Water also offers a variety of coupons and rebates to help with household water efficiency.Visit their website for details on these programs: calwater.com And Altacal Audubon's Neighborhood Habitat Certification Program provides many resources to help guide these choices. Recommendations for bird-favorite native plants, nursery coupons, access to local experts and workshops, and much more is provided in our Neighborhood Habitat Resource Packets. Summer months are perfect for making plans and putting in hardscape changes. September and Octo- ber are ideal for planting native plants. Over 100 local residents have signed up to participate in the Neighborhood Habitat Certification Program. We are working together to link our yards, and to create a thriving wildlife corridor in our own community. We have the power to make changes.And every yard counts! Please visitthe Neighborhood Habitat Certification Program link at our new Altacal website to view our photo gallery of .e local efforts, or to join today. fE,� altacal.org/neighborhood-habitat-certification-program/ i i� M ri �G Aliu , c ill� . w 3. UPCOMING Bird WaCks and Birding gips Ali of our field trips are open to beginning birders. Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate. August 1, Saturday August 19 and 26, Wednesday THERMALITO AFTERBAY CHICO OXIDATION PONDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY KAYAKING TRIP WEDNESDAY EVENING TRIPS Trip Leader: Matt Forster Trip Leader:Matt Forster Meet the Grebes!Jain us for a morning out on the Afterbay.We Join us for four Wednesdays in a row.This is the absolute height will get a close up look at Western and Clark's Grebes in their of shorebird migration.Last yearwe had Common,Forster's and breeding grounds.Please contact me if anyone would like to join Caspian Tern, Long and Short-billed Dowitcher, Greater and without a kayak. I may be able to locate a few. We will also be Lesser Yellowlegs,Pectoral,Solitary,and Baird's Sandpiper and on the lookout for Least Bittern, Peregrine Falcon,and Common many more migrants.Please brings lots of water and sunscreen. Loon.Anything can show up at the Afterbay! There have been Dress according to the weather!We will meet at 5:30 pm at the many sightings of Bonaparte's Gulls over the years.After kayaking Oxidation Ponds parking lot.Go west on W 5th St from Hwy 32 in we will head over to the Causeway on Hwy 162 and scope the Af- Chico. Follow W 5th St,which becomes Chico River Rd,for 3.9 terbay for more birds.Bring lots of water,sunscreen,and snacks. miles.The wildlife viewing parking area is 300 yards past the main Meet at the Larkin Rd Boat Launch at southeast corner of lake entrance to the water treatment plant,on the Ieft.There is a chemi- south of Hwy 162.We will launch at B am.Rain cancels.Contact: cal toilet on the way out to the viewing area.Rain cancels.Contact Matthew Forster,findforster@yahoo.com,619-347-2269 Matthew Forster,findforster@yahoo.com, 619-347-2269 August 16, Sunday CHICO OXIDATION PONDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY August 29- 30, Saturday- Sunday BEGINNER BIRDING EL DORADO COUNTY BIG WEEKEND Trip Leaders: Matt Forster and Diego Bustamante Trip Leader: Scott Huber We will get a personal and up-close view of the Fall shorebird . EI Dorado County begins in the valley at Folsom Lake and ter- migration at the Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary at the Waste minates at Lake Tahoe and the Nevada State line.This elevation Water Treatment Plant, west of Chico. Yellow-headed black range will provide many different habitat types to explore and a birds,Great-tailed Grackle,plover, rails,yellowlegs,sandpipers, wide range of birds to observe. Scott Huber will lead a two-day dowitchers, returning waterfowl and possibly some unexpected trip to El Dorado County to try to see as many birds in the county migrants. The walk is under 2 miles and about 3 hours. This is as possible. Great for those who keep county lists.Where pos- great for beginner and veteran birders!The walk is flat and pretty sible we will try to enlist the assistance of local experts from that easy going. Meet at the Oxidation Pond parking lot at 7 am.This county to join us or help in planning our route. Plan on leaving will allow us to beat the heat!We should be back to the lot by 10 early Saturday morning, camping Saturday night (campground am.To get to the Oxidation Ponds,go west on W 5th St from Hwy TBA, near Tahoe). Please sign up early to assist us in planning. 32 in Chico. Follow W 5th St, which becomes Chico River Rd, Plan on bringing all food needed for the weekend, we will cook for 3.9 miles.The wildlife viewing parking area is 300 yards past dinner at our campsite on Saturday night. Bring tents, sleeping the main entrance to the water treatment plant,on the left. Bring bags,an adventurous spirit and good sense of humor.Scott has binoculars, spotting scopes, water, walking shoes and proper extra camping gear if needed. Prepare for the passibility of rain. clothing for the expected weather conditions.There is a chemical Car-pooling encouraged.Please contact Scott if you are planning toilet on the way out to the viewing area. Rain cancels.Contact: to attend 530 321-5579 or wmscotthuber@ gmail.com. Matthew Forster,findforster@yahoo.com, 619-347-2269 4. Get to know YOUR 77 CM NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES! by LORA HALLER, Visitor Services Manager September 2 and 9, Wednesday Things look a little different at the Sacramento National Wild- CHICO OXIDATION PONDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY life Refuge Complex during the summer. Here are a few WEDNESDAY EVENING TRIPS tidbits of what is happening around the Complex. In July, ap- Trip Leader: Matt Forster proximately 20,000 tricolored blackbirds were nesting at the south end of Detevan National Wildlife Refuge(NWR) which This is the absolute height of Shorebird Migration. Last year we is exciting since no tricolors nested Last year on the Complex. had Common,Forster's and Caspian Tern,Long and Short-billed Dowitcher, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral, Solitary, and Baird's Sandpiper and many more migrants. Please brings lots of water Land sunscreen: Dress according to the weather! We will meet at 5:30 pm at the Oxidation Ponds parking lot. € i There is a chemical toilet on the way out to the viewing area. Rain cancels.Contact Matthew Forster,findforster@yahoo.com, 619-347-2269 September 11 - 13, Friday- Sunday POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE Trip Leader:Jennifer Patten and Mary Muchowski The Llano Seco Unit of the North Central Valley Wildlife Man- agement Area along 7 Mile Road will be temporarily closed while Point Reyes National Seashore is well-known for its excellent improvements and upgrades to the outdated visitor services birding.The seashore and surrounding areas offer many differ- facilities take place. The closure will be in effect through early ent habitats from grasslands, estuaries, and coastal scrub to October.The popular viewing area receives over 21,000 visitors forests. The projection of the Point Reyes peninsula some 10 annually. Replacement and upgrades will include a new viewing miles seaward from the"mainland"makes Point Reyes National platform, new ADA restroom, and a solar security light at the Seashore a landing spvtfor many vagrants-birds that may have parking area. In addition,the second platform along the trail will made errors in navigation and thus are unexpected in this area. be removed and staff will be constructing an elevated earthen Each fall these vagrants seek out resting spots along the pen- mound to view wildlife on the interior of the Unit. Construction insula on their way south. Some of these rarities have included work should be completed by early October. Staff anticipate$ Black-throated Blue Warbler,American Redstart,White-throated reopening the new facilities prior to wetland flood up which will Sparrow, Palm Warbler and Prothonotary Warbler. We will visit occur in late October or early November. these vagrant traps (resting spots), such as the Fish Docks,the lighthouse rocks and cliff areas,Abbott's Lagoon,Tomales Bay, The Sacramento NWR has hada 1.5 mile extension on the Drake's Beach, Bear Valley, Olema Marsh and the famous his- auto tour open this summer. With the majority of the refuge dry toric ranches along the way. We will camp Friday and Saturday during the summer, the Pool 2 Extension allows visitors to see night at Olema Campground.Tent Camping only. If you have an a unit that is flooded.Visitors have been able to see a variety of RV or trailer,you'll need to make your own reservations. Please grebes, ruddy ducks,mallards, Canada geese, river otters, bald contact Jennifer at 530-345-9356 or jpchica�sbcglobal.net or eagles and more. Pool 2 is a deep pond along the south side of Mary Muchowski at 530-882-D625, mmuchowski�earthlink.net the auto tour approximately one mile west of the viewing plat- if you are interested in going.Trip is limited to 12 form. Staff plan to have this extension open Seasonally during the spring and close on August 30. 5. Bird WaCk and BircCtng ` -r p REPORTS June 6, 2015 PINE CREEK, INDIAN FISHERIES AND WASHOUT Trip Leader: Matt Forster We started the day early at the Pine Creek Unit in search of the elusive Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Although we were not able to locate a cuckoo, we did enjoy a beautiful day with many other great birds. During the 3 mile round-trip walk we encountered 36 total species. Highlights included: Wild Turkey, Downy Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-headed Grosbeak,and Lazuli Bunting. Our next stop was Indian Fisheries and the`not-so-well-known'trail back through the old orchard and out to the river. On our walk we were able to see a total of 31 species, including a nesting Osprey, a soaring Swainson's Hawk, numerous House and Bewick's Wren, many Bullock's Oriole, and roughly 50 Bank Swallows in both Glenn and Butte County! We ended the day at the Washout.There were 8 American White Pelican resting on the island and 6 Forster's Terns flying up and down the river.We were also able to locate a Green Heron,2 Spot- ted Sandpiper, and a flying/calling Lesser Nighthawk that ended up landing on a snag giving us amazing looks and photo opportunities! Last, but certainly not least,we found Diego a singing Blue Grosbeak(a lifer for hire!).Although we did not locate a Yellow-billed Cuckoo the day was filled with beautiful birds and great company! June 13 - 14, 2015 SHASTA COUNTY BIG WEEKEND : _.` Trip Leader: Scott Huber l' r Ilie Schafer,Billie Sommerfeld and Joyce Bond joined trip leader Scott ° C Huber and our guest hosts Bob and Carol Yutzy of Redding on a two W. day exploration of the birding hotspots of Shasta County. The county is huge and under the expert guidance of the Yutzys 110 species of birds were detected. Some of the standout detections included: a Black Swift on its nest behind Burney Falls, nesting Mountain Bluebirds in Lassen Park, White-headed Woodpecker feeding a nestling near Shingletown, and many others. All of the participants were able to add a number of species to their life lists! The group camped at Manzanita Lake where they set up tents and cooked dinner over a campfire.The trip was a terrific way to experience parts of California many of the group had never seen before. The County BIG WEEKEND series continues in late July with a Placer County Trip and in E .' August with an EI Dorado County trip.These trips are an ideal way to see White-headed Woodpeckers new country and lots of birds! 6. June 19 -21, 2015 WARNER VALLEY CAMPING, LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK Trip Leaders:Joseph O'Neil and Gaylord Grams 3 i� Poll-, I s�m r. RISEN ip r , Photos by Lisa Winslow , e 4 ,e �sa3 U1 7. Bird 'Wali and 2?irdt g Trip REPORTS June 26–28, 2015 WINTU, REDBUD, REDWOOD,ALTACAL CAMP-OUT, LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK Trip Leaders: Mary Muchowski and Jennifer Patten A group of nine Altacal Audubon folks met up with some birders HIn , u `" t from the Wintu and Redbud Audubon chapters at the Lost � ' r Creek Campground on Friday. It was still pretty warm up there, a, ,,° but definitely not as hot as down in the valley.That evening, Larry Jordan from Wintu, showed several of us a Williamson's Sap- sucker nest that he had known about and we all drove over near Summit Lake where we got looks at the female and male feeding the nestlings.There was also.a Mountain Chickadee nest in a log nearby.At this site we also saw a pair of Western Tanagers with a couple of fledglings following them around,and saw a beautiful male Cassin's Finch.At the campsite,we heard the fast,cheery song of a Townsend's Solitaire,had a pair of White-headed Woodpeckers .v,sr E carrying food to a nest somewhere near campsite#3,heard Evening - Grosbeaks, and had about 5 Common Nighthawks flying over = calling and booming.Across the road from the campground, Jen- nifer Patten, Ruth Paz and I got the treat of seeing a blond yearling bear.The bear saw us,but continued his business of ripping a log apart. Saturday,we hiked around Map—L.,A Lake where we saw quite a few fledgling birds with their parents, including Golden-crowned Kinglets,Orange-crowned Warblers,American Coots,Buff leheads, Pied-billed Grebes, Dark-eyed Juncos and Green-tailed Towhees.We located a Downy Wood- pecker nest right beside the trail and a White-headed Woodpecker nest too.An American Dipper juvenile was hiding under a log across the creek and a fledgling Brown-headed Cowbird which was on its own confused us for awhile as it had such a yellowish wash on its chest. We also saw - a couple of Vaux's Swifts, Hermit Warblers and Fox Sparrows.Walking towards the Visitor Center,we spotted a Peregrine Falcon, which circled e overhead a dozen times giving us great looks! We shared a nice potluck dinner with everyone at the campsite that evening,enjoying birding stories and listening to the Common Nighthawks flying around. Sunday we decided to just walk around the Hat Creek Lake area where we saw a Spotted Sandpiper and saw a male Warbling Vireo that was singing from its nest in a cottonwood tree right near the parking area! We walked '. down the service road where we saw a pair of Chipping Sparrows and heard the Olive-sided flycatchers and Townsend's Solitaires calling from Buff lehead family at the tops of the dead trees. Down past the creek we located a pair of Black-backed Woodpeckers, Manzanita Lake,Lassen NVP heard a couple of Pacific Wrens singing and two Clark's Nutcrackers calling.On the way back up the road we heard then saw several Red Crossbills,a nice treat.While near Hat Creek on the Service Road, we came across a female black-tailed deer licking her newborn which was already standing. They both watched us,but the doe was intent on getting the fawn clean as soon as possible and they did not move from this spot while we snapped pictures. 8. Local Chapter Membership Application '" M Cease 'oirr, us. ��,f ,`ALTACAL YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL HELP ` !i';' .;` Aurukoncacieta ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY CONTINUE ITS IMPORTANT WORK. Altacal Audubon Society (AAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society.AAS is a separately incorporated non-profit OTHER ALTACAL ACTIVITIES organization with a Iotal chapter membership. 100%of member ship dues goes to support local projects and activities.AAS is an Major sponsor,participant and fiscal agent for the annual SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL all-volunteer organization that conducts all of its programs with unpaid staff. Founder and ongoing supporter of the We offer regularly scheduled field trips that focus on birds and bird CHICO CREEK NATURE CENTER habitats;membership programs with media presentations on birds Sponsor of the City of Chico and related topics;a bi-monthly newsletter,the White-tailed Kite; OXIDATION PONDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY website www.altacal.org/;and advocacy to protect and conserve Leading annual CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS local habitats as well as special projects and programs. in Chico and Oroville for over 55 years Submission of Articles Focusing on our YOUTH through to the-White-taiCed Rite SCHOLARSHIPS and ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Articles for publication should be sent to Denise Devine Advocating for BIRDS and WILDLIFE by email to dsrdevine@hotmail.com when they are threatened on the first of the month, prior to the next issue. Conducting surveys and participating in THANKS to all of you who contribute regularly by sending in reports, AVIAN RESEARCH PROJECTS articles and photos for the White-tailed Kite--Denise, Editor. ALTACAL AUDUBON-SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ❑ $25 Basic ❑ $35 Family ❑ $15 Student/Low Income $50 Sponsor ❑ $100 Sustaining ❑ $ Additional Donation Name Address City State Zip Phone email ❑ Save Paper! Send me an email only ❑ New Member ❑ Renewal ❑ Gift ❑ email me Altacal in Action Alerts ❑ I would be interested in volunteering to help ❑ Cash ❑ Check Date IMPORTANT:Membership inAltacal Audubon Scociety does no include membership in the National Audubon Society.We encourage you to also support National Audubon in their important education and lobbying efforts. To join the National Audubon Society contact them at their website www.audubon.org/ Please make check payable to ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY Mail to AAS, P.O. BOX 3671, CHICO, CA 95927-3671 ALT AL A UDUBON SOCIETY, INCRequested Non-Profit Organization PO T OFFICE E 3671 In-home Delivery U.S. Postage CHICO, 96927®3671 7/27 -29/2015 PAID 3-Day Window Permit No. 86 Chico, Calif. 95927 BUTTE COUNTY xR M `F ADMlNr,S'TTdA TON ,. ' AUG .01 RRT RESIDENT to G* r ,pig' BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 2.5 COUNTY CENTER DR. 0 R0\1[LLE,,CA 95965 '0Ae!'t'71 ilg LTACA L. y S•' 6'^ Auc�tii7Crh Sacuetsj White-t iCe dXite ALTACAL Program AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 GATES TO REMEMBER September 21 Aug 1 Therrrwalito o-�rtrbay BADGES, BEARS, Aug 16 Oxidation Ponds Aug 19 Oxidation Pends Wed Eve AND EAGLES Aug 26 Oxidation Ponds Wed Eve Aug 29-30 EI', Dorado Co Dig Weekend Sep 2 Oxidation Ponds Wed Eve Sep 9 Oxidation Ponds Wed Eve Sep 11-13 Point Keyes A LIN TACAL. Sep 2�1 Program- Badges Bears& E'agles . Forupdated information check the Altacalwebsite Mission: To promote the awareness, appreciation and altacal.org protection of native_birds and their habitats through PRINTED ON(RECYCLED PAPER education, research and environmental activities.