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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNewsletter of the Altacal Audubon Society for August-September 2017 led "'te Wh tat Xt NEWSLETTER OF THE ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties of Northern California AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2017 ALTACAL Programs Programs for the general community are normally held on the third Monday of each month 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. September Monday, September 18, 2017 6:30 pm. Chico Creek Nature Center BIRDS OF PREY from e Age oIf Genghis Khan to the Anthrocene Era Presented by STEVEN WOOD ith his extensive experience with raptor species, Steven will talk about the various adaptations of the different birds of prey, why they respond to the environment the way they do from their point of view, how history, and the English language, are influenced by falconry, and how falconry has influenced him. �Iw Steven Wood has more than 15 years of professional wildlife inventory experience, plus a lifetime working with and managing birds. He has extensive experience with raptor species and has served as a field supervisor and trainer for predatory bird surveys, mapped several r r (>1 00)previously undocumented territories, nests and eyries.ries. He has considerable experi- ence eri- ence with a wide range of raptor species from kestrels to eagles,including owls.His strengths b include helicopter reconnaissance, construction monitoring, wind turbine surveys„ habitat surveys, monitoring, and analysis. In addition to raptor surveys, Steven regularly conducts migratory bird and avian nesting surveys across northern California regions.Steven is also a licensed Master Falconer with over twenty years of experience with various indigenous and exotic raptor species. He has operated a federally licensed northern goshawk propagation u- facility, and has volunteered over many years as a raptor rehabilitator. Steven is currently working on a local,large experimental northern goshawk and spotted owl habitat restoration project in cooperation with Sierra Pacific Industries. He also has served as a Naturalist and environmental teacher for Butte Meadows Outdoor school,as well as the Center For Recon- necting With Nature. Steven lives with his wife in Oroville, California. AeLTACA L AUDUBON SOCIETY NEW GREBE SIGNS at. Board of Directors Thermalito Afterbay Boat Launches President STEVE OVERLOCK hree signs have been installed at Thermalito Afterbay's 530 825-0966 Three boat Paunches that were paid for by the Western stephenoverlock@sbcglobal.net and dark's grebe grant monies from the Luckenbach Trust, a Vice President KEN SOBONtrust set up to help the grebe populations. Maureen Morales, 530 592-3350 Grebe Project Coordinator for Altacal Audubon designed the ksobon@thermalito.org signs which show a Western Grebe mother with three ba- Secretary CRIS CLINE bies on her back. She worked'with the Department of Fish & c c l i n e 1028@gmaii.com Wildlife who manage the Oroville Wildlife Area which eneom- Treasurer VACANT passes Thermal'ito Afterbay. She first approached them with the idea of installing fishing line receptacles. Fish and Wild'- Membership CATHY CARTER life did not want to have to empty those receptacles so she 530 342-9152 scarab4ever@gmail.com compromised with them by making these signs that should improve the public awareness about the special wildlife there Newsletter 530 345-88444 Publications/ DENISE 444 and remind visitors to dispose of their fishing line and trash. dsrdevine9hotmai1.com properly. Publicity/ WAYLAND AUGUR Fish & Wildlife did an amazing job of mounting the signs on Web Site 519-4724 very solid steel bases.They can be seen at Larkin (Road,Wil- wba@acm.org bur Road, and Monument Hill boat launches right beside the Field Trips MATT FORSTER docks. Next time you are visiting Thermalito Afterbay boating 619 347-2269 or birding,take a look at these signs. Let's hope that they will findforster@yahoo.com Delp to improve the habitat of the local grebes,ducks,osprey, Sanctuary f KEN SOBON and all kinds of wildlife living at Thermalito Afterbay and in the Lands/Refuge 534 592-3350 Oroville Wildlife Area. ksobon@thermalito.org Conservation SCOTT H'UBER Co-chair 530-321-5579 wmscotthuber@gmail.com ro HELP PROTT OUR WILDLIFE AT Education VACANT THE THERMALITO AFTERBAY Programs JENNIFER PATTEN 345-9356 jpchico@sbcglobal.net Sac NWR VACANT Bookstoreo" Director- KATHRYN HOOD iVE9IIt LIIAE"99 t AN t a at-Large 321-2852 ADP R! verdant449gmail.com Director- DAWN GARCIA Pel%% at-Large 530 513-1785 avifan599gmail.com Director- MARY MU'CHOWSKI BOARD MEETINGS at-Large 530-228-0625 11 5:15 p.rn. mmuchowski9earthlink.net 2nd Wednesday of each month Director- MARILYN GAMETTE Altacal Audubon Society/Snow Goose Festival Office Emeritus 635 Flume Street, Chico Altacal Audubon Members are welcome to attend 2. from the President by STEVE OVERLOCK UPDATES, STATUS, and SEARCH TIME TO RECAP ALTACAL'S LAST YEAR AND LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT We are very thankful for a most successful Membership renewal drive; approximately six thousand dollars was received which is almost a third more than we have received in the past-thanks to all! No elections this year but there are some great opportunities available on and off the Board. Altacal continues to seek an Executive Director, see attached job description. However, right now, even more pressing is the search for a Snow Goose Festival Coordinator. Jennifer Patten has filled this position for well over a decade. She has created what is the premier Festival in the North State. Now it is time for a break. We are looking to hire someone(s)to work with her this year and take the reins the following years. Please contact Jennifer Opchico@sbcglobal.net) or a Board member for more information and answers to any questions Still open is the Treasurer position. Cris Ciine our extraordinary Secretary is doing, a thorough, professional job of entering, tracking, and reporting everything on QuickBooks, which she set up from scratch. That leaves someone to write the checks, make deposits, pick up the mail and file the yearly forms that come with being a non-profit. It takes only a few hours a week and not every day. Please contact Steve Overlock (stephenoverlock@sbcglobal.net) with questions or for more information. Altacal has just officially been awarded a new Contract for the Conservation of Aechmophorus Grebe Colonies at the Thermalito Afterbay(Phase 2, Year 3). This Grant has three basic components: 1)surveying, monitoring the Grebes at the Afte rbay—a I ready underway, 2)out- reaching, e.g.,doing school presentations about the Western and Clark Grebes, and 3) incorporating the data into a written report due at three different intervals and submitting a time and materials budget to Audubon Califorinia, Altacal is looking for someone to oversee all three and this is a paid position. Please contact Steve Overlock(stephenoverlock@sbcglobal.net) Moving forward, getting the Oxidation Ponds open again continues to progress—at the speed of government, but we are hopeful to have docent led trips there in the very near future. The Owl banding program at BCCER continues with some interesting twist and turns—all encouraging. Go to http://birdbl,ing.blogspot.com/ and more information is contained in this newsletter. The Neighborhood Habitat Program continues going strong and making a difference, go to altacal.org to get involved. A final note: Altacal wishes to thank Tim Ruckle, former Board member and longtime instrumental steward of Altacal Audubon for a most generous donation of boxes and boxes of books on Birds and Birding he had obtained over a most distinguishing career. We are looking forward to sharing them at birding events and offering them at our monthly Program drawings, Thank You,Tim! 3. UPCOMING All of our field trips are open to beginning birders. it in 'IrWS Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate.. J Check the A1taeaf Facebook page for updates. August 12, Saturday BUTTE MEADOWS✓COLD SPRINGS✓HUMBOLDT PEAK ,✓ran /�N/ori T "' ' ,n u� ✓'�J"'"y �, r�ierr yr ✓/✓✓° �" i Trip Leader Matt Forster ✓�//✓/�✓� it / � /� 1 Enjoy a leisurely Saturday exploring areas around Butte Meadows for mountain birds. Birds of interest will be Evening Grosbeak, Townsend's Solitaire,Pileated Woodpecker,White-headed Wood- pecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pacific Wren and Mountain Chickadee. There will also be a chance to see Mountain Quail and American Dipper along the way.We'll meet at the Chico Bark & Bide on Hwy 32 at 7 am. Please pack a lunch as we won't be heading back to Chico until 2-3 pin. Contact Matt Forster fitidforster@yahoo.com or 619-347-22691. October 6-8, Friday-Sunday September 17, Sunday POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE INDIAN FISHERIES,WASHOUT,AND BIG CHICO CREEK Trip Leader: Jennifer Patten and Mary Muchowski (BEGINNING BIRDIIwIG) Point Reyes National Seashore is well-known for its excellent Trip Leader: Matt Forster birding.The seashore and surrounding areas offer many different Meet at Indian Fisheries parking lot at the intersection of W.Sac- habitats frorn grasslands,estuaries,and coastal scrub to forests. ramento Ave and River Rd at 7:30 am. 'w'e'll walk the short trail The projection of the Point Reyes peninsula some 10 miles sea- and see lots of woodpeckers, resident titrnice, White-breasted ward from the mainland makes Point Reyes Naflonai Seashore Nuthatch, and migratory warblers. Then we'll drive over to the a landing spat for many vagrants,. birds that may have made er- washout to see if we can find some shorebirds and maybe some rors in navigation and thus are unexpected,in this area. Each fall diving ducks. Contact Matt Forster findforster@yahoo.corn or these vagrants seek out resting spots along the peninsda on their 619-347-2269, way south. Some of these rarities have included Black-throated Blue Warbler,American Redstart,White-throated Sparrow,Palm Warbler and Prothonotary Warbler.We'll visit these vagrant traps September 23, Saturday (resting spots),such as the Fish Docks,the lighthouse rocks and TEHAMA COUNTY HIGH ELEVATION BIRD SEARCH cliff areas,Abbott's Lagoon, Tamales Bay' Drake's Beach, Bear Trip Leader:. Matt Forster Valley, Olema Marsh and the famous historic ranches along the We'll be searching for high elevation birds in Lassen Volcanic. way. We'll camp Friday and Saturday night at Olema Carnp- National Park.Birds of interest will be White-headed Woodpecker, ground.Tent Camping only.If you have an RV or trailer,You'll need Hairy Woodpecker,Clark's Nutcracker,Golden-Drowned Kinglet, to make your own reservations.Contact Jennifer at 530-345-9356 Red-breasted Nuthatch,„ Mountain Chickadee and many other or jpchico9sbcglobal.net.Trip is limited to 12. mid-to-high elevation birds. Meet at the Chico Park & Ride on Hwy 32 in Chico at 6 am, Please pack a lunch as we won't be heading back to Chico until 2-3 pm. Contact Matthew Forster: findforster@yahoo.com or 619-347-2269 for more information and interest in joining. Conservation Corner CLIMATE WATCH Bird Surveys June l-15, 2017 by SCOTT HUBER, Conservation Chair Audubon's Birds and Clima bange Rap predicts that The information gathered was input into ebird and the URL for over half of North American bird species will lose more than each list was sent to the Audubon Climate Watch team. 50 percent of their current climatic range by 2080. To test these predictions, Audubon is running the new 6tizen and community Not only was this information invaluable to understanding how science project_QLraa_te_YZ&b. Climate Watch aims to document species will react to climate change,it was a fun way to get out and species'responses to climate change by having volunteers in the experience deeply all of the bird species using different locations field look for birds where Audubon's climate models project they throughout Butte County.To get involved in future surveys please should be in the 2020s. contact Scott Huber @ wmscotthuber@gmaii.com . Audubon Members including Charly Cornell, Cris Cline, Ken Sobon, Liam and Scott Huber participated in the summer 2017 surveys for White-breasted nuthatches (WBNU)�, one of the speill - cies determined by Audubon to be a 'bell-weather'for the affects of climate change on where birds live. Each individual or pair determined the twelve most likely spots to find WBNU within a chosen 10 km square, then conducted 5 minute point counts (a Survey method which records all visual and aural detections within 200 yards) at each of the twelve points to develop a base- line papulation to be compared to surveys of the same points in future years, Count Squares included the Hoghway 32 corridor, Bidwell Park, downtown Chico, Durham, Orovilte Dam area and Limesaddle Marina. Climate watch volunteers Liam Huber and Cris Cline surveying for while-breasted nuthatch on Old Hurnboldt Road,by Scott Huber. JOIN OUR FLOCK VOLUNTEERS, FIELD TRIP LEADERS& WORKSHOP PRESENTERS For the 19th Annual SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL of the Pacific Flyway January 24 - 28, 2018 AItacat Audbon Society plays a huge role in organizing and hosting this wonderful community event. The Altacal board and several members are involved at all levels. Making a difference in our com- munity is what we all strive to do.We are hoping for an even more successful event this year! If you are in- terested in volunteering, leading a field trip to your favorite birding,area,or have a workshop/presentation you would like to share about birds or our natural world,please call Jennifer Patten for further information at 530-59'2-9092 or info PsnowgoosefestivaLorg Thank you, JENNIFER PATTEN Snow Goose Festival Coordinator &Altacal Audubon Program Chair 5. ENTANGLED a The Problem With Discarded ,Fishing Line by DAWNGARCIA, Director at Large his spring Altacal received a phone call from California Park, ro Chico resident„ Becki Brunelli. She was concerned about n ir` 'ga a Canada goose she had been monitoring for days, since May 17, because it was crippled with fishing line wrapped around the legs.The goose could paddle slowly in the water and take only a step or two at a time, and could still fly, but both legs were bound together, and the line was deeply embedded. Becki had called the California Department of Fish and Wildlife(CDFW)who said they would send someone out as soon as they could She also r called other wildlife and animal organizations who were all un- able to help. On May 24, a CDFW warden and Becki spent 2 w � hours trying to capture the goose with no luck. For the next sev- eral days various capture techniques were attempted by Becki and others, but they were unsuccessful. Becki noted that the goose appeared to be in pain,and that other geese would chase r /,y it off when it came too close, so it was always alone. On May 30, CDFW biologist Henry Lomeli and Becki captured the goose using a net gun and removed the fishing line, The 3ecki and Henry(CDFW)remove line from the goose. line was deeply embedded' in one leg and cutting into the other and had likely been there for several weeks or more. The team treated the wounds and released the goose back into the lake. Becki has been monitoring the goose, who is now integrating back in with the flock. It likely has some nerve damage in its legs, but it appears to be doing well,eating normally, and is mo- bile.A happy ending for this goose, but fishing line continues to be a problem in California Park Lake. Becki is consulting with Altacal on ideas for a solution at this Gake. Altacal has been proactive in educating people about discarded fishing line with our grebe outreach program at the'Thermalito Afterbay in Oroville. (.see page 2.) With CDFW we have posted signs alterting the public to the dangers of line to wildlife. The fishing line, left hanging in tree branches, in the water,on the shore,wrapped around debris, and often with hooks and lures, is a problem for all wildlife because they can easily become entangled, suf- fer y g fer and die. We promote to ALWAYS take discarded Cine away from the site where people are fishing, whether it is One of the damaged legs wrapped with embedded fishing line yours or theirs. 6. WESTERN SCREECH OWL -Danatng and OWL NESTBOX UPDATE by DAWN GARCIA, Director at Large n our last newsletter, I had written that we had a nesting Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicotti"i WESO) in one of the 17 boxes Ken Scholl had installed on " the Reserve. Since,we monitored it and the other boxes three times to get a nice time- d lane of the WESO family. On May 27 we plugged the box cavity and put up a ladder to IF07N,'N open the box top and look down in the box;we saw two downy owlets and mom. � N One goal was to band the owls to identify them as Individuals and be able to monitor in our future banding sessions but they were too young. Ken was able to reach in and v r hand me the mom so we did get a band on her and took some measurements.She was t very mellow and,in good health. Ken placed her back in the box and we left. K :rr 1!° On June 4 we wentback and banded the owlets, now close to 4 weeks old. Typically { q owls leave the nest cavity and are called "'branchers°", because that's what they do, sometimes falling clumsily to the ground,climb up a tree, and perch on a branch.Their growing flight feathers are heavy with blood and they beg for food and begin to persis- tently follow their parents around before they are capable of even moderate flight. We first put the mom in a cloth bag and weighed her (191 grams). Then we banded and weighed each chick, 135-145 grarns,very plump and almost the weight of an adult May 17 visit reveals two chicks and male! adult fernale roosting in the box. Here's the second one and you can see the band fits well. Young birds develop their full leg width before fledging,which is why we are able to bared them as nestlings. There were also several prey remains (mice " J l } rhe box, proving the maie was J �� and shrews m t p g a rood provide We put ail the owls back in the box and left quietly. t � w Ken checked the boxes one last time on June. N r , 11.He peered in with his peeper cam and tank a couple of photos of the owlets who were getting their contour feathers and losing their r v %' down„growing up fast. Mom was still hanging out in the nest box with them. By the tune of this printing,the owlets will be fledged! Meanwhile,we had found another occupant in nest box#2, a single egg.We deduced, based on the list of cavity nesting birds in the area, that it was an Ash-throated fly- catcher(Myiarchus cinerascens) egg. Since there was only one egg and it had ants on it, we determined it was abandoned. Our subsequent box check confirmed it, no new, t egg and more ants. Here's how Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes the egg,"creamy Ken handing me the mother owl for banding white with reddish brown streaks and elongated blotches." 7. ALTACAL Job Announcement Job Title: EXECUTIVE DIRECTC Reports to: Board of Directors Location: Chico, CA The Altacal Audubon Society is dedicated:to protecting Central Valley,foothill and forest birds and wildlife and to connecting people of all ages and backgrounds with the natural world. The Executive Director will lead this sustainable organization to effectively fulfill its mission statement. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES EXISTING PROGRAMS Festival Management: Assume leadership of all aspects of long-established, annual Snow Goose Festival; including oversight of planning, marketing, promotion,etc. Initiate and plan new birding festivals, (Note: it is possible the successful candidate would work in tandem with a Festival Coordinator.) Grant Administration: Administer ongoing multi-year Grebe Conservation Grant and )id on other available Grants, ADMINISTRATIVE Support the Board of Directors: Work closely with the Board to implement our strategic and financial plans. Facilitate Board activities, including Board meetings, recruitment, and training. Assist with Programs and Operations: Facilitate Altacal Audubon Society's conservation, education, and volunteer programs. Facilitate strategic planning and execution, monitor and report on progress toward organizational goals, and communicate progress to staff, board members, and the public. Assist with Fundraising Efforts and Fiscal Oversight: Assist the board with efforts to sustain a diverse funding base to support Altacal Audubon's annual budget. Encourage Staff and Volunteers: Promote an organizational culture that fosters strong teamwork, Support and motivate staff members and volunteers. Serve as an Organizational Spokesperson: Serve as a spokesperson to the media and public. Establish ongoing relationships with public and private partners, decision-makers, and stakeholders. Support Conservation Advocacy: Support the Conservation Chair in identifying conservation proje( and advocacy priorities. COMPENSATION: This is initially a part-time position (starting at 10 to 15 hours per week)that can grow into full-time. Starting hourly wage range,is$20.00 to$25.00/hour, depending on experience. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Send resume and cover letter to AAS P.O. Box 3671 Chico, CA 95927. In your cover letter please describe a successful fundraising or program development effort, explaining your role and how you contributed to its success. Call or email Steve Overlock at 530-828-0966 or stephenoverlock@sbcglobal.net with any questions and for a detailed copy of the Job Description, Visitusat ht1p:1Avww.altacaLorg1 8. Local Chapter Membership Aplicatin 'Cease joi s! «,L"ACAL YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL HELP �° } Auccluk an Socict_ ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY CONTINUE ITS IMPORTANT WORK. Itacal Audubon Society (AAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society.AAS is a separately incorporated non-profit OTHER AL A CAL ACTIVITIES S organization with a local chapter membership. 100%of member- ship dues gees to support local projects and activities.AAS is an Major sponsor, participant and fiscal agent for the annual all-volunteer organization that conducts all of its programs with SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL 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 theWhite'-taiCedXite SCHOLARSHIPS and ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Articles for publication should be sent to Denise Devine Advocating for BIRDS and WILDLIFE byemailto dsrdevineC?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 $26 Basic $36 Family $15 Student/Low Income E $50 Sponsor El $1010 Sustaining F_ $ Additional Donation. Name Address City _ State Zip Phone email ...w.� 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 in Altacal Audubon Society does aQt 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 95927-3571 ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY, INC Requested POST OFFICE BOX 3671 In-home Delivery Non-Profit Organization CHICO, CA 915927-3671U.S. Postage v 7131-812 2017 P A I D AcyMHqr rR rw() Permit No. 86 3-Day Window JUL12017 Chico, Calif. 95927 CURRENT RESIDENT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 25 COUNTY CENTER DR. OROVILLE, CA 95965 110 LTACAL .4' ,�Ci�(pl?C7fi,"aQGIC°.t'4J iYi ". xS x sE4I" 11, W AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2017 ELATES To REMEMBER ilp SEPTEMBER 19 Jul 28-30 Joint Lassen Campout I Y Aug 12 Butte Meadows Sep 17 Indian Fisheries Sep 18 Program-Biro's of Prey Sep 23 Tehama Co High Elevation Oct 6-8 Paint Reyes For updated information check the Altacal website altacal.org Mission. To promote the awareness, appreciation and protection of native birds and their habitats through PRVNTED ON RECYCLED PAPER education, research and environmental activities.