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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNewsletter of the Altacal Audubon Society for October-November 2017 „ AVht ” °,✓ yaited t pow- Xlte NEVWSLETTER OF THE ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Butte, Glenn, and Tehama.Counties of NotD OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER 2017 ALTACAL Prograrvis Programs for the general community are normally Meld 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 grogram is held on the second Monday and in July and August there are no programs. October November Monday„ (October 16, 2017 6.30 p.m. Monday, November 20„ 2017 , 6:30 P.M. Chico Creek Nature Center Chico Creek Nature Center Wildlife of the Americant Bird photography Presented by BFtENT PAULL Sidesnti rpt he unique variety o1 wildlife and birds makes photography from the South America's Pacific and lanticlE �, Braziland northern Rocky Mountains, south to desert Southwest, and west Atcuadoto the California Coast— a wildlife photographer's dream. I've spent 33 Presented by DEAN CARRIER years shooting in the American 'West, bath as a nature/wildlife photog- rapher anti l ra her and as a phots safari garde. This shave will high66ght same of the cuador and Brazil lie predominantly just south of E species and tactics I've used, as well as amazing locations where I've the Equator. Ec- found them.While I do cover many tactics in depth, it's learning about my uador, on the Pacific, is subjects that has led to my photography success over my 33 years in the nearly the size of Neva- field shooting. da while Brazil, on the l m Atlantis, is slightly larger Brent Paull began his odyssey as kG%i f F ��� than the entire continen- ,Green-headed Tanager a wildlife photographer in 1985 with � �� .�� ' 01 tat United States, Yet, photo by Dean.Carrier his first published article and pho there are 1323 species tos. During the next 30+years he's ����t.. ' . of birds in 'Ecuador and 179^3 in Brazil. However, due accomplished a great many of his >� ' to its size and variety of habitats., Brazil has 231 en- initial goals---31 published articles, 1000+ publication credits, 1000+ Galapagos). while Ecuador only has 7 (not including the '�. Galapagos). This presentation will focus on images of fine art and stack sales. He's had a Edi the variations of bird species and habitats found in bath great experiences shooting corn 4 countries taken on two ghats tours. Summer Tanagers (continued on page 3) (continued on page 3) photo by Brent Paull ALT AUDUBON SOCIETY firom thiePresident 130ard of Directors by Steve Overlock A L A B CA L oar A 6 U f 6 — 0 C TY President STEVE OVERLOCK' tars ith this newsletter, we bid a huge thank you to 530 08-0966 stephenoverlock�@sbcglobal.net Wour diligent, patient Newsletter Editor over the President s e S last several years, Denise Devine. All Of us who worked Vice FPresident KEN SOBON In 530 592-3350 with her truly did appreciate all the extra effort and com- ksobo n @the rm alito.org pleteness you provided to our efforts. Hope to see You Secretary CRIS CLINE at the Birds, thank you so much, Denise and wish you all ccl 1 n e 1028 @ g rn ai 1,co m Treasurer VACANT the Best. Membership CATHY CARTER Onward, we welcome Carla Resnick as our new Editor 530 342-9152 and thank our printer, Ed Caldwell for the referral. As searab4ever@gmail.com Publications CARLA RESNICK You will read, Carla comes to us with that same won- Newsletter 530-343-6929 derment of birds and their habitat that Altacal espouses. carlaresnick(@-comcast.net Welcome Carla and thanks, Publicity/ WAYLAND AUGUR Web Site 519-4724 Please consider joining Altacal in supporting the CVBS. wba@acm.org This is the annual premier gathering of Birders in Califor- Field Trips MATT FORSTER nia. In addition, this year, we are delighted and excited 619 347-2269 findforster(i—Dyahoo.com that Dawn Garcia, Altacal's Director at Large and long- Sanctuary KEN SOBON time integral contributor to everything Altacal, will be a Lands/Refuge 530 592-3350 keynote speaker. ksobon@thermalito.org Conservation SCOTT HUBER Read all about Dawn and this event on page 5. Go-chair 530-321-5579 wmscotthuber@gmail.com Education VACANT Programs JENNIFER PATTEN 345-9356 jpch i co @ sbcg loba 1.net Sac NWR VACANT Bookstore Director- KATHRYN HOOD at-Large 321-2852 verdant44@gmaii.com Director- DAWN GARCIA at-Large 530 513-1785 avifan59@gmail.com BOARD MEETINGS Director- MARY MUCHOWSKi 5:15 p.m. at-Large 530-228-0625 2nd Wednesday of each month mmuchowsk0&_earthWlk.net Altacal Audubon Society/Snow Goose Festival Off ice Director- MARILYN GAMETTE 635 Flume Street, Chico Emeritus AttacalAudubon Members are welcome to attend 2 c o (continued from page 1) (continued from.page 1) ' �� l0 r! � iii��� C r/i�7��Zi ��'i� ✓l Great Gray Owl lied-headed Barbet photo by Brent Paull photo by Mean Carrier mercially for nearly a hundred businesses, lndian Dean Carrier has been a life-long wildlife biologist (his tribes, and government agencies like the iodation- first bird book is dated"Christmas, 1943°'). Graduating al Park Service, National Forest Service, and the from Humboldt State University,he worked profession Bureau of Land Management, His images have appeared in over 40 magazines and newspapers, ally for the Arizona Game and Fish Department and including 11 magazine covers, won photo contests then for the U.S. Forest Service where he was respon- -including the 2013 California Wildlife Photo of the sible for a variety of endangered species work locally, Year. For a decade he had his own portrait studio, regionally and nationally until his retirement in 1991.. shooting nearly 800 weddings and thousands of As a frustrated left brained individual with right brained family and senior portraits. Today he leads about 70 photo safaris per year,covering about 120 days yearnings (he couldn't sketch a critter that looked like — all in the American West, most in California. "it one if he wanted to) he found his artistic niche in pho- has been a great ride that. I hope will last for de- tography which he has been active in for 45 years. He cades to come. travels both domestically and abroad to pursue his bird photography habit and uses his images (and others) for PowerPoint presentations on nature and ecology for � � d , grammar school children in Butte County. Anna's Hummingbird photo by Brent Paull 3 kJPCONAING Br j­�, r_/ , All of our field trips are open to beginning birders, tratngj r�ps Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate. Check the Altacal Facebook page for updates, Sunday, October 1, 2017 Indian Fisheries and the Sacramento Washout Trip Leader: Matt Forster We'll explore the native trees, shrubs and spring migrant birds of Indian Fisheries and the Sacramento Washout, Green Heron, a plenty of migrating warblers, and other migrants have been some of the many species seen here. Beavers, otters and jump- ing salmon may also be seen. Bring water, and:snacks for 3 hour adventure.Meet at the parking lot of the Indian Fisheries at 8 am. Contact: Matt Forster,f indf orste r@ yahoo.com. 619-347-2269. li iy Sunday, October 15, 2017 Thermalito Afterbay Trip Leader: Matt Forster Northern Saw-whet Owl banding We will get a personal and up close view of the winter waterfowl migration at the Afterbay, east of Chico. Over the years, we've had many migrants show up including SaNne's and Franklin Saturday, November 11, 2017 Gull, Red-necked Grebe, and other exciting birds. Let's have Gray Lodge Wildlife Area a first had look at the returning birds from Alaska and Canada:, Trip Leader: Matt Forster Northern Pintail, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged and Join Altacal for a walking tour at Gray Lodge. We will walk the Blue-winged Teal and possibly some unexpected migrants. We'll two-mile trail that includes the bird blinds after scoping the pond do some other binding before and after, Bring binoculars,spotting scopes, water,walking shoes and proper clothing for the expect- by parking lot#14. Fall migration should be well underway. Wewill meet at the Chico Park& Ride (lot closest to,freeway) at 8 ed weather conditions, Meet at the Parkn Ride off hey 32 at Sam sharp, Rain cancels. am sharp,carpool from there,and return by 3 pm. If you would prefer, meet us at Gray Lodge (parking lot#14) at 9 am, Bring Contact: Matt Forster,findforstergyahoo.com. 619,-347-2269. a lunch,water,$4 per person entry fee, binoculars,and a scope if you have one. Saturday, October 21, 2017 Contact: Matt Forster,findforstergyahoo.com. 6191-347-2269. Northern Saw-whet Owl banding Saturday, November 25, 2017 This is a rare chance to observe an owl research project studying Llano Seco Viewing Platform Big Sit migration of Northern Saw-whet Owls. Mist nets and an audio Trip Leader: Matt Forster lure will be used to attempt to capture, band and release North- Give your legs a rest and your eyes a treat on this ieisurely af- ern Saw-whet Owls. Bring headlamps or flashlights,chairs,warm ternoon at Llano Seco Viewing Platform. Bring your lawn chair, clothes, cameras, and snacks, and/or hot drinks. Rain and/or binoculars, and snacks, sit back and relax as the birds come to high winds cancel. you. You'll learn to identify the waterfowl species that frequent Trip is strictly limited to 10 people, this idyllic setting. As the sky fills with birds, their wing beats RSVP to Ken Sobon:ksobon@thermalito.org. and calls are incredible. Meet at Llano Seco Viewing Platform at 9am. Contact: Matt Forster findforster@yahoo.com. 619-347-2269. 4 Central Valley Birding Symposium 2017' The Central Valley Bird: Club will be hosting the 21st annual Central Valiey Birding Symposium Nov, 16-19, 2017, at the Stockton Hilton Hotel in Stockton, CA. The Great Central Valley, in the heart of California and the Pacific Flyway, is uniquely situated for excellent birding. Please join us as the CUBS again celebrates the best of birding in the Central Valley! Come rneet the board and staff members! Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones! New this year, is a Thursday field trip with Jon Dunn,then the CVBS kicks off with a scrumptious hors d'oeuvres buffet&no host bar on Thursday night,followed by one of our favorite keynotes, outstand- ing photographer and presenter, Ed Harper,with his program on"Wings over the Central HFA Valley% Friday night's keynote program "Bank Swallow Colonies on the Upper Sacramento Rivet"will be presented by Dawn Garcia. ........... Saturday night's keynote program, "Birding Without Borders: An Epic World Big Year" will be presented by Noah Strycker. This humorous and inspiring presentation about Stry- Bank Swallows cker's epic World Big Year, in which he set a world record by seeing 6,042 birds in one calendar year, will give you a real appreciation for the birds and birders of the world. His newest book, Birding Without Borders, about his around-the-world Big Year, is due out in fall 2017. Informative and entertaining workshops include:"Wintering Burrowing Owls in the Central Valley'with Lynne Truli'o, "Neotropic Migrants" with Joe Morlan, "Winter Waterfowl in the Central Valley' by Jon Dunn, and an update on Central Valley bird conservation and research programs. Build your skills at workshops; Image Editing (Bob Steele), Bird Sketching (Keith Hansen), Beginning Birding (Sal Salerno)and Carving (Jim Burcio). Field trips,offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday,always turn up exciting birds.Add in the entertaining and educa- tional Bird ID Panel,the wonderful selection of optics,art and gifts at the Birder's Market plus the camaraderie of hundreds of like-minded folks, and you know youll have a good time!There's something for everyone interested in birds. Come and join us to bird, learn, and just have tuna To look over the schedule of events,go to:www.cvbirds.org/events/symposium/info Registration begins September 8, 2017, 6 Bird-Friendly Bc r itat personal experience By Carla Resnick hen my husband and I moved into our house in north west Chico ten years ago, the back yard was mostly covered with English Ivy and a neglected Mulberry tree. As an avid gardener, I worked to r/ xr/ y t r r NI r 1✓� r A�l'i�/ � r make our yard human, bird, bee, and butterfly friendly, by planting a rl lfi Ji�r�r��lJ �/, '�� �1lii�i lq°1�1�J✓�� wide variety of edible, drought tolerant and good nectar plants. J71 Three years in we had Hummingbirds building nests on our patio string lights. Watching the little Hummingbird hens start off with a little wad of spider silk and turn it into a beautiful, lichen-covered nest was soN impressive. We got to witness many feedings and fledglings take first Hummingbird Hen Incubating Eggs flights. photo by Carla Resnick A few years ago, a family of Western Screech Owls nested in an old walnut tree at the street,then the family later tock up residence for sever- al weeks,in a tangle of old grapevines in our backyard,that have grown 0;iilp � N � " 1, �r r�up into the tree canopy.This seemsto be the favored place for various �o a ,iflocks of birds to use. Robins came in to feast on the ripe grapes. For the past two years Yellow-billed Magpies� have been roosting in the �tbackyard tangle,for weeks at a time in early summer. I love listening to rtheir calls. h +� ,��1�1�;,� �.1����a, Springtime regular visitors to the water trays I put out, include Hummingbirds in Nest Yellow-rumped Warblers, Northern Mockingbirds, and the ubiqui- photo by Carla Resnick tous California Towhee, with an occasional visit from a Spotted To- whee. In the fall,when the persimmons start to ripen,we get rnany a visit from Northern Mockingbirds, Hummingbirds, and a delightfully raucous group of Cedar Waxwings. p All this bird activity got me learning the common names of birds, and keeping a pair of binoculars handy so I can try to get a good look at,say, i a Wilson's Warbler or Western Tanager, who make rare appearanc- es, I think my favorite experience so far„was seeing a Ruby-crowned Kinglet visit one of my peach trees, and flare his bright crest several times. Hummingbird Fledgling photo by Carla Resnick The wide diversity of flora II have plantedhas significantly increased the bird activity in my yard and has brought me into a whole new world of bird's. 6 Membership Applicationy Pte ase oin �,� ice. r' YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL HELP AuJLJ)c n S(.)6ct-a,p ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY CONTINUE ITS IMPORTANT WORK. Racal Audubon Society (AAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society.AAS is a separately incorporated non-profit OTHER ALTACAL ACTIVITIES organization with a local chapter membership. 100%of member Major sponsor, participant and fiscal agent for the annual. ship dues goes to support local projects and activities.AAS is an SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL. all-volunteer organization that conducts all of its programs with unpaid staff. Pounder and ongoing supporter of the We offer regularly scheduled field trips that focus on birds and bird CHICO3 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 THIRD COUNTS local habitats as well as special projects and programs. in Chico and Olroville for over 55 years Submission of Articles Focusing on our YOUTH through to the"White-t iCed~- ,fie SCHOLARSHIPS and ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Articies for publication should be sent to Carla Resnick Advocating for BIRDS and WILDLIFE by email to carlaresnickcomcast,net 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—Carla, Editor. SOCIETY APPLICATIONMEMBERSHIP El 25 Basic $35 Family .. 15 Student f Low Income $50 Sponsor 100 Sustaining �_.� Additional Donation Name Address City State____ _....- Zip Phone email_ _ .._..... .._ �._ Renewal gift T' Save Paper! Send me an email only New Member i email me in I would b interersted iAction Alerts volunteering i volunteering to help �i � Cash �.._C Check Date �. ..�.._ IMPORTANT: Membership in Altacal Audubon Society does not 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.C. BOX 3671, CHICO, CA 95527-3571 ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC Requested POST OFFICE BOX 3671 In-home Delivery Non-Profit Organization CHICO, CA 95927-3671 9/30-10/2 2017 U.S. Postage 3-Day Window PAIR] Permit No. 86 Do you have a binding story to share? Chico, Calif 95927 Check out our Membership page on how to submit articles. BUMCOUNTY ADMINISTRAMON Issue Due Date Dec/Jan Nov 1 CURRENT RESIDENT OCT 1 0 20117 Feb/Mar Jan 1 OROVILLE.CAI-IFORNIA April/May Mar 1 June/July May 1 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS August/Sept July 1 25 COUNTY CENTER DR. Oct/Nov Sept 1 OROVILLE, CA 95965 40"f 'ALTACAL Audukon S06c() ite-taitedxite ALT Prograrn OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 DATES TO REMEMBER Oct 1 Indian Fisheries and the Sacramento Washout November 20 Oct 15 Thermolito Afterbay Oct 16 Wildlife of the American West BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY ON TWO SIDES OF A Oct 21 Northern Saw-whet Owl banding CONTINENT Nov 11 Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Nov 16-19 Central Valley Birding Symposium 'd Nov 20 Program—Bird photography '10 4111, "d 110" A, Nov 25 Llano Seco Viewing Platform Big Sit Mission: To, promote the awareness, appreciation and For updated information check the Altacal website protection of native birds and their habitats through altacal.org education, research and environmental activities. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER