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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWhite Tailed Kite - Newsletter of the Altacal Audubon Society - October-November 2013 ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY, nJC Requested POST OFFICE BOX 3671 In-home Delivery Non-Protit Organization ( a CHICO, CA 95927-3671 U.S. Postage -',d' 9/30- 10/2/2013 PAID i j1 .. 4.1t q ,'' Permit No. 86 ` �� 3-Day Window r Chico, Calif. 95927 (y\ WFel cuCed�Xite NEWSLETTER OF THE ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY CURRENT RESIDENT Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Butte,Glenn,and Tehama Counties of Northern California OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER 2013 ' BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 25 COUNTY CENTER DR. OROVILLE, CA95965 ALTACAL Programs BOARD suPEINISCIIIS 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. SPP 3 0 2013 In December the program is held on the second Monday and in July and August there are no programs. I yti, OROVILLE,CALIFORNIA BUTTECOUNTYr,ti ALTACAL ADMINISTRATION October November rt ,- ,ydubon 5atiely _ SEP 3 a 2013 Monday, October 21, 2013 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2013 6:30 p.m. OBOVILt.t_,UAg:ruRNlA Chico Creek Nature Center Chico Creek Nature Center -_,a.- )32 Y : w iliisii ;, Ili; (I tlii Ii li ii$,;ji;,,,;,i;;,,{Ij) i ijjllf,I; Watching the RIVER RUN Birds of the SIERRA NEVADA Presented by BOB MADGIC Presented by ED PANDOLFINO r R ob Madgic will present an informative and stirring multime- Ed will take you on a virtual transect of the range from the oak -White-tailed SCite v dia program on the Sacramento River,based on his newly L._savanna in the west,through serene conifer forests of the ALTACAL Programs published book, The Sacramento:A Transcendent River. He will west side,up into the majestic alpine regions,and down the steep OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2013 begin with an instructional segment on the elements of a natural eastern escarpment to the pinyon/juniper woodlands and open DATES TO REMEMBER21 river, degradations the Sacramento River has experienced and steppes of the Great Basin.Along the way we'll see and hear the Octongoing efforts stunning diversity of Oct 12 2nd Sat, Upper Bidwell Park Watching the River Run to preserve and la birds that make the Oct 21 Program- Watching the River Run . r.'s restore many of .. 4147,0 it,' f Sierra their home. ` ' Nov 18 these elements �. rc� , We'll learn about Nov 9 2nd Sat,Oxidation Ponds • Birds of the Sierra Nevada ''� , ; It is followed by e ,z ��%,E '< which birds are in Nov 16 Gray Lodge presentation of . r:',".111.-- a .,4400r ' -: decline and whichaf fi Nov 18 Program-Birds of the Sierra Nevada striking images, are expanding and "' music, and videoincreasing. We'll Dec 1 The Great Fly-out, Llano Seco that convey the address somemys- Dec 14 Chico Christmas Bird CountALTACAL power beauty teries •surrounding ,„, of this magnificent some of those spe- s . For updated information check the Altacal website Mission: To promote the awareness, appreciation and river and the birds cies and discuss www.altacal.or and wildlife it sup- how birders can '''", ,; g protection of native birds and their habitats through ' ` ports. (continued help to solve them. „ " f_ 5,�,, PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER education, research and environment& activities. on page 2) (continued on page 2) ; y,.,13,;:1,‘.,,,,' ..,7,'k a `�Yi�4=� 1 4) ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY Local Chapter , Membership Application f ( , �' Board of Directors its ' ��� , lit 1, Please join us! !, , ALTACAL President VACANT `` ' l'i\ Audu6on 5oeiety lokst o .. YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL HELP ,as; -} I riles, Vice President STEVE ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY -0 '!`tiiP � -- CONTINUE ITS IMPORTANT WORK. 530 892-0635 635 CK --- 1,� ' stephenoverlock@sbcglobal.net SNOW 0O S E Altacal Audubon Society (AAS) is a chapter of the National Secretary RUTH KENNEDY S T I V A Audubon Society.AAS is a separately incorporated non-profit OTHER ALTACAL ACTIVITIES 530 828-3837 organization with a local chapter membership. 100%of member- chicoruth2@yahoo.com 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 Financeeer nanc530 893--47034703 F / LEANN ELL unpaid staff. Founder and ongoing supporter of the VOLUNTEERS NEEDED CHICOCREEKNATURECENTER leannmc2006@sbcglobal.net We offer regularly scheduled field trips that focus on birds and bird Membership STEVE OVERLOCK 15th Annual habitats;membership programs with media presentations on birds Sponsor of the City of Chico 530 892-0635 and related topics;a bi-monthly newsletter,the White-tailed Kite; OXIDATION PONDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL website www.altacal.org/;and advocacy to protect and conserve stephenoverlock@sbcglobal.net Leading annual CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS January 22 - 26, 2014 local habitats as well as special projects and programs. in Chico and Oroville for over 55 years Publications/ DENISE DEVINE Newsletter 530 345-8444 Racal Audbon Society plays a huge role in organizing and Submission of Articles Focusing on our YOUTH through A dsrdevine@hotmail.com hosting this wonderful community event.The Altacal board to they' bite-tailetCXite SCHOLARSHIPS and ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Publicity/ WAYLAND AUGUR and several members are involved at all levels. Making a differ- Articles for publication should be sent to Denise Devine Advocating for BIRDS and WILDLIFE Web Site 519-4724 ence in our community is what we all strive to do.We are hoping by email to dsrdevine@hotmail.com when they are threatened wba@acm.org for an even more successful event thisIfyouareinterested on the first of the month, priortothenextissue. year! Conducting surveys and participating in in volunteering please call Jennifer Patten for further information THANKS to all ofyou who contribute regularly bysendingin reports, AVIAN RESEARCH PROJECTS Field Trips VACANTg y p at 530 345-9356 or jpchico@sbcglobal.net. articles and photos for the White-tailed Kite–Denise, Editor. Sanctuary/ MIKE BOYD Lands/Refuge 345-0758 boydlm@comcast.net Conservation DAWN GARCIA October (continued from page 1.) ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY 872-2165 mel.dawn@sbcglobal.net Bob Madgic is a former public school educator who has turned MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION to writing in retirement. His first book was Pursuing Wild Trout.A Education VACANT Journey in Wilderness Values.This was followed by A Guide to U $20 Basic Membership $500 Patron $50 Sponsor _ Programs JENNIFER PATTEN California's Freshwater Fishes. Next was the highly acclaimed $35 Family $1000 Benefactor $100 Sustaining 345-9356 Shattered Air. A True Account of Catastrophe and Courage on - $10 Low Income/Student/Retired jpchico@sbcglobal.net Yosemite's Half Dome.Beyond family, Bob's passions in life are Sac NWR MARILYN GAMETTE conservation and fly fishing, both central to this book. He has Name Bookstore 343-3154 degrees from Amherst College (BA.) and Stanford University Address gamettec@aol.com (M.A.and PhD.) Director- KATHRYN HOOD City State Zip at-Large 321-2852 verdant44@gmail.com Phone email NOve1Yt6er (continued from page 1.) 1 I Save Paper! Send me an email version only _ New Member — Renewal Gift ‘ i 1 email me Altacal in Action Alerts Ed Pandolfino is President of Western Field Ornithologists, a BOARD MEETINGS Regional Editor for Northern California for the North American I would be interested in volunteering to help _ Cash Check Date 5:15 p.m. Birds,and has published more than two dozen articles on status IMPORTANT:Membership in Altacal Audubon Scociety does not include membership in the National Audubon 2nd Wednesday of each month and distribution of western birds.He co-authored with Ted Beedy, Society.We encourage you to also support National Audubon in their important education and lobbying efforts. Altacal Audubon Society/Snow Goose Festival Office Birds of the Sierra Nevada: Their Natural History, Status, and To join the National Audubon Society contact them at their website www.audubon.org/ 635 Flume Street, Chico Distribution, illustrated by Keith Hansen and published by U.C. Please make check payable to ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY Altacal Audubon members are welcome to attend Press in'May 2013. Mail to AAS, P.O. BOX 3671, CHICO, CA 95927-3671 2. R IVER WATCHERfrom the (Vice) President A CONSPIRACY OF CROWS IT'S BEEN A GOOD YEAR FOR ALTACAL ` by STEVE OVERLOCK, Vice President/Membership Chair by REX BURRESS �r he annual report for Altacal Audubon this year demon- Altacal has reached out to t s we drove into Chico the otheritimisinsass .minThe walking styles of birds are quite interesting, strafes just how good a year it has been. This past year the youth of our community q day, I saw a group of men talking { some using the crow-step method,and others, has seen so many opportunities for birding,engaging our many times and in many on the sidewalk.I wondered what 3 ' like robins, T.' q , , # rq� hopping with the two feet together. youth and improving our planet. ways. One that has been especially enjoyable and beneficial is they were talking about,which is one of our '"$ }.�, Starlin s are two-steppers, as are meadow- 9 Pp the Rancho Esquon Outdoor Education Field Days. With field freedoms, but still you wonder if they are xc" larks, but most songbirds are hoppers. Notice Altacal sponsored no fewer than 50 outings and camp trips this € '1 9 PP guides and binoculars fashioned for kids Jennifer Patten and shootingthe breeze or conspiring to higher, past year.These included the ever popular visits to Upper Bidwell P 9 9 the drinking styles too. There is the sucking Marilyn Gamette have made many trips to Rancho Esquon to �` {yill Park and the Chico Oxidation Ponds,led bySteve and Raina or lower, aspirations. �,' �^ King, style of the pigeons, but most birds dip-and-liftshow the school children who are there on field trips the basics just about the best birders around,who always make you feel like They reminded me of a flock of crows,that r hfi the beak. Those personal characteristics are of birding. a - what makes bird-watching so intriguing. are often very animated, clicking beaks, ii you are too-maybe that's why it's so popular.Then there are trips -,$ to the BCCER above Bidwell Park and the BCEP in Butte Creek Also, these two and others have taken our educational display bowing, and rolling the white of their eyes i' If crows mingle among the city birds in the Canyon,all right in our own backyard.We also journeyed down the board to virtually most every event from Red Bluff to Oroville as if they were conversing about some �' • summer, it is a tribute to their adaptation to the Feather River in kayaks during spawning season and to Lassen where children are enjoying outside learning-and having fun. important endeavor. In fact, in animal civilized world, but come fall, there is a grand Park, the Chester area, the coast and many more exceptional, These events would include the Endangered Species Faire,the group names, a group of crows is called i` a • get-to-gether of crows in flocks that number inis fun time's together with fellow friends of the outdoors. Oroville Salmon Festival, and even Chico's Farmer's Market a conspiracy! " the thousands. Oneear a flock of a hundred Y And,of course,Altacal is directly involved with the premier north during SGF season and many more. There is certainly a conspiracy in the win roosted in the maple over our house, which state birding event:the Snow Goose Festival.Altacal members Altacal continues to support the Outdoor Classroom program at ter when crows get together in massive was cute at first, but then when they began are already putting together what is sure to be another amazing BCCER. Elementary students are able to learn firsthand about flocks, often in the Midwest, converging in white-washing our roof, I used noise-makers g g Festival! bird banding and bird habitats. We supply funds and support a great roosting effort that blackens the forest with their fussing to break up their slumber party. For many years, crows picked personal to this cause. on Yuba City, invading trees and food sources by an estimated We have also maintained social media links with Facebook and and clamoring.You would think that they were conspiring about - taking over the world, much on a scale of Alfred Hitchcock's old million birds. Google groups. These offer bird sightings, birding events and In addition,our Grebe Outreach Program has brought many board just interesting reads. members into the classrooms of many schools so that hundreds movie "The Birds." In that seaside thriller, where flocks of black When I worked at Oakland's Nature Center,we had a few wing- of students have been enlightened, entertained and energized birds and white birds seemingly ganged up on a village in a war injured crows in cages,much as Chico Creek Nature Center had a Altacal Programs have welcomed speakers as diverse as Chris- about the great outdoors. of the ways, some very trick illusions developed some fictional long-time crow character,and they can mimic a number of sounds. topher Calonje from Colombia (current list of birds over 1890), dimensions that just don't apply to birds. One could say"Alright," and "Water"in very distinctive English. and Bud Widdowson who brought amazing pictures and stories of Altacal also works closely with the CCNC and local schools to To a bird watcher or to those who pursue the truth in nature, it Ravens have that same ability, and one could say"Hello baby," northeast India,to local retired schoolteacher Gary Nielsen from offer assistance with environmental education as requested and squite disgusting to see Hollywoodery distinctively, to the surprise of passing people! Oroville who presented an engaging program on the seabirds of availabilitydictates. We are dedicated to continue to find even g g make a monster out of not onlycrows, but snakes, spiders, and evengorillas [KingKon ! the Midway and the Hawaiian Islands.And,finally, our very own more avenues to engage more young people with the wonders P g] When I was a boy on the Missouri farm, Icaught abroken-winged local experts offered a day by day,bird by bird telling of their Big of birds and their habitats. Harmless animals are made into something that they are not in crow and kept it in my fur shed.As I fleshed a pelt, I would toss a Texas Trip.This is just a slice of the varied but never dull programs order to make a fictional story. piece of fat that Corvus caught quite nicely.All species of Corvidae Our conservation efforts under the tutelage of Dawn Garcia have Altacal offers for a bit of armchair birding and relaxing socialization have strong beaks. been worthy and profound:Dawn's extensive hands-on Northern In spite of the elevated intelligence in crows and ravens, they most every third Monday evening of the month at the CCNC. aren't about to take over the world,although they might not mess Of the Corvidae Family,which includes the Jays, Corvus brachy- Saw-whet Owl bird banding study is now in its ninth year and go- An exciting 'new' phase at the SNWR Complex is developing ing strong with her incredibly qualified team and novice helpers it up anymore than human blunders. In the summer,crows prowl rhynchos,the American Crow, is the most wide-spread,found in with Lora Haller sharing at a Program and in Board meetings who are offered a truly unique experience.Madrone Audubon was Orovilleinsmallernumbers,watchingforanyedibleopportunities. every state. Maybe they WILL take over! Jays have their own about the current and planned developments that are and will very grateful for our participation in helping their cause to try to They have devious ways of finding other bird nests,too,walking stories,but interestingly,the Eastern Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata, be happening on the many Refuge units. Stay tuned for new end the senseless killing of protected cliff swallows at a freeway around like two-legged humans, keeping an eye out for hidden is found east of the Rockies,and Steller's Jay,Cyanocitta stelleri, nests andpilfering-the contents. information on this. construction site.We will continue to track this and report regularly and the Scrub Jay, Aphelocoma californica, are westerners! in this newsletter of any developments. (Continued on page 6.) 10. 3. UPCOMING BircC WaC€s and Birdiin tris � ° � � .. Paradise Meadows Lassen VNP �. 2013 byMaryMuchowski ,e For updated information check July ��� � 'r All of our field trips are open to beginning birders. P : Anyone with aw. sense of wonder is welcome to participate. wwalfacat org July 26-28, 2013 �_ . ' "' ? ,=?. LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK TRIP k tit Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski e had about 20 people show up for the Lassen campout N�.: a µy„ * it. V V trip in late July. Most arrived on Friday, but some joined . ' k" {�^YYi}t Wed dR V„ ' A.7%. ,g _- . ,. W � i,,t. , us on Saturday.We birded around the camp on Friday,and then '" we had a great meal and visiting time that evening. Some of the �J a group saw/heard Red-breasted Nuthatch, Mountain Chicka- f iL 4 (`i t Chico Oxi Ponds dee, Spotted Towhee, a pair of Western Tanagers, Yellow- �, May 11,2013 rumped Warbler,Dark-eyed Junco,Townsend's Solitaire,an unidentified Empidonax flycatcher,White-headed Woodpecker, and Common Raven.A couple people in the group thought they saw a Northern Goshawk. October 12, Saturday November 9, Saturday SECOND SATURDAY SECOND SATURDAY Saturday morning we got Gray Jays in the campsite,watched a UPPER BIDWELL PARK! CHICO OXIDATION PONDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY family of Red-breasted Nuthatches take baths under the water Trip Leaders: Raina King and Steve King Trip Leaders: Raina King and Steve King faucet, heard & saw Pileated Woodpeckers, Yellow-rumped August 31, 2013 October 12th marks the beginning of our Second Saturday Field For our November Second Saturday, we will visit the Oxidation Warblers, Mountain Chickadees, Steller's Jays, White-headed BIRDS&TREES WALK Trips.Like last year,we are going to try and alternate each month Ponds, at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, west of Chico. For Woodpecker and Western Tanager.After breakfast,we stopped CSUC BUTTE CREEK ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE between Upper Bidwell Park and the Oxidation Ponds. But,the waterfowl in the winter,and only 4 miles from Chico,this place is at the parking lot for Hat Lake and some of us saw a Cooper's Trip Leader:Joseph O'Neil, report by Kathy Trevino April and May field trips will both be in Upper Bidwell Park to take hard to beat.The walk is a little under 2 miles and will probably Hawk,while most of us got good looks at a Spotted Sandpiper. advantage of the spring migration. last about 3 hours.If you prefer to keep the walk shorter,you can We took a walk down a service road across the highway from Hat E ight birders enjoyed a beautiful morning at Butte Creek Eco- just walk out to the viewing blind and enjoy the birds from the Lake to see if we could pick up Black-backed Woodpeckers and logical Preserve.Joseph was very informative about the trees The field trip starts at 9 am at the parking lot on the left just blind. This will shorten the walk to about a mile round trip. The Williamson's Sapsuckers (both seen by birders from the Wintu and plants,calling on his friend,Miguette,who was adept at native past the gun club (follow Wildwood Ave for 1.75 miles and turn Audubon group the previous evening).We did not find either bird, plant identification.It was quite an education!For birds we viewed walk is flat and is graveled to the viewing blind. left just before the gate).After binding Horseshoe Lake and the but saw lots of Red-Breasted Sapsuckers,Western Wood-Pe- Bushtits, Nuttall's, and Acorn Woodpeckers in the parking area, we will walk up the canyon to the Yahi Trail head.There, Let's meet at the Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary at 2 pm. wee,Golden-crowned Kinglet, Chipping Sparrow, Mountain area.We then headed north and found Lesser Goldfinch,Eur- we will follow the Yahi trail along the creek as far as time permits Walking in the afternoon keeps the sun mostly at our back and Chickadee,American Robin, Evening Grosbeak,and Clark's asian Collared-Dove,Anna's Hummingbird,White-breasted (2-3 miles round trip). Most of our winter resident birds should the temperatures warmer.We should be back to the parking lot Nutcracker.After this walk we headed up the trail from Hat Lake Nuthatch,several Western Tanagers,and Northern Flickers. be back from their summer journey north as well as from the before 5 pm. to Paradise Meadows,where we picked up Pacific Wren,Hermit We also had three Canada Geese pass overhead.We then spied upper elevations,and our local year round residents will also be Thrush, Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, Band-tailed a Black Phoebe and a Betted Kingfisher. As we continued waiting for us.We should be seeing both White-crowned as well To get to the Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary, go west on gSparrowsDowny Pvery W. 5th Street from Highway 32 in Chico. Follow W. 5th Street, Pigeon, Hermit Warbler, Lincoln's and Song and on, we heard a Woodpecker, and found a vocal as Golden-crowned Sparrows,the Dark-eyed Juncos should be some other common birds. That evening we went back to the Bewick's Wren.A good look at a Wilson's Warbler was a treat. which becomes Chico River Rd,for 3.9 miles.The wildlife viewing back from Forest Ranch and above, Hermit Thrushes should be service road and picked up the Black-backed Woodpecker! Reaching the large pond,we discovered several large bullfrogs, parking area is 300 yards past the main entrance to the water back from the north and the higher elevations. We might even treatment plant,on the LEFT. and Common Nighthawks. but not many birds. We did spot an Osprey sitting right next to pick up a late migrant or two! the path about two feet off the ground. It let us get fairly close to Sunday morning we walked around Manzanita Lake and got good Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, water, walking shoes and it.We felt that it must have been sick or injured because it never We should be back to the cars by about noon or 12:30 pm. Bring looks and picture of a Red-Naped x Red-Breasted Sapsucker proper clothing for the expected weather conditions. There is a flew off. Heading back, we spotted Phainopepla and a Yellow binoculars,water,snacks,walking shoes and proper clothing for hybrid.We picked up some water birds:Mallard,Canada Goose, chemical toilet on the way out to the viewing blind. Rain cancels. Warbler playing hide and seek.Jennifer Patton heard a Wrentit the expected weather conditions. Rain cancels. For more infor- Bufflehead,Pied-billed Grebes,American Coots(with babies), For more information contact:Steve King at 530 566-6136. and a lone Wood Duck sped by.Black-headed Grosbeak were mation, contact Steve King at 530 566-6136 and Cassin's and Warbling Vireos, Brown Creeper,Tree and also found:We managed to see or hear 25 species on this warm Violet-green Swallows,Cassin's Finch and an Osprey. It was summer morning.We also,hopefully,will be able to identify some Please Note! The December Second Saturday to Bidwell Park is canceled because it a great trip, with good company, lots of food &drink, and even of the plants and trees Joseph and Miguette told us about the conflicts with the Chico Christmas Bird Count being held on Saturday, December 14th some live music!Thanks Anne&Jon& Kathy! next time we see them. 4. 9. BirdWalk and Birching Trip Get to know YOUR / D.� , REPORTS FISH&WILDLIFE i i�� ,_... " .n.. ,` y\ I 7£ f2,C `t SERVICE rt.; � : ;. NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES! rl € s .3 ikt } PART 5 - OCTOBER/NOVEMBER �, `, �' ,, ':;, 0. i, by LORA HALLER, Visitor Services Manager �, ,,,,.. June 28-30,2013 , a, '4 s WARNER VALLEY(ORIGINALLY WILLOW LAKE) r .cr ar ' u`t cram October through January, Sandhill Cranes as well as The Greater(state listed threatened species)is about 5 feet tall, Trip Leader: Gaylord Grams, report by Kathy Trevino r 1 1II" ` '� many other migratory waterfowl, bald eagles, and other with a long thicker bill, and breeds in northeastern California This trip was originally a trip to Willow Lake,but upon arriving 4 waterbirds can be seen in large numbers at the Llano Seco Unit and south-central Oregon. The Lesser is about 3 feet tall, with at the campground at Willow Lake, it was decided a change I, (off Seven Mile Lane) and surrounding agricultural fields. The the shortest bill and breeds in southwest Alaska. The Canadian of venue was in order.Several of the campsites were already oc- f " 4 birds take refuge in the shallow protected pools in sanctuary is about 4 feet tall with a bill thickness and length in between other cupied in this small camping area and the occupants had multiple areas on Llano Seco that are not always accessible or visible to two and breeds in British Columbia.A kiosk at the Llano Seco Unit the public. These natural and restored habitats are very attrac- shows these differences. dogs, all very vocal. We were able to let most people that were comin know of the change,but unfortunatelyJoseph O'Neil did �' i� . tive to the birds.At sunrise and sunset in October and Novem- The Llano Seco Unit will begin floodingwith water on October 1. 9 9 p 9 notget the message. He camped there anyway, and meta nice ber, look and listen for the flocks of cranes as they fly over the 9 PThe viewing platforms and trail are open 7 days a week between familythat invited him to loin them on a hike.The groupthat didplatform as they come on or off their roosting grounds. Cranes J resort and eventually across the meadow on the boardwalk, but one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.The best time assemble included Annette Carey,JonAull,Steve Overlock,Dave not before seeing two Yellow-bellied Marmots. One was hid- can be observed in flight, feeding and resting in the managed to see Cranes is early morning and just as the sun is setting. Fundakowski(who found the note we left at the base of the road to ing under the resort's porch and the other,standing guard at the wetlands, and sometimes displaying their unique courtships Willow Lake),Gaylord,and me,with Jennifer and Warren Patten beginning of the boardwalk, reminded one of the troll in the tale, and/or bonding behavioral displays. UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE COMPLEX joining us Saturdayafter our hike. Harry Fuller will give a talk and sign his new book Freeway Birding: 1 9 Three Billy Goats Gruff.Jennifer joined us on the boardwalk and The Sacramento Valley hosts three different subspecies of Sandhill San Francisco to Seattle at 11 am on Sat,November 16,2013.The With the change in campsites,we needed to figure out our hike pointed out two Common Nighthawks flying overhead.Acouple Cranes during the winter:Greater,Canadian,and Lesser.If you look book lists hundreds of birding sites within easy reach of the 1-5 cor- of deer were also seen grazing in the meadow. closely you might be for Saturday. We eventually decided to take the trail to Devil's � >> ridor and includes maps. able to identify the species lists and dozens of accurate- � r p Kitchen.It was a pleasant morning as we started out,and although Sunday morning brought another dilemma of where to hike.It was subspecies by their Steve Callan will give a talk and sign his new book Badges, Bears, the temperatures rose throughout the day,a nice breeze helped a a split decision. Dave decided to hike north on the Pacific Crest size, bill length, and and Eagles at 1 pm on Sat,December 7,2013.Callan shares his ad- lot.Western Wood-Pewee,Common Raven,Dark-eyed Junco, Trail while the rest of us took the trail to Boiling Lake. However, ' ,T' „ Mountain Chickadee,and SongSparrow were our first birds of bill shape. ventures of being a California Fish and Game warden for thirty years. P before for we got out of camp,a small flock of Pine Siskins made the day.Near the creek,we found a family of Wilson's Warblers a brief appearance. More winter programs and events will be posted at our new website Sandhill Cranes p 9 with one young bird displaying begging behavior as seen by Jon. by Steve Emmons <J,,}i 4}ru: } ; !.., ,;,I qty', as they become available http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Sacramento. We saw, along the way, Yellow Warbler, Evening Grosbeaks, On this hike we had many of the birds seen the previous day, Turkey Vulture, Barn Swallow, Hermit Warbler, Olive-sided specifically Western Wood-Pewee, Song Sparrow, Steller's Jay, Flycatcher,American Robin,Tree Swallow,Wilson's Snipe, Mountain Chickadee,Western Tanager,Red-breasted Nuthatch, ® t Red-winged Blackbird,Brewer's Blackbird,Western Tanager, PCOMING Hermit Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco,Golden-crowned Kinglet,Eve- �B Northern Flicker, Warbling Vireo, Brown Creeper, Golden- Hing Grosbeak,and Turkey Vulture. In addition,we discovered a BirdVV alks and Birding gr_ps crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Sapsucker, White-breasted White-headed Woodpecker's nest and found an American Robin Nuthatch,Steller's Jay,Pileated Woodpecker,and Red-tailed gathering nesting material on the far side of Boiling Lake. Two Hawk. Once we reached Devil's Kitchen, a Spotted Sandpiper species seen that were not seen the previous day were Pygmy November 16, Saturday December 1, Sunday was discovered as well as Cliff Swallows. Nuthatch and Hairy Woodpecker. The highlight of this hike, GRAY LODGE WILDLIFE AREA THE GREAT FLY-OUT however,was the visual of a Pileated Woodpecker.We had heard Trip leaders:Gaylord Grams& Kathy Trevino LLANO SECO VIEWING PLATFORM On the return trip,Gaylord spotted a Peregrine Falcon as it sped them the previous day,and Gaylord had seen them on both days, Trip Leader:Jennifer Patten overhead,and we had clear views of a male Cassin's Finch with but no one else had. Join Altacal for a walking tour at Gray Lodge. We will offer two is brilliant red cap.We also found Yellow-rumped Warbler and choices: either walk the longer trail that includes the bird blinds This year's Great Fly-Out field trip will be at Llano Seco Viewing an unidentified hummingbird and heard Red-breasted Nuthatch, Returning to camp,we had a bite to eat and packed up our stuff. and is about 2 miles,or walk the shorter trail to the viewing plat- Platform on 7-Mile Lane or along Road Z. We'll go where the Townsend's Solitaire, and Common Yellowthroat. Last but Dave returned and told us that his hike was rather steep and form. Fall migration should be underway. We will meet at Chico geese and ducks are.At dusk thousands of waterfowl fly-out from not least, in the trailhead parking lot,Jon found a White headed hot,but he enjoyed it. Gaylord,Annette,and I decided to stop in Park & Ride (lot closest to freeway) at 8 a.m. sharp, carpool the ponds to nearby fields to feed at night. As the sky fills with Woodpecker. Chester on the way home for ice cream.While there,Gaylord told and return by 3 p.m. If you would prefer, meet at Gray Lodge, birds,the sound of their wing beats and calls is incredible.Meet at me that he had seen an American Dipper on Friday in the creek parking lot#14, at 9 a.m. Bring a lunch, water and the $4 per Llano Seco Viewing Platform on 7-Mile Lane by 3:45 pm.Bring a After dinner that night,Jon and I took a walk over to Drakesbad. I on the road into the campground.This brought the total species person entry fee. Contact Kathy Trevino at 530-520-2872 or folding chair,hot beverage,warm clothing,binoculars,scope and had never been there before and wanted to check out this historic seen for the campout to 42. It was wonderful to be camping in kathytrev@sbcglobal.net, or Gaylord Grams at 530-533-1624 field guide. Heavy rain cancels.For more information please call guest ranch. It is in a beautiful setting.We walked around the the mountains again. for more information. or email Jennifer Patten, 530 345-9356,jpchico@sbcglobal.net 8. 5. The Banding Conservation Corner NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL Monitoring 2013 BOARD MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES by DAWN GARCIA Wanted! Conservation Chair or Co-chair H ere we go again - Season 9, that's right we have been Dear Members, r� 4 '• monitoring the fall migration patterns of saw-whets at the .f Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve for NINE years! This is a have accepted a teaching position at Butte College and have to ,., step down from some of my duties as Conservation Director, so _J.. Gram,( Y0 ' we are requesting that YOU step up!We have a diverse mem- lit)a� big accomplishment because my original goal was to run for five. I'm glad we did not stop there because we saw such a jump(; in population,years 6-9(2010-2013). Ourdatasupports the ne- bership with countless community connections and we can certainly - " ^. �, ''4 2 ' r 1 x cessity of long-term monitoring to reveal how a population is benefit from new ideas and the unique skills that only you could a trending. Look at this graph to see how the variation in captures bring to the table. This position is what you want to make of it ' ` r ; in terms of numbers and ages each fall.Your support has helped yr .r ,1U-'' ' ,�Lr ,, -.;',1' k��� us continue! Not only do we have Altacal volunteers, we have Our chapter is run by volunteers and though most of our chairper- �'. created a fund for owls through owl adoption certificates, raffles sons work, we still manage to do a great deal of outreach for ourif ', and silent auction items that have enabled us to purchase equip- community.Altacal is asked regularly to participate in activities in � �' r' ti ment and pay stipends for time and mileage to dedicated band- the local and regional area-lots and lots of educational outreach, �- o., 4 ars. Please contact me with your interest in visiting the station bird monitoring, science and conservation requests. There are also r t, and keep updated by visiting my blog http://birdbling.blogspot. many grants available to us through California and National Audu- Ita1r r $ ' , coml. See you under the stars! bon, and other partnering opportunities that we often have to let �� e. �`, r.'? , ar )': pass by without review. There are so many possibilities! Please call me or Steve Overlock(our amazing acting president)if you are interested in Age and number of NSWO captured,2005-2012 filling or co-chairing this position. I will not be able to attend board meetings and Monday programs, however I would like to continue supporting Altacal as Conservation Co-chair or any capacity that I can.As always, thank you for your support. Figure 1. 70 140 The number of owls by age: 64 61 young shown as hatched 60 - 55— - 120 Dawn Garcia51 d bars and adults (at least 2 ' 50 - - 100 years old) shown in solid m 3 h, 222 white bars, banded during a 40 - - 80 H the fall migration. The sec- 3 35 28 60 30 - ondYaxisandlineshowthe - o e u Steve Overlock (Continued from page 3.) total number of owls banded at 20 - -40 m la We followed through with Audubon California's request to send a Michael Sutton,Vice President, Pacific Flyway NAS,in this letter each season. For example, 10 - 4 20 he authored, 'this would reverberatethrou throughout in 2012, we captured 116 1F --3, ' letter to our state Assemblymen supporting the Bill banning lead 9 i ammunition. (At this writing, AB 711 has passed the Assembly Pacific Flyway and beyond". owls total consisting of 55 0 I I I" I 1 '`` 1 '` 1 22 1 `!' 0 and awaits the Governor's signature). hatch year birds and 61 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Yes,Altacal has had a very productive,busy year. We have said adults. Survey Years We have continued our outreach to boaters and jet skiers at the goodbye to a few and hello to others and through it all it truly is Thermalito After-bay to be aware of the Grebes which are now the members that make Altacal what it is. r ,2 HY o AHY - TOTAL nesting and fledging side by side with these recreationists. Thank you,thank you,thank you as we bird on into the coming Altacal supported a letter of supportto Izembek Refuge inAlaskawhere year to make even bigger and better improvements for our birds, a proposed road would divide the Izembek lagoon system in half. our young people and our fragile, precious world. 6. 7.