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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWhite-tailed Kite - Newsletter of Altacal Audobon Society at edXite NEWSLETTER OF THE ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties of Northern California OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 ALTACAL Programs Programs for the general community are normally herd 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 helot on the second Monday and in July and August there are no programs. October Wovenliber Monday, October 17, 2016 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2016 6:30 p.m. Chico Creek Nature Center Chico Creek Nature Center Birding Inspirations Through My Leas Birds of the SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO Presented by JEFFREY RICH Presented by CATHERINE and BILL CAMP ildlife Photographer Jeffrey Rich will be presenting his new program, Birding Inspirations Through My Lens,based on his newest book, The Complete Guide to Bird"Photography.Jeff will be sharing stories of birds and Mother Nature. He adds in N ° few photography tips and how lying in the dirt helps to create his ography. He will amazing ricetfor the night$28.be signing bohontinued on page�show. N atherine and Bill Camp, members of Wintu Audubon, just returned from a trip to the High Arctic.They joined a National Geographic/Linblad Expedition cruise in an ice-enabled ship.They gra were able to drift past icebergs and walk on newly ice-free land.They / will bring photos of the birds of the Svalbard Archipelago, Eastern Greenland and Iceland,as well as polar bears,walrus,whales and lots of ice! (continued on page 2.) ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY October (continued from page 1.) Boardof Directors Jeffrey Rich graduated from Humboldt State University in 1983 with a BS in Wildlife biology, in 1985 with a BS in Biology, and President STEVE OVERLOCK a life science teaching credential in 1986. In 2012 Jeff com- 530 828-0966 pleted his master's degree in science teaching and education staphenoverlock @ sbcglobal.net at the University of Texas.Jeff has been teaching science and Vice President KEN SOBON photography, and photographing nature professionally since 530 592-3350 1987. He is currently teaching at Stellar Charter School in ksobon@thermalito.org Redding, CA. Secretary CRIS CLINE Jeff's love of the outdoors stems from his northern California cclinel 028@gmail.com upbringing.This enjoyment of nature,with his biological back- Treasurer VACANT ground has proved to be a perfect compliment in producing stunning nature photographs and teaching others about wildlife Membership CATHY CARTER and nature photography.A self-taught nature photographer,Jeff 530 342-9152 considers himself more of a photo-naturalist, producing artful scarab4ever@gmail.com images of Mother Nature,He is a wildlife and bird photography Publications DENISE DEVINE specialist with photos published in National Wildlife, National Newsletter 530 345-8444 Geographic,Audubon and many other publications. dsrdevi ne @ hotmail.corn Publicity WAYLAND AUGUR Jeff has also written a number of articles about wildlife and Web Site 519-4724 birds. His first book, Baby Birds, is the topic of one of his pho- wba@acm.org tographic passions,published by Rio Nuevo. His second book Field Trips MATT FORSTER released in April 2016, The Complete Guide to Bird Photogra- 619 347-2269 phy, helps anyone improve their wildlife photos.Jeff has been findforster@yahoo.com teaching nature photo workshops and tours since February 1991 and these are always a great adventure with wonderful Sanctuary KEN SOBON photo opportunities.He is a perfect nature photography instruc- Lands/Refuge 530 592-3350 for with his extensive background as a naturalist,teacher and ksobon @ thermal ito.org nature photographer.Join Jeff and become a photonaturalist. Conservation DAWN GARCIA Co-chair 530 513-1785 avifan59@gmail.com Education VACANT _Wbvem. er (continued from page 1.) Programs JENNIFER PATTEN Catherine is retired from a career providing policy analysis and 345-9356 legislative advocacy for children's services, and public mental jpchico @ sbcglobal.net health programs.Bill is retired from a career as a labor organizer. Sac NWR LEANN MCCONNELL They have returned from Sacramento to eastern Shasta County, Bookstore 530 893-4703 to country where they lived in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I e an n mc2006 @ s bcg loba 1.net They are delighted to have more time for travel,birds and nurtur- Director- KATHRYN HOOD ing grandchildren, at-Large 321-2852 verdant44@gmail.com Director- MARILYN GAMETTE BOARD MEETINGS at-Large 343-3154 gamettec@aol.com 5:15 p.m. 2nd Wednesday of each month Director- VACANT Altacal Audubon Society/Snow Goose Festival Office at-Large 635 Flume Street, Chico Altacal Audubon Members are welcome to attend 2. by STEVE OVERLOCK from the President GREETINGS MEMBERS, Vi:µ �.,,i ,a s Fall arrives,it is once again time to review�Altacal's past year fis- cally and otherwise then take a Zook forward at 2015-2017.Altacal received approximately$30,000 from a number of sources over the last fiscal year.These include a substantial amount of restricted funds from a Grebe Grant, funds from donations to the Neighborhood Habitat. Program and the Owl Banding(Adopt an Owl)Program and funds from the SNWR for Altacal's help with the retailing of products at their bookstore. Nearly a quarter of this income came from memberships and donations.Altacal thanks you very much.There is approximately'$9000 of unrestricted funds currently in the checking account. Altacal uses membership funds and donations to promote and sponsor a wide range of conserva- tion efforts.These include Birding Festivals and Symposiums; a.Tri-Colored Blackbird Monitoring effort as the TRBL is one of a number of birds that are losing ground, literaily and quickly right here;and for support in advancing BMP for nesting birds as it relates to arborist and tree trimming companies.And,of course,Altacal regularly supports local conservation groups and efforts as well, most notably is the Snow Goose Festival.. And this year Altacal will be sending a few Board Members to an Assembly at Yosemite. It is hosted by Audubon California and will present an opportunity to draw chapter leaders from all across the state together for sharing ideas and learning new ways to promote for the birds and their habitat. Finally, though it is not official as I write this, it more than likely will be by the time you read it:we welcome Ken Sobon,Vice President;Cris Cline Secretary;and Steve Overlock,President to another two-year term as elected Board members.As I write,Altacal continues to seek a Treasurer. (The voting will have taken place at our September Program.) That wraps up Altacal's year-end report. So much accomplished and so much more to do. We welcome comments and suggestions and all members are welcome at every Board Meeting the second Tuesday of each month. Thank you again and Happy Birding .... Steve O VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for the 18th Annual SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL of the Pacific Flyway January 25 -29, 2017 PLEASE CALL Jennifer Patten for further information at 345-9355 or jpchico@sbcglobal.net. 3. UPCOMING All of our field trips are open to beginning.birders. Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate. October 2, Sunday FEATHER RIVER KAYAK AND BIRD TRIP Trip Leaders: Gaylord Grams and Ken Sobon Join us for a beautiful kayaking trip down the Feather River.Please bring your own kayak, lifejacket,lunch and plenty of water as we 1 � i� meander our way down the river in search for salmon and birds( g g (the 1 X21 �k Meet under Table Mountain Bridge St. bridge in Groville fish hatchery)at 9 am.We'll then shuttle some of the cars to the finishing spat and carpool back to the starting spot.This trip will last 5 hours. Please contact Gaylord forams at 530-533-1624 or Ken at ksobon@therrnalito.org if you are interested in going. , October 8 Saturday y BIRDS OF UPPER BIDWELL PARK—YAHI TRAIL �,n Trip Leader:Wyatt Hersey Sandhill Cranes at Chico Oxidation Ponds We'll meet at Parking Lot E,just past the gun club and walk up September 14,2016 by Matt Forster to Day Camp.All birders and nature lovers are welcome, espe- cially those just learning about birds or wanting to learn about October 15, Saturday the birds of Bidwell Park. 8-11 am. Bring binoculars (some will CHICO WTP—OXIDATItON PONDS be available to borrow),water,and snack.Contact Wyatt Hersey Trip Leaders: Matt Forster.and Diego Bustarnante at skateyono@gmail.com . We'll get a personal and up ciose view of the winter waterfowl migration at the Oxidation fonds Wildlife Sanctuary at the Waste Water Treatment Plant,west of Chico.We'll have a first hand look October 9, Sunday at the returning birds from.Alaska and Canada, Northern Pintail CSUC BUTTE CREEK ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal Trip Leader:Joseph O'Neil, Certified Arborist and possibly some unexpected migrants. The walk is under 2 miles and 3 hours. For shorter„ you can walk out to the viewing We'll explore the native trees,shrubs and spring migrant birds of blind.The walk is flat and pretty easy-going. Meet at the Oxida- Butte Creek.This is a 2-3 mile intermediate hike along the creek, tion Pond parking area at 9 am. We should be back to the lot by over some frogs, and down to the pond. Green Heron, Wood 12 pm.To get to the Oxidation Ponds„go west on W 5th St from Ducks, Common Merganser, Hairy Woodpecker and Cooper's Hwy 32 in Chico. Follow W 5th St, which becomes Chico River Hawks have been some of the many species seen here.Beavers, Rd„ for 3.9 miles.The wildlife viewing parking area is 300 yards otters and jumping salmon may also be seen.Wear sturdy shoes I boots and bring water and snacks fora 3 hour hike. Meet,at the past the main entrance to the water treatment plant, on the left. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, water, walking shoes and parking lot of the preserve at 8 am, on Honey Run Road about proper clothing for the expected weather conditions. There is a 3 miles off the Skyway,just past 1182.Contact Joseph O'Neil at chemical toilet on the way out to the viewing area. Rain cancels, josephoneil@earthl'ink.net. Matthew Forster,findforster@yahoo.com 4. November 5 Saturday November 13, Sunday CHICO WTP—OXIDATION PONDS LL NO SEGO,VIEWING PLATFORM BIG SIT Trip Leaders: Wyatt Hersey and Matt Forster Trip Leaders; Mary Muchowski and Matt Forster We'll get a personal and LIP close view of the winter waterfowl Give your legs a rest and your eyes a treat on this leisurely morn- migration at the Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary at the Waste ing at Llano Seco viewing platform.Bring your lawn chair,binocu- Water Treatment Plant,west of Chico.We'll have a first hand look lass,and snacks,sit back and relax as the birds come to You.You'll at the returning birds frorn Alaska and Canada, Northern Pintail, learn to identify the waterfowl species that frequent this idyllic Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal setting.Meet at Llano Seco Viewing Platform at 9 am.Contact trip and possibiy some unexpected migrants. The walk is under 2 leader Matthew Forster @ 619-347-2269 or findforster@yahoo, miles and 3 hours. For shorter, your can walk out to the viewing com or Mary Muchowski at mmuchowski@earthlink.net blind.The walk is flat and pretty easy-going. Meet at the Oxida- tion Pond parking area at 9 am. We should be back to the lot by 12pm. To get to the Oxidation Ponds, go west on W 5th St from Hwy 32 in Chico, Follow W 5th St, which becomes Chico River Rd, for 3.9 miles.The wildlife viewing parking area is 300 yards past the main entrance to the water treatment plant, on the left. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, water, walking shoes and proper clothing for the expected weather conditions. There is a chemical toilet on the way out to the viewing area, Rain can- cels. Matthew Forster,findforster@yahoo.com or Wyatt Hersey, skateyono@gmail,com . November 12, Saturday GRAY LODGE WILDLIFE AREA#1 Trip Leader: Gaylord Grams ib Join Altacal for a walking tour at Gray Lodge.We'll walk the two- W, mile trail that includes the bird blinds after scoping the pond by gil a parking lot#14. Fall migration should be well underway. Meet at ,ap the Chico Park&Ride(lot closest to freeway)at 8 am sharp,car- pool from there,and return by 3 pm, If You would prefer,meet us at Gray Lodge(parking lot#14)at 9 am, Bring a lunch,water, $4 per person entry fee,binoculars,and a scope if you have one.For more information contact Kathy Trevino at kathytrev@sbcglobal. net or 530-520-2872, or Gaylord Grams at 530-533-1624, Pectoral Sandpiper at Chico Oxidation Ponds on September 12,2016 by Matt Forster ALTACAL S ', tins a �t r � D �. a n J ur.:✓i� � . � I Summer Tanager at Red Bluff Recreation Area August 19,2016 by Dylis Woletz Willow Flycatcher at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge September 5,2016 by Batt Forster Bird a and Dig n 9-rip REPORT July 15-17 2016 JUNIPER LAKE CAMP OUT Trip leaders Joseph O'Neil and Gaylord Grams he Audubon group arrived on opening day for camping on Juniper Lake and secured 5 sites. We enjoyed wonderful weather and great potluck dinners. We birded, kayaked and hiked the general area. 15 people participated and 42 bird species were identified. Of special interest were: Sooty Grouse, Black-backed Woodpeckers, Evening Grosbeaks, a flock of Gray Jays, and in the camping area Williamson's Sapsuckers, a nesting pair of Calliope Hummingbirds,a dozen Western Tanagers and constant Hermit Warbler activity. Thanks to Kathy Trevino for tabulating our bird count. 6. Local Chapter Membership p licatio41, e ase joint us! YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL HELP r✓� � ��'�� UdUkon`roe.ir:Erl ALTACAL AUDUBON 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 ALTACAL ACTI'VIT'IES organization with a local 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 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 b-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 C roville for over 55 years Submission of Articles Focusing on our YOUTH through to the'White-taite d Xite SCHOLARSHIPS and ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Articles for publication should be sent to Denise Devine Advocating for BIRD'S and WILDLIFE byemailto 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 While-tailed'Kite—Denise, Editor. ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP LI 1 [7] $25 Basic 0 $35 Family EJ $15 Student/Law Income 50 Sponsor1 $100 Sustaining � Additional Donation Name Address City State Zip Phone email Save Paper! Send me an email only E] New Member F-1 Renewal ] Gift J email me APtacal in Action Alerts I would be interested in volunteering to help _... Cash ] Check Date IMPORTANT: Membership in Altacal Audubon Scociety does n_ot,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, CHIC+, CA 95927-3671 ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY, INC Requested POST OFFICE BOX 3671 In-home Delivery Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage CHICO, CA 96927-3671 9/28 - 30/2016 P A I D 3-Day Window Permit No. 86 Chico, Calif. 95927 BUIFTE COUI\r1l' ADMINISTRATION OCT 0"4 2016 CURRENT RESIDENT ROVILLE,CALIFOIZ A BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 25 COUNTY CENTER DR. OROVILLE, CA 95965 ' L t ACAL ALIJukon Socicq) 'White-taiCea `ite L r a OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 DATES TO REMEMBER October 17 Through My Lams Oct 2 Feather River Kayak Oct 8 Bidwell Park-Yahi Trail November 21 Oct 9 Butte Creak Preserve Oct 15 Chico Oxidation Ponds �,����,,; SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO Oct 17 Program- Throughy Lens r Nov 5 Chico Oxidation Ponds Nov 12 Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Nov 13 Llano Seco " 464 rer errNov 21Program - S"valb ardArchipelagex AL PAIL For updated information check the Altacal website 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.