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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWhite-tailed Kite - Newsletter of the Altacal Audubon Society -`~ ~~t~~ r ~. ~ tR',5 ,~'7:>~~ 1.,.., "fit. '~ry~ / ~` ~/ !f ~53 t ~iCe ~~~~ ~ NEWSLETTER OF THE ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties of Northern California AUGUST 1 SEPTEMBER 2413 ALTACAL Prra Program Meetings for the genera! community are normally held on the third Monday of each month at 8:30 p.m., at the Chico Creek Nature Center, f968 E. 8th St. Chico. !n December the meeting is held on the second Monday and in July and August there are no Program Me Se~t~ bar Monday, September 16, 2013 6:3fl p.rn. Chico Creek Nature Center ome see extraordinary photos and hear the stories of unex pected; unpleasant, or to use another phrase, "exciting encounters" of _safaris Chris took in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zim- babwe, and Zambia between 2402 and 2414. His focus is mostly mammals but he has quite a number of bird photos, which will include Ostriches, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Vulturine Guinea Fowl, Hartlaub Francolin, Bateleur Eagles, Secretary Birds, Goliath Herons, Bee Eater species, plus more. JUL ~ 9 X013 ~ ~o~a AFRICAN ADVENTURES Presented by CHR15 BURCHFIELD p ' }~ His photos are intended to be a resource for our children today when they reach maturity. By that time," because of Africa's tre- mendouspopulation explosion, destruction of its environment, and uncontrolled poaching, these animals will exist only in enclosed parks of a #ew thousand acres each. Which is to say whatever is left will not in any sense of the word be a wild animal" Chris first became interested in wild animals at the age of five when his Uncle Jack gave him a book titled, "Jungle Animals," by "Bring `em Back Alive" Frank Buck. By dint of some gr-eat stroke of fortune, three years later his father took a jab on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, home tc tigers, orangutans, elephants, py- thonsand much more. On his return to the U.S. a year later, his interest in all things wild spread to birds because of his fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Needleman, who took the class on numerous bird walks. About this time his father completed his PhD with a study of plants in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. He took Chris and his brother an several plant hunting excursions; which wid- ened his curiosity about nature still further. As a young man he hunted in upstate New York until about the age of 23 when he quit. Still, Chris is a firm believer in hunting as a game management tocl, so long as it is done by someone else. Thus he prefers to be refierred to as a conser+rationist, or `outdoor enthusiast." Bateleur Eagle ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY Board-of Directors President VACANT Vice President STEVE OVERLOOK 530-892-0635 stephenoverlvck@sbcglobaLnet Secretary RUTH KENNEDY 530-828-3837 chicoruth2@yahoo.com Treasurer) LEANN MCCONNELL Finance 530 893-4703 Ieannmc2006@sbcglobaLnet Membership STEVE OVERLOOK 530 892-0635 stephenoverlock@sbcglobaLnet Publications 1 DENISE DEVENE Newsletter 530 345-8444 dsrdevine@hotmail.com Publicity) WAYLANDAUGUR Web Site 519-4724 wba@acm.org Field Trips KATHY TREVINO (Interim) 530 872-8837 kathytrev@sbcglobaLnet Sanctuary / MIKE BOYD Lands 1 Refuge 345-0758 boydlm@comcast.net Conservation DAWN GARCIA 872-2165 mel.dawn@sbcglobaLnet Education VACANT Programs JENNIFER PATTEN 345-9356 jpchica@sbcglobaLnet Sac NWR MARILYN GAMETTE Bookstore 343-31.54 gamettec@aoLcom Director- KATHRYN HOOD at-Large 321-2852 verdan#44@gmail.com BOARD MEETINGS 5:15 p.m. 2nd Wednesday of each month Altacal Audubon Society 15now Goose Festival Office 635 Fiume Street, Chico Altacal Audubon members are welcome to attend ALT'ACAL OUTREACH WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBE of Thermalito Afterbay by JENNIFER PATTEN A ItacalAudubon is finishing up its third year of mpnitoring and conduc#ing outreach education activities about the Western and Clark's Grebes of Thermalito Afterbay. Our outreach educa- tion is an ongoing effort to teach the public about the grebes, with funding coming from past oil spills that resulted indamages-along the Pacific coastline where the grebes spend their winters. This year has been busy far the "Grebe Team". Scott Huber, Dawn Garica, Steve Overlock, Mary Muchowski and Jennifer Patten, visited several schools, grade K-8, in Thermalito, Oroville, Gridley, and Chico, educating students and teachers about these amazing grebes with an educational pawerpoint presentation and video, "Grebes Waik on Water" from Oregon Public Broadcasting. Other outreach efforts included a grebe exhibit booth at Oroville's Salmon Festival, Earth Day events in Chico and Butte College, Oroville Wildflower & Nature Festival, Endangered Species Faire, and the Snow Goose Festival. Also continuing through the summer, our outreach exhibit boa#h will be at Larkin Cove and Monument Hill boat launches at Ther- malito Afterbay during the weekends to inform the public, boat- ers, fishermen, swimmers, kayakers about these amazing birds and sharing the lake to ensure the grebes will continue to thrive and delight all of us for generations to come. New this summer at our exhibit booth is a board game 'The Great Grebe Race" about grebes that is a hit with kids and families. Everyone wins a prize. Great way to teach and have fun at the same time on those hot summer days. 2. The "Great Grebe Race° everyone wins a prize at Thermalito Afterbay Larkin Cave, photo by Scott Huber. from tie (Vice) PYesiG~eYLt" ALTACAL AUDUBON'S POTLUCK ,.. ant! m®re by STEVE OVERLOGK, Vice President and Membership Chair veryone had a goad time at the Altacal Potluck last June. The weather was splendid, some who came made this their very first Altacal event and others were seasoned bird- ers, plus all of us in-between folks. One very special guest was LeAnn McCon- nell, Aliacal's new Treasurer. She is a charming lady and I know I speak for the Board when I offer a huge THANK YOU, and WELGOMEI With the great food and good conversation already looking fprward to next year. More birding opportunities are listed in this month's newsletter, of course, including the Lassen trip at the end of July. We could tell from Willow Lake last month that snow gear will not be nec- essary. Speaking of Willow Lake, there were some twists and turns but it was a great trip, especially Jon's sighting of the Pile- ated Woodpecker. (page 4, far those who were asking, it means capped, think mushroom, and used to signify a crest from bill to nape in a bird.} Dawn again has included some current and pertinent updates an the Sacramento Bank Swallows, a study she has played more than an integral part in for a number of years; in addition, she recen#ly alerted Altacal to some negligent action taking place at a freeway in Petaluma involving Cliff Swallows (see June's White- tailed Kite}. Unfortunately we just heard that the court has ruled in favor of Caltrans, but the concern was heard and maybe next time mare thought wiN be awarded to the protected Cliff Swallows and their habitat. We also have a link to an Otter survey sponsored by American VOLUNTEERS NEEDED River College and links to AB 711, the lead ammunition ban now suspended in the appropriations committee. Looks like the National R~idubon Convention said out, hope you were able to go and it was-a wonderful trip. Let us know if you would like to share your experiea^~ ~s. For the rest of us, there is a handful of excellent bird- photos ~on the webpage: httpalwww. audubonconvention.o[g/ Finally, if you have not seen -the short video from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology about Alaska's Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge it is very refaxing and impressive. "Every year birds from around the world migrate to the Yukon Delta...The number of birds and diversity of species that. annually visit the refuge is without equal elsewhere on the globe". httpalwww.youtube. com/watch?featu re=playerdetai Ipage&v=.4yyM EodGOjA P.S. Please note we still have BOARD VACANCIES, doesn't pay in green back but the rewards are rich nevertheless, and no experience necessary, I know from experience. 15th Annual SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL of the Pacific Flyway January 23 - 26, 2014 ' ; /~ Itacal Audbon Society plays a huge role in organizing and hosting this wonderful community f'~ ~ ~~.~`, H event. The Altacal board and several members are involved at all levels. Making a difference f;.. in our community is what we all strive to da. We-are hoping for an even more successful event this year! If you are interested in volunteering please call Jennifer Patten for further information at 530 ~ ' T ~ ~''~` 345-9356 or jpchica@sbcglobal.net. 3. Altacal Patiuck at Chico .Creek Nature Center June t 7, 2013 UP'~OIVIIVG BiricC~VaC~s and Girding 7r~s Al! of our field trips are open fa beginning birders. Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate. July 26 - 28, I"riday -Sunday LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK Trip Leader: Mary Muchowski Beat the heat and head for the high country just up the road in Lassen Volcanic National Park. This will be a great weekend to bird and socialize with our neighboring Audubon chapters. We have reserved a site at Lost Creek Group Campground. This year, WintuAudubon and possibly another chapterwill have their Lassen trip on the same weekend. We'll explore various parts of the park each day. You can join us for one or more of the hikes, kayak or canoe on your own at Manzanita Lake, explore the park on your 6wn, ar lounge in camp and let the birds come to you. The birding is great right in the campground area. We'll get together for dinner and campfire socializing in the evenings and perhaps take a night hike to look for owls. Come for all or part of the weekend. If yqu aren't interested in camping, you can join us just tar the day. Tf~ere is a $10 fee per car to enter the park and we will share the campsite fe_e. Group size is limited. if you would .<; like to jcin us or need more information, contact Mary Muchowski at 530-228-0625 or mmuchowski@earthlink,net. F {i k 7~ S ~ a ~ ~" .. 7 L ~`"~ ~ _ f ~fi. ~ ~ M 4 ~ ~ ~. . C 7 ~, , a t~ .S-~ T _ a „ 2 ~$ y~ ~ > $; ~ . ' r .. ~., ;~ _ ;t `fit ~k ' ~ ~ ~ ' ; , Pileated Woodpecker at Willow Lake by Jon Aull August 10, Saturday BUTTE MEADOWS Trip Leader: Skip Augur Meet at the Park & Ride at 7 am. (the lot closest to Hwy. 99) and caravan to'the Butte Meadows/Jonesville areas to look for warblers and other montaine species. Light hiking and carpool- ing. Bring a sack lunch. We will bird until early afternoon and then return to Chico. For mare information, contact Skip Augur at 530-519-4724. For updated information check www.altacaLorg August 31,, Saturday BIRDS & TREES WALK AT CSUC BUTTE CREEK ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE Trip leader: Joseph O'Neil, Certified Arborist We will explore the native trees, shrubs and the birds of Butte Creek. This is a 4 to 5 mile intermediate hike along the creek (and over some logs) down to the pond. Violet Green Swallows, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Osprey have been seen here in late summer. Beavers and jumping salmon may also be seen. Bring sturdy 5hoss/boots, water, and snacks. for this 3 hour hike. Meet at the parking lot of the preserve at 8 am. The preserve is on Honey Run Road about 3 miles off the Skyway, just past 1182. Far information, contact Joseph O'Neil at josephoneil@earthlink.net. September 20 - 22, Friday -Sunday POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE Trip Leader: Jennifer Patten Point Reyes National Seashore is wel!-known for its excellent birding. The seashore and surrounding areas offer many differ- ent habitats from grasslands, estuaries, and coastal scrub to forests. The projection of the Point Reyes peninsula some 10 miles seaward from the "mainland" makes Point Reyes National Seashore a landing spot for many vagrants -birds that may have made errors in navigation and thus are unexpected in this area. Each fall these vagrants seek out resting spots along the pen- insula on their way south. Some of these rarities have included Black-throated Blue Warbler, American Redstart, White-throated Sparrow, Palm Warbler and Prothonotary Warbler. We will visit these vagrant traps (resting spots), such as the Fish Docks, the lighthouse rocks and cliff areas, Abbott's Lagoon, Tpmales Bay, Drake's Beach, Bear Valley, Olema Marsh and the famous historic ranches along the way. We will camp Friday and Saturday night at Olema RV Resort and Campgrcund. Please contact Jennifer at 530-345-9356 or jpchico@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in going. Trip is limited to 12. SECOND SATURDAYBEGiNS IN OCTOBER October 12, November 9, December 14, January 11, Febru- ary 8, March 8, April 12 and May 10. More information in later newsletters. 4. Get to know NATIONAL WILDLIFE REF by LORA HALLER, Visitor Services Manager y this paint in the summer, residents in the Sacramento BValley are feeling the heat and escaping to cooler areas (even if it 9s just inside to air conditioning)! if you venture out to the Complex in August, the lack of seeing and hearing wildli#e might make you wonder what happened to all the wildlife. As the breeding season comes to an end, hormonal changes occur in adult birds which cause them to stop singing, begin to molt, and to be fairly inconspicuous. The refuges appear desolate like the calm before the migrant storm. In August at the Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, and Sutter NWRs, the staff finish their habitat enhancement projects (mow- ing and discing) and begin to slowly flood the seasonal marshes. Wa#er management, specifically the timing, depth, and duration of the water, is one of the most important techniques used at the Complex to provide great wetland habitat and control invasive species. Water is delivered to the refuges through the local irri- gation districts and the refuge irrigators control the exact depths through wooden boards at thousands of culverts on a refuge. The controlled amount and timing of the fall floodups attempt to mimic the historic wetland patterns and aid in the maximum amount of food produc#ion for waterfowl. ~p U.B. ¢ FISHSEliV lCE UGES! PART 4 ~~ These slowly filling pools of water provide the perfect habitat for the first migrants to appear: shorebirds. The refuges appear as an open oasis amongst the thickly vegetated and water de- creasing rice fields. As the water spreads across the refuges, mare migrants begin to arrive including green-winged teal and northern pintails in late August. In September, those ofi us living in the Sacramento Valley be- gin to get excited by the returning sound of white-fronted geese flying over at night. One night last September yielded tens of thousands of white-fronted geese who suddenly appeared af- ter achange in weather pattern. The next morning, refuge staff and locals "flocked" to the Sacramento NWR auto tour to watch as thousands of geese streamed in their "V" formation bearing straight onto the refuge. As the summer comes to a close, it is a time to not get depressed about the end of summer or the change in seasons, but rather get energized and prepared for the influx of migrating birds. lt's a good time to review your shorebird and waterfowl iden#ification for the large quantity and diversity of birds will be here be#ore you know it. Join us in looking a:°~' "tening for their return! Si~htir~,gs Sightings rn the Butte, Glenn or Tehama counties please send them to dsrdevineQhotmail.cam SACRAMENTO VALLEY OTTER PROJECT e received a friendly note from American River College folks W in Sacramento that they have initiated an Otter project and would Pike our help. Here is the link to the description http:Ilwww. arc.lasrios.edulottersRnd if you've seen an otter lately, here is the link to submit your sighting. http:lltinyurLcomlg7o6a7g Sounds like a good cause and offering some college students an oppor- tunity for hands on scientific experience. MAY 3, 2013 SCOTT HUBER - L_awrence's Goldfinch pair frequenting the fiddleneck flowers an the northwest side of the shop at the l3C- CE=R headquarters meadow. Hoping they're breeders. MAY 5 -During GLENN COUNTY BIG DAY, terrific birding be- tween Co Rd. 306 and Plaskett Meadow with great looks at Moun- tain Quail, White-headed Woodpecker and Golden Eagles. Biggest surprise were Sage Sparrows which, according to ebird, are not at all unprecedented there (in the chapparal zone). JUNE 15, 2013 JAY BOGIATTO & SHELLY KIRN -Yellow-hilted Cuckoo flew across the road from south to north, "directly in front of our car, at the east end of the Butte City Bridge. It appeared to be carrying a large insect (or some other food item). " 5. View ofi Lassen Peak on Willow Lake hike ~~~ Conservation Corner by PAWN GARCIA, Conservation Chair CQNSERVATION STRATEGY In#roduced #n Help SACRAMENTO RIVER BANK SWALLOWS! Itacal Audubon Society is proud of their contribution to the Bank Swallow Conservation Strategy. Conservation Chair Dawn Garcia has been involved with the state threatened spe- cies since her Bank Swallow thesis project and graduation in 2009. Representing Altacal and CSU, Chico, she is part of the Bank Swallow Technical Advisory Committee (BANS-TAC) and contributed language to the document. Recently, the Conserva- tion Strategy was distributed to Sacramento Feather River land managers to guide projects that may impact Bank Swallows. Attached is the Executive Summary introduction to the strat- egy. if anyone is interested in a copy, please email Dawn at conservation @ altacal.arg BANK SWALLOW TECHNICALADVISORY COMMITTEE A BANK SWALLOW CONSERVATION STRATEGY FOR THE SACRAMENTO RIVER WATERSHED EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Bank Swaflaw is aState-listed Threatened Species and is intima#ely tied to natural river processes; its presence in sustain- able numbers is an indicator of a healthy river system on which many of California's specie~a'" wend. Most Bank Swallows in California nest along the Sacramento River and its tributaries, excavating burrows in vertical banks crea#ed by natural river processes. Natural river processes include bank erosion and deposition resulting from lateral migration of rivers within their natural meander belt and floodplain. The population of Bank Swallows using the Sacramento River system has been estimated by counting burrows and has trend- ed downward from 24,580 burrows in 1986 to 15,000 burrows in 2012, Burrow numbers on the Feather River have also declined, from almost 6,600 in 1987 to 2,320 in 2012. The continued de- cline of the Bank Swallow population in California coincides with the increase of rock revetment placed an the banks of the Sacramento River between Red Bluff and Calusa, from 50,000 linear feet (10 miles) in 1970 to 275,000 linear feet (52 miles) in 2010; and 64,000 linear feet (12 miles) of revetment on the Feather River. Nesting Bank Swallows have also been affected by alterations to the river's natural hydrology with the installation of wafer storage and flood control facilities, primarily dams. The Bank Swallow Technical Advisory Committee (BANS-TAC) is a diverse coalition of State and federal agency and nongov- ernmental organization personnel, created in response to the continued decline of Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) populations ~ on the Sacramento River. The BANS-TAC's mission is to promote collaborative long-term conserva- ~; tion and recovery of the Bank Swal- law along the Sacramento River, its r ~, ~ tributaries, and other areas through- ., . <' ~ '~ Y.~ out California by coordinating and supporting monitoring and research, habitat restoration and management, and outreach and educa- tion. To that end, the BANS-TAC has produced a conservation strategy to provide direction to better protect and recover the Bank Swallow in California, as well as benefit the many other species dependent on natural river systems. To recover the Bank Swallow population in California, natural river processes will have to be restored on a significant portion of the Sacramento River and its tributaries. Many of the cur- rent flood management activities will have to be modified and replaced with more sus#ainable ones, and past habitat modifica- tion will have to be reversed. Spring and summer flow regimes that inundate or erode active colonies will have to be modified. Specifically, the Bank Swallow Conservation Strategy recommends: '[. avoiding new impacts to river processes as well as to exist- ing nesting habitat and colonies using current data; consulting with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; maintaining appropriate construction buffers; using alternativesta bank sta- bilization; and maintaining non-impacting Flow regimes during the nesting season. 2. protecting suitable habitat by acquiring permanenteasements or fee-title to parcels with existing colonies and suitable nesting habitat; and reestablishing and reconnecting river flaadplains. 3. restoring nesting habitat and river processes on the Sacra- mento and Feather Rivers by removing 53 miles of revetment and restoring 12,000 acres of floodplain by 2050; and manag- ing flow regimes to improve floodplain connectivity and reduce inundation impacts to nesting Bank Swallows. 4. mitigating unavoidable impacts to Bank Swallow habitat and river processes by removing revetment from poten#ial nesting habitat at a 2:1 ratio, and conserving existing nesting habitat at a 1:1 ratio for impacts to suitable nesting habitat; removing revet- ment from potential nesting habitat at a 1:1 ratio, and conserving (Continued on page 7.) 6. Update on CLIFF SWALLOWS Impacted by CALTRANS Petaluma River Bridge Project n our last newsletter I alerted you to a tragedy for Cliff Swa!- laws attempting to nest underthe Petaluma River Bridge over- pass. Caitrans contractor's CC Meyer's had installed exclusion- ary netting in an effort to keep the swallows from building nests prior to construction. Birds were incidentally captured ~~'~ ~ ~ p and died in the poorly in- stalled netting. Many pho- `~.~. .. ~4, tos and videos were taken ` 4 !' by Veronica Bowers, the founder of Native Song- °~ bird Care and Canserva- 'fit `~ 4u. tion {httpa/nativesong- birdcare.orglJ, her volunteers and others, and a petition was instigated to have Cal#rans remove the netting. Below and written by Susan Kirks, President of the Madrone Audubon Society, is a synopsis of how the event unfolded and the resulting legal action. From Susan Kirks - 4/eranica discovered migrating CIlff Swal- lows entrapped, dying and dead, !n shoddily-applied exclusion netting by CC Myers, Inc,, a contractor of CalTrans, tar a fed- erally funded highway project, Highway 101 Marin Narrows Widening, a project not exempf from the Federal Government. She took swift and persistent action, which was not answered by those responsible. She documented daily what she was w!t- nessing, reported to State and Federal agencies (who did little to nothing), and, still, birds became entrapped and continued to die. I believe i/eronlca documented close to i00 total bird deafhs, the majority of those Cliff Swallows. !n mid May, Native Songbird Care & Conservation, Center for Bio- logical Diversity, Madrane Audubon, Marin Audubon and Gallen Gate Audubarr fried a federal complaint against the Federal High- way TransportatianAdminlstraflon, CalTrans, and Malcolm Dough- etry of the State of California. Anima! Legal Defense Fund coor- dinated our lawsuit and presentation in court !n conjunction with Meyer, GIltzensfein and Crystal of Washington, D. C. The complaint requested an injunction to STOP the highway project and work at the Petaluma River Bridge and Lakev!!!e Highway Overpass anti! Supplemental Enviranrnental review is completed, and to allow the Cliff Swallow nesting season for 2013 to complete. The hearing was held in 9th Disfrict Circuit Court an Thursday, June 27fh. A decision by the Judge !s expected by July 2nd. CalTrans planned to ramp up heavy construction !n immediate proximity io active nests and now young swallows out of nests an July i. Because of 1/eronlca Bowers, we a!1 came Together and took ao- Lion. In addition, Assemblymember Marc Levine has facilitated a requirement for CalTrans to consult with conservation and commu- nitygroups on Bridge work and bird exclusion or aeoommodation - connected to their Budget from t~ ~`~~ ate -for the 2014 budget year and in subsequent years. Fallowing through from this action could positively Impact highway construction projects involving bridges and exclusionary methods in the State of California. Unfortunately the court has ruled in favor of Caltrans, but the concern was heard and maybe next time more thought will be awarded to the protected Cliff Swallows and their habitat. Press Democrat article:http:/Itinyurl.comlmbd69wj (Continued from page 6.) existing nesting habitat at a 1:1 ratio for impacts to nesting habi- #at that iS not currently suitable; and mitigating far flows that in- undate Bank Swallow nests during the nesting season. ]n addition to improving conditions far Bank Swallows, these ac- tions will protect and restore natural river processes that c~n- tribute to the ecosystem services that our rivers provide: nutri- ent transport, fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, and flood protection. Stewardship of the Bank Swallow is one step toward managing our floodplains and rivers in a way that provides ben- efits for people and wildlife. LEAD AMMO BAN Below are a number of links Altacal is currently involved in. For more information please contact Dawn or Steve O NRA's position on AB 711 Hunt For Truth - hf#p:l/www. huntfortruth.orglsite/ Audubon California's position http:lift nyu rl.co mll9pac4h Recent editorial by Sacramento Bee httpa/tinyurl.comlcpnfzhh 7. Bird-~aC~ aid BircCin~ drip May 5, 2033 GLENN COUNTY BIG DAY Trip Leader: Scott Huber fight birders logged over a hundred miles and enjoyed a E snowstorm in May in order to find the most birds possible in neighboring Glenn County. 323 species were observed along a route that followed Highway 162 from near Butte City all the way up tc Plaskett Meadows. Highlights included a group of Golden Eagles feeding on a calf carcass near 5tonyford, Sage Sparrows in the chapparal belt and great visuals of Mountain Quail near the summit. May 11, 2013 SECOND SATURDAY GIRDING THE CHtCO OXIDATION PONDS Trip leaders: Raina King and Steve King For the May Second Saturday field trip, we headed to the Oxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary. Ten of us braved the predicted warm weather fog; -"` '~?.~fternoon. But, add a slight breeze and the walking conditions were pretty nice. On the walk to the ponds in back, we picked up Western Scrub- Jay, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Killdeer, Red- tailed Hawk, American Crvw, Brewers Blackbird, House Finch, Spotted Towhee and a few others. And the Belted Kingfi Sher that we usually get was on the power lines as well. The swallows were in abundance. We saw Tree, Northern Rough-winged, Cliff and Barn Swallows, The amount of waterfowl in the ponds this time of the year is much lower than in the winter but there was still a lot to see. We had Canada Geese, Gadwall, Mallard, Cinnamon Teat, Ring-necked Duck and Ruddy Ducks. A small flock of Ameri- can White Pelican were seen flying above. Also on ar around the ponds were American Caot, Pied-Billed Grebe, Clark's Grebe, Great Blue Heron and Great Egret. Yellow-headed Blackbird and Great~taiied Grackle were on scene as we worked our way towards the back of the ponds. Behind the ponds along Little Chico Creek, we enjoyed great views of aGreat-horned Owl family as well as a few Buttock's Oriole, and Lesser Gotdfi nch. And a small flock of Cedar Wax- wing flew past. Fourty One species in to#al, which was a very respectable number! Thanks to everyone who came out. June 1, 2013 BIRDS & TREES WALK CSUC BUTTE CREEK ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE Trip Leaders: Joseph O'Neil; Skip Augur and Pam Hansen /~ ' e had a beautiful morning a# the Butte Creek Ecological Pre- V serve Honey Run Unit. There were around 15 participants from seasoned vets to a young very enthusiastic birder. This is one of my favorite places to hike, from its geological Tuscan formations that make up the canyon to the sheer beauty of the creek. Girding is about compiling clues, so t feel it is important for birders to gain a better understanding of their local trees and plants. We started with the basic trees, cottonwoods, sycamores, willows, and Grey Pines, and then got into the subtle differences of the local oak trees. There is a magnificent example of an Oracle Oak which is a rare hybrid between an Interior Live Oak and a Black Oak. My personal favorite tree, the Blue Oak, was identified by the blue cast to its leaves, white trunk, and broccoli shaped habit of the mature specimens. Alders that typically grow right in the water were highlighted with their unique mark where the branch attaches and their seed catkins, which is a food source for many birds. Not to forget our feathered friends, we saw Acorn Woodpeckers in the Grey Pines next to a granary snag peppered with acorns. Violet- green, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged Swaltows were Flitting around consuming bugs. Apair of Belted Kingfishers was rattling up and down the creek visiting their cavity nest in the bank. We were hearing the many calls and songs of Yellow-breasted Chats, and eventually got a good look at one. Phatnopeplas were munching on mulberry-fruit. A few of us gat to see a mother Gommon Mer- ganser and her ducklings scurry across the pond. Western Pand Turtles were seen basking in the sun with a lone Double-crested Cormorant holding court, Anna's Hummingbirds were buzzing about seeking out tube-shaped flowers. We also got to see a Bushtit nest in a Live Oak and a Black Phoebe nest under the shelter of the entrance kiosk. The biggest surprise of the morning was at the sandy beach where we were enjoying Chinook Salmon jumping out of the water. Down creek we saw a young Black Bear hanging out and cooling off. At one point he smelled us but was just happy like us to be at the creek. 8. Black Bear in Butta Creek by Steve Overlock May 25, 2013 BUTTE COUNTY BIG DAY 134 Species Dawn Garcia, Mary Muchowski, Mauricio Schrader, Ken Soban W e had the most beauti#ul day and the best luck for our Butte Gounty Big Dayl Ken, Mauricio and !met at the Chico Park & Ride at lam. We hit Macintosh Rd first to try for the i~looded Oriole, which flew to a palm frond right above us. That set the "fuck-factor" for the rest of the day! We then headed out West Sac, Yellow-billed Magpie to Indian Fisheries, where we picked up.most of the riparianloak woodland species as well as Ash throated Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Wood Duck, Common Yellowthroat, Bullock's Orioles, and a Townsend's Warbler. We saw many baby birds today - at Indian Fisheries we saw fledgling White-breasted Nuthatches, towhees, and Oak Titmice. On the way to the Oxidation Ponds we stopped by the Washout and picked up Forster's Terns, Northern Rough- winged Swallows, Bank Swallow, Osprey, Yetlow Warbler, and Common Merganser. Then we met up with Dawn at the Chico Oxidation Ponds, where we were greatly surprised with the species we added Here: American Bittern, Belted Kingfisher, Btue Grosbeak (pair), Yeltow-headed Blackbird, Great Horned Owls, Black-necked Stilt,-and more duck species than we ex- pected:Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, Gadwalt, Ruddy Duck, Matlard, and Redhead! There was also a lone Greater White- fronted Goose, and the poor Clark's Grebe that has been there for a couple of years now. As we were driving out, Dawn spotted a small flock of American White Pelicans flying over. Since all of us have been extremely busy, we did not have a route planned out and none of us had time to scout, so we winged it from here. We headed up to towards Forest Ranch where we picked up the Golden Eagle nestling in the eyrie (thanks Scott), Wrentit, and Blue-gray Gnatca#cher. At the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve, we called for and heard Northern Pygmy- Owls. Lark Sparrow {Dawn commenting that she thought she hasn't documented thorn there), Lazuli Bunting, and pair of Lawrence's Goldfinches feeding on fiddlenecks, all of us extremely happy since it has been a long time since any of us hate seen them..Acouple of bright male Western Tanagers with one male having the most red on his head that we've ever seen - beautiful!! In Forest Ranch we added Steller's Jay, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-breasted Sapsucker, and saw a family of Bushtits, with about 10 fledglings all sitting close together on several different-branches - so cute! eushtit nest at Butte Creek Ecological Preserve by Steve bveriock We decided to go on up to Butte Meadows area #o try for some more forest birds and picked up Olive-sided Flycatcher, Black- throatedGray Warbler, Mountain Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and a female White-headed Woodpecker in a nest cavity. We missed Mountain Quail, Pileated Woodpecker (despite the fact that we called far them in many places, and saw fairly fresh signs) and Hermit Thrush. We took the back way over to Magalia and picked up Warbling Vireo and Townsend's Solitaire. Then at DeSabla, we got our first MacGiilivray's Warbler of the day, and our first Song Sparrow started singing just as we were getting back in the car to leave. After eating a quick dinner at a taco truck in Paradise, we headed down to Oroville, trying for the Burrowing Owls on Durham Pentz Road, but they weren't around. Driving south on Hwy 99, we stopped on Nelson to pick up Tri- cotared Blackbird, which we saw the first time we pulled over. Then a few minutes later on Hwy 99, we had a Green Heron and a Snowy Egret fly over us, and then we spotted a Black Tern flying over the rice fields and canals to the west of us. At the Thermalito Afterbay, we picked up Ring-billed Gulls and three l3onaparte's Gulls as well as Western Grebes (some pairs doing courtship displays). As-the sun started #o go dawn, we started to feel the rush of trying to get a few more species. We quickly drove down to Larkin Cove and picked up Great-tailed Grackle. Back in the car and over to the Feather River Nature Center where aRufous-crowned Sparrow was waiting for us perched on a short post only about 10 feet from the road. We also picked upWhite-Throated Swifts and heard a Phainopepla. We ended the day trying tc pick up the Black-crowned Night-Herons on the Feather River, but they were probably already out foraging by the time we got to one of their normal roost sites. All in all, an excellent day of birding! We had the most perfect weather we could have asked for, and we all enjoyed being to- gether for this long but incredible day of locating and watching '134 species of birds in Butte County. 9. RIVER VIIATCHER luebirds nested in the bird baz I placed in the alive orchard behind our garden fence this year. They ag- gressively guarded against jays and other threats to successfully raise three hatchlings. Our green back yard became the training ground far those fledglings to learn the fine art of seeing and catching insects. Bluebirds watch the turf from a limb, a fence post, and even our clothesline, and then flutter dawn to snatch an invisible-to-me buggy morsel from the grass. Their eyesight is incredible! Na seeds for the hlood-#hirsty little Bluebird! "`-'. All flycatcher type of birds have an eye for insects. The large summertime array of flycatcher species are on the watch and you don't realize the air is so infiltrated with flying insects until you see a bird dash out to snatch one. Sibley lists about 30 tyrant flycatcher species in western America, all migratory in following insect activity, except the Black Phoebe that lingers along the river throughout winter to catch insects hovering over the water. Some species think they are flycatchers, such as Acorn Woodpeckers and Phainopeplas, but they chase without grace, clumsily making an occasional strike. The swallows, swifts, and martins akso catch flying insects, al- though they are more constantly aloft. It is a thing of beauty to see the aerial antics of swallows dipping and diving as if flying was the greatest thing in the world, and in-between swoops they scoop their supper. Cliff Swallows skim the water for a drink, and it seems they never rest until tending the mud nests, at which time they flutter to puddles to collect a mouthful of mud. by REX BURRESS Most bridges in Butte County feature Cfiff Swallows. They dash to nests and dash into the sky, but come to rest at night when the bats take over. We don't need pesticides if we take care of our birds and bats. Most snag trees along the Feath- er River harbor Tree SwalEows during the nesting time, and the less common Bank Swallows excavate a tunnel to house their offspring. Each bird species has a particular life style that gives them an identity. "...But each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star..." Same, like the Bluebirds, make their insect catches on the ground. The galiinaceous ground hunters such as quail, pheasants, and grouse are quite good at scavenging the soil for whatever creepy crawler or seed they can ftnd. Speaking of an eye for insects, some insects also have excep- tional eyes. Dragonflies are noted for their large eye complexes and the ability to snatch airbarne. insects as efficiently as a feathered flycatcher. No one has a better eye for insects than naturalist Joe Willis at Quincy, CAl He crawls around the wildflowers taking marvelous pictures of a myriad of insects most people overlook. Nature wi!! bear the closesf inspection. She invifes us fo lay our eye level faith her smallest leaf, and take an insect vieav of its plain. - Henry David Thoreau Western Bluebird by Steve King 10. gal h`` . ~n- Membership Application Please join us! YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL HELP ALTACALAUDUBON SOCIETY CONTINUE ITS IMPORTANT WORK. Altacal Audubon Society (AAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. AAS is a separately incorporated non-profi# organization with a local chapter membership. 144% of member- ship dues goes to support local projects and activities. AAS is an all-volunteer organization that conducts all of its programs with unpaid staff. We offer regularly scheduled field trips that focus on birds and bird habitats; membership meetings with media presentations on birds and related topics; a bi-monthly newsletter, the White-tailed Kite; website www.altacal.orgl; and advocacy to protect and conserve local habitats as well as special projects and programs. Submission of Articles to the ~Nhite-taiCed-.?Cite Articles for publication should be sent to Denise Devine by email to dsrdevine@hatmail.com on the first of the month, prior to the next issue. THANKS to all of you who contribute regularly by sending in reports, articles and photos far the White-tailed Kite -Denise, Editor. '~'ALT,n,CAL ,~~, ~, ~, Audui~an 5ociet~ // OTHER ALTACAL ACTIVITIES Major sponsor, participant and fiscal agent for the annual SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL Founder and ongoing supporter of the CHICO CREEK NATURE CENTER Sponsor of the City of Chico OXIDATION IPONDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Leading annual CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS in Chico and Oroville for over 55 years Focusing on our YOUTH through SCHOLARSHIPS and ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Advocating for BIRDS and WILDLIFE when they are threatened Conducting surveys and participating in AVIAN RESEARCH PROJECTS ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY EI'~BESHI I~P'LICATION ^ $20 Basic Membership ^ $50 Sponsor ^ $50Q Patron ^ $35 Family ^ $100 Sustaining ^ $1000 Benefactor ^ $10 Low Income 1 Student /Retired Name Address City_ Phone _ ^ Save Paper! Send me an email version only ^ email me Alfaca! in Action Alerts ^ I would be interested in volunteering to help email 5#ate dip ^ New Member ^ Renewal ^ Gift ^ Cash ^ Check Date IMPORTANT: Membership inAltacal Audubon Seociety 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.audubvn.orgl Please make check payable to ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY Mail to AAS, P.O. BOX 3671, CHICO, CA 95927-3671 ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC POST OFFICE BOX 3671 CH ICO, CA 95927-3671 ,~^ Requested In-home Delivery 7129 - 311201 3 3-Day Window CURRENT RESIDENT ,~ ~ .:_ ., ~' ; ~' .~~.. -AL-rACp,~.. ,~~ , "~ Auc~u~on Socir.P~. BUTTE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION JUL 2 9 2013 ORpVILLE, CALIFORNIA Fg_ ~':~::t~ ..,---....moo.,..,.,,. BOARD OF 5UPERV150R5 25 COUNTZ' CENTER DR. OR©VkLLI=, CA 95965 white-taiCecC~Cite AUGUST /SEPTEMBER 2013 DATES TO REMEMBER Jul 26-28 Lassen Volcanic National Park Aug 10 Butte Meadows Aug 31 Butte Creek Ecological Preserve Sep 16 hrogramMeeting-AFRICA Sep 24-22 Point Reyes National Seashore Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAI D Permit No. 86 Chico, Calif. 95927 SEPTEMBER 16 AFRICA For updated information check the Altacal website www.altacal.org PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER ALTACAL Pry rams F}~:~~I>>J;~==~1i=iii=Eli~'=i~~11~,1:~~:tlfl~~;~i::~~i~i,l~rf~i Mission: Ta promote the awareness, appreciation and protection of native birds and their habitats through education, research and environmental activities.