7

M&O Serials QL 671 G84

(V\U v' ; (l

Volume 62 Berkeley, Calif.

0164-971X

fii

CALIFORNIA

j ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ||

December 1980 Number 11

Oakland Christmas Bird Count - 1980

This is the 81st year of National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count and it wall be held regardless of weather conditions on Sun- day, December 21.

Last year Oakland again led the other Society chapters with 213 participants (185 in the field and 28 counting at feeders). As you can see, feeder count participation is a very important part of our being the best-attended count in the world, so this year I would like to place a special emphasis on feeder census work. Please remember that the more people participating gives a more reliable census and you don’t have to be 20 years old and capable of climbing Everest to be of value in this most important field work.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME. THERE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO DO NO MATTER WHAT YOUR LEVEL OF EXPERTISE. DON’T BE SHY - WE NEED YOU!

Naturally, the more familiar you are with an area the more birds you are likely to see because you don’t have to spend so much time watching where you put your feet. We would like to encourage all of last year’s participants to join us again this year and take the same areas. All group leaders will receive a list of the rarer birds for each area, but remember that when a new bird shows up it won’t be on any lists, so don’t give up hope for a rarity no matter how dull your area may seem. You never know where the little rascals are going to show up.

If you have never participated in a count before and want to find out what you’ve been missing, call the compiler, Doug Gomke, at 885-1480

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December 1980

any time between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. If you have a feeder and would like to participate, call the GGAS office and Jerry Emory will send you a count form and instructions.

The participation fee this year will be the same as last — $1.50 per person. This is really necessary to defray the cost of compiling and print- ing up the results of the census.

The apres-count bash (soup, bread and hot drinks provided) will be held at the Trinity Methodist Church (same place as last year) at the corner of Bancroft Way and Dana in Berkeley. The church entrance is at 2362 Bancroft Way. Please bring along an extra pair of shoes if it’s a muddy day so we don’t wipe out the church floor.

Everyone attending the dinner and tally will be expected to bring either a salad or dessert: A-M folks should bring a dessert and N-Z people should bring a salad. If your last name begins with “P” but you consider yourself an “A” person, bring a salad anyway. If you have any questions about food please contact Deborah Hirt at 383-5337 (evenings). If you have any questions about anything else to do with the count contact me.

-DOUG GOMKE. 885-1480, Compiler

Oakland Christmas Count to Benefit Mono Lake

The social event of the season is going to sponsor a worthy cause with a “people-thon.” It is hoped that count participants will be able to make a voluntary donation (we are hoping for $2 per person) to the Mono Lake Defense Fund. The more volunteers participating in the Christmas Count the better coverage we’ll have and the more donations we’ll receive.

There will be more on our Mono Lake Defense Fund drive in future issues of The Gull. Watch for the next exciting event and share in the fun ( and work ) .

— AFTON CROOKS, Conservation Committee’s Mono Lake Chairman

Field Trips Calendar

See the November Gull for details on the following trips:

Saturday, December 13 — Reforesting Golden Gate Park.

Saturday/ Sunday December 13-14 — Sacramento and Gray Lod^e Wildlife Refuges.

Published each month except August by the Golden Gate Audubon Society , office address 2718 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705. Second class postage paid in Berkeley, CA. ( THE GULL - USPS 417-705)

174

December 1980

THE GULL

Saturday, December 6 — Oursan Trail. We will take a four or five- mile walk around Briones Reservoir on EBMUD’S Oursan Trail to see ducks, geese and land birds. Take Hwy. 24 east to the Orinda turnoff, turn left and follow the San Pablo Dam Rd. about two miles to Bear Creek turnoff; turn right and drive about two miles more to the EBMUD Briones Staging Area, just south of the park entrance. Wildcat Canyon Dr. across Tilden Park from the top of Spruce St. in Berkeley will also take you to Bear Creek Rd. If we have had a substantial rain that week we will bird in Briones Park because Oursan will be impassible. Meet at 9 a. m. and bring your lunch. Leaders: Gene Hull (525-6893) and Pat Triggs (664-8502).

Sunday, December 7 — Lake Merced. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Lake Merced Circle at the south end of Sunset Blvd. in San Francisco. Lunch is optional. We expect to see wintering land and water birds. Leader: Aileen Pierson (587-4163).

Wednesday, December 10 — Briones Regional Park. Meet at 9 a.m. in the second parking lot at the Bear Creek Rd. entrance. From Hwy. 24 take the Orinda exit, turn left on Camino Pablo Rd., then go north two miles to Bear Creek Rd. (Briones Park) and east for four miles to the park entrance. Lunch optional. Trip cancelled if rain. Leaders: Delpha deTimefeev and Ruth Voss (525-8032).

Tuesday, December 30 — Lake Merced. See Sunday, December 7, for details. Leader: Dan Murphy (564-0074).

GIVE ANO NUEVO FOR CHRISTMAS

Saturday, February 14 — Bus trip to Ano Nuevo. We have made arrangements with SAM /TRANS to reserve a bus for GGAS members and friends to visit Ano Nuevo State Reserve. Guide service will be provided by Reserve staff and a GGAS leader will accompany each group. This trip to see the elephant seals is among the most popular excursions in the Bay Area, so reserve early. SAM/TRANS will hold the bus until December 30 so all reservations must be in the GGAS office by December 29. Make checks payable to Golden Gate Audubon Society in the amount of $5.75 per person. Send your check and self-addressed stamped envelope to the GGAS office, 2718 Telegraph Ave. #206, Berke- ley, CA 94705. Confirmation will be mailed to the first 37 respondents with further details.

It will be necessary for each person to reach the starting point at the Hillside Shopping Center before 8:30 a.m. departure time. Carpool arrangements can be made through the usual GGAS field trip carpooling service.

175

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December 1980

We expect to see Northern Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals and a fine variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. Bring scopes, comfortable shoes for a three-mile walk, liquids and lunch. Leaders: Jon Zablackis (527- 2083) and Dick Johnson (503-7118).

Carpooling arrangements can be made for trips marked (\/)- Call Kate Partridge at 263-9853 (Richmond) and leave a message. She will contact yon.

Problems: If for any reason yon have difficulty getting in touch with a field trip leader or need information regarding a trip, call Dan Murphy (564-0074) or the GGAS office (843-2222).

THANKS, EVERYONE

Another year has passed so it is time once again to thank all those who gave of their time and effort to make our field trips successful. Leaders invested numerous hours in scouting, preparing for and leading our 80- plus excursions. It should be remembered that their only reimbursement was the satisfaction of sharing special birding sites, hiking trails and outdoor experiences with those of us who have joined them in the field. We also thank those who participated in these trips and contributed to their success.

Needless to say, you fine leaders will be hearing from us as we arrange the 1981 field trips. If you participated in our trips during the past year we are sure you will continue to enjoy our outings. In fact, you could give your friends a wonderful gift at any time during the year by intro- ducing them to a GGAS field trip. Once again thank you for your tireless efforts. Those of us on the field trips committee wish von a very haopv holiday season.

Kate Partridge , Jon Zablackis, Peter White, Ruth Voss, Marie Mans, Betty Short and Dan Murphy-FIELD TRIPS COMMITTEE.

October Observations - Through October 29

Generally unfavorable weather produced a rather poor October for most eastern species. Nearly all of the best birds were of Eurasian origin. Pelagic birding has been below expectations all fall, with most birds scarce and rarities few.

SWIMMERS

The first Northern Fulmar and only Manx Shearwater reported were off Moss Landing and Monterey respectively Sept. 27 ( SFB, et al. ) . New Zealand Shearwaters were virtually absent except for 75 at Cordell Banks Oct. 19 (BDP, et al.). The only Flesh-footed Shearwater was off Monterey Oct. 11 (AS, mob). A Wilson’s Storm-Petrel was seen in the

176

December 1980

THE GULL

Monterey Bay Hock Oct. 12 and 19 (JM, et al.). On the former day it was chummed close to the boat with a mixture of oatmeal and oil. This strategy of attraction is too little used in California.

Birders detected almost as many female Eurasian Wigeons as males: females at Muddy Hollow Oct. 19 (JML) and Five Brooks Pond Oct. 26 (GF, DP), males at Muddy Hollow Oct. 6 (JE), Bolinas Lagoon Oct.

26 (GF), and Abbotts Lagoon Oct. 27 (DS). Single Tufted Ducks re- turned to Muddy PIollow Oct. 3-6 ( RW, et al. ) and Abbotts Lagoon Oct.

27 (DS). A Harlequin Duck swam below Fish Docks Oct. 11-14 (FB, et al.). Oldsquaws love harbors; one was in Moss Landing Oct. 26 ( AHh, et al.).

HAWKS AND OWLS

An albino Red-tailed Hawk over San Rafael Sept. 28 (BN) poses the question of its relationship to the famous “High Voltage” that formerly wintered near Rodeo Lagoon. At Point Diablo seven more migrating Broad-winged Hawks were recorded: three Sept. 28 (JL, MAS), an immature Sept. 30 (TG), and on Oct. 18 an immature, a subadult, and a rare fully-adult bird (SFB, et al.). Another Broad-wing visited Chicken Ranch Beach, Point Reyes, Sept. 24 (RS), and one flew over Robinson Canyon, Monterey County, Oct. 17 (TS). Observers spotted tardy Swain- son’s Hawks at Carmel River Mouth Oct. 11 (?) and near Byron Oct. 23 (DE, AGr, CL). A Prairie Falcon on SE Farallon Sept. 23 was only the second recent record and fourth ever for the island, and only one Bam Owl had been seen there before this month’s on the 9th (PRBO). Not off the mainland but more surprising was the Spotted Owl in the Point Reyes Lighthouse trees Oct. 2-3 (RH, KH, GW, RS, et al.).

CHARARDRIIFORMES

Presumably the same Mongolian Plover was refound at Moss Landing Oct. 3, this time roosting with Snowy Plovers on the Jetty Road beach at high tide (JWa, RWa, GP). Alas, it was not relocated. A Mountain Plover ran on Hall Ranch fields Oct. 19 (LH). Again the Lodi Sewage Ponds hosted inland American Golden Plovers, four Oct. 18 (JML). A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper stayed at Agate Beach, Bolinas, only minutes on Sept. 27 (EGo, DDeS, et al.), but one was found roosting with Dun- lins on Kent Island in Bolinas Lagoon Oct. 22-24 (PP, LS, et al.). A molting adult male Ruff at Salinas River Mouth Sept. 27 still had barred flank feathers ( RS, et al.). A female Ruff stopped at Watsonville Sewage Ponds Sept. 28-30 (RS, et al., RJ, RD).

Two Long-tailed Jaegers were found off Monterey Sept. 28 (RS, et al.). Stockton Sewage Ponds hosted a fine variety of larids, beginning Oct. 2 with a first year Sabine’s Gull, adult and first year Franklin’s Gulls, and a first year Common Tern (all DE, JF). Two first year Franklin’s Gulls

177

THE GULL

December 1980

were there Oct. 17-20 (JML, et al), and tire adult Little Gull returned Oct. 15-23 (EHy, JML, et al, NB). Pelagic birders identified six Craveri’s Murrelets off Monterey Oct. 5 (DE, RLeV, GH, et al), and two or three Tufted Puffins were in the area Oct. 11 ( AS, mob ) .

WESTERN, NORTHERN AND EURASIAN VISITORS

A White-winged Dove was seen at Willows, Point Reyes, Sept. 30 (JS, et al.). An unidentified parrot at SE Farallon Sept. 29 was thought a possible Thick-billed or Maroon-fronted (PRBO), but these would be exceedingly unlikely regardless of origin. Lewis’ Woodpecker can be bewildering, as when discovered foraging on the Bay shore of Point Pinole Oct. 2 (CJ). Reports included five Tropical Kingbirds: Rodeo Lagoon Sept. 25-28 (DW, CG, RDi, mob), Abandoned Ranch Oct. 6 (RS), two at Point Pinos Oct. 12 (mob), Seaside Oct. 19 (DN), and Asilomar Oct. 28 (mob). A Gray Flycatcher found SE Farallon Sept. 22 (PRBO).

Following last year’s schedule, the Common Skylark returned to Hall Ranch Oct. 25 (BDP, JP, JML) and was still present at this writing (mob). Let’s hope it stays longer than last year’s six days. Foster City was home to a Sage Thrasher Sept. 27 (NB, RY). Another Sage Thrasher frequented the Drakes Beach Road Oct. 6-8 (MW, AG, WG). A Town- send’s Solitaire’s appearance at Fish Docks Sept. 27 was brief (JZ). A Dusky Warbler was captured on SE Farallon Sept. 27 and subsequently died (PRBO). This Siberian species is accidental even on western Bering Sea islands, where its only previous North American sightings were made. Okay everybody, study up on Phylloscopus warblers! Vir- tually as rare was the apparent juvenal Gray Wagtail well described and sketched from a Novato back yard Oct. 18 (BE, EL). Of course this record and all similar sight records must be judged by the California Bird Records Committee.

A female Yellow-headed Blackbird sampled Mendoza Ranch Sept. 27 (DMcC), and a Vesper Sparrow picked Nunes Pond Oct. 5 (RS). Two Tree Sparrows landed on SE Farallon Oct. 18 and were still there when the report was mailed (PRBO). Another Tree Sparrow was in Lincoln Park, San Francisco, Oct. 20 (AH). Five Brewer’s Sparrows came in late September: Point Reyes Sea Lion Overlook Sept. 27 (DS, JW), and SE Farallon Sept. 21, 26, 27, 27-28 (PRBO). As with many of the above sparrows, the earliest White-throated Sparrows could represent eastern vagrants: Inverness Sept. 26 (RS) and Bolinas Lagoon Sept. 27 (mob). On SE Farallon five Lapland Longspurs visited: Sept. 21-22, Sept. 24-26 (2), Sept. 30-Oct. 5, Oct. 1-6 (PRBO). At Hall Ranch the first “Lap” was found Sept. 27 (BDP) and numbers grew to three the next day

178

December 1980

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(JR, AG, WG), six Oct. 6 (MW), and about 15 Oct. 19 (JML). A Chestnut-collared Longspur was there Oct. 14 (AG) and by Oct. 27 there were about five (AG). A more unusual location for a Chestnut- collared was six miles southwest of Byron, Oct. 23 (DE).

EASTERN VAGRANT PASSERINES

The Great Crested Flycatcher on SE Farallon Oct. 6 (PRBO) was typically a one-day bird. Least Flycatchers stopped there Sept. 21 and 27-28 (PRBO). A Bewick’s Wren finally reached SE Farallon. Staying the first 12 days of October, this bird appeared to be of an eastern race (PRBO). Although it may seem that eveiy North American passerine must eventually visit this island, some such as Wrentit probably never will. A Brown Thrasher was there Oct. 22-23 (PRBO). Three Red-eyed Vireo sightings at Carmel River Mouth surprisingly spanned almost the entire month: Oct. 5 (BB), 12 (JML, mob), and 26 (DR, et al.). This is an early vagrant species. Five more Philadelphia Vireos brought our fall’s total to seven, an amazing number considering it was a slow vagrant season. These birds were well scattered: Point Reyes Lighthouse Sept. 26 (DDeS, et al.), Carmel River Mouth Oct. 12 (JML, mob). North Lake, Golden Gate Park Oct. 19-20 (DM, KY, BA, et al.). Point Pinos Oct. 26 (DR), and north end of Bolinas Lagoon Oct. 28-38 (DS, RS, EG).

Southeast Farallon received few vagrants during this prime period, with almost all except some Palm Warblers occurring in three small waves on Sept. 27, Oct. 6, and Oct. 9-11 (PRBO). Point Reyes vagrants were not so concentrated, with a broad movement Sept. 25-30 (real or weekend peak Sept. 27-28), a small wave Oct. 5 and a trickle the rest of the month. At Point Pinos and especially Carmel River Mouth, va- grants were found every weekend, mostly before or after boat trips. Apparently these places were virtually unchecked on work days. The table of warblers lists over 143 individuals of 18 vagrant species. Our seventh and eighth Prothonotary Warblers gave us an astounding three for this fall. Although the identification of several of the Black- throated Green Warblers has been debated, this warbler’s flight was unprecedented in any case. Prairie Warblers also produced an excellent fall.

Black-and-white Warbler (total 12; 14 for fall to date)

1 Bear Valley Oct. 1 DS

1 Rodeo Lagoon Oct. 2 DS, HP

1 Bolinas Lagoon Oct. 17 DS

1 Lincoln Park, S.F. Oct. 17-20 NB, AH

8? Carmel River Mouth Sept. 27;Oct.4-5(2);ca.9;12;18;18-19;26

EH,CH; GH.DMcC; DR; mob; JL.ef a/.; JL.ef a/.; DR.ef al.

( Continued on page 181 )

179

December 1980

THE GULL

Smoti'i GwiWji

As December begins and we enter the holiday season we can reflect on some of the positive events of the year.

The Least Tern nesting survey at the Alameda Naval Air Station has been completed except for the final report and the payment of a few bills. The passage of Proposition 1, the park- lands initiative, is very encouraging. The Emeryville Crescent area that GGAS has been actively seeking to preserve as a wild- life sanctuary for nearly 15 years may now become a preserve under the park system. There’s still more work to be done, but things are looking up.

Our first year calendar sales were good, but the endeavor was far from what one could consider a fund-raiser. Our 1981 calendar is even better than last year’s and we hope to use some of the proceeds from sales to go toward the Mono Lake Legal Defense Fund which is nearly depleted even considering the huge amount of donated legal defense services. Much more in the way of contributions will be required to defray the cost of the law suit against Los Angeles Water and Power.

Also as we approach year-end it is time to focus upon our personal tax picture. Although Congress may have mitigated some of the adverse consequences we face, many of us will still be faced with large payments on April 15. As you go through your list of December 31 charitable contributions please keep GGAS high on that list. We pledge that these contributions will be put to use directly to improve the quality of life in the Bay Area and Northern California.

Thank you for your consideration.

—BOB HIRT, President

180

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Bay-breasted Warbler (total 1 ; 3 for fall) 1 Mendoza

Oct. 12

BB

181

THE GULL

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1 Muddy Hollow

1 Lake Merced

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Oct. 12

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1S1

THE GULL

As December bi reflect on some of 1

The Least Ten Station has been ( payment of a few lands initiative, is area that GGAS hi life sanctuary for under the park sy things are looking

Our first year < was far from wha calendar is even b of the proceeds fr Defense Fund wl huge amount of d the way of contril the law suit agains

Also as we app personal tax picti some of the adver: be faced with lap your list of Decei GGAS high on tl

will be put to use directly to improve the quality of life in the Bay Area and Northern California.

Thank you for your consideration.

—BOB HIRT, President

180

December 1980

T H E

GULL

OBSERVATIONS (Continued from page 179)

Prothonotary Warbler (total 2; 3 for fall)

1	Carmel River Mouth	Oct. 18
1	North Lake, G.G. Park	Oct. 20-23
Tennessee Warbler (total 4; 11 for fall)
1 1	Nunes Davis	Sept. 27 Oct. 11
2	Carmel River Mouth	Oct. 5
Northern Parula (total 1; 3 for fall)
1	Carmel River Mouth	Oct. 12
Magnolia Warbler (total new 7; 9 for fall)
(D	Lighthouse	Sept. (24)-27
2	Willows	Sept. 28; Oct. 25
1	Fish Docks	Oct. 9
1	SE Farallon	Oct. 5
1	Lincoln Park, S.F.	Oct. 12
1	South Lake, G.G. Park	Oct. 26-27
1	Pt. Pinos	Oct. 11
Cape May Warbler (total 3)
1	Nunes	Sept. 30
1	Lighthouse	Oct. 5
1	Rodeo Lagoon	Oct. 14
Black-throated Blue Warbler (total 7)
	male Fish Docks	Sept. 27-28
	female Lighthouse	Oct. 10
	female Fish Docks	Oct. 18-19
2	SE Farallon	Sept. 27, Oct. 6
female Middle Lake, G.G.Park	Sept. 29
1	Moss Beach	Oct. 8
Black-throated Green Warbler (total 7)
1(2?)Fish Docks	Oct. 8-9, 12
1	Mendoza	Oct. 18-21
1	Lighthouse	Oct. 24
1	Nunes (from Lighthouse?)	Oct. 25
1	SE Farallon	Oct. 10-11
1	Fort Funston	Oct. 18
1	Lincoln Park, S.F.	Oct. 26

JL, et al.

BA, DM, mob

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JML, mob

RS, mob

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SW, et al. PRBO BH PC

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JL

FB, JW, mob PRBO DM DM

Blackburnian Warbler (total 6; 13 for fall)

3 Lighthouse Sept. 26;Oct. 1 1 ; 24

1 Nunes (from Lighthouse?) Sept. 27-30

1 Mendoza Sept. 30

1 Carmel River Mouth Oct. 26

Chestnut-sided Warbler (total I 2 Fish Docks

2 SE Farallon

1 Bear Valley

1 Muddy Hollow

1 Lake Merced

2 Carmel River Mouth

; 16 for fail)

Sept. 27-28; 28-30 Sept. 27, Oct. 6 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Sept. 29 Oct. 4-5; 12

BL; mob; JL DMcC, mob, JS AG, WG, et al. DR, et al.

mob, DN

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DS

DS, SC BH

GH,DMcC;JML,mob

Oct. 12

BB

Bay-breasted Warbler (total 1 ; 3 for fall) 1 Mendoza

181

THE GULL

December 1980

Blackpoll Warbler (total 22; 51 for fall)

2	Lighthouse	Sept. 26(2)	DDeS, et al.
2	Fish Docks	Sept. 26; 28	BL;DN,JR,ef al.
1	Nunes	Sept. 27	DMcC, et al.
1	Mendoza	Sept. 27	DMsC, et al.
5	SE Farallon	Sept.25-27(2), 27-28, Oct.5-8,1 1 PRBO
1	Rodeo Lagoon	Sept. 28	DD
1	Bear Valley	Oct. 9	DS
1	Muddy Hollow	Oct. 9	DS
1	Larkspur	Oct. 9	CB
3	Pt. Pinos	Sept. 30-Oct. 3(2);Oct. 18
			DD, et al.; JL, et al.
4	Carmel River Mouth	Oct. 4-5; 5; 12; 26
		GH,DMcC;BB;mob;DR,ef al.
Prairie Warbler (total 4; 10 for fall)
1	SE Farallon	Oct. 6	PRBO
1	Rodeo Lagoon	Sept. 28	mob
1	Pt. Pinos	Sept. 27-30	JB, SAS, et al.
1	Carmel River Mouth	Oct. 5	BB
Palm Warbler (total 32 — | — |-j 38-) — f- for fall)
5	Fish Docks	Sept. 25; 28(2); Oct. 5;	15
		RS; AG. WG, et al.; RS, AG, WG
2	Nunes	Sept. 27; Oct. 26	GH; GH
2	Lighthouse	Oct. 11; 19	mob; JML
1	Drakes Beach	Oct. 10	NB, RY
1	Pt. Diablo	Oct. 4	MDAS
2	Rodeo Lagoon	Oct. 2, 2-6	DS, BH, et al.
1	N of Tennessee Valley	Oct. 5	DT
1	Tennessee Valley	Oct. 25	DSc, et al.
3	Pine Gulch Creek	Oct. 25(3)	JML
1	Fort Funston	Oct. 18	DM
5	Pt. Pinos	Sept. 27-Oct. 3(2); 11; 18; 26
	JB, SAS, et a/.; DD fide DR; JL, et a!.. DR. et at.
2	Esplanade Park, P.G.	Oct. 18	JL, et al.
present	almost daily on SE Farallon; high count 7 on Oct. 10	PRBO
Ovenbird	(total 6; 10 for fall)
2	Lighthouse	Sept. 25; Oct. 9	EG, RS; RS
1	Fish Docks	Oct. 2	RS
1	Nunes	Oct. 5	mob
1	SE Farallon	Oct. 9-10	PRBO
1	Battery Wallace	Oct. 2	DS, HP, SC
Northern Waterthrush (total 3; 10 for fall)
1	Willows	Sept. 28-Oct. 2	AG, mob
1	SE Farallon	Oct. 6	PRBO
1	Carmel River Mouth	Oct. 26	DR, et al.
Mourning Warbler (total 2; 3 for fall)
2	SE Farallon	Oct. 10(2)	PRBO
American	Redstart (total 15; 67 for fall)
1	Willows	Sept. 28	mob
2	Lighthouse	Oct. 5; 11	mob; mob
2	Mendoza	Oct. 12(2)	BB. et al.
6	SE Farallon	Sept. 20-21,26, Oct. 6(2), 10-11,11
			PRBO
1	Bodega Bay	Sept. 27	HG, et al.
1	Pine Gulch Creek	Oct. 25	RS, JML
2	Carmel River Mouth	Oct. 12	mob

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A Bobolink at Nunes Ranch Oct. 5 (RS, mob) preceded singles on SE Farallon Oct. 6 and 9 (PRBO). SE Farallon had an Orchard Oriole Sept. 2o ( PRBO ) . An Orchard Oriole in the seldom-checked upper Willows on Pt. Reyes Sept. 25 (EG) may have been the same one seen three days later in the lower Willows (JBr, mob). Lighthouse greeted a Rose-breasted Grosbeak Sept. 26 (EG), and another inhabited the Pine Gulch Creek willows Oct. 25 (JML). A male Indigo Bunting in Pacific Grove Sept. 27 (RS, et al.) was apparently the last of the year. Eastern but hardly vagrant was the Sharp-tailed Sparrow that returned to Pine Gulch Creek Oct. 25 (RS). As always, mainland Clay-colored Sparrows were outnumbered by those on SE Farallon: Sept. 20-21(2), 27(2), Oct. 6-7, 9, 11 (PRBO). One visited Fish Docks Sept. 27 (JS, EM) and another stopped in Inverness Sept. 26-30 (RS). On Oct. 11 (mob), 19 (NM, fide JML), and 27 (AG, WG) a Swamp Sparrow was seen in the Nunes weeds. How many individuals were present is anyone’s guess. Another Swamp Sparrow toured Sutro Baths Oct. 20 (AH).

Errata : In last month’s Gull the omission of the heading PASSERINES was my fault. In the January 1980 issue (page 6) the year with record number of fall vagrants should read 1974, not 1947. Modern vagrant hunting had had its infancy in the 1960s.

Note to Contributors: Some people do not understand the relation- ships between the Northern California Rare Bird Alert, this column, the American Birds regional reports, and the California Bird Records Com- mittee. Most reports are phoned to Joe Morlan because he must update the Rare Bird Alert weekly. Joe and I cooperate as well as our schedules allow; late I'eporting to us is the primary reason valid reports are omitted. Joe’s deadline is Wednesday morning. Mine varies each month, so any observations late in the month should be reported immediately.

Reporting to us is no substitute for a quarterly report to the regional editors of American Birds. Every Gull goes to these editors, but diey cannot merely redigest my writing and accept all our judgments. Any serious observer who does not both regularly report to American Birds and subscribe to this journal does himself and all of us a disservice. Although I usually publish greater detail than the American Birds space limitations permit, the latter provides a broader perspective and is the proper forum for trends in species too common for me to consider. Only with consistent reporting can the regional editors write effectively about our avifauna. Any veiy rare species should be reported directly to John S. Luther, Secretaiy of the California Bird Records Committee, winch is the final arbiter for such records. The address is College of Alameda, 555 Atlantic Ave., Alameda, CA 94501. Direct reporting also minimizes

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errors of dates, places, numbers, and observer names. Occasionally we hear complaints that I did not credit a sighting to the real finder or identifier, or that I misspelled a name. Almost invariably the complainer did not bother to report the correct information personally.

Observers: Beverly Anderson, Stephen F. Bailey, Bruce Barrett, Florence Bennett, Neil Blank, Jim Brooker (JB), Judy Brian (JBr), Courtney Buechert, Scott Carey, Pam Conley, Richard Davis (RD), Dave DeSante, Roxie Dial (RDi), Donna Dittmann, Beverly Ehreth, Dick Erickson, Jules Evens, Gary Fellers, Jan Fischer, A1 Ghiorso (AG), Wilma Ghiorso, Clark Gleason, Doug Gomke, Ed Good (EGo), Ed Greaves (EG), Helen Green, Michael Green, “Tuesday Group”, Allen Grover ( AGr), Leo Halford, Keith Hanson, Rob Hanson, Camille Harper, Ed Harper (EH), Ed Hayes (EHy), Bob Hirt, Alice Hoch (AHh), Alan Hopkins (AH), George Hugenberg, Richard Jeffers, Charles Johnson, Bill Jones, Ethel Lagle, Jeri M. Langham, Caryla Larsen, Bill Lenarz, John Luther, Eugene Makishima, Dianne McClung, Nick Miller, many observ- ers (mob), Joe Morlan, Dan Murphy, Dan Nelson, Bill Noble, Point Reyes Bird Observatory (Farallon report thanks to Bob Boekelheide), Gary Page, Benjamin D. Parmeter, John Parmeter, Holly Peake, Peter Pyle, Don Roberson, Ed Schaefer, Don Schmoldt (DSc), Dave Shuford (DS), Arnold Small, Marin Audubon Society, Mount Diablo Audubon Society, Sacramento Audubon Society, Tom Southerland, Malcolm Sproul, Rich Stallcup, Lynne Stenzel, John Stirling, Dorothy Tobkin, John War- riner (JWa), Rickie Warriner (RWa), Richard Webster (RW), Gil West, Mike Wihler, Diane Williams, Steve Wilson, Jon Winter (JW), Keiko Yamane, Russell Young, Jon Zablackis.

—STEPHEN F. BAILEY, Observations Editor Museum of Vertebrate Zoology University of California, Berkeley, CA 94702 (phone 548-9507; or Karen L. Bailey at 642-3327 8 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m.)

Pelagic Trips

Winter pelagic trips to view marine mammals and birds are scheduled during December, January, February and March. A partial list of sight- ings from past trips includes albatross, Sooty Shearwater, Slender-billed Shearwater, fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Cassin’s Auldet, Ancient Murrelet, Gray Whale, Dali Porpoise, White-sided Dolphin, California sea lion and sea otter.

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Pelagic hireling trips are scheduled for December 7, January 3 and February 21. Trips to look especially for Laysan Albatross will be Feb- ruary 27-28 and March 13-14.

1 rips for those interested in observing migratory Gray Whales are set for January 10, 17, 18 and 31.

All trips will depart from Monterey Harbor. For full information con- tact Debi Love Millichap, 302 Oxford Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (408) 425-8111.

Backyard Birders’ Question Box

One of our GGAS members was veiy distressed when her bird visitors ignored a new shiny white plastic bird bath on a pedestal. She had previously provided water in a black trash can cover placed on the ground and it had been well used.

The problem with the new bath was possibly that the glare from the white plastic masked the presence of water in the bowl. Also, birds seem to prefer a roughened bottom surface on which they may find a good foothold while bathing. The solution in this case might be to set a less reflective bowl with a pebbled finish inside of the white one or to go back to the dark-colored cover on the ground. The white bowl could then be used as an attractive planter.

Almost any container that will hold water may be used for a bird bath. It should be fairly large (not less than 12 inches in diameter) and should slope from about one-third inch to about three inches in depth. Commercial bird baths have this slope built in and most inverted trash can lids have just about the right curvature. If a flat container is used, it may be tilted so that the water is deeper on one side than on the other. All containers should be firmly anchored so that they do not tip.

Elevated bird baths may be attractive to the human eye but they are not necessarily so to birds. However, in a raised bath, the bather is somewhat safer from a marauding cat. For this reason, the bowl, espe- cially if it is on the ground, should be placed close to, but not directly under, trees or bushes to which the bird may escape quickly if attacked. The branches also provide a place on which the wet bird may preen and dry the feathers.

Some garden birds do not use bird baths at all. Small species, such as bushtits, may bathe by sitting in wet leaves at the top of a bush and beating their wings vigorously. Hummingbirds may fly through a garden

THE GULL

December 1980

spray or skim along the surface of a pond, just wetting the breast feathers. Robins and many other birds that do use the bird bath also seem to enjoy getting wet under a spray. Dust bathing and sun bathing by spreading the wings and pressing the body close to a sun-warmed surface are also parts of the essential and constant care of the feathers.

Early morning and late afternoon seem to be the times when most daily bathing takes place. During the year, the greatest numbers visit the bath during the spring and fall migrations. In the late spring and early summer, parent birds are too busy with the young to bathe much, but as soon as the first fledglings are out and beginning to flock, business picks up and continues through the fall. In the winter, resident birds and an occasional migrant will drink but seldom bathe.

At the bath, the watcher has the great advantage of seeing birds that stay in one place in the open long enough to be more easily identified. Also, if one is interested, many aspects of bird behavior may be observed. Pecking order, attitude toward intruders, species that enjoy communal bathing and the behavior of the birds after bathing are just a few topics that might be explored. Good watching!

If you have information on bird behavior to share or have a question, write to Kay Steinberg, 850-38th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94121. Please enclose a stamped envelope for an answer.

Scholarship to Audubon Gamp of the West

GGAS is offering a scholarship for one two-week session at the Audu- bon Camp of the West during the summer of 1981. The camp is held at Trail Lake Ranch near Dubois, Wyoming, and has sessions from mid- June to mid-August. It is expected that the recipient of the scholarship will use the knowledge and information gained at the camp to help GGAS in its conservation efforts.

Applications may be obtained at the GGAS office, 2718 Telegraph Ave., Suite 206, Berkeley, CA 94705. For more information, phone 843- 2222 in the East Bay or 751-4293 in San Francisco.

Cooper Society Meeting in Berkeley

Dr. Charles van Riper of UC Davis will speak on the conservation of Hawaiian birds at the December 1 meeting of the Cooper Society. A business meeting at 7:30 p.m. precedes the 8 p.m. lecture in Room 2503 of the Life Sciences Building on the UC Berkeley campus.

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Los Banos Christmas Count

I he 13th annual Los Banos Christmas Bird Count will be done on Tuesday, December 30, 1980. It is centered just west of the city of Los Banos in Merced County and includes several waterfowl refuges and private duck clubs, farmland and grassy foothills.

This count depends heavily on help from outside the Los Banos area- last year there were parties from Golden Gate Audubon, Santa Clara Audubon, Fresno Audubon, San Jose and Modesto, for example— and again we are calling for help from everywhere. It is an exciting, steadily- improving count: last year we shared national high count for Long-billed Marsh Wren and set a new all-time record for American Bittern and we could be strong contenders for a couple of other species as well.

The compilation is held at one of Central California’s finest ( and most affordable) Basque restaurants, so please join us for good birding, good eating and an all-round good time. For details contact compiler Nick Story by mail at 1191 Santa Fe Ave., Albany, CA 94706, or by phone at 642-5038 (work) or 525-6405 (home).

GIFTS and BEQUESTS

For Audubon Canyon Ranch

In memory of Gift of

Supervisor Harvey Milk Geraldine Murphy

For GGAS

In honor of the 40tli Wedding Anniversary of

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Whitman George Homem

Memorial and honorary gifts and bequests will be used as specified by the donors. Acknowledgments will be made in The Gull and personally by the Corresponding Secretary, Minnie Groshong. Please send checks made out to tire Golden Gate Audubon Society to: Corresponding Secretary, GGAS, 2718 Telegraph Avenue, #206, Berkeley, CA 94705. All gifts are tax deductible.

	Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc
	Office: 843-2222
	2718 Telegraph Avenue, #206
	Berkeley, California 94705
so<#'	Return Postage Guaranteed

Library, Mr

Science 0rnla Acaie

°0lcie" Gate Park

San *ranot8oo 13,

my of

Callfornta 941I8

THE GULL

December 1980

OFFICERS

President, Robert Hirt (383-5337)*

First Vice President, Bruce Howard (254-2429)*

Second Vice President, Deborah Hirt (383-5337)* Treasurer, Joan Zawaski (771-5335)*

Recording Secretary, Helen Green (526-5943)* Corresponding Secretary, Minnie Groshong (526-8443)*

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Conservation, Glenn W. Cady (283-1552)*

Education, Kay Steinberg (751-4293)*

Martha Morrow (832-7141)*

Field Trips, Dan Murphy (564-0074)*

Betty Short

Extended Field Trips, Jon Zablackis (527-2083)* Finance, Ellen Sarbone (771-1990)*

Emeryville Crescent, Shirley Taylor (845-2415)*

•Members of the Board of Directors

Membership, Maybelle Groshong (526-8443)* Program, Deborah Hirt (383-5337)*

Publicity, GGAS office (843-22221*

DIRECTORS

Kay Steinberg (751-4293)*

Martha Morrow (832-7141)*

Dan Murphy (564-0074)*

Maybelle Groshong (526-8843)*

Jon Zablackis (527-2083)* Directors-at-large:

Lenore Johnsen (254-3919)*

Shirley Taylor (845-2415)*

GULL Editor, Nancy Conzett (527-2593)* Observations: Stephen Bailey (548-9507)

and Joseph Morlan (524-7421)

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RARE BIRD ALERT (recorded) 843-2211 Executive Director, Jerry Emory (843-2222)

Mail for all individuals listed above should be sent to the GGAS office.

Send address changes to office promptly- Post Office does not forward THE GULL. Monthly meetings: second Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Joint membership — local and national $20 per year (individual); $25 (family); includes AUDUBON Magazine and THE GULL; to join, make checks payable to National Audubon Society and send to GGAS office to avoid delay in receiving THE GULL. Membership renewals should be sent directly to the National Audubon office. Subscriptions to THE GULL separately $5 per year; single issues 75g. High school and college student membership $13.50 per year. Senior citizen individual, $13.50, senior citizen family, $15.50.

The Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. was established January 25, 1917, and became a chapter of National Audubon in 1948.

The Gull deadline is the first of the month for the following month.

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