The Gull / Febaiary' 2001

Here's a Chance...

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Get Your Hands Dirty While Helping the Endangered Least Terns at Alameda

Join our Big Day Weeding Party Sunday^ February 25.

T-shirts, Breakfast and Lunch are your Rewards for Your Hard Work on Behalf of the Endangered California Least Tern

(Not to Mention that Incredibly Good Feeling of Having Done a GOOD Thing)

RSVP by Friday, February 16 to the GGA5 Office at 510-845-2222

an all-day weeding party at the Alameda Refuge- to-be. We'll start at 9:30 AM with coffee and pastries and work until 3 PM with lunch provided. If you can only work half a day, that's fine, too.

What is the job? Pulling and cutting weeds and putting them in debris boxes. We'll provide the tools. We urge you to bring gloves. It sounds easy but it is fairly hard work so please make sure you are in reasonably good health. We do have about ten to twenty acres of weeds to eliminate so we need lots of people to make this all happen (they're in cracks in the runways, not solid fields of weeds so it's not as much as it sounds).

It's work, but it's rewarding. Thanks to our efforts the Least Terns will have a safe haven in which to raise their young.

So please come out and help the Least Terns on February 25.

Please RSVP by February 16 to let us know you are coming. The Refuge is not yet open to the public so we have to arrange to let you into the Refuge and provide enough food and T-shirts for all.

The breakfast, lunch and tools are made possible by the City of Alameda. Fined by the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board for a small pollution spill, the City has graciously agreed to pay that fine by helping the Least Tern. And by removing the weeds by hand we eliminate the need for the use of pesticides that might poison the Bay.

Finally, rain postpones the event. If it is raining on Feb. 25th the event will be postponed to Sunday, |. March 4. I

Oakland Christmas Bird Count . . .

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near Little Farm within the last few weeks, and everyone was hoping to hear it call. After repeated whistles from Mr. Poole the group was rewarded with a rather strange rasp- ing call from high in the Monterey pines. Continued whistling was in vain; the call was never repeated.

The club identified a total of eight great horned owls and later on added about thirty more species to their total. While the children didn't add any rarities to the Oakland CBC total, they did get good looks at displaying kinglets, Townsend's warblers and courting hummingbirds. More important than discovering rarities, children are excitedly learning about and valuing the natural world around them. They will become, in time, a force that despoilers of nature will have to deal with.

If a record is set for this year's CBC, Rachel Spradley,

another young birder, will be one of the "heros" that made it so. At the countdown dinner Sunday night, we thought we had "missed" a Barn Owl. Relatively rare, with only 1 or 2 usually seen on count day, not one Barn Owl had shown itself to any of the birding parties. We thought we were skunked.

Then, several days later Rachel (who lives on Calle la Mesa in Moraga) reported that she had seen the Barn Owl that regularly roosts in her yard on the day of the count. Rachel had been writing a report on birds for school, and had been obsei'ving the owl for some time. Rachel, a high school student, found the only Barn Owl of the Oakland CBC, right in her own back yard. Which brings to mind another famous line... "There's no place like home." »

Field Trips Calendar

Sumlay, February 4, STRYBINC; ARBORETUM.

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the front gate of the Arboretum (9th Ave. and Lineoln Way) for this regular first Sunday of the month half-day trip. The Strybing Arboretimi is a delightful seetion of Golden Gate Park, with several "micro-habitats" attracting a varied array of resident, migrant and viigrant birds. Beginners and all oth- ers welcome. Leaders: Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna (4f5) 566-324f.

Sunday, February 4, PANOCHE VALLEY.

See January Gull for details. Leader: Chris Carpenter (510) 569-9281 day, (510) 547-2201 eve.

Sunday, Lebruary 11, MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETARY, Oakland.

See January Gull for details. Leader: Anthony Fisher (510) 658-8769. Loveisant(®aol.com.

Wednesday, Lebruary 14, MINI-TRIP TO COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK

See January Gull for details. Leaders: Anna Wilcox (510) 351-9301 & Jean- Marie Spoelman.

Saturday, February 17, ARROWHEAD MARSH, Alameda County.

See January Gull for details. Leader: Courtenay Peddle (510) 532-891 1 (do not call after 8 p.m.) capeddle@there.net.

Saturday, Lebruary 24, COYOTE HILLS, Ereinont.

Meet at the Visitor Center (last park- ing lot) at 8:30 a.m. From 1-880 in Fremont, take the LIwy.84 / Dumbarton Bridge exit. Go west and exit at Paseo Padre Pkwy Turn right and continue north (about I mile) and turn left on Patterson Ranch Rd. We will search for wintering water- fowl, raptors and songbirds. Be pre- pared for muddy trails. Heavy rain cancels. Trip ends around noon. Leader: Rusty Scalf (510) 666-9936. rscalf@jps.net

Saturday, Lebruary 24, GRIZZLY AND JOICE ISLANDS, Solano County.

We will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the park- ing lot near the McDonald's Restaurant at Sunset and Hwy 12, North of the turnoff to Grizzly Island Road. There we will consolidate cars. Our plans are to bird Hill Slough, Rush Ranch, Grizzly and Joice Islands.

Since permission de[)ends on (he weather, your leader ( an not promise exactly wIktc we will bird. Idease bring binoc ulars, sanies, layered clothing, a lunch ami sw(“ets to share (if you want to .see some interesting views of wild life in the afternoon). If we are lucky, we will see most of the marsh birds, waterfowl and raptors. There may be a chance to see Tule Elk, River Otters, hear Black Rails, see Suisun Song Sparrow, Rough-Legged Hawk and 4 species of owls. Trip will end by mid-afternoon. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Robin Leong (707) 643-1287

Sunday, February 25, LAS GALLINAS SEWER PONDS, Marin County.

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot. Take 101 north and exit at the Lucas Valley Drive/Smith Ranch Road off ramp. Go east on Smith Ranch Road to the end. Take a sharp left to the sewage treatment ponds, just before the county park. Drive past the head- ciuarters to the parking lot on the left. We will see wintering ducks and shorebirds, keeping m mind that aityThing can show up. Trip will end at noon. Beginners welcome. Leader: Mark Eaton (415) 566-6767. Email mweaton@pacbell.net!

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GGAS Wins Court Victory For Endangered Species

Audubon Suit Allows Federal Government to Control Introduced Predators at Endangered Species Nesting Sites in California

A final ruling has been issued by the United States District Court, Northern District of California announcing an important victory in the fight to pre- serve endangered species. This ruling preserves the Federal Government's ability to control introduced preda- tors in California when necessary for the preservation of endangered species.

Many of our local endangered salt marsh species, such as the California

Clapper Rail and the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse, were facing extinc- tion due to the incredible predatoty effectiveness of the introduced (non- native) red fox. Our colonies of egrets and herons and all our other ground nesting birds, such as the Snow}' Plover, were also in jeopardy. As the number of red foxes increased the numbers of many of these bird species declined precipitously. Trapping the red fox was proved to be an effective tool in averting these population crashes. For example, as red foxes were removed from the wild in the South Bay, Clapper Rail populations rapidly rebounded.

Proposition 4, passed several years ago, forbid the use of padded leg hold traps which are the only effec- tive tool for trapping red foxes. These traps are padded and are pretty pain- less (animals are often found asleep in the traps). This prohibition meant that there was no effective way to control the red fox and our endan- gered birds faced a dire situation.

Golden Gate Audubon took a lead role in this effort to defend the abilit}' of resource agencies to protect endangered species. GGAS executive director Arthur Feinstein appeared on

Continues on page 11

The Gull / February 2001

Donations

Golden Eagle ($1,000 or more)

Thomas E. Bowman I. Von Der Hude

The students of Piedmont High School Edgar M. Buttner, the Edgar M. Buttner Eund

Peregrine Falcon ($500 or more)

Mrs. Afton E. Crooks Janice and Frank Delfino Jack K. Stewart Alan Harper

Least Tern ($200 or more)

David E. Quady John Hess

Jane and Michael Larkin Elizabeth and Franklin Silver

Clapper Rail ($100 or more)

Mary L. Turner, Carla Soracco, Amy Geofffoy, William D. Grasse, Charlotte Nolan, Susan and Michael Meadows, Elouise and John Sutter, Renee and Steve Margolian, Margaret Deane, Drs. Barbara Bessey and Kevin Gilmartin.

Gifts (to $99)

Doris L. Thiessen, Catherine and John Patterson, Mary Margaret Scribner, Robert M. Meyers, Linda and Robert Fries, Margaret Redeker Filby, Janet Bertram, Tony Arjo, Katherine A. Hughes, Ph.D., Jessie and Robert Neptune, John Bruni Sr, Robert Freidenberg, Rose M. Gieg, Bonnie J. Michalek, Richard A. Gale, Richard Bradus, M.D., Raymond J. Bruijnes, Karen Stern, John Thomas Condit, Collen Vetter, Helen and Paul Green, Joan R. Keller, Elizabeth and Clifford Sojourner, Katherine and Stephen Roper, Barbara and Thomas Job, Mauricia Price, L. L. Watts, Virginia and George Bing, Eileen C. Odegaard, T. J. Cleere, Elena R. Merrick, Mary and Raymond Forth, Ruth K. Wetherford,

Sharon M. Wheeler, Donna Jean Webb, Eleanor and J. Hugh Visser, Loretta and Hendrik Bakker, M. Natica and Richard Agilly, Peter Seubert, Diane Carter with match from the Bank of America, Charlotte Oppenheiem, H. M. and R. S. Cameron, Leonard Horwitz, Dorothy Frantz, Palma Risler, Shirley H. Gordon, Glenn Finch, Doris Beatty, Carol Oda and Jan Hintemeister, Pamela L. Shandrick, Janet Barber, Diane E. Wilson, Ellen and Gunther Barth, Penn Hughes, Rita Brenner and Leonard Schwab, Jean and Emery Thomas, Kenneth Thompson, Thomas G. Paulson, II, David A. Loeb, P.J. Jamison, Carlos Rendon, Victoria Smith, Julie Alland, Donald A. Reinberg, Marion and Robert Blumberg, Majorie Roth, Elizabeth Allen and Robert Mullaney, Barbara Anderson, Carol Inberg,

Robert Hall, Amy McClure, Juliette and William Wheeler, Helene and George Ttee, Johanna and Michael Wald, Naomi and Michael Burkart, Janet Harison, Mary Belshe and Thomas Ttee, Aileen Pierson, Louise and William Lidicker, Jr., Leslie Dinkin, Ruth and John Anderson, Roy C. Leggitt, Courtney Clarkson, William Stanley, Denise and Noel Turner, Nina Steidl, Hilary and Donald Lim, Toni and William Link, Janet Beeler, Marie and Alexander Karp, Thomas Ainsworth, Phebe Black, Kathryn Blake,

Other Donations

The Frank A. Campini Foundation gra- ciously granted $2,500 to assist in the development of the San Francisco Natural History Observational Database.

A bequest to the Golden Gate Audubon Society helps make it possible for us to continue the good work we do in helping to preserve our natural world for future generations. If you are interested in setting up a bequest we have a team of experts who will be glad to help you. Please call Arthur Feinstein at our GGAS Office for more informa- tion, Our phone number is 510-843-2222, Thanks,

News From ACR

from Betsy Stafford

How lucky we are to have

spring come so soon to our Bay Area! Long before the equinox, February brings bright green to our hiUs, white milkmaids to our trails, and mat- ing plumage to our avian friends. No doubt we'll have another win- try storm or two, but fresh spring mornings come more and more frequently, and yellow poUen gath- ers at a feverish rate.

At ACR it's time to think about spring-cleaning. We invite you to join us on a Workday at Bolinas Lagoon Preserve, on Sunday,

March 4, to help us spruce up our Picher Canyon before the public season opens March 17. We can promise you wildflowers, good fel- lowship, an inside look at the ear- liest arrivals at our heronry, and a free lunch. Please give us a call at 415/868-9244, so that we can plan on enough lunch for all.

Weekend Hosts - Come One, Come All

We rely on you, our special Audubon friends, to help us through our public season each spring. Every weekend from March 17 through July 15 we are most fortunate to have volunteer hosts welcome the thousands of visitors who come to our Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. Please contact your Audubon chapter representative.

We really need volunteers to help with this important program. If you have done it in the past please do it again, you know how rewarding it is. And, if you have not volunteered before, now is the time. GGAS members who want to participate should contact Bill Hering, almost Heron, at ^ lA 415-863-3625.

Here's a Great Opportunity to Indulge Your Curiosity!

G Golden Gate Audubon is presently in great need of a person to help organize the eight nature programs we hold each year. These pro- grams are usually slide or video presentation made by birders, travel/nature guides, academics, etc. The task of a GGAS program organizer is to call a potential speaker and inquire if they are willing and if so, to set a date for the show and that's about it.

Have you always wanted to see the rare birds of New Caledonia or of India? Here's your chance to make it hap- pen.

Have you always wanted to learn more about bats or find out more about our own local birds? You can make that happen, too!

A GGAS Program Chairperson has a wonderful life, talking to interesting people and bringing pleasure and knowledge to many GGAS other members.

Please think about volunteering for this position. All it takes is an interest in birds and natural history and some time for telephone calling or emailing to the presenters (well we do like to put a little blurb in our newsletter, the

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

I am a graduate student studying avian conservation at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. I am conduct- ing a research project on the winter ecology and demogra- phy of Surf Scoters and have become interested in whether or not they exhibit age and gender biased migration pat- terns along the Pacific Coast.

I have developed a volunteer Mid-Winter survey to investigate whether or not female Surf Scoters show differ- ential winter migration (something that has never been studied before). The survey I have developed requires a spotting scope and previous birding experience, but mini- mal time investment.

I am writing to you because I am advocate of long term monitoring programs like the CBC and would love to ben- efit from the expertise of CBC birders for answering some specific research questions. 1 am hopeful that you might now know birders in your communities who (or you your- selves) might be interested in participating in a survey this

Gull, to let the public know about the show, but the blurb is only three or four paragraphs and often the speakers will write it for you).

You get to see the shows you have always wanted to see, since you get to choose them. If you don't have any immediate ideas for a program we have many Board members and other GGAS members who will be glad to give you suggestions. Then you choose the topic and make the arrangements for the eight nature programs we present each year (the third Thursday of the month for the months of September through November and Januar)' through May).

It's easy, it's fun and it doesn't take a lot of time. All the chair has to do is arrange for a speaker set the date with the speaker, make sure the room has the proper equip- ment and arrange for the honorarium. These programs provide a real service to our membership and your efforts are very much appreciated by all. Please consider becom- ing the GGAS Program Chairperson.

If you are interested, give us a call at the GGAS » office, 510-843-2222. Thanks f

January/Februarq^.

I have a webpage that gives more detailed information about the Mid-Winter Surf Scoter surv'ey: htlp://mnv.sJii.ca/~sai/SUSCvoIuiileerSim'ey.hlw

Thank you veiq' much for your assistance and your time,

Samuel A. Iverson Department of Biological Sciences

Simon Fraser University

8888 University Drive

Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6

CANADA

tel: (604) 291-5618 email: sai@sfu.ca fax: (604) 291-3496

The Gull /February 2001

The Gull / February 2001

By Meg Pauletich

Sackyard Birder

The Brown Creeper

The annual Audubon Christmas Count is over for another year and per usual, our area garnered around 64 species. The actual birds remain much the same, however, over the years we have counted 95 cumulative species. This year we added a new one, our first Northern Harrier. Every year we miss some of the usual suspects or we spot new ones, depending upon cold, drought, rain (fortunately not often) and plain old luck. It's always a treasure hunt full of corny jokes, birding tall tales, and camaraderie.

The Brown Creeper is a somewhat elusive bird on count day. Creepers' calls and song are extremely high-pitched sibilant sounds not heard by many. So only the keen-hear- ing members of a group can alert you to their proximity. The birds are hard to spot because of their cryptic col- oration of brown, buff and black. They truly resemble the tree bark on which they creep and are virtually unde- tectable until they fly. Then you will notice the whitish breast and buff-colored wing patches. With long, decurved bill, the creeper works its way in a spiral up a tree trunk, prying insects and their eggs from the bark. Using sharp, long-nailed claws and balanced by a stiff-feathered tail, the bird silently works its way to the tree top before fluttering down to the base of a nearby tree to begin the hunt for food anew.

There are six members of the creeper family world-wide and only the Brown Creeper occurs in N. America. Its near- est relatives are nuthatches and titmice. If both nuthatches and creepers are foraging the same tree's bark, not many insects will survive. The creeper will find food while going up a tree using its bill as a probe; while the nuthatch scours the bark while circling downward using its bill as a mini- hammer. They aren't really competitors since each feeds in a specialized manner. In winter there are often mixed flocks

of these cousins along with chickadees, bushtits and kinglets. This merry band of small birds is a formidable bug-devouring crew.

A Brown Creeper's diet consists of all sorts of inverte- brates: weevils, beetles, aphids, leaf hoppers, scale insects, katydid eggs, and spiders and their cocoons. They will also take some vegetable food such as nuts and seeds. They have been known to enjoy chopped peanuts and peanut- suet mixes at feeders.

My first sightings of creepers were in redwood forests but they also like densely wooded swampy areas where there are dead trees and hanging pieces of loose bark. On the Christmas count one was high in the oak tree tops lisp- ing quietly before dropping down to feed on tree trunks near a lake. The warm sun must have fooled it into think- ing it was springtime because we enjoyed hearing snatches of its sweet song.

As you might suspect, a creeper builds its nest under a strip of loose bark. It is a crescent-shaped hammock of mosses, twigs, shredded bark, spiders' cocoons and is lined with feathers. There the female lays 4-8 white eggs lightly spotted with brown. The male feeds the incubating female and after about 14 days the young hatch. As soon as they leave the nest, about 2 weeks later, they can climb up the bark looking for food.

I love to talk as much as the next person, but when bird watching it's good to not only look but to listen. Loud nois- es obviously scare away birds and animals, as do arm-wav- ing and sudden movements. Human voices may not be heard by birds because birds' hearing is usually in a range limited to their particular song. However, humans can hear a wide range of sounds, high and low and we may miss hearing birds' sounds. So crank up your hearing and listen for those elusive birds, including the Brown Creeper.

February Meeting...

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Francisco. A lengthy redevelopment process is currently underway.

Momentum is building for including wetlands creation in the Treasure Island Redevelopment Plan. A freshwater component, similar to the Areata Marsh, would treat stormwater runoff while an adjacent salt marsh would pro- vide tidal habitat. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has passed a supporting resolution acknowledging that the creation of marsh habitat on TI will draw visitors, improve water quality, increase ecological diversity, help compen-

sate for the historic losses of Bay Area wetlands, provide valuable stop-over habitat on the Pacific Fl)nvay, and pro- vide environmental education opportunities.

A credentialed teacher and long-time environmental activist, Ruth has recently worked for Save San Francisco Bay Association and the Campaign to Save California Wetlands. In September she received one of the GGAS "Elsie Roemer Conservation Awards." Don't miss this timely talk on a potential birding boon for GGAS members on both sides of the Bay. V

Ob^ervatiorioS

Nov. 28-Dcc. 29, 2000

By Collin (j. Miiiyliy, Ph i).

A dry DcccmbcM' pc'riod was a

rclalively slow one lor rarilics, wilh only lour C BRC review species being re[H)rled. Some reports may have been overlooked due to an unfortunate failure of the Birdbox (Northern California Rare Bird Alert) that began in mid- December and continued for the rest of the month, but faithful birders kept at least the highlights available to many through several e-mail net- works.

Loons to Ducks.

A Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) made an appearance off Otter Point, Monterey Bay, MTY, Dec. 18-29, staying around for the Monterey CBC (MPRBA). This young bird was apparently different from the one found there in recent winters. The wintering Pt. Arena, MEN, Laysan Albatross was present Nov. 26 (EW), and 35 of the species were sighted on a Dec. 3 PT off Pt. Bragg, MEN (DLSh, ASH). Another Laysan Albatross was found on a Dec. 2 PT trip off Bodega Bay, SON (DLSh). Many Black-footed Albatross were spotted on the afore- mentioned Dec. 3 PT off Pt. Bragg , MEN (DLSh, ASH), others were seen on Dec. 2 PT trip off Bodega Bay, SON (DLSh), and a Dec. 18 MTY PT report- ed 22 of them (MPRBA). The Dec. 3 Pt. Bragg PT found a Pink-footed Shearwater (DLSh), and a Plesh-foot- ed Shearwater was seen on a PT for the Monterey CBC, Dec. 29 (fide SR). The Pt. Bragg, MEN, PT also had a Short-tailed Shearwater (DLSh).

Greater White-fronted Geese were seen on the coast in several locations: One continued at L. Merced, Sp Nov. 29-Dec. 23 (KM, RP), another was at Manila, HUM, Dec. 4 (EE), and a third was at Mendoza Pond, MRN, Dec. 3 (LLi). Two each of that species were found at Wilder, SCZ, Dec. 15 (RW), at the Carmel R. mouth, MTY, Dec. 23 (MPRPBA), and at Carmel Valley, MTY, Dec. 29 (fide SR). Twelve coastal Snow Geese were reported over ALA, CC,

1 lUM, MTY, SM, and SCL counties, wilh a highlight being the 3rd county record ol a Blue Morph Snow Goose at 1 lolland Tract, CC, Dec. 1 1 (SG). Highest count ever for Snow Geese for the Santa Cruz CBC was a Bock of 281 Hying over New Brighton Campground, SCZ, Dec. 16 (DSu). At least 23 coastal Ross's Geese were found over ALA, HUM, MTY, SCL, and SCZ counties with a high count of 8 at Crespi Pond, MTY, Dec. 2 (MPRBA). A juvenile Tundra Swan continued at Laguna, SCZ, Dec. 4-16 (RW, ML). At least 7 reports of Eurasian Wigeons were received over ALA, BUT, CC, HUM, and MRN coun- ties. A female Tufted Duck was at Lake ^erritt, ALA, Nov. 25-Dec, 17, for the 3 year in a row (KS, ME), and another was at Redwood Shores, SM, Dec. 6 (KN).

Probably the most unusual report of the period was an immature male King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) identified at the Pish Docks, PRNS, MRN, Dec. 23-28 (SK, JM, CL, MOB). This Arctic breeder is a very rare and irregular winter visitor to our state, with most records in Northern CA (Small, 1994). A Harlequin Duck was near the Coast Guard Pier, PRNS, MRN, Dec. 3-28 (LLi, SA), another was seen at Trinidad, HUM, Dec. 5 (ABB), some continued at Glass Beach, MEN, Dec. 9 (SD), and yet another returned to MTY Harbor, MTY, Dec. 16 (MPRBA). The period was good for Long-tailed Ducks (aka Oldsquaws). Up to 5 (2 males and 3 females) were at Moss Landing Harbor, MTY, Dec. 1- 17 (JD, RL, CL, LH). Another Long- tailed Duck was at the Fish Docks, PRNS, MRN, Dec. 5-28 (LLi, SA), two were at the Modesto Sewage Ponds, STA, Dec. 2 (JG), one was seen at Tomales Bay, MRN, Dec. 18 (DM), and two more were found near the Berkeley Marina, ALA, Dec. 17-18 (DL, BB). A county record high number of 135 Barrow's Goldeneyes was found close to shore between Martinez and Crockett, CC, Dec. 11 (KS). At least 58

I looded Mergansers were seen (jver ALA, CC, HUM, MTV, SF, SCL, SCZ, anfl SOL countic's, with liigh counts of 19 at Putah Creek & Lake Stdano,

SOL, Dec. 10 (JW, NW), and up to 24 at Merck Pond, Corralitos, SCZ, Dec.

28 (RW, CK).

Hawks to Wood Warblers.

A Broad-winged Hawk visited Bodega Bay, SON, Nov. 26 (RLe). A Swainson's Hawk was reported over Hawk Hill, MRN, Nov. 26 (TB), and another near the intersection of Highways 1 and 156, MTY, Nov. 16, was a first recorded winter sighting for the county (MPRBA). Davenport,

SCZ, had a Rough-legged Hawk Dec.

9-26 (BL, GS, MOB), 2 were at at Beatrice, HUM, Dec. 13 (ABB), and 5 were seen at Areata, HUM, Dec. 15 (EE). Three groups of Mountain Plovers were seen south of Dixon,

SOL, Nov. 26 (LW) and 33 were count- ed there Dec. 9 (LLi), while 270 or more were found on Robinson Rd.,

SE of Hwy 113, YOL/SOL, Dec. 10 (JW,

NW). Two Rock Sandpipers were seen during the period: one at Laguna Point, MacKerricher SP, MEN, Dec. 9 (SD), and the other at Duncan's Landing, SON, Dec. 5 (JR). There were 4 reports of single Glaucous Gulls: at Waddell Creek, SCZ, Dec. 4 (RW), at Capitola Beach, SCZ, Dec. 4 (DSu), at L. Merced, SF, Dec. 17 (DS, JMo), and at the Emeiqwille Crescent, ALA, Dec.

17 (Oakland CBC).

Two Northern Pygmy-Owls found on the Oakland, ALA, CBC, had not been seen there since the mid- 1980's (fide JB, CM). The first SCZ county CBC record of a Common Poorwill occurred north of Soquel, SCZ, Dec.

16 (DSu). The Williamson's Sapsucker first reported Nov. 18 continued in Stiq'bing Arboretum, GGP, SF, Nov.

29- Dec. 17 (HC, ASH, MOB). A Red- naped Sapsucker was seen north of Soquel, SCZ, -Dec. 10-16 (DSu). The Pileated Woodpecker continued in Redwood Regional Park, ALA, the

The Gull / Februdry 2001

The Gull / February 2001

week of Dec. 4 (fide LT), and two oth- ers were reported near Nisene Marks SP, SCZ, Dec. 29, in an area where nesting had been recorded in 1997, but where the species had been seen little since (DSu).

An Eastern Phoebe was found at AMSP, Big Sur, MTY, Nov. 30-Dec. 25 (MPRBA, RL), and a second individual came to the same location on Dec. 8 (MPRBA). A Tropical Kingbird was discovered in Palo Alto on the SCL/SM county line, -Nov. 30 (AE, MD). Another Tropical Kingbird was in Golden Gate Park, SF, Dec. 2-23 (RE, MH, SD, MOB) and another contin- ued from Nov. 17 at Ft. Mason, SF, until at least Dec. 29 (DA). Yet one more Tropical Kingbird was seen at Big Sur, MTY, Dec. 17 (MPRBA). A Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyra/mus crassirostris) returned for its third win- ter to Half Moon Bay, SM, Dec. 10 (GD). In 1999, it arrived on Dec. 19. This species is a tropical breeder, found commonly in the U.S. only in SE Arizona and an extremely rare visitor to CA, with only one or two Northern CA records. Those Corvids continue on the upswing, with a flock of 185 Common Ravens seen over Scotts Valley, SCZ, Dec. 2 (DSu). On the Raven front, Harry Fuller informs us that a recent DNA analysis of Common Raven populations by the uses indicates that the CA and southwestern US birds were separat- ed from all the other populations in the N. Hemisphere during the Ice Age. An American Dipper was found at an unusually low elevation in Stevens Creek County Park, SM, Dec. 29 (DC).

Most unusual was an adult male Black-backed Wagtail (Motadlla liigens) on the Cargill Ponds, Alviso, SCL, Dec. 18 (DMc, PS). This species is native to the coast of Asia, and is a regular migrant to the Aleutians, where it has bred. It is extremely rare in CA, and the species status of some Black-backed vs. White Wagtail sight- ings has not always been clear (Small, 1994), although Mike Rogers pointed out that a recent paper by Sibley and Howell [Western Birds 29:180-198, 1998) facilitated the species status of many of these controversial records. There are currently 9 state records of this

species, 7 of them from Northern CA. Uncommon Wood Warbler sightings were even fewer than last month, with perhaps the nicest find an American Redstart in exactly the same location as last year (perhaps the same individual, since last year the bird was immature and now it has mature male plumage), and found by the same observer (see Chart).

Sparrows to Finches.

Five single American Tree Sparrows were seen: at Areata, HUM, Nov. 29 (ABB), on State Ranger Rd., SM, Dec. 5 (RSTh), at Cesar Chavez Park, ALA, Nov. 29 (fide GO, near McClure's Beach, PRNS, MRN, Dec. 16-17 (PRNS CBC, LLi, CLi), and at Bayside, HUM, Dec. 20 (ABB). A Clay-colored Sparrow was at Areata, HUM, Dec. 4 (EE); another, first reported in late November, returned to a feeder in Capitola, SCZ, Dec. 26-27 (fide DSu). A Vesper Sparrow was at the O'Neill Forebay, MER, Dec. 3 (PJM).

Individual Swamp Sparrows came to Moon Glow Dairy, MTY, Nov. 28-Dec. 16 (MPRBA), Merced NWR, MER, Dec. 3 (PJM), and Antonelli Pond, SCZ,

Dec. 16 (DSu). Three White-throated Sparrows were at Bayside, HUM, Dec. 2 (ABB), 2 were at Areata, HUM, Dec. 4-10 (ABB), and single birds were reported at McKinleyville, HUM, Dec. 10 (ABB), and at Big Sur Headlands, MTY, Dec. 17 (MPRBA). A Harris's Sparrow came to a private feeder in Cotati, SON, Dec. 26 (RM).

The McCown's Longspur at Gloria/Camphora-GIoria Rds., MTY, Dec. 5-4, set a first MTY county record (TE, MOB). A single Lapland Longspur was at Areata, HUM, Dec. 4 (EE), but 15 birds were present there Dec. 15 (ABB), whereas up to 60 indi- viduals were at Mad River Slough Wildlife Area, HUM, Dec. 15 (ABB). Two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were found: one at Garberville, HUM, Dec. 11-12 (ABB), and the second at a feeder near. UCSC, SCZ, Dec. 25 (fide DSu). A 2*^*^ SCZ county CBC record for the Indigo Bunting was set by an individual spotted at Rodeo Gulch, Dec. 16-20 (CK, DSu). Unusual for the coast was a Cassin's Finch at Ft.

Miley, SF Dec. 1 (BE). (V '

Wood Warbler Sightings

Nashville Warbler

Dec, 16	New Brighton, SCZ	DSu
Dec. 17	Dunsmuir, AIA	Oakland CBC, fide JB,CM
Dec. 22	Bay Farm Island, ALA	CL
Dec. 28	New Brighton SB, SCZ	DSu
Lucf^s Warbler
Dec. 29	Monterey	Monterey
	Peninsula College	CBC, fide SR
Palm Warbler
Dec. 1-8	Areata, HUM	ABB
Dec. 12	Pacific Grove, MTY	MPRBA
Dec. 14	San Lorenzo Park, SCZ
Black-and-WhiteWarbler
Dec. 11-16	Soquel Creek, SCZ	DSu
Dec. 17	Big Sur, MTY	MPRBA
Dec. 19	Jack's Peak, MTY	MPRBA
Dec. 29	Carmel R., MTY	Monterey CBC, fide SR
American Redstart
Dec. 17-29	Bay Farm Island, ALA	RS

Abbreviations for Observers: SA, Steve Abbott; ABB, Areata Bird Box; DA, David Armstrong; TB, Tim Behr; BB, Bob Brandriff; JB, Joelle Buffa; HC, Hugh Cotter; SD, Stephen Davies; JD, Jeff Davis; GD, Gary Deghi; MD, Matthew Dodder; TE, Todd Easterla; AE, AI Eisner; EE, Elias Elias; ME, Mike Ezekiel; ME, Mike Feighner; RE, Rich Ferrick; BE, Brian Fitch; JG, Jim Gain; DG, Don Ganton;

SG, Steve Glover; GG, George Griffeilr; MH, Merry Haveman; LH, Laird Henkel; ASH, Alan S, Hopkins; CK, Clay Kempf; SK, Sandy Koonce; BE, Brian Latta; RL, Rick Lebadour; DL, Don Lewis; CLi, Cindy Lieurance; LLi,

Leslie Lieurance; RL, Randy Little; CL, Calvin Lou; MOB, Many Observers; DMc, David McIntyre; KM, Kevin McKereghan; RM, Richard Merriss; PJM, Peter J. Metropiilos; JM, John Meyer; MPRBA, Monterey Peninsula Rare Bird Alert; JMo, Joe Morlan; CM, Clyde Morris; DM, Dan Murphy; KN, Kristi Nelson; JR, Jean Richmond; SR, Steve Rovell; PS, Paul Saraceni; RS, Rusty Scalf; DLSh, Debra Love Shearwater; DS, Dan Singer; GS, Glen Stewart; DSu, David Suddjian; KS, Kirk Swenson; RSTh, Ron S. Thorn; LT, Larr)' Tunstall; EVV, Evelyn Warn.sworth; LW, Lee Webster; JW, Jim White; NW,

Natalie White; RW, Roger Wolfe.

Abbreviations for Counties and Others: ALA, Alameda; AMSP, Andrew Molera State Park; BUT, Butte; CBRC, California Bird Records Committee, CBC, Christmas Bird Count; CC, Contra Costa; HUM, Humboldt; MRN, Marin; MEN, Mendocino; MER, Merced; MJY, Monterey; NWR, National Wildlife Refuge; PT, Pelagic Trip; PRNS, Poii\t Reyes National Seashore; SF, San Francisco; SM, San Mateo; SCL, Santa Clara; SCZ, Santa Cruz; SOL, Solano; SON, Sonoma; SB, State Beach; SP, Slate Park; YOL, Yolo.

Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc.

Financial statements for the Year Ended May '51, 2000

KIRBY AND FORBES

CtROFeO PU#UC ACCOUNTANT* JCFARCY 0 FOOMS A

P.0, BOX 16186

SAN FRANCOCO. CAtrONTAA »4I l«

TELEPHONE (41S) UI^MTS FACSIMILE {4tS)0ei-6^

August 18, 2000

Board of Directors

Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc.

2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G Berkeley, CA 94702

We have reviewed the accompanying statement of financial position of Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. as of May 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related statements of activities, cash flows and functional expenses for the years then ended, in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. All of the information included in these financial statements is the representation of the management of Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc.

A review consists principally of inquiries of organization personnel and analytical procedures applied to financial data.

It is substantially less in scope than an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

KRBY AND FOftaes CtRTrCD PU0UC ACCOUNTANTS

MAY 31. 2000 AND 1999

Cash And Cash Equivalents Interest Receivable Other Receivables Inventory

Marketable Securities (At Fair Market Value) Deposits

Prepaid Expenses

ASSETS

ism.

TEMPORARILY

RESTRICTED

$ 50,837

4 , 435 2,622

680,900

360

—6.667

745.821

1.381

$ 747,202

$ 1,826

152,062

153.888

$ 153,888

PERMANENTLY

$ 85,795

85.795

S 85,795

COMBINED COMBINED TOTAL TOTAL

$ 52,663

4,435

2,622

918,757

360

6.667 985.504 1.381 $ 986,885

S 148,790 4,173 4,822 3,656

780,763

360

942.564

2.856

$ 945,420

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Accounts Payable	$ 2,082	$ 2,082 $	3,007
Payroll And Sales Taxes Payable	1,323	1,323	735
Deposits	-	-	114
Prepaid Grants (Note 6)	. 53.113	53.113 .
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	56.518	56.518	3.856

Our review was made for the purpose of expressing limited assurance that there are no material modifications that should be made to the financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The information included in the accompanying schedule of changes in net assets is presented only for supplementary analysis purposes. Such information has been subjected to the inquiry and analytical procedures applied in the review of the basic financial statements and we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made thereto.

NET ASSETS

690.684

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$ 747,202

S 153.888 $ 153,688

S 85.795 93Q.367 941.564

$ 85,795 $ 986,685 $ 945,420

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement. See accountants' report dated August 18, 2000.

KIRBY AND FORBES

TEMPORARILY

	UNRESTRICTED	RESTRICTED
SUPPORT AND REVENUE pimi.Tr .SUPPORT nTRrrr roNTBTRUTTONS Gifts And Donations Grants	$ 13,989	$ 24,835 48.850
13.999	73.685
TNnTRP.rr roNTRTmmoN.s Earth Share TOTAL PUBLIC SUPPORT
19. 330	73.685
REVENUE Investment Earnings, Net Membership Dues Newsletter Subscriptions Program Service Fees Merchandise Sales (Net Of Direct Expenses of S4,662) Other TOTAL REVENUE	80, 130 28, 872 2, 000 2,572	16, 038 980
IM. 139	17.018
NF.T ASSETS RFI, EASED FROM RESTRICTION	94.938	1 80. 0451
	218.407	10.658
EXPENSES Program Services: Newsletter Conservation Educational Programs (Note 9) Management And General Fundraising TOTAL EXPENSES	32, 133 45,240 140, 756 23, see 2. 784 244. 501	-
rHANGE TM NF.T ASSETS NET ASSETS AT MAY 31. 19S9	( 26.094) 716.778	10, 650 143.230
NET ASSETS AT MAY 31. 20QQ	$ 690, 684	S 153,088

PERMANENTLY	COMBINED	COMBINED
		TOTAL
	$ 38,824	$ 195,650
	48.850	297
	87.674	195.947
	5.341
	93.015	201.302
$ 9,132	105,300	62,091
	28, 872	23, 636
	2, 000	1. 519
-	980	7, 404
	2,572	3,332
_	S65	{ 11)
9. 132	140.289	97. £35
		_
4.239	233. 304	299.237
	32,133	31,252
.	45, 240	47,455
_	140,756	69, 165
_	23,588	22,695
_	2.784	3. 101
_	244.501	173.668
4,239	( 11,197)	125, 569
81.556	941. 564	815.995
5 95,795	S 930,367	$ 941,564

The accompanying notes ace an See accountants' report dated

integral part of this statement. August 18, 2000.

URSY AND FORBES CERTWED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

r.OT.DEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY. INC. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31. 2000 AND 1999

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTTIVITIES	2000	1999
Change In Net Assets	$( 11,197)	$ 125,569
Adjustments To Reconcile Change In Net Assets To Cash Provided By Operating Activities:
Depreciation Gain On Sale Of Securities Unrealized Gains On Investments	1,473 ( 39,626) ( 62,175)	1,918 ( 43,617) ( 13,205)
(Increase) Decrease In: Interest Receivable Other Receivables Inventory Prepaid Expenses	4,173 387 1,034 ( 6,667)	454 ( 3,594) ( 218)
Increase (Decrease) In: Accounts Payable Payroll And Sales Taxes Payable Deposits Prepaid Grants	{ 925) 588 { 114)	( 5,539) ( 5) 114
< 59.936)	61 .877

CASH FT/1WR FROM TNVF.«;TMFNT AOTTVTTTFS
Purchase Of Marketable Securities Proceeds From Sale Of Marketable Securities	(337.894) 301. 7Q3	(232,059) 250.321
NFT OA.SH PROVTDFn (USED) BY	f 36.191)	18.262
NFT TNORFA.SF TN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	{ 96,127)	80, 139
	148. 790	6R .651
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. MAY 31. 2QQQ	$ 52,663	S 148,790

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement See accountants' report dated August 18, 2000.

The Gull / February 2001

The GuU / Febmary 2001

Golden Gate Audubon Society^ Inc.

Financial statements for the Year Ended May 51, 2000

lORBY ANO FORBES CERmO PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

KnBY ANO FORBES mFlED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. Notes To The Financial Statements Page Two

GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY. INC. STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES MAY 31. 2000 AND 1999

2000 1999-

PROGRAM SERVICES SUPPORT TOTAL TOTAL

MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONAL FUNCTIONAL

	NEWSLETTER	rONSFRVATTON					F'YPFN<;PR	FXPFNRFR
Grants And Allocations	S	_	$ 11,850	$ 115,183 S	127,033					S 127,033	S 55,823
Salaries And Wages		-	14,264	16,229	30, 493	5	9, 508			40, 001	41, 016
Printing And Publications		19,200	1,007	293	20,500		-	S	2,694	23, 194	20,929
Postage And Mailing		U, 941	-	-	11,941		640		-	12, 581	14,459
Legal		-	12,289	-	12,289		-		-	12,289	500
Occupancy		-	2, 499	2, 499	4,998		1, 665		-	6, 663	6, 945
Insurance		-	-	-	-		3, 979		_	3. 979	2, 340
Payroll Taxes		-	1, 447	1, 447	2,894		965		_	3, 859	3,294
Accounting Fees		-	-	-	_		3, 800		_	3, 800	4, 506
Office Expense		-	520	1, 969	2,489		923		_	3, 412	6, 995
Supplies		623	623	623	1,869		624		_	2, 493	1, 953
Telephone		-	372	-	372		1, 116		_	1,488	1, 616
Room Rents		-	-	1, 130	1, 130		_		_	1, 130	545
Conferences And Meetings		-	-	1, 014	1.014		_		-	1, 014	5,324
Miscellaneous Expense		-	-	-	_		_		90	90	552
Travel		-	-	_	_				_	_
TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE
DEPRECIATION		31,764	44, 871	140,387	217,022		23,220		2,784	243,026	171,750
DEPRECIATION		369	369
TOTAL FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES	$	32, 133	$ 45,240	S 140,756 S	218, 129	$	23, 588	$	2,784	$ 244,501	$ 173,668

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement. See accountants' report dated August 18, 2000.

Permanently Restricted - Permanently restricted net assets consist of assets whose use has been restricted for investment in perpetuity. The income from these assets is available for either general operations or specific programs as specified by the donor.

Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents are stated at cost (Note 3) .

Marketable Securities are stated at fair market value (Note 4).

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventory consists primarily of bird feed, bird feeders and education books held for sale.

Property and equipment purchased by the society are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ranging from five to ten years.

Functional Expenses - Expenses are charged directly to program or management in general categories based on specific identification. Indirect expenses have been allocated based on salary expenditures.

Income Tax Status - The Society is organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a non-profit, tax- exempt organization and is classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a public charity. The State of California has also granted the Society a tax-exempt status under California Revenue and Taxation Code 23701.

NOTE 3 - CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash not immediately required for current operations is invested in money market funds which earn interest at varying rates. Interest and dividends earned on these investments was §19,310 and $21,028, respectively, for the years ended May 31, 2000 and 1999.

Kmev AND FORBES CERTFIEO PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

KlRaY ANO FORBES CERTVeO PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY. INC

FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31. 2000 AND 1999

Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. Notes To The Financial Statements Page Three

MOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION

NOTE 4 - MARKETART.E SECURTTTES

Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. (the Society) was incorporated in the State of California in 1952 as a nonprofit membership organization engaged in conservation, public education and research activities focusing on birds, other wildlife and wildlife habitats. The Society is an authorized chapter of the National Audubon Society.

MOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis Of Accounting - The financial statements of the Society have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis Of Presentation - Financial statement presentation follows the recommendations of the Financial Accounting Standards Board in its Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 117, Financial Statements of Not-For-Profit Organizations. Under SFAS No. 117, the Organization is required to report information regarding its financial position and activities according to three classes of net assets: unrestricted net

assets, temporarily restricted net assets, and permanently restricted net assets. Accordingly, all financial transactions have been recorded and reported in the following net asset categories.

Unrestricted - Unrestricted net assets consist of all resources of the Society which have not been restricted by a donor for a specific use. Assets for general use are classified as unrestricted. The board has designated certain unrestricted funds for specific purposes .

Temporarily Restricted - Temporarily restricted net assets consist of cash and other assets received with donor stipulations that limit the use of the donated assets. When a donor restriction expires, that is, when a stipulated time restriction ends or purpose restriction is accomplished, temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets and reported in the statement of activities as net assets released from restriction. At May 31, 2000 $123,196 of temporarily restricted funds are to be used for land acquisition and for improving wildlife habitats. Also, §14,786 is earmarked for the protection and study of the California Least Tern in the Alameda/Oakland Area. Other temporarily restricted funds total $15,906.

Marketable securities at May 31, 2000 are summarized as follows:

Fair Unrealized

			Market		Gain
	Cost		Value ^From	Inception!
Corporate Stocks §	264 , 674	§	641,609	§	376,935
Corporate Bonds US Government	255,895		237,806	(	; 18,089)
Securities	39.999		39.342	1	: 652)
Total Marketable
Securities §	560,568	$	918,757	$	358,189
Net investment earnings	for the	years ending	May	31, 2000
1999 were as follows:			2000		1999
Interest And Dividends	$	19,758	S	21,113
Realized Gains On Unrealized Gains	Sales		39,628		43,617
(Current Year)			62,174		13,205
Management Fees			f 16.260)	1	[ 15.844)
Net Investment Earnings	$	105,300	$	62,091

NOTE 5 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property And Equipment at May 31, 2000 and 1999 consisted of the following:

		2000		1999
Office Equipment Furniture And Fixtures Other Equipment	$	22,574 1,038 5,324	S	22,574 1,038
	28,936		28,936
Less: Accumulated Depreciation	{	' 27.555)	(	' 26.080!
Net Property And Equipment	S	1,381	$	2,856

Depreciation expense for the years ended May 31, 2000 and 1999 was §1,473 and §1,918, respectively.

KIR8Y AND FORBES CERTIf«0 PUBIC ACCOUNTANTS

Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. Notes To The Financial Statements Page Four

In May 2000 the Society received the following grants to supplement 2000-2001 operating expenses and programs from tho following organizations:

Sierra Club Foundation Weeden Foundation C.A.W. Foundation Bank Of America

$ 27,540

15,573

5.000

The Society leases its office under a month-to-month agreement. Rent expense for the years ended May 31, 2000 and 1999 was $6,663 and $6,945, respectively.

In furtherance of the exempt purpose of protecting wildlife habitats, the Society contributes to the funding of National Audubon Society’s (NAS) California Legislative Affairs Director (the California Audubon Legislative Affairs Program, a joint program of the NAS and California chapters of the NAS) , and contributes to the funding of the Planning anc Conservation League. In addition, the Society occasionally publishes information regarding pending legislation in its monthly newsletter, provides testimony to legislative bodies, and contributes to campaigns in support of or opposition to ballot initiatives related to wildlife and wildlife habitats. The total amount of expenditures for direct lobbying and grass roots communications was $6,555 for the year ended May 31, 2000.

NOTE 9 - LITIGATION

The Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. participated in a lawsuit relating to the wetlands at the Oakland Airport. As part of a consent decree the GGAS is to receive $100,000 in late 2000. These funds are to be devoted to educational ($80,000) bird monitoring ($10,000) and consulting ($10,000) activities at the site.

In anticipation of these funds GGAS expended approximately $28,000 in educational expense in the year ending May 31, 2000.

C0LD£K. CATi; . AUIjUbQN SQCIETy. INC.

	SmiiDULE Ur_mAMCES IN MCT A!:r,RTr.
	MAY 31. 2QQ0
		EXCESS
		(DEFICIT) OF	NET
	NET ASSETS	REVENUE OVER	ASSETS
	JUM£ I.	EXPENSES
Unrestricted:
General Operating	S 470,638	$( 52,236)
Designated:
Board Reserve	141,270	15,819
Covell Education	21,491	1,117
Properties	1,166
Alameda Audubon Center	. 82.213	- 9.206	Sl'.ilS
	716.778	( 26.094)	&30.CLSii
Temporarily Restricted:
Sanctuary	110,790	12,406
Bayshore	13,297	1,489
Life Membership	7,076
Rare Bird Alert	2,557
Alameda Audubon Center	_
Latin America Committee	1,302
Birds in the Balance	9.208	f 8.208)
	143.230	-IQ. 658	153.888
Permanently Restricted:
Endowment		4 .239	85.795
TOTAL	$ 941,564	S( 11,197)	$ 930,367
	“====“=	==»====■

GGAS Wins ...

Continued from page 3

several talk shows to explain the need for this action.

"This decision was a vitally impor- tant one," said Dan Taylor, executive director of Audubon-California. "Audubon had only one goal; to make sure that California's most imperiled birds and wildlife do not become extinct. Audubon fought for their right to receive the protection they are accorded under the Endangered Species Act."

Judge Charles Legge issued a com- prehensive order in the suit brought by Audubon against various state

agencies challenging the Constitutionality of Proposition 4, a measure banning all trapping (including the humane trapping for predator control employed by Federal authorities), which was passed by California's voters on November 5, 1998. "The judge's ruling is fair and wise. While keeping the state trap- ping ban in place, he exempted Federal authorities from that ban, allowing them to continue the criti- cally important work of non-native predator control required by the law under the ESA," continued Taylor.

Audubon-California and its co- plaintiffs, including the Golden Gate Audubon Society, the Marin

Audubon Society, and the California Waterfowl Association, sought a court ruling based upon one section of Proposition 4. This section effectively bans "any person, including employ- ees of the federal, state, county or municipal government to use or authorize the use of any leghold trap, padded or otherwise..." Judge Fegge ruled that Proposition 4 "cannot be applied to the activities of agencies, employees, or contractors of the United States of America engaged in the management of wildlife on feder- al lands or in conservation efforts under federal law."

)

Field Trips . . .

Continued from paged

Sunday, March 4, STRYBING ARBORETUM.

See February trip for details, headers: Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna (415) 566-3241.

Sunday, March 11, REDWOOD REGIONAE PARK, Oakland.

8:00 a.m.. Canyon Meadow (last) arking lot. Take Hwy 13 to Redwood oad exit, go east (towards the hills)

on Redwood Rd. 5 miles to park entrance on left.

Wednesday, March 14, MINI- TRIP TO MITCHELL CANYON,

Contra Costa County.

Meet at 9:50 a.m. Take Hv\y. 24 through the Caldecott Tunnel. In Walnut Creek , take Ygnacio Valley Rd. exit. Go approximately 8 miles, then turn right on to Cla)4on Rd. After 1 mile turn right on Mitchell Canyon Rd. and continue to the parking lot at the end of the road, (parking outside entrance will avoid

fee). This is a delightful area with many songbirds and easy streamside walking. Be prepared for mud and bring your luncn. Rain cancels, headers: Anna Wilcox (510) 551-9501 and Jean-Marie Spoleman.(S)

Trips marked with a (S) go to parks or other sites which require an entrance fee. Carpooling arrangements will be attempted by leader for trips marked \vith a (*).

Problems, etc: If you need information and have difficulty reaching a field trip leader, or IF YOU WOCLD LIKE TO LEAD A TRIP, call Anthony Fisher, Field Trips Committee Chair, (510) 658-8769. Loveisant@aotcom.

The Gull / February 2001

The Treasure Island Wetlands

Vision— Creating Habitat for Birds

and Birders (a slide presentation by Ruth Gravanis)

The closing of Naval Station

Treasure Island (NSTI) presents a wonderful opportunity to provide wetlands habitat for a host of resident and migratory shore- birds and waterfowl. Ruth Gravanis, Director of the Treasure Island Wetlands Project, will summarize the island's history, present a vision for a beautiful and functional new habitat, and show many of the species birders can expect to observe.

The former NSTI actually consists of two islands in the middle of San Francisco Bay: the human-built Treasure Island and the naturally occurring Verba Buena Island. The 403-acre TI was conceived in the mid

'30s as an international airport, was constructed out of Bay mud by the Army Corps of Engineers, and gained fame as the site of the 1 939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition. YBI, with its own colorful history, has also been home to the Coast Guard, which will retain own- ership of the southern third of the island. YBI's natural habitat supports a number of terrestrial species as well as a harbor seal haul-out. After serv- ing as a military base for more than 50 years, NSTI was declared surplus to military needs and is expected to soon be conveyed to the City of San

ROSTER

President - Leslie Lethridge '02 Second Vice President - Miles McKee '01 Corresponding Secretary - Pat Gannon '01 Treasurer - Ann Howard '01 At Large Director - Alan Hopkins '01 West Bay Directors - Allan Ridley '02 Nancy Smith '03 - East Bay Directors Leora Feeney '02 Carolyn Kolka '01 Kay Carney '01

Committee Chairs

Conservation

Jacqui Smalley 510-655-0998 * Education - Sande Smith *

FAWR - Leora Feeney 510-522-8525 Field Trips - Anthony Fisher * 510-658-8769 Hospitality - Ann Howard Latin America - Bob Risebrough 510-549-2476

Major Gifts - Allan Ridley 415-566-3241 Nominating - Nancy Smith Publications - Peter Caldwell *

* Board of Directors '01

Other

Observations

Collin G. Murphy, Ph.D. 510-845-2565 GGAS Webmaster

Mark Eaton - mweaton@pacbell.net Northern California Bird Box 415-681-7422

Editor

Peter Caldwell 415-821-0212, Peter_Caldwell@attglobal.net

Copy Editor

Ann Howard

Executive Director

Arthur Feinstein 510-843-2222

Published each month except August by the Golden Gate Audubon Society. Special third-class postage paid in Oakland, CA.

Send address changes to office promptly.

Post Office does not forward The Gull. Monthly meeting: third Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Joint membership, local and national, $35 per year ($20 per year new members) includes Audubon Magazine and Die Gull. Renewals should be sent directly to National Audubon office. Subscriptions to Die Gull separately: $10 per year, single i.ssues $1.

The Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. was established January 15, 1917, and became a chapter of National Audubon in 1948. Die Gull deadline is the first of the month for the following month's issue.

The Gull - - ISSN 0164-971X

Golden Gate Audubon Society 2550 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G Berkeley, CA 94702 Phone: (510) 843-2222 Fax: (510) 845-5351

Office Hours:

Tuesday - Friday 9-12, 1-4 (please call first)

Website: www.goldengateaudubon.org e-mail: ggas@compuserve.com

Printid on Process Chlorine Free

100% recycled paper with 50% POST-CONSUMER WASTE CONTENT DESIGN BY HENRY PHAM WKwom

Continues on page 6

Thursday, February 15, 2001 7:00 p.m. Refreshmen Is/ Doors Open 7:30 p.m. Program Northbrae Community Church 941 Die Alameda, Berkeley

As a member of National Audubon Society, you are automatically Welcome enrolled in the local chapter. Golden Gate Audubon Society. Chapter benefits include receipt of TJie Gull, access to field trips and programs. Members opportunity to volunteer. Call the office if you have any questions.
Golden Gate Audubon Society	Non-Profit
2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G	Organization
Berkeley, CA 94702	U.S. Postage
RrruRN Service Requested	PAID Oakland, CA
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