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CALIFORNIA academy of SCIENC^g
JAN 3 0 2012
VOL. 97 NO. 1 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012
^GULL
iRNIA
E NEWSLETTER OF THE GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY
GGAS Joins Campaign:
Don’t Take the Bait
In November. Golden Gate .Audubon joined tbe San Francisco Department of the Environment and Supervisor Malia Gohen in calling for a voluntary ban on rodenticides that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had determined pose "unreasonable adverse effects on the environment and are unnecessarily harmful to people, pets, and the environment. .Already 14 businesses with 8/ retail locations in San Francisco have agreed to stop selling the products. City officials and GG.AS are hoping to e.xpand the effort to all businesses in San Francisco while encouraging residents to use more ecologically sensitive means of rodent control.
Birds and other predators that eat poisoned rodents or the rodenticides suffer severe impacts. The problem of raptors poisoned by rodenticides. usually by eating poisoned prey, has been well documented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game. For e.xample. the USFW'S has stated that more than one-third of dead raptors recovered as part of criminal investiga- tions have traces of rodenticide in their systems. The Department of Fish and Game has reported that 79 percent of San Joaquin Kit Fox around Bakersfield have been exposed to rodenticides; 92 percent of raptors in San Diego County and 79 percent of those collected in the Central \'itlley also contained them. In another study. 82 out
Hotspots Along the Waterfront
With increased redevelopment, a grow- ing Bay .Area |K)pulalion. and projects such as the .Americas Cup. San Franciscos waterlront is receiving renewed attention for its commercial and ecological values. Golden Cate Audubon has prioritized 10 spots along the waterlront that deserve special consideration lor their ecological values. We are working on every major plan or permitting process that affects these areas. The list here highlights important areas and is not an exhaustive account of all the significant waterlront areas. I he sites are orga- nized from the southeast to the southwest.
t- andlestick Foint 4tat<“ Hi* r'‘-'ti;.=’' ;'i - 'losemite Slough I lunters I c;nt W ithin this very southeast portion of the waterfront, the Candlestick Point State Recreation .Area pro- vides vital open space for the community and year-round habitat for shorebirds and land birds. .Although the park may he closed due to bud- get cuts, it is expected to undergo a significant reconfiguration to accommodate surrounding redevelopment. Just north of the park. Yosemite Slough includes San Francisco's largest wetland restoration site and two bird nesting islands. Hunters Point, the former naval shipvard. is also the focus of intensive redevelopment, which, thanks in part to conservationists' efforts, will include native grasslands, seasonal wetlands, and a constructed beach and lagoon.
India Basin and Herons He. id Park One HOTSPOTS continued on page 10
3 New Member Contest
5 Birdathon 2012
11 Raptor Classes in the East Bay and SF
INSIDE
DON'T TAKE THE BAIT continued on page 4
i ROSTER
i
I BOARD OF DIRF. TORS Diane Ross-Leech President Mark Mushkat Treasurer Linda Vallee Secretary Karim Al-Khafaji David Anderson Whitney Dotson Jack Dumbacher Alan Harper Carey Knecht John Muir Laws Michael Lozeau Sarah Peterman Jay Pierrepont Phil Price Rich Walkling
I EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mark Welther 510.843.9912 mwelther@goldengateaudubon.org
I CONSERVATION DIRECTOR I Mike Lynes 510.843.6551
mlynes@goldengateaudubon.org
I DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Lisa Owens Viani 510.843.7295 lowensvi@goldengateaudubon.org
I Education Director Anthony DeCicco 510 843.2222 adecicco@goldengateaudubon.org
ECO EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR Marissa Ortega-Welch 510.843.2222 mortegawelch@goldengateaudubon.org
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Noreen Weeden 510.301.0570 I volunteer@goldengateaudubon.org
I
I GULL MANAGING EDITOR
Judith Dunhamjudithdnhm@yahoo.com
OBSER... IONS
Bruce Mast observe@goldengateaudubon.org WEB EDITOR
webeditor@goldengateaudubon.org
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BIRD BOX 415.681,7422
The Golden Gate Audubon Society was founded Janu- ] ary 25, 1917, and became a chapter of National Audubon I in 1948. Golden Gate Audubon Supporting Member- ship is $35 per year Renewals should be sent to the Golden Gate Audubon office. The board of directors j meets six times per year (schedule can be obtained from the mam office).
The Cull is published six times per year. Special third- class postage paid in Oakland, CA. Send address changes to office promptly. The post office does not forward The Cull
Golden Gate Audubon Society ' 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G j Berkeley, CA 94702 j t€L 510.843.2222 fax 510.843.5351 1 www.goldengateaudubon.org j ggas@goldengateaudubon.org
For Nature Store hours, please call or check the website
Design and layout a g commumcattons
Looking Ahead to 2012
While we are still soaring from the holidays, two successful Christmas Bird Counts, and the rewards of winter birding in the Bay Area, lets look ahead. The new year promises to be an exciting one featuring new developments along with our full calendar of classes, field trips both local and far afield, and engaging speakers.
• The first year of our Eco-Education program in San Francisco elementary schools, along with an expanded program for high school mentor interns on both sides of the bay.
• At Altamont Pass, continued replacement of nearly half of the 5,000 old wind turbines with fewer, more bird-safe modern turbines (we re aiming to reduce bird kills by 60 to 80 percent). This year, we will continue to push for the other half to be replaced.
• At Alameda Point, promising signs that 2012 could be the year we achieve permanent protection for the breeding endangered California Least Terns and the refuge's 180 other bird species.
• Creation of a new back-barrier lagoon at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard to complement habitat restoration of the adjacent Yosemite Slough and nearby Heron’s Head Park and Pier 94.
• Restoration commencing at Breuner Marsh (newly acquired by the East Bay Regional Park District) on the north Richmond shoreline.
• Expanding the Bird-Safe Building and Lights Out programs to the East Bay.
• Birdathon 2012 — our third annual birding event in April.
What you might not know is that Golden Gate Audubon is also in the middle of a three- year strategic plan. This may not sound exciting, but it's actually quite stimulating. Tbink of it as a roadmap that allows us to plan a trip to the place where we want to be in three years and shows us how to get there.
Some important questions have been posed by our plan. Who are our members and who else should we attract as members? What do we do well (and not well)? What makes us unique and valuable among conservation organizations? How do we remain faithful to our birding and conservation roots while growing and welcoming new people?
In the coming months, I invite you to share your thoughts on these and other questions by posting to our blog (www.goldengateaudubon.org/blog) or by sending me a note. 1 welcome your ideas about where Golden Gate Audubon is headed.
One thing is clear about our future. In this economy, we simply cannot relv on corpora- tions or foundations for consistent support. Our ability to weather financial storms comes from the rock-solid generosity of members and donors like you. In our plan we will focus on growing our membership to broaden that support. Please renew your membership today and bring your friends and family to a Golden Gate Audubon bird walk or event.
— Mark Welther, Executive Director
New Board Members
Golden Gate Audubon welcomes two new designated board members. Jack Dum- bacher is curator and chair of the Department of Ornithology and Mammalogy at the California Academy of Sciences. John Muir (Jack) Laws, naturalist, educator, and artist, is the author and illustrator of the Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada and winner of the 2011 Educator of the Year from the California Institute for Biodiversity. We are also pleased to announce the reelection of Carey Knecht, Phil Price, and Linda Vallee to three-year terms ending in 2014.
2 THE GULL JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012
CONSERVATION CORNER
GGAS DOCENTS IN THE FIELD
Want lo a (. lose look at w inlcain^ shore birds aiul learn why migrants and resident birds winter in the bay .Area in siab abun- dant luiinbers? Doeents in our Birdinj- the bay brail proj^rain are stationed at key spots alon>> the San I'raneiseo bay brail between the biebinond Marina and the Albany mudllats. Spotting scopes are made avail- able to show you the birds in detail, bo learn uben docents will be stationed on the trail, go to \\ w w.goklengateautlubon.org.
■As ol this issue ot the Ctiill, five burrow- ing Owls have returned to spend the v\ inter at Ck'sar Chavez Park in berkeley. As part ol our burrowing Owl Docent Program, now in its tourtb season, volunteers watch tor the arri\'al ol the owls and [mint them out to visitors. Check the CCAS website for the docent schedule.
IMPORTANT BILL FOR BIRDS SIGNED
.A new hill signed into law bv Governor brown will go a long way toward preventing
oil spills and their impai. ts on birds dm mg routiiii' relueling oper.it ions b\ ships in San I rancisco b.iy and elsrn\berr‘ around the St. lie. .Alter the P.inamani.m-flagged Duhai Star mertopped its deck with oil while refueling in the bay in October 2()09. a coalition ol en\ ironmental groups worked with .Assembly member Jare(.l llullman (D— San balael) to draft legislation to pre- vent similar incidents. .Ab 1112 re(.|uires the states Olbce ol Spill Pre\eniion and besponse to cle\elop a conijirehensive screening mechanism and risk-based moni- toring program lor bunkering and lightering o|ierations that take place at anchor in open waters and at dock throughout the state.
1 be bill also raises the per-barrel lee from S to 6.5 cents and recjuires the State Lands Commission to report to the legislature on the precautions it has taken to prevent blowouts from offshore oil drilling.
RESTORE HABITAT AT GGAS SITES
Start 2012 by joining us in habitat resto- ration at local sites. W’e provide all the
New Year — New Member Contest
You — our members anid volunteers — are our most valuable assets. But we neecd more of you, an(d we are hoping you can help! We are asking each member to tell at least one potential new member about us, and there's something in it for you, too.
New members can join Golden Gate Audubon by March 1 as part of our New Year — New Member Contest. All they need to do is click on donate or join/donate on the home page of our website, www.goldengateaudubon.org, and enter your name in the "comments or questions" box.
The first 12 members from whom we receive a new member will be given a set of six gorgeous limited-edition bird prints by San Francisco artist Bruce Lattig. The set includes a Barn Owl, two Golden Eagles, a Prairie Falcon, a Northern Goshawk, and a flock of Canada Geese.
The member who brings in the most new members by March 1 will be treated to a private bird walk with GGAS Conservation Director Mike Lynes, a signed copy of the newly published Natural History of San Francisco Bay (UC Press), and an iPod Touch. Contact Development Director Lisa Owens Viani with questions: 510.843.7295 or lowensviani@goldengateaudubon.org.
Prairie Fulcon hv Bruce Lattig.
insi I IK I Kill \()ii lu-ctl. .(long uilb gloxc-s, look. sii.K ks. .111(1 u.iicr lor sue tJci.iik and duct lions, plc.isc go [o \\ w (s goldcngalc .iiidiibon org/\olnnlcci
• Pier 94, S.in I rancisto Janu.irv ~ I cb- mar\ 4, 9 a.m. noon
• .Alameda Wildlife Heluge, .\lanieda January 8. l ebruarx 12. 9 a m. noon
• M.irlin Lulber Kingjr. Hegional Shore- line, Oakland: January 21 ijanuarv 1 6 is .MLK Jr. Day) and l ebruarv IH,
10 a m. - 1 p.m.
• (iolden Gate Park near Bison Pad- dock, San braneiseo: January 21 and l ebruary 18, 9 a.m. - noon, \\ilb SL Heereation and Parks.
• Lands lind Last Wash. San I raneiseo Presidio; I'ebruary 25, 1 - 4 p.m.
FAWR AT THE FLYWAY FESTIVAL
X'olunleers from the Friends of the .Alameda Wildlife Heluge, a Golden Gate .Audubon conservation commillee, will be among the representatives from many environmental groups tabling at the annual San Francisco Flyway Festival. February 10-12. held (jn Mare Island in A’allejo. In addition to fea- turing displays from local organizations, the festival has a full schedule of educational prt^grams. held trips for birders of all levels, and activities for families w ith children. For details, go to www.sfbayllvwavfestival.com.
NEW POLICY FOR VISITING STATE WILDLIFE AREAS
If you plan lo visit one of Californias w ild- life areas or ecological reserves, vou now have to obtain a pass in advance. Dav-use and annual passes are no longer sold at the various sites. Daily lands passes iS4.32 each) and annual passes ($22.68) mav be purchased at vvvvvv.dfg.ca.gov licensing oral one of the Department of Fish and Game's license agents or license sales offices. Daily passes purchased online cannot be printed and are delivered by mail. .Areas that require passes include such popular birding spots in Northern California as Gray Lodge W ildlife CONSERVATION CORNER continuecd on page 4
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 THE GULL 3
DON'T TAKE THE BAIT from page 1
of 104 Mountain Lions tested in Califor- nia contained anticoagulants, usually more than one kind.
The rodenticides also pose risks to humans and pets. Each year in the United States. 12,000 to 15,000 calls are made to poison control centers when a child acciden- tally eats rodenticides. The pellets are blue and may be mistaken for candy. The poison may resemble kibble and be attractive to pets. Pets may also eat rodents weakened or killed by the rodenticide. Symptoms of rodenticide poisoning in mammals include weakness, pale lips and gums, and bleeding in the gums, nose, or digestive tract.
The products in question contain brodi- facoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, and difenacoLim. After more than a decade of studying the problem, the Environmen- tal Protection Agency is working to issue regulations to remove these products from the market, but the manufacturers, Reck- itt Benckiser Inc., Spectrum Group, and Liphatech Inc., are challenging the EPA in court. Meanwhile, conservation and pub- lic health groups are working to persuade
consumers and retailers to implement a vol- untary ban on the products. A full list of the products that should not be used is at http://tinyurl.com/EPArodenticides.
The best alternative to using rodenticides is to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of rodent infestations. For example, homeowners and business own- ers should remove trash and other materials that attract rodents, such as uncovered food waste, wood piles or ivy, and holes in building walls. Snap traps, carefully sited to avoid harming songbirds, should be used before poisons. If the infestation is severe, a rodent-control professional who is Green Shield Gerlified should be contacted.
As the campaign gathers momentum in San Francisco, Golden Gate Audubon is trying to expand it to cities and counties in the East Bay. We encourage our mem- bers to get involved by contacting their local elected and public health officials and asking them to join the campaign. Please visit www.goldengateaudubon.org for more information or come to our East Bay Gon- servation Gommittee meeting on the second Tuesday of each month.
CONSERVATION CORNER from page 3
Area and Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. The Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve will continue to sell passes at its visitor center.
BART ACTS TO PROTECT BIRDS OF PREY
The glass dome atop the North Berke- ley BART station and the windows that encircle the station fill it with daylight. But that glass and the open fare gates make the station attractive to birds of prey. In at least two separate incidents, a Gooper's Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew into the station, likely in pursuit of prey, and became disoriented and trapped on ledges beneath the windows and the atrium. Both birds were rescued by volunteers with Wild Rescue; however, the Sharp-shinned did not survive, probably because it had been in the station for several days. After wildlife rescuers and GGAS staff urged BART to take preventive measures, BART installed netting across the base of the glass dome in late November. GGAS appreciates BART's quick response to protect birds at the station.
Donations
Many thanks to our generous donors! Donations from September 23 to November 18, 2011.
Golden Eagle i$i.ooo and above)
Gaile B. Russ, Carol A. Sughrue
PEREGRINE FALCON ($500 TO $999)
John Hunt Kenny and Elizabeth Esther Rosenberg, Mary E. Martin, Mara and Don Melandry
LEAST Tern i$200 to $499)
Gary W. and Christine B. Bard, Katherine C. and Jeffrey Bairey, Richard and Daphne Bertero, Terry and Zoe Coddington, Patricia Lynn Gotchall, Michele and Jerome Harrison, Diane Ichiyasu, Russell and Karen Merritt, Marjorie Randolph
Clapper Rail i$lOO to $l99i
Laura Cory, Mary I. Foley and Arianna Comyns, Helen L. McKinley, Joyce and Jim Schnobrich, Laurie Umeh
Gifts ito $99 i
John Adkins, Michele M Amirkhas, Katharine Ballinger, Olive L. Bavins, Marcelle M. Baxter, Kristen Beckus-Baker, Roxane Beeler, Judy Bendix, Thomas Pehrson, Edward L. and Mildred Bennett, Roberta and Fletcher Benton, Walter and Nancy Berger, Annette L. Billingsley and Terry Bergmann, Mary Brady, Robert and Linda Carloni, Lewis B. Cooper, Susan and Don Couch, Dennis R. Creek and Linda R. Kroll, Adrienne De Bisschop, Kris and Mick Diede, Mary Donovan, J. Julian Elliot, Judith N. Ellisen, Marsha Feinland, Mary 1. Foley and Arianna Comyns, Pauline L. Fong, Lynn Gastellum, Nick Gerson, William J. and Zettie Lee Giddens, Judith Ann and Suresh M. Gurbaxani, Carlyn Halde, Susan A. Hampton, Grace E. and Michael T. Hardie, John H. Harris and Lisa Palermo, Katie Henry, Jan Z. Hintermeister, Sidney J. P. Hollister, Jeffrey W House, Donald H. and Ann V. Hughes, Akiko Ishii, Paula P. Itaya, Nancy E. Johnston, Beryl C. D. Kay, Jessica Kennedy, Bonnie Killip, Cheryl and Eric Kohleriter, Sherie A. Koshover, Felix Laks, Jennie C. Lee, Enid I. Leff, Edgar G. and Joyce Lehmann, William F. Link and Toni Gull Link, Jan C. Marsh, Barbara A. and George R. Martin, Theresa McGovern, Bruce M. McBride, Rachel Medanic, Valerie C. Meehan, Albert and Helen Michelson, Rose Miksovsky, Shari Miller, Elizabeth A Montgomery Heinz and H. Kurt Heinz, Lois Moore and Michael Karpinko, Sue Morgan and
Don Braden, Barbara Mow, Brenda Navellier, Carolyn and Benjamin Norman, Morton D. Paley, Cora and Donald Pitcock, Stacey M. Pogorzelski, Christine Dale Preston, Patricia L. Reese, Marguerite and H. T. Richter, Krehe H. and Katherine S, Ritter, Patti Sanford, William Schoenherr, Peter Seubert, Pamela L. Shandrick, Cynthia Shaw, Richard H. and Janet W. Sjoberg, Doris Sloan, Benjamin Sonstein, Beverley Spurgeon, Stella Stamoulis, Martha Stampfer, Kim Steele, Nancy E. Stryble, Edward S. Tanovitz, Alyce Bezman Tarcher, Megan Thomas, David J. Thomas, Clem H. Underhill, Robert and Judith A. Van Austen, Richard Allen Vanderlugt, Linda Vida, Sheridan and Elizabeth Warrick, Mary Ann and Chuck Wenger, Maureen Wesolowski, Carolyn West, Karin E. Zahorik
WILDLIFE Guardian (Wildlife Guardians donate monthly) Frances DuPont
Memorial Gifts
From Miles and Mel McKey, in memory of Miles T. McKey From Sue Morgan and Don Braden, in memory of Bob Schreiber From Dan and Joan Murphy, in memory of John Swineford
Gifts in honor of
Mary Price, in honor of Phil Price and Juliet Lamont iN-KiND Gifts
Eddie Bartley, Stephen D. Kan, Elizabeth Leite, Tes Welborn
Gift Memberships
Amanda Hamilton, for Christine Buell
Janet Stodter, for Tito Dziensuwski
David and Mary Williams, for Elizabeth Williams
Employcl Gift Matches
Charles Schwab Foundation, Clorox Company Foundation, PG&E Corporation Foundation
GRANTb
J. W. and H. M. Goodman Foundation: Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment
4 THE GULL JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012
SPEAKER SERIES
Golden Gate Park; A Stroll Through History
Heath
San Francisco: Thursday, January 19 — 7 p.m. refreshments, 7:30 program (free for GGAS member, $5 nonmembers)
Mam dcclicali'd natiiralisls have left mk'iii- orahlf loolprinls in (aikkai dak- Park.
William I lammoiul Mall applital prinu|des ol naiuial plain succession lo slahili/c the sand dunes that nntlerlie the park. John McLaren arriwd at the great variety ol plants in the park through trial and error.
Mr. Imis Baptista studied the vocali/ations ofWhite-c rowned Sparrows and memorahly whistled their calls at scientdic meetings.
Heath Massey will recount the stories of these and other fascinating individuals.
Heath Massey lives in San Francisco and is a protessor ol landscape architecture at U.C. Mavis. She is a licensed landscape architect and a lantlscape historian and is the author of Melodnmnilic Lcuulscapes: Urhiw Parks in the Nineteenth Century. Her blog on the park, Golden Gate Park; \'iews From the Thicket, can he found at http://fromthethicket.wordpress.com.
San Francisco Speaker Series: First Unitarian Universalist Church and Center, 1187 Franklin Street at Geary. Visit www.uusf.org/visitors_faq.html, and use the Map It! link on the left for directions. Public transit, street parking, and parking in a lot for a fee are available.
Monlere^' c yprcs.s wiiulhrealt creiiled afler ihe sand dunes were stabilized.
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Human Population and Wildlife Impacts
John Seager
Berkeley: Thursday, February 16 — 7 p.m, refreshments, 7:30 program (free for GGAS member, $5 nonmembers)
In the wake of the world s population reach- ing seven billion, John Seager will share his insights on the causes of rapid popu- lation growth, its impacts on wildlife, and our options to deal with this challenge.
Population Connection (www.popconnect. org) is the national grassroots organization that educates young people and advocates progressive action to stabilize world popula- tion at a level that can be sustained by the Earth's resources. The organization focuses on achieving global population stabilization through universal awareness and access to voluntary family planning together with the full empowerment of women.
John Seager. president and CEO of Population Connection, joined the organization in 1996. He pre\iously served in the Environmental Protection .Agency during the Clinton administration. .A graduate of Trinity College w ith a B..A. in political science. John travels throughout the countr\- making presentations on global population grow th.
Berkeley Speaker Series: Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda (between Solano and Marin).
Directions: www.northbrae.org/directions.htm
.A Great Indian .adjutant Stork witne.ssing the destruction of its habitat in Ciuwuhali Cil>'. Incfiu.
o
U
Mark your ■ alendar for April, when Golden Gate Audubon will hold our third annual birdathon. As in previ- ous years, we'll have fabulous prize categories and plenty of exciting opportunities to engage in friendly competition and to join field trips led by our expert leaders. Participat- ing in the event will be fun and will help raise funds for our education and conservation programs. Look for details on Birdathon 2012 in the March-April Gull.
All You Need to Know To Be a Field Trip Leader
Are you interested in being a Golden Gate Audubon field trip leader? The requirements for leading trips are simple, and the rewards are abun- dant. We are always looking for new leaders who would enjoy introducing their favorite spots to other birders. If you've been on our trips, you know the importance of this free public program. You can find out everything you need to know about being a leader at our next training sessions: Sunday, January 15, at Heron's Head Park, San Francisco, and Saturday, January 21, at Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland. RSVP to nweeden@golden gateaudubon.org.
Choose the Gull Online
When you download our newslet- ter from the Golden Gate Audubon website rather than receiving it in the mail, you will help save paper and reduce our expenses for printing and mailing. Best of all, the photographs in the online version of the Gull are in color. When the next newsletter is published, we will e-mail you a link. To choose the Gull online, e-mail ggas@goldengateaudubon.org or call 510.843.2222.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 THE GULL 5
A
FIELD TRIPS
STEVE LOMBARDI, COORDINATOR
Field trips are open to birders of all ages and levels of experience. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants, dogs are not allowed on trips. There are no exceptions to this policy unless expressly stated in the field trip announcement. For questions about individual field trips, contact the leaders. For updates to the trips, go to www.golden gateaudubon.org.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Sundays, January 1, February 5,
8 - 10:30 a.m.
Ginny Marshall, ginnybirder@sbcglobal. net; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo. com; Alan Ridley, allanrid@pacbell.net; Flelen McKenna, 415.566.3241 (Leaders vary by month.)
Meet at the front gate of the garden in Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way. The garden has several micro-hab- itats that attract an array of resident, migrant, and vagrant birds. This monthly trip is oriented toward helping beginning birders develop their skills in spotting and identifying birds. The garden charges $7/ person if you are not an SF resident or garden member. Bring identification for residency and membership status.
Tilden Regional Park
Berkeley
Fridays, January 6, February 3,
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Alan Kaplan, 510.526.7609 (messages), LNKPLN@earthlink.net Meet at the Tilden Nature Area parking lot, at the north end of Central Park Dr. This walk will be on dirt roads, fire trails, and narrow paths, mostly level or with some easy switchbacks. The theme for these two trips is survival in winter (feed- ing, behavior, physiology). Restrooms available at start and middle of walk. GGAS thanks Phila Rogers for leading this trip for many years and welcomes Alan as the new leader.
Palo Alto Baylands and Mountain View Shoreline
Santa Clara Couni
Saturday, January 7, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Joan and Dan Murphy, murphsf@yahoo.com, 415.564.0074
The wetlands, marshes, and open waters in Palo Alto and Mountain View are among the richest bird habitats on San Francisco Bay. Levees and boardwalks overlooking the marshes, mudflats, and open water make these excellent sites to view 60 to 80 species that winter in the South Bay, including ducks, shorebirds, waders, gulls, and raptors. Meet in the parking lot on the right side of the road at the gate just before the duck pond near the Baylands Preserve. Wear clothes appropriate for cold, wet weather. If it has been raining, wear boots or waders since the levees can be muddy. Bring lunch and liquids. Rain will not cancel. Chemical restrooms available.
From Hwy. 101 in Palo Alto (just south of Dumbarton Bridge), exit at Embarcadero Rd. East. Stay to right and be careful not to end up on the Oregon Express- way. Drive east over freeway to end of street. Turn left and continue to gate just before duck pond.
cfe Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline
Oakland, Alameda County Sunday, January 8 Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, kathy_jarrett@yahoo.com
Meet at Fruitvale BART at 9 a.m. or Tide- water Staging Area at 9:20. We'll ride the SF Bay Trail from East Creek Point to Damon Marsh and Arrowhead Marsh. Return is via Doolittle Dr. and Fernside Blvd. A high tide of 7.4 ft. is at 10:51 a.m. Winter high tides are a good time to see rails and, if there has been enough rain, lots of ducks and shorebirds in the sea- sonal wetlands. Bring lunch and liquids, and dress for variable weather. Bicycle helmet required. Rain cancels. Contact Kathy if you would like her cell number. Car: Exit 1-880 at High St. in Oakland and go south- west to High St. Bridge to Alameda and cross bridge. Turn left onto Fernside Blvd. and park on street. Bike back over bridge, turn right onto Tidewater Ave., and
$ Entrance fee Biking trip
go .25 mi. to Tidewater Staging Area on right, just before Lesser St. on left.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Regional Shoreline
Oakland, Alameda County Thursdays, January 12, February 9, 9-11:30 a.m.
Gary and Chris Bard, chrisbard@ earthlink.net, 510.301.2987
The MLK shoreline offers excellent views of shorebirds, waders, and dab- blers. The park's Arrowhead Marsh is the home of numerous Clapper Rails. In win- ter, large rafts of scaup and goldeneye float offshore. Occasionally, raptors soar overhead. The walking is on flat ground. Please bring a scope if you have one. Dress in layers. Rain cancels. Restroom available near parking lot.
From 1-880 south in Oakland, exit at Hegenberger Rd. Turn right onto Hegenberger, continue .7 mile across a small bridge over a channel, and turn right on Pardee Dr, Continue to Swan Way and turn left, then turn right into the park. Meet at parking lot at end of road.
Wintering Raptors and Waterfowl of Solano and Yolo Counties
Saturday, January 14 Terry Colborn, 916.705.8991, www.TLCBirding.com
The open agricultural lands of Solano and Yolo provide excellent foraging habitat for numerous wintering raptors, while the wetlands of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area are the winter home for scores of water- fowl including ducks, geese, and swans, as well as many shorebirds. This all-day trip will visit several habitats in search of raptors such as Ferruginous and Rough- legged Hawks, Merlin, and Prairie Falcon. We'll also seek out Burrowing, Barn, and Great-horned Owls and Long-billed Curlew, and the elusive and threatened Mountain Plover. We expect to see a rep- resentative sampling of waterfowl and a variety of shorebirds at Yolo Bypass.
Space on the trip is limited. To sign up, contact the leader. Confirmed par- ticipants meet at 8 a.m. in Dixon in the
6 THE GULL JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012
southwest corner of the Wal-Mart park- ing lot on East Dorset Dr. at the Hwy. 113 exit off I-80. Bring lunch and liquids; dress in layers. Some short walks. Limited rest- rooms. Heavy rain cancels.
Heron's Head Park
San FranciM o
Saturdays, January 14, February 11, March 10
San Francisco Nature Education, www.sfnature.org, 415.387.9160
Meet at 10 a.m. at Heron's Head for tours that leave every 30 minutes, with the last tour at 11:30 a.m. The tours will be led by high school interns equipped with spotting scopes. Each tour lasts about 1 hour. Experience the thrill of observing and learning about the waterfowl, shore- birds, and wading birds that winter in the park. Heron's Head is at Jennings St. and Cargo Way, two blocks south of Pier 96. Free parking is available near entrance. Sponsored by SF Nature Education, Port of San Francisco, Literacy for Environmen- tal Justice, and GGAS.
Putah Creek South Fork Preserve
Yolo County
Sunday, January 15, 8-10 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 8 - 10 a.m.
Aaron Haiman, anhaiman@ucdavis.edu
This wonderful riparian corridor that runs from Lake Berryessa to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area offers opportunities to bird along the creek and out into the nearby open grasslands. Possible highlights include unusual ducks on the creek and a variety of raptors and sparrows in the grasslands. Participants will be walking on uneven trails, which can be muddy, and through often coarse or prickly grassland vegetation; sturdy hiking boots and long pants are strongly suggested. Weather can be unpredictable, so wear warm clothing. Rain cancels.
Trip is limited to 10. E-mail the leader to reserve space. Confirmed participants should meet at the preserve, on Mace Blvd. in east Davis, south of 1-80. The entrance to the parking lot is on the left just after the bridge over Putah Creek. Free parking; no bathrooms.
Corona Heights
S . 1 r ' I ‘ . ■ ■ I • . , , .
Fridays, January 20, February 17,
8-10 a.m.
Charles Hibbard; Brian Fitch; Dominik Mosur, polskatata@yahoo.com (Leaders vary by month.)
Meet in front of the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, at the end of Museum Way off Roosevelt. We will enjoy views of the city and bay as we circle Corona Heights, checking the east canyon woodland and north forest for residents and migrants, as well as monitoring the hilltop scrub and south cliff.
Pescadero State Beach and Marsh
Saturday, January 21, 9 a.m. - noon Martha Wessitsh, 415.681.8059, martha@wessitsh.com
We will scope seabirds and shorebirds from the beach, then proceed into the marsh to look for land birds and ducks on the ponds. The marsh has new trails that should make birding especially interesting. Meet at the parking lot west of Pescadero Rd. Weather may be cold and windy, or warm and sunny, so dress accordingly. There will be about 1 mile of walking on generally flat ground. Bath- rooms available. Heavy rain cancels.
Birds of the Bay
San Francisco
Saturday, January 21, 10 a.m.
Carol Kiser, carol_kiser@nps.gov, 415.447.5000
This walk for children and beginners starts with a brief orientation in the use of binoculars and field guides. Then we will spend an hour or so looking for resident and migrating birds Meet at entrance to Hyde Street Pier at Hyde and Jefferson on the western border of Fisherman's Wharf. Bring books and binoculars if you have them. A hat and layers of clothing are rec- ommended. Nearby parking is at the foot of Van Ness Ave. (free for 4 hours), Ghi- rardelli Square, and the Anchorage.
John McLaren Park
' i' . I ' . I ■ . ■
Sunday January 22, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Alan Hopkins, 415.794.0281 (after 3 p.m.), alanhopkins@att.net
Located near San Francisco's southern border, John McLaren Park is only slightly smaller than Golden Gate Park but is rarely visited by birders. We will walk a 3-mile loop along the park's rolling hills, visiting a range of habitats. Meet at the intersection of Cambridge St. and John F. Shelley Dr.
From Silver Ave., turn south onto Cambridge St. Fol- low Cambridge St. south for 6 blocks to the entrance to McLaren park at John F. Shelley Dr. No fee; spo- radic bathrooms.
Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park
0.-:'land. -Yiai: t da C> ■
Wednesdays, January 25, February 22,
FIELD TRIPS continued on page 8
Carpooling and Other Field Trip Resources
If you are going on a field trip, would you welcome company? Do you have room in your car to take other birders? To help find a ride or offer a ride, sign up with GGA's carpool group at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/GGACarPool. When you sign up, you answer a few simple questions, then receive a confirming e-mail. Once you are a member, you post messages under "Need Ride" or "Offer Ride," along with the destination and date. The more birders who sign up, the more useful the group will be. Birders are encouraged to help the driver with expenses by contributing to the cost of fuel and bridge tolls.
East Bay Regional District: www.ebparks.org/parks
SF Bay Trail: http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov
Bay Area transit: www.transitinfo.org
California state parks: www.parks.ca.gov
National parks: www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
National wildlife refuges: www.fws.gov/refuges
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 THE GULL 1
FIELD TRIPS from page 7
9:30 a.m. - noon Hilary Powers, 510.834.1066, hilary@powersedit.com; Ruth Tobey, 510.528.2093, ruthtobey@gmail.com
Meet at the large spherical cage near the Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. We will bird around there, then go up the gar- den path toward Children's Fairyland or walk down the lake toward Embarcadero, after which we will cover what we missed. These are peak birding months at the lake. Just about everyone who's going to spend the winter at the lake should be here, including both scaups and several other diving ducks, and five species of grebes. Take the 12, N, or NL bus to Grand and Perkins, and walk into the park on Perkins. Best parking is at the boathouse lot near the spherical cage. Entry, via Bel- levue near Children's Fairyland, is $2 if the kiosk is occupied when you arrive {which it probably will be). Buy a 2-hour ticket and try to park in the boathouse lot, where no one checks how long cars sit.
Redwood Regional Park Oakland
Sunday, January 29, 8-11 a.m.
Rusty Scalf, rscalf@sonic.net
This park offers century-old second- growth redwoods and riparian woodland habitats. It is one of the most beautiful places in the East Bay and perhaps our best bet for Varied Thrush, Pacific Wren, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. We'll walk for about 3 hours on trails that are level and easy, but can be muddy after a rain.
Local historian Richard Schwartz (www. richardschwartz.info) will join us and give a brief talk on the surprising history of the East Bay redwoods. Meet at Redwood Gate on Redwood Rd. Drive to the end of the road to the parking lot.
efe East Shore State Park
Alameda and Contra Costa Counties Saturday, February 4 Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, kathy_jarrett@yahoo.com
Meet at 8:35 a.m. at El Cerrito Del Norte BART Station or 9 a.m. at the end of S. 51st Street in Richmond, where there is a spur to the SF Bay Trail. We will bird along the Bay Trail, looking for shorebirds and ducks, from Richmond to Berkeley, end- ing at University Ave. and 1-80 in Berkeley. Bring bicycle lock and liquids. Bring lunch or purchase at Seabreeze Market on University Ave. Bicycle helmet required. Rain cancels. Reservations not neces- sary, but an e-mail or phone call would be appreciated.
Car: Take the Bayview exit from 1-580 north and turn left to cross west over the freeway. Go left on Sea- port and immediately left on S. 51st Street, then go to end and park on street. Entrance to short spur to the Bay Trail starts here. If you are concerned about security, park at Point Isabel and ride north on the trail about .75 mile to meet the group. Transit: Meet at Del Norte BART station at 8:35 a.m. and ride to the trail. From BART, take Ohione Greenway Trail south to Potrero Ave., turn right toward the bay, cross San Pablo Ave., and turn left onto S. 55th St. immedi- ately after crossing under 1-80. Then turn right onto Gately, left onto Ells, and right onto Bayview. Cross
Carlson, then go over 1-580, left onto Seaport, and left onto S. 51st St. and proceed to the trail. It is also possible to go from El Cerrito Plaza Station to the trailhead via Carlson.
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area
Alameda County
Friday, February 10, 9 a.m. - noon Steve and Carol Lombardi, 925.785.0130, hot-rock@sbcglobal.net
This delightful park in Pleasanton has var- ied habitats and many species in a small area. We'll get close looks at waterfowl and marsh birds in the ponds, then seek out resident and migrant woodland birds in the riparian woods. We should also see raptors (Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk) and waders. Walking is mainly flat on paved and unpaved trails. Meet in main parking lot to your left as you enter the park. Parking fee: $6. Directions: www. ebparks.org/parks/shadow_cliffs. $
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Antioch, Contra Costa County Sunday, February 12,
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Denise Wight, blkittiwake@yahoo.com, 925.330.3893, and Kitty O'Neil
We'll have a chance to see Canyon Wren and Phainopepla, as well as winter spar- rows and raptors. Some steep climbing, possibly muddy. Meet in the first parking lot to the left of the fee kiosk at 8:30 a.m. Likely parking fee: $5. Bring lunch if you would like to stay later. Heavy rain cancels. For more information, please call Denise. From Hwy. 4 in Antioch, take the Sumersville Rd. exit. Drive south (toward the hills) on Somersville all the way to the park entrance. $
Emeryville to Richmond
Alameda and Contra Costa Counties Saturday, February 18 Kathy Jarrett, 510.547.1233, kathy_jarrett@yahoo.com
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Emeryville Marina, the turnaround at the end of Powell St. High tide is at approximately 8:45 a.m. We will bird most of the East Shore State Park on the SF Bay Trail and may include Aquatic Park in Berkeley. Return may be on BART. Bring bicycle lock, lunch,
FIELD TRIPS continued on page 12
Remembering Blair Jarrett and Courtenay Peddle
Blair Jarrett, who for nearly a decade helped led GGAS bicycle field trips with his wife, Kathy Jarrett, passed away on October 29, 2011. "Blair was really the unsung hero of the bicycle birding trips," Kathy says. "He always carried a pannier full of bicycle repair items. He was the sweep and the dispenser of TLC fortired riders, and just a friendly person." A memorial service for Blair will be held on Friday, January 13, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Brazilian Room in Tilden Regional Park in Berke- ley (Wildcat Canyon Road at the intersection of Shasta Road). There will be light refreshments before the program and lunch following.
Courtenay Peddle, who passed away on September 27, 2011, led trips for GGAS, many of them at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline. He and his wife, Pamela Magnuson-Peddle, lived in Oakland, and Courtenay could often be found birding at the shoreline, one of his favorite patches. A crackerjack editor and skilled wordsmith, Courtenay frequently wrote precise and engaging reports of his sight- ings for the East Bay Birds listserv. A blog has been established to share details about Courtenay's life (www.capeddle.blogspot.com).
8 THE GULL JANUARY-FebrUARY 2012
OBSERVATIONS
BRUCE MAST OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, ?011
LOONS TO DUCKS
An .iltcrnoto pliinui^t'd V-llnw -l)illi-il I oun {(.Hii'iii iiiliiiitsii) wiis notfcl Ironi Hatturv' Clocli'rcy. ST. on Oct. 14 (I'S, i\li;, 1 KA. IVrhaps tlu‘ same hinl passetl its last days on Salt I'oiul A4 in Sunnyvale, SCL. Oet. 2S-i\'ov. 4 tIM), moh). A juvenile 'i'ellovv- hilletl l.oon poseil hrielly on Nov. 1 at San Leaiulro Marina, Ai.A (BD). An Oet. 16 pelagic trip to Cordell Bank, MBN, lound a W liite-ehinned Beirel (Procelhiria uet/ain- eoN'u/is) sitting on the water with a Northern Fulmar Hock ('FiMC, SI I, ooh). A Bodega Cyn., SON, trip on Nov. 19 located a juve- nile short-tailed Mhatross {Plioehastria iilbatrus) (DS, ooh). An Fmperor (ioosi' [Chen canagica) sv\am offshore at Rodeo Lagoon, iMBN, on the 27th (W'L, DW').
RAPTORS TO ALCIDS
■An American (iolden-Pkrxer (Plux'Udis domhiiciP was well studied Oct. 13-19 at Shollenberger Park, SON (SFl; mob). A couple of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers joined the plover tun at Shollenberger Park Oct. 4-19 (,GHu, TE; mob). Another Sharp- tailed Sandpiper obliged a county lister on Oct. 11 by visiting the spot at the proposed Alameda NWR where ALA and SF Coun- ties meet and then walking back and forth between both counties (JL, LF). A Buff- breasted Sandpiper was reported Oct. 3 from NAP-SON Wildlife Area, SOL (RiM). .A female Ruff stopped briefly on the 26th at Drake's Bay Oyster works, MRN (RS).
The amplified harassment recordings at PaciHc Commons Linear Park in Fremont. .-\L.A, failed to drive away a well-photo- graphed adult Slaty-backed Cidl (Larits schistisagiis) Nov. 17-25 (NA; mob). The same locale produced a possible Lesser Black-backed Ciull (Larus fuscits) on the 28th (BR). .A hatch-year Arctic Tern wan- dered inland to Shollenberger Park on Oct. 10 (FS. CD. TE).
DOVES TO THRASHERS
Black Swift migration peaked on Oct. 5 with 13 birds Hying over Hawk I lill. MRN Headlands, MRN (RC; mob). .A female Broad-billed FUimmingbird {Cymwthus
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Uitiwstris) got caught in the mist nets at the PRBO Palomarin Field Station. MRN, on Oct. 6 IRDC; oob).
.A Plumbeous \'ireo was identilied Oct. 6 at Ogier Ponds, SCL (SR). Four Phila- delphia X'ireos made Oct. forays to Pine L., SF (JC); San Cregorio, SM (GHa); Outer PRNS, MRN (MB. MAR, MD; mob); and Ferry Park, SF iRB, JH. TE). A Red-eyed \4reo was a welcome yard bird on the 8th in Pescadero, SM (GHa).
A Northern Wheatear (Oenanihe oemmthe) was briefly seen but well described Oct. 28 at India Basin, SF (JR, BMD). A Nov. 8 Townsend's Solitaire search at the summit of Mt. St. Helena. SON, was amply rewarded (GHu). A Gray-cheeked 1 brush (CAithanis wiiiixiius) skulked at PRNS Light- house, MRN, Oct. 16-17 (RS; mob).
WOOD WARBLERS TO FINCHES
Two Black-throated Green U'arblers Oct. 10-11 at Coyote Hills RP. .ALA, consti- tute the Hrst confirmed county records
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I JciulroiLii dinntiinn eiiMonced itself m the |)opkus .It I ( ir\ P.irk and Sue Bierman Park, SI , Oct. 4 .\m JH ; |H . mob), u here it u as joined by a .Northern Parula, a Lula s Warbler, and a host ol more common war- blers. Other warbler migration highlights include Magnolia Warbler at N. L. in (iGP, SI iBF, DMo, LS); \irginias Warbler at Outer PRNS. MRN iSS;. Blackburnian Warbler on I ulton St. m Palo .Alto, SGL (PJM, lide DMo); Prairie Warbler through Nov. 29 at PRNS Fish Docks, .MRN MB, M.AR; mob); and Protbonotary Warbler at Pescadero Marsh, SM (MDF, CH).
.An .American Iree Sparrow was noted Nov. 2 at Drakes Beach PRNS, .MRN (DMa, SI), and another \cas lound on the 7th at Stage Rd. in Pescadero iR F) A Black-throated Sparrow popped up from the weeds along Ga/os Gr. Access Rd.. SM, on Oct. 12 (RT). .Another was found No\. 8 in Corona Heights, SF (LK). .A .Nelson's Spar- row rewarded sparrow hunters at Sulphur Cr.. Hayward RS. ALA, Oct. 25-29 iBR; BD, DH). .Another Nelsons encountered the mist nets at the PRBO banding station. Bolinas. MRN, on Oct. 26 (RC; oobi.
,A “^-now Bunting iPlectrophenax xiivalis was a 1-dav wonder on Nov. 6 at Abbott s Lagoon, PRNS. MRN (P.M). The Stevens Cr.. SCL, Painted Bunting was refound Oct. 14-,No\. 9 (MR: mob). .A Dickcis- sel joined tbe sparrow Hock at .Nunes i.A Ranch, PRNS. Nov. 29-30 'NA. BB). A Corona Heights. SF, observer on Nov. 6-8 reported no Turtle Doves and a Scott s Ori- ole in a pear tree (.MK. DMo; mob).
See Birdi--^ Resoii'Ct-ii . ■ . - ; ; :
Semicolons separate original observer(s) from subsequent observer(s). Abbreviation "mob" *= many observers, “oob" - otbe' observers. Information is compiled from BirdBox transcripts and regional listservs; the author apologizes for any errors or omissions
Abbreviations for Observers: BB, Bob Battagm, BD. Bob Dunn, BF. Brian Fitch; BMD. Brooke McDonald. BR, Bob Richmond. CH, Chris Hayward; DH. Derek Hems; DMa, Dan Maxwell; DMo, Dominik Mosur; DS, Dan Singer; DW, Dave Wiechers. FS. Fntr Steurer GD. Gary Deght; GHa. Garth Harwood; GHu, Gene Hunn; HC. Hugh Cotter. JC, Josiah Clark, JH. Jack Hayden; JL John Luther JR Jennifer Rycenga; JT. Jerry Ting; LF, Leora Feeney, LK. Logan Kahle; LS, Linda Swanson; MAR, Mary Anne Rotella, MB. Mark Butler. MD, Matthew Dodder; MDF. Malia DeFelice; ME. Mark Eaton; MJR, Mark J. Rauzon, MK. Mark Kerr, MR. Mike Rogers. NA. Noah Arthur. PD Pete Dunten; PJM. Peter J Metropulos; PM. Pete Myers, PS, Paul Saraceni. RB, Richard Bradus. RC, Renee Cormier; RC Rich Cimmo, RDG, Ryan DiGaudio; RM. Roger Muskat, RS. Rich Stallcup. RT, Ron Thorn; SH, Steve Howell; SR, Steve Rottenborn; SS. Sal Salerno; ST. Steve Tucker; TE, Todd Easterla, TMG. Todd McGrath; WL, William Legge
Abbreviations for Counties and Others: ALA. Alameda. CC. Contra Costa. CCFS, Coyote Creek Field Station; CP. County Park; Cr. Creek. Cyn, Canyon; GGP. Golden Gate Park, L . Lake, MRN, Mann; Mt„ Mount. N . North; NAP, Napa; NWR. National Wildlife Refuge; OSP, Open Space Preserve; PRBO, Pt Reyes Bird Observatory. PRNS. Pt Reyes National Seashore; Pt., Point. Rd.. Road. Res., Reservoir; RP, Regional Park. RS. Regional Shoreline, S., South; SB, State Beach; SCL, Santa Clara; SF, San Francisco; SFBBO, SF Bay Bird Observatory; SM, San Mateo; SOL. Solano; SON, Sonoma; SP, State Park, SR, State Reserve, WPCP, Water Pollution Control Plant
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 THE GULL 9
HOTSPOTS from page 1
of the jewels of the Port of San Francisco's land holdings, Flerons Plead is a vibrant park that provides outdoor recreation for the community, a living classroom for local schoolchildren, and much-needed habitat for wetland species. In 2011, birders repeat- edly observed an endangered California Clapper Rail and rail fledglings at the park, likely making the spot the Brst breeding site lor the rails in San Francisco in years. GCAS helped prepare A Field Guide to 100 Birds of Heron’s Head, a popular guide now available online at http://tinyurl. com/lOObirds. India Basin has been under- going a redevelopment planning process to accommodate a significant increase in pop- ulation from surrounding projects.
Pier 94 Once a site for illegal dumping. Pier 94 has been revitalized by the Port of San Francisco, GCAS, and thousands of hours from volunteers into a thriving wet- land area that hosts breeding shorebirds and other species throughout the year. While Pier 94 is not immediately threat- ened by new development, it is a priority site as we continue improving the wetland, restoring upland habitat, and using it as an outdoor classroom for our Eco-San Fran- cisco Program.
Islais CAeek Like most of San Francis- co's creeks, Islais Creek has long suffered from adjacent development, pollution, and mismanagement. Thankfully, it is receiv- ing renewed consideration in city planning documents, including the Central Water- front and the Blue Creenway project, which calls for native habitat restoration and pub-
lic access to the shoreline. Discussions are also under way to “daylight' the creek where feasible, let it run more naturally, and pro- vide improved habitat values.
Warm Water Co\e Long the site of a power plant, the cove is surrounded by industrial sites and vacant properties. The sediment of the cover is heavily contami- nated and undergoing remediation. The cove still provides valuable habitat for shore- birds and nearshore rafting species such as ducks, grebes, cormorants, and pelicans, especially in winter. Planned redevelop- ment on adjticent properties may increase disturbance at the site. Other plans call for restoring and improving habitat at the cove.
Aqua Vista Park/Pier 70 The dilapi- dated piers adjacent to Aqua Vista Park provide structures for the city’s only Cas- pian Tern colony. Each year, the structures diminish bit by bit. The Port of San Fran- cisco has pledged to help ensure that the terns have habitat in the area, but funding and opportunities to build replacement habitat are limited. The adjacent shoreline is slated to be redeveloped to include a park and increased public access, and funding from the America's Cup may provide oppor- tunities for building a tern nesting island in the vicinity.
^erba Buena Island The island will undergo a significant transformation with the implementation of the Treasure Island-Yerba Buena Island redevelopment plan. Yerba Buena is home to many spe- cies of migratory and resident birds, both in the steep uplands and along the shoreline. Though the habitat has been
significantly disturbed for decades, it is a relativ'ely serene place that can brim with birds throughout the year. As redevelop- ment occurs at the site, we e.xpect to see an increase in human-related disturbances, including noise, lights, collision risks, pets, and pollution.
.-Mcatra/ Island The island is well known for its historical and cultural attrac- tions, but local conservationists and birders know it for its large seabird colonies. The two values — the historic and the biologi- cal— can sometimes conflict. For example, the new Golden Gate National Recreation Area General Management Plan calls for increased visitor access to areas where seabirds breed and may include cliff stabi- lization and building renovation that may result in impacts to native wildlife. W e will work closely with the National Park Ser- vice to monitor activities at the island and develop a plan that will allow continued appreciation of the historic resource with- out compromising the biological values.
The Presidio The Presidio’s varied habitats make it one of the most important wildlife areas in San Francisco. Golden Gate Auduhon is particularly focused along the shoreline, including the beach at Grissy Field, home to threatened Snowy Plovers and many other species of birds. User conflicts, especially with on- and off- leash dogs, can be extremely controversial and difficult to resolve. We are working on the Golden Gate National Recreation .Area General Management Plan, the GGNRA Dog Policy, and the America’s Gup planning HOTSPOTS continued on page 12
A Big Thank-You
We thank the following generous donors who helped fund the production of the Alameda County Breeding Bird Atlas by spon- soring species featured in the book. The atlas is available for purchase at the Golden Gate Audubon office.
Gary W. and Christine B. Bard, Ronald and Viola Barklow, Eddie Bartley and Noreen Weeden, Jeannie Battagin, Martha S. Berthelsen, Maryellen Buckley, Michael J. Butler, Mary Cantini, Robert and Linda Carloni, Nancy and Michael L. Christoperson, Rich Cimino/Yellow Billed Tours, Maggie Clark, Clarence R. and Louise F. Clements, Catherine Cocard, Katherine Compagno, Jo Anna Dixon, Barbara Doe, Pamela Drake, Judith Dunham and Charles Denson, Don and Margaret Emery, Leora R. Feeney, Marjorie Fletcher, Leslie Flint, Stephanie Floyd, Pauline L. Fong, Jane Freeman, Lee Friedman, Sara Gabriel, Patricia M. Gannon, Karen Ray Gibson, Grant Gladman, Laura Gobbi, Philip E. and Patricia E. Gordon, Thomas J. and Jane M. Graly, Susan Greef, Gerald B. and Marylyn J. Green, Helen A. Green, Kenneth A. and Kathryn M. Green, Lois Green, Patricia Greene, Dorothy D. Gregor, Mike Hall, Richard E. Hammond, Hugh B. and Rosita O. Harvey, Douglas L. Hendricks, Wendy Hoben and Lydia Huang, Alice Hoch, Timothy G. Howe, Wen Hsu, Kimberly Jannarone, Dorothy Kakimoto, Alan Kaplan, Melani King, Patricia Kline, Maureen Lahiff, Patricia E. Langenhahn,
Robert A. Lewis, David A. Loeb, Melanie Paula Lutz, Carol Masterson, Jean Matsuno, Jane Maxwell, Yvonne E. McHugh, Carolyn McMillan, Deborah McMurray, Toni Mester, Elizabeth A. Montgomery Heinz, Lois Moore, Michael Karpinko, Martha Moran, Sue Morgan and Don Braden, Barbara Mow, Ellis and Mimi Myers, Audre Wiksell Newman, Carolyn and Benjamin Norman, Dannie O'Flaherty, Christine Okon, Kitty O'Neil, Jay Pierrepont, Terry Preston, David E. Quady, Linell Ragsdale, Jean L. Reinys, David C. Rice, Phila Witherell Rogers, Joan H. Roos, Karen Rosenbaum and Ben McClinton, James A. and Sarah M. Ross, Erica Rutherford, Jennifer Rycenga, Elizabeth V. Sanderson, Rusty Scalf, Donald Schmoldt, Ken Schneider and Clarissa Bush, Paul Schwartz, W. David Shuford, Robert Siegel and Patricia Koren, Wendy Sinek, Harriet Sollod, Helen M. Sowers, Carol A. Sughrue. Sylvia F, Sze, Frederick I. Taft, Darrell and Helene Victor, Joanne Sarg Wallin, Victoria Welsh, Catherine L. Whiteside, Denise Wight, Teri and Chris Wills, Debbie L. Wong, Victor and Brenda Wong, Joann H. Wood, Brian Young
1 O THE GULL JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012
CLASSES
ALBANY ADULT SCHOOL
I he lollowin^ classes are helil iii ihe h.isi I5ay at Alhany Ailiili Scliool. Cio to lutpi/Aululleil ausilk 1 i.org lor inlormalion on lees and registration.
Birds of the Bay Area
Ru'ty Scaif, R*;.. . it©-, a .ir.n.;t;
B>:'b I- ‘.'isAi.'i- v..angbftaic a
Six Wednesday evenings, January 11 - February 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m., plus five Saturday or Sunday morning field trips, January 14 or 15 - February 11 or 12, and one weekend field trip, February 18-19
Join an enthusiastic group of birders to learn about our winter birds, both in the Bay Area and a little Farther afield. W'inter means shore- birds teeding on our bayshore. ducks in courting plumage in lakes and bay waters, raptors, wintering land birds, and swans, geese, cranes, and more. Learn about bird identification, behavior, physiol- ogy, and taxonomy in six lectures filled with great photographs and in six field trips. Go to www.wingbeats.org For more details.
Birding by Ear
Denise Wighi, blkittiwake@yahoo.com Six Thursday evenings, January 12 - February 16, 7 - 8:30 p.m., plus six Saturday field trips, January 14 - February 18, 8:30- 11:30 a.m.
Birds communicate by making a variety sounds all year, even in the middle of winter. We will learn to locate and identify birds by calls and winter songs. Classroom study will include learning techniques tor bird sound recall, analyzing bird sound recordings, and viewing spectrographs. For more information, go to www.blkittiwake.com.
Bird-watching for Advanced Beginners
Anne Hoff, Anne2210b@sbcglobal.net
Three evening classes, February 1 and 15 and March 1,1-
8:45 p.m., plus five Saturday morning field trips, February 4,
11, 18, and 25 and March 10
For students whove taken Beginning Bird-watching or have a rudi- mentary knowledge of birds and how to use binoculars. The class will look at bird topography and flight patterns and learn to identify 50 common birds.
GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON
The class below meets at the GGAS office, 2530 San Pablo .Avenue, Berkeley. Limit: 20 participants. Sign-ups begin at noon, Monday. January 9. Fee: $80. To register, call 510.843.2222.
North American Owls
Dave Quadv davequady@att ■'■et
Four evenings, February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., plus three weekend afternoon and/or evening field trips February and March (dates and times to be announced)
.As lu- shales his e\li-nsi\e knouleilge ol this lascmatmg group of birds, l)a\c* Ouaih will ilestiibe \\h.il m.iki-s owls different from other birds, offer tips for identif\ing them b\ sight and sound, and [)ro\ ide insight into their habits and habitats Ihe three field trips will \'isit local owl habitats, where class |>aiticipants can hojie to hear and see ow ls.
JOE MORLAN'S SAN FRANCISCO CLASSES
The next series of field ornithology classes taught b\ Joe .Morlan begin on February 7. 8, and 9. I he classes meet on Tuesdays. Wednesdays, and Thursdays Irom 7 to 9:15 p.m. at the Marina Middle School. 3500 Idllmore (parking is free). The fee lor each se\'en-week course $145; a $15 discount is given to those who reg- ister a week early. Call 4l5.56l .l8(-)0 for more information. Register online at www.evolveww.com/ce.ccsf.
California Raptors in Winter
Relatively mild temperatures and productive food sources make California an ideal destination for raptors in winter. This popular class taught by Eddie Bartley — now offered in both the East Bay and San Francisco — will focus on the amazing evolutionary adaptations and life histories of California's hawks, eagles, harriers, kites, and falcons. Pre- sentations include information specific to winter resident, migrant, and seldom-seen vagrant raptors. On two full-day field trips, we'll have opportunities to view and focus on this order but won't ignore the myriad other birds.
The East Bay class meets at the GGAS office, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley. The San Francisco class is at the EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park on the southern water- front. Ample parking is available at both locations. Fee: $60. Limit: 20 students. To sign up, call 510.843.2222.
San Francisco schedule: Saturday, February 18, class pre- sentation, 9 a.m. - noon; Sunday, February 19, field trip to San Mateo coast, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sunday, February 26, field trip to Point Reyes, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Berkeley schedule: Tuesday, February 21, class presenta- tion, 7-9 p.m.; Saturday, February 25, field trip to Point Reyes, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Tuesday, February 28, class presenta- tion, 7-9 p.m.; Sunday, March 3, field trip to Sacramento Delta, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Field trip meeting points and carpooling will be discussed in class. Inclement weather postpones field trips to a rain date of March 4. Participants in both classes are encouraged to join Eddie Bartley and Noreen Weeden on their March 11 field trip (see page 12). For more information, contact Eddie at eddie@naturetrip.com or go to www.naturetrip.com.
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FIELD TRIPS from page 8
and liquids. Food and drink may be pur- chased at the Sit & Stay Cafe at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline. Bicycle helmet required. Rain cancels. Reservations not necessary, but an e-mail or phone call would be appreciated.
From Powell St. exit on 1-80 in Emeryville, drive west to end of Powell. There is parking at Emeryville Marina Park.
Lower Klamath/Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges
Siskiyou County Sunday, March 11, 7:30 a.m.
Eddie Bartley, eddie@naturetrip.com, 415.355.0450; Noreen Weeden
In mid-March, Lower Klamath is one of the premier staging grounds for waterfowl preparing for a last leap north to their spring and summer breeding grounds. Expect to see ducks and geese in the tens of thousands, as well as swans, cranes, and raptors, especially Bald Eagle and perhaps Golden Eagle and Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks. Great Horned Owls are expected; Barn and Short-eared Owls are fairly common. Meet at the ref- uge Visitor Center. Well bird most of the day with a break for lunch. You can join us for part or all of trip. Birders planning to go on this trip may want to take one of
Eddie's raptor classes (see page 11).
From 1-5 at Weed, follow Flwy. 97 northeast for 45 miles toward Oregon border. Take Stateline Rd. (Hwy. 161) east to Tulelake. Turn south on Flill Rd. and go 4 miles. Drive from SF is about 7 hours. Wicked weather cancels.
Honey Lake and Greater Sage- Grouse
Lassen County
Saturday - Sunday, March 24 - 25 Dave Quady, 510.704.9353, davequady@att.net.
Lassen in late March offers the chance to enjoy Greater Sage-Grouse displaying on a lek, many resident and wintering raptors and waterfowl, perhaps a trickle of spring migrants, and a spectacular setting for seeking northeast California's resident birds. The trip is limited to the first 20
participants who sign up with the leader; reservations open at noon on January 23. Detailed directions will be provided to those confirmed on the trip. Lodging is available in Susanville; primitive camping, in Honey Lake State Wildlife Area. Bring warm clothing, lunches for both days, and a scope if you have one. Carpooling encouraged.
Yosemite National Park
Friday - Sunday, June 1-3 Dave Quady, davequady@att.net, 510.704.9353; Dave Cornman
Spaces may still be available on this pop- ular annual Yosemite trip. Contact Dave to sign up. For a detailed description of the trip, see the November-December Gull or the GGAS website.
HOTSPOTS from page 10
processes to ensure that the plovers and other birds that rely on the I’residio shoreline are adequately considered and jirotected.
Ocean Beach This vast stretch is one of San Francisco’s primary attractions for residents and visitors. It is also an important habitat for shorebirds, especially from fall to s|-)rinj>. (’loklen (iate Audubon is participating in every local and regional planning process that allects Ocean Beach, including the GGNRA General Management Plan, the (’iGNBA Dog Policy, and the Oc ean Beach Master Plan process. Meanwhile, our volunteers continue to monitor Snowy Plovers that winter there and Bank Swallows that nest near Ft. Funston.
— Mike Lynes, Conservation Director
CJ The Cull is printed with soy-based inks on chlorine-free paper, 30% postconsumer waste content.