7I&0 ^oerials :iL 671 G84

TME

MONTHLY

Volume 43

Berkeley, California

August, T961

Number 8

RECENT FIELD TRIPS

Trip to the Snyder Cabin in the Northern Sierra Neuat/a— Saturday, June 10, the first day of this two-day field trip, was spent in the vicinity of the Snyder Cabin at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Although cold stormy weather had continued into June— this day was warm and clear. The singing of territorial species of birds and the early phases of nesting activity were at dieir height. Members of the group located the nest of a dusky fly- catcher in the early stages of construction and the completed nest of a fox sparrow in wliich there were three newly laid eggs. Calliope Hum- mingbhds were abundant and much admired by the group of more tlian 22 “trippers”. Four species of woodpeckers were seen here in the Can- adian Zone as w^ell as four species of flycatchers. A pair of Townsend’s Solitakes were observed from the cabin deck as they hawked for insects over Snowshoe Creek. On a walk tlirough the area, the numerous Green- tailed Towhees attracted special attention. This species is rarely encount- ered in the Bay Area in migration for it crosses the Sierra and moves south along the east side of tlie range. Heard but unseen were Mountain Quail, and Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes.

After a trip to Packer Lake in search of Blue Grouse, which were not located, and the finding of Clark’s Nutcracker, which was not expected, members of the group turned in at Pioneer Lodge or at their own camps at Lincoln and Chapman Creeks.

On Sunday, June 11, the group visited two private ranches in the Sierra Valley. This is a region of sage and bitter brush together with large areas of marsh. It is 1,000 feet lower in elevation than the cabin area. At the Berutti Ranch, we w'ere welcomed by a small flock of Red Crossbills in tlie young ponderosa pines near the parking area. Here, also, we had a good look at the weak-voiced, elusive Brewer’s Sparrow as well as tlie more vocal Vesper Sparrow. In the marsh at the headwaters of the Feather River, on the Scotland Ranch, we found nesting ducks, snipe, willets, phalaropes, and Black Terns. Everyone particularly enjoyed the aerial maneuvering of the nighthawks over the valley and the fine spring plum- age of the Yellow-headed Blackbirds. The leader and party, on the return trip, saw Sage Thrashers and a single Lewis’ Woodpecker. The thrashers are fast disappearing from this region as the sage is uprooted in favor of fields of grain. The woodpecker had been seen here only once before, a number of years ago. In all, 89 species of mountain and marsh birds were seen in the two days— BETH SNYDER, Leader and Historian.

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AUGUST

196^1

THE GULL

Trip to Golden Gate Park-The May 16 bird walk was attended by about 20 persons including a visiting ornithologist, Mr. Bezemer, from Holland. Nests of Allen s Hummingbirds, Downy Woodpecker, Common Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hutton's Vireo, and White-crowned Sparrow were observed. In the foliage of oak trees, many young birds, out of nests, were following parents and being fed. Several spring migrants were seen, al- though, the bulk of migration went through a week earlier. Highlights were four Northern Phalaropes in breeding plumage, a pair of Wood Ducks and one Screech Owl.

-BUD FRY, Co-leader; FLORENCE PLYMELL, Co-leader & Historian. Trip to Jack London Ranch— On May 7, a lovely, sunny day, about 40 mem- bers and friends met at Glen Ellen and went first to the creek. Here we had good views of 4 Green Herons flying, a Red-shouldered Hawk flying. Yellow Warblers, orioles, chats, grosbeaks. From there we went to the lower fields for Townsend’s and Plermit Warblers (the first time Hermits have been seen on the ranch) Lazuli Buntings, Lark and Chip- ping Sparrows.

At the lunch spot, we put scopes on the Red-shouldered Hawk’s nest and watched two downy young birds being fed by their parents. After lunch, some of the group went up the mountain and saw Olive-sided Flycatcher and Pileated Woodpecker. In all, 62 species were seen.

-MARIANNE SHEPARD, Co-leader; SUSAN SHEPARD, Co-leader & Historian.

SUPPORT THE SANCTUARY FUND

How would you like to supervise the safeguarding of nearly a million sanctuary acres, many of them under water? Of course, you would need boats, jeeps, oversized tires and other special gear. But most of all, you would need devoted men, strong and willing men, to carry out the lonely patrols, day after day, in searing summer heat as well as in the bone-chill- ing days of winter.

For a half century, the National Audubon Society has been carrying out just such a task. But we know that several of our “charges” have but a tenuous toe-hold on life because their living space has been so much com- pressed and many of our gains are in jeopardy. We must not only main- tain but enlarge many of our sanctuary areas.

You can help by contributing NOW to the National Audubon Society’s Sanctuary Fund, 1130 Fifth Avenue, New York 28. All contributions to the National Audubon Society are tax deductible.

REMINDER

There will be no August meeting of the Golden Gate Audubon Society.

FIELD TRIPS FOR AUGUST

On Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13, to Audubon Gamp area at Sugar Bowl and Boca Reservoir. The Sugar Bowl area oflFers many in- teresting spots for nature study. Several of these will be visited on Sat- urday. Boca Reservoir, a habitat for desert and water birds, will be visit- ed on Sunday. Sage Thrashers, Vesper, Black-throated and Brewer’s Spar-

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I9&I

AUGUST

T_H E GULL

rows were seen on last year’s trip. Meet at the eastern tip of Lake Van Nor den at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Ihis point can be readied by turning oH Highway 40 at Soda Springs. After assembling, the group will go to the Sugai Bow'l Lodge and other points of interest. Because of limited parking space at the lodge, it was not chosen as a meeting place. There are good camp sites at Big Bend and Hampshire Rocks, U.S. Forest Service camps west of the summit, and at Donner Memorial Park east of the Summit. Leadership will be available for a proposed dry camp east of Boca Res- ervoir on Saturday night. There are no designated camp sites. Bring your own water supply. Immediately before and after sunrise is an ideal time for birding in the desert. Those not camping in the desert meet on Sunday at 9 a.m. at the eastern end of Boca Reservoir Dam. The distance to Sugar Bowl from the Bay Area is about 200 miles and driving time is 5 hours. Leader, Guy McCaskie, P.O. Box 241, Tahoe City.

On Sunday, August 20 to Rodeo Lagoon in Marin County for the fall migration of water birds. This area, with its brackish lagoons separated from ocean by a sand bar, is a haven for many birds passing through. For those who like to walk, the 2/2miles from the entrance to Fort Barry and Fort Cronkite to the ocean may produce such species as the Allen’s Hum- mingbirds, several species of swallow, hawk, towhee, sparrow and warbler. Meet at the parking area just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at 9 a.m. Leader, Elizabeth Lennon, EDgewater 2-1641.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 26 and 27, to Moss Landing and Mon- terey overnight. On Saturday take U. S. 101 south to the Monterey Penin- sula cutoff (Route 156) 9 miles north of Salinas. Turn west to Castro- ville, then north (right) on Route 1 for 3 miles. Aleet at 9 a.m. near the bridge over Elkhorn Slough. Distance from Bay Area is 110 miles. Driving time is 3 hours. This spot offers beach, ocean, lagoon, pond, marsh, and open grass land habitat all in one package. At this time the migration of loon, grebe, albatross, fulmar, shearwater, and petrel takes place. Last year 40 Elegant Terns were counted. Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers and a Sabine Gull were seen. After lunch go to the pier in Monterey. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Fisherman’s Wharf Municipal Parking Lot. A tour will be made of the wharves, where may be seen: Kittiwake, Oyster Catcher, Petrel and Turnstone. A side trip to the mouth of the Carmel River for Baird and possibly, Pectoral Sandpiper will be made at the close of the day.

On Sunday, at 9 a.m. depart from Sam’s Wharf on a party boat for a trip off the Monterey coast. Allow one-half hour for parking car at the Munic- ipal Parking Lot, traveling to Sam’s Wharf, and boarding boat. Return will be at 2 p.m. Be sure to wear warm clothing, bring lunch and seasick pills. This trip will be at the time of heavy migration of ocean birds that travel on a route fairly close to the Monterey area. Blackfooted Albatross. Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwater, Fork-tailed, Black and Ashy Petrel were present last year. Fare: $4.50 per person. Make checks payable to Golden Gate Audubon Society Inc. and send to Harold G. Peterson, 3548- 65th Ave., Oakland 5. Names will be placed on the passenger list in the order received. Space is limited. Co-leaders, Ricliard Stallcup LO 9-3185 and Guv McCaskie, P.O. Box 214, Tahoe Citv-

-HAROLD G. PETERSON, Field Trips Chairman.

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GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC.

Established January 25, 1917 A Branch of the National Audubon Society since 1948

President Miss Aileen Pierson 810 Gonzales Dr., Sa.n Francisco 27

Vice President Mrs. Beth C. Snyder 571 Dwight Place, Berkeley 4

Vice President Miss Jacqueline Watkins 125 Western Dr., Richmond

Treasurer Miss Erline Hevel 1801 California St., San Francisco

Recording Secretary Miss Marjorie M. Reu 2401 Lake St., San Francisco 21

Corresponding Secretary .. .Miss Patricia A. Tiggard 221 Highland Ave., Piedmont 11

Director Paul F. Covel 2860 Delaware St., Oakland 2

Director A. W. Larson 44 Rincon Road, Berkeley 7

Director Carlyle Sather..l700 El Camino Real R2CSp 10) South San Francisco

Editor Mrs. Lucile E. Smith 1512 Grand Ave., Piedmont 11

Assistant Editor Mrs. Violet Homem 6911 Armour Drive, Oakland 11

Field Trips Chairman Harold G. Peterson 3548-65th Avenue, Oakland 5

Membership Chairman Mrs. Roberta J. Long 45 Clarendon Ave., San Francisco 14

Program Chairman Mrs. Myra Browne 482 Broadmoor Elvd., San Leandro

Sanctuary & Memorial

Fund Chairman Dr. Albert Boles 854 Longridge Road, Oakland 10

Claims for missing numbers of THE GULL should be sent to the Assistant Editor, address should be sent to the Membership Chairman.

JU 7-4163 TH 1-1747 BE 2-3097 PR 5-6498 SK 1-2591 OL 5-8567 KE 6-4120 LA 5-9149 PL 6-0581 OL 4-2335 OL 5-8886 LO 8-7534 LO 4-7767 LO 8-1921

GL 1-6267 Changes of

Monthly meetings second Thursday, 7;30 p.m. Joint Membership, Local and National, $6.50 per year, includes AUDUBON MAGAZINE and THE GULL. Subscription to THE GULL separately $1.50 per year.

Visit the Conservation Center of the NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY 2426 Bancroft Way, Berkeley 4, California TH 8-4042

-SB-

golden GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC. P. O. Box 103 BERKELEY 1, CALIFORNIA Return postage guaranteed

Non-profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit No. 590 BERKELEY, CALIF.

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