The Gull

7

M&O
Serials
QL 671

^ G84

CALIFORNIA

ACADEIVTY OF SCIENCES

MAY 1 0 1982

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the gull

Volume 64 Berkeley, Calif. May 1982 Number 5

May Meeting - A Picnie

The seventh annual May picnic dinner and general membership meet-
ing on Thursday, May 13, sponsored by the Conservation Committee,
will be held at the Tilden Park Natm-e Center and surrounding picnic
area.

Water is power in California and nowhere is this issue more focused
than in the upcoming election over the Peripheral Canal. The adverse
impact of the proposed canal on the Suisun Marsh will be discussed by
energy and environmental analyst Dr. Ronald Ritschai’d in a slide-
illustrated presentation. Former State Senator Peter Behr, principal
author of the Environmental Bill of Rights, will present Iris views on the
Peripheral Canal and on related water issues.

Bring your family, friends and a picnic dinner to tire redwood tables
and grills on the spacious lawns near the Nature Center. Botanical and
birding walks with interpretive leaders are planned for 6:30 p.m., ending
in time for tire 7:30 program in the Nature Center.

To get to the Tilden Park Nature Center from North Berkeley drive
up Spruce St. until you reach tire intersection of Crizzly Peak Blvd. and
Spruce. Cross Grizzly Peak and travel along Wildcat Canyon Rd.
(Canon Dr., the shortest route to the Nature Center, is closed by a
massive slide.) Go about one mile on Wildcat Canyon Rd., take the first
left tunr and follow the sigirs for another mile to the Nature Center.

-CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Published each month except August by the Golden Gate Audubon
Society, office address 2718 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705-1179.
Second class postage paid in Berkeley, CA. ( THE GULL - USPS 417-705)

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May 1982

Field Trips Calendar

See the April Gull for details on the following trips:

Saturday, May 1 — San Andreas Lake and Lower Crystal Springs
Reservoir.

Saturday, May 1 — Beginners’ Trip to Briones Regional Park.

Sunday, May 2 — Bodega Bay.

Saturday, May 8 — Mt. Diablo State Park. Meet at 9 a.m. at the
North Gate. In Walnut Greek turn north on Main St. to Ygnacio Valley
Rd. Go about two miles to Walnut Ave. and tmai right. Follow Walnut
Ave. to North Gate (fee). If Mt. Diablo State Park is not open we wlU
caravan from tlie meeting point to another East Bay regional park. Bring
lunch and liquids. Leader: Maiy Louise Rosegay (386-1640). (V)

Sunday, May 9 — Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. We
will walk through this unique area during the morning in search of birds
common to the arid interior valleys of the eastern Bay Area. Due to tlie
midday heat we will stop birding around noon so lunch is optional. Go
north on Hwy. 24 to Hwy. 4 and go east to the Somersville Rd. exit
(Antioch). Follow Somersville south to the park entrance where we will
meet at 7 a.m. For those who decide to stay in the afternoon we suggest
exploring the archeological digs of the abandoned mining town. Mines
in this area can be dangerous so don’t explore abandoned sites. Bring
liquids and boots. Water is limited and the terrain is rough. Leader:
Dave Gornman ( 825-2106 ) . ( V )

Saturday-Sunday, May 8-9 — Pinnacles National Monument. Meet
at the campground store both mornings at 7 a.m. On Saturday we will
caravan from the store to the Monument for a four-mile hike. Bring
liquids and a snack. Saturday afternoon is free for swimming in the
campground pool, hil-dng or just x’elaxing. The leaders vdll provide details
for an evening walk to look for Poorwills and owls.

On Sunday we will bird around the campground and nearby area.

From the Bay Area go soutli from San Jose on Hwy. 101 to Hwy. 25.
Take Hwy. 25 south through Hollister and past the towns of Tres Pinos
and Paicines to Hwy. 146 (Pinnacles Hwy.). The campground is on the
left side of this road about two miles east of the park boundary and
provides the only facilities in tlie area. Motels are available in HolHster
and King City, both about 35 miles from the Monument. Campground
reservations are not available. The fee is $6 per vehicle per night. There
is a limit to the number of vehicles and persons per site.

This will be an excellent tiip for beginners and should provide a fine
inti'oduction to one of Northern California’s most beautiful and pro-
ductive interior birding sites. Leaders: Shirley and Michael Kelly (387-
8290). (V)

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Wednesday, May 12 — Mini-Trip to Lake Chabot. Meet at 9:30 a.m.

at Lake Chabot. Take the Warren or MaeArthur Fwy. Exit at Dutton.
Make a left at Estudillo (second stop light). Follow Estudillo to the
lake and park outside entrance (there is a fee to park inside). Bring
lunch. After lunch you may take a boat ride to tlie heron rookery from
1-2 p.m. ($1 fee). Call the leader if you wish to take the boat ride.
Leaders: Rutli Voss (525-8032) and Delpha de Timofeev.

Suntlay, May 16 — Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. Meet at 8 a.m.
at Ai'lington Park at Ai'lington Ave. and Brewster Dr. in El Cerrito (AC
Transit *7). From there we will drive to the starting point. Pack lunch
and liquids for a four-mile hike. Boots are advisable. We will encounter
some hiUs as we walk a transect of the canyon to bird in bruslilands,
oak woodlands, riparian streamsides and grasslands. We anticipate seeing
a good representation of nesting and migrating birds of the East Bay. We
will also identify common ti’ees of the area. People with allergies should
be aware that we will encounter grassy conditions. The trip will end at
2 p.m. Leader; Malcolm Sproul ( 841-3086). ( V )

Saturday, May 29 — Five Brooks Trailhead and Inverness Ridge.
Meet at 8 a.m. at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, section H. From Hwy.
101 exit at Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and go east to the terminal. From
the Richmond-San Rafael bridge go soutli toward San Anselmo to ter-
minal. We will cai-pool from here to Five Brooks (about five miles soutli
of Olema on Hwy. 1). We should arrive by 9 a.m. Pack a lunch and
wear hiking boots for a five-mile walk up Inverness Ridge. We should
see a fine variety of spring migrants and, hopefully, purple martin.
Leader: George Hugenberg (526-5289). ( V )

Friday-Siinday, June 4-6 — Birding by Ear in Yosemite. The lower
elevations of Yosemite National Park are alive with sound in early June.
Among many other species, the leaders promise seven flycatchers (in-
cluding four Empidonax), three vireos and seven warblers— aU in full
song. Bring warm clotliing, pack a lunch and expect to walk about six
miles. We plan to stay at tlie group camp at Hodgdon Meadow Camp-
ground. To reach the camp, turn left (north) 0.1 mile past the Big Oak
Flat Entrance Station. Because last minute changes in camp site may
have to be made, before you leave be sure to call the leaders (prior to
May 31) or the GCAS office (843-2222) after that date. Also, if you
can come up early and help us occupy a group site starting Thursday,
June 3, please call the leaders.

The nearest motels are 20 miles or more from the meeting place. If
apf)roaching from Merced, try the small town of El Portal (AAA book).
On the north side, tiy tlie Sugar Pine Ranch Motel near Groveland along
Hwy. 120 (209) 962-7823. Yosemite Valley is 30 miles from the meeting
place.

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May 1982

Meet at the Big Oak Flat Entranee Station on Friday, June 4, at 3
p.ni., Saturday, June 5, at 8 a.m. On Friday, we will also meet at the
same place at 10:30 p.m. to help night drivers find our camp. Hwy. 120
leads directly to the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station or approach through
the Park from tlie south. Get a map to orient yourself. Leaders: Marie
Mans ( 284-7681 ) and Dave Gomman ( 825-2106 ) . ( V )

Beginners’ Trip

Saturday, May 22 — Tilden Regional Park. Meet at 9 a.m. at the
Nature Genter parking lot. We will be identifying birds of the chaparral,
woodland and grassland on this field trip. We should see a variety of
resident and breeding species and identify them using sight and sound.

After lunch we will caravan to the Berkeley Marina to look for shore-
birds. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Rain or
serious threat of rain cancels trip. For more information and directions
to the Nature Genter, see page 65 or call the GGAS office (843-2222).
Leader: Andrea Kieserman. ( V )

Summer Camping Trips

Details for these and additional tiips will be in the June Gull or
refer to the June and July/ August 1981 Gulls.

Saturday-Sunday, June 12-13 — Yuba Pass. Leader: Peter Allen
(981-7199).

Friday-Sunday, June 25-27 — Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Leader: Dan Murphy (564-0074).

Carpooling arrangements can be made for trips marked ( V ) • Call
Kate Partridge (524-9817) and leave a message. She will contact you.

Problems : If for any reason you have difficulty getting in touch with
a field trip leader or need infonnation regarding a trip, call Shirley Kelly
(387-8290) or the GGAS office (843-2222).

-FIELD TRIPS GOMMITTEE

March Observations - Through March 31

Although no month ever passes without rare birds in the Bay Area,
late winter through midspring is a relative lull. This eflFect may have
been accentuated this month by the prolonged periods of rain. Neverthe-
less, if there was a trend in landbirds it was of early arrivals.

WATERBIRDS

The Yellow-billed Loon reported at Monterey March 4 (JS) was
propably the same one seen earlier. The Pink-footed Shearwater oflF
Monterey Feb. 27 (mob) was rare in winter. This winters only report
of a Manx Shearwater was from a Moss Landing Marine Lab boat in
Monterey Bay March 6 (DG). Cattle Egrets populated three areas:
Dolan Rd. near Moss Landing (4 on March 6 - KK, BS, DS, CT),

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Marina Vista exit, Martinez (6 on March 25 - HW) and Durham Rd.,
Fremont. At tlae last site, 10 were found March 16 (JMS, et al), 14 on
March 20 (CR) and 19 on March 26 (TGa). Five White-faced Ibis
were by Moss Landing Marine Lab (DS); ibis are always rare on the
coast and are most often seen in the fall.

Two Ross’ Geese at Crespi Pond were last seen Feb. 25 (DR). A wild
Mallard duckling in Sonoma Gounty on March 21 indicated early nesting
(KVV, KaC). The Richardson Bay Tufted Duck remained through
Mai'ch 8 (BW, BH). The Moss Landing Harlequin Duck stayed well
into Mai'ch (AS, HMcG, DR). In a poor year for Oldsquaws one at
Belvedere Cove March 19 ( DT, FC, FH ) is worth mention.

The American Golden Plover flock at Spaletta Ranch was counted at
24 or 25 on March 13 (KVV, KaC) and March 15 (AG, WG). First
winter Glaucous Gulls at Monterey Feb. 11 (DR) and Pt. Pinos March
23 (SH) could have been the same bird. An adult Little Gull at Moss
Landing March 6 (HMcG) was not refound; it was likely a spring
migrant.

LANDBIRDS

We frequently receive reports of the Goshawk, a species virtually
unknown in the Bay Ai'ea. However, two reports this month cannot be
disregarded easily. An apparent adult male Goshawk caught a sparrow
in an Oakland yard March 12 (EW). The hawk was well seen, altliough
the observer had had no previous experience with Goshawks. Most sur-
prising was the report from a very experienced observer (KVV) of two
adults circling together over Salmon Creek Rd., Sonoma County, March
27 (KVV, KaC). Continuing the many Bald Eagle sightings in the ai'ea
was one at the Delta Pumping Station March 8 (BR). In coastal Sonoma
County, one (age not reported) was at the Russian River mouth March
7 (DBP) and an immature (same bird?) was over Salmon Creek Rd.
March 27 (KVV, KaC).

Two or three Vaux’s Swifts at Pescadero Marsh March 21 (KH, DD)
were probably part of a flock seen there in Januai-y (JMS, et al). A
hummingbird that visited a Fremont feeder ca. Jan. 1-March 9 was
photographed (NMcA). Only subsequently were the photographs identi-
fied (JM) as picturing an immature male Broad-billetl Hummingbird,
the northwestmost record for the species. An immature Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker (eastern) was noted at Athenian School in Danville ca. Feb.
15-March 1 (JB). A male Williamson’s Sapsucker in Mill Valley also
stayed about two weeks, Feb. 27-March 11 (DS, mob).

An Ash-throated Flycatcher in Monterey from March 5 (HMcG, AB)
was quite early. At least two Townsend’s Solitaires remained at Black

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Diamond Mines through March 6 (GF, et al). Another visited Berkeley
that day and two weeks later (TA) and yet another inhabited Bodega
Head most of March (TG, et al). A Northern Waterthrush close to
Pine Gulch Greek, Bolinas Lagoon, March 9-19 (BY, et al, MLR) surely
wintered locally.

A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was reported in Santa Gruz Feb. 25 (AJ).
Single Evening Grosbeaks were found at nearby sites in Pacific Grove
(DR, ER). A female-plumaged Gassin’s Finch was carefully identified
at Goyote Hills Feb. 27 (KG). Gloser to home but still notable was a
Lawrence’s Goldfinch in Berkeley March 18 (GMG).

OBSERVERS: Tom Amy, Alan Baldridge, Dennis Bromley, Joe
Broyles, Kurt Gampbell (KG), Karen Gartier (KaC), Frank Ghilstian,
Gene M. Ghristman, Susan Gollins, Dan Croll, Donna Dittmann, Leora
Feeney, George Finger, Tom Gates (TGa), Albert Ghiorso Wilma
Ghiorso, Steve Granholm, “Tuesday Group” (TG), Kem Hainebach, Sid
Harrison, Bob Hirt, Frank Howard, Angela Jayco, Kim Kuska, Nancy
McAhster, Hugh McGuiness, many observers (mob), Joseph Morlan,
Benjamin A. Pamieter, Ed Pike, Emmy Reese, Glifford Richer, Bob Rich-
mond, Don Roberson, Mary Louise Rosegay, Adrian Schueneman, Julie
Seitz, Becca Serdehely, Dennis Serdehely (DS— thanks to Dennis for the
Monterey area report), Dennis Shepler, Dianne Sierra (DSi), Jean
Marie Spoelman, Jo Stallard (JS), Ghris Tenny, David Trocki, Kent Van
Vuren, Ed Vine, Bmce Walker, Hugh Winig, Elizabeth Wolverton, Bob
Yutzy.

—STEPHEN F. BAILEY, Observations Editor
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
University of Galifornia, Berkeley, GA 94720
( phone 548-9507 or Joseph Morlan at 524-7421)

Conservation Notes

PERIPHERAL CANAL

( Third of a series of three articles )

Water diversion is not a new concept or practice in Galifornia. The
federal Gentral Valley Project of the 1930s provided irrigation water
primarily for the San Joaquin Valley from the Sacramento, Trinity and
San Joaquin rivers. In part because of the acreage limitation imposed
under that project for water use, influential interests in the state sup-
ported and promoted the passage of a bond act in 1960 which authorized
and financed a State Water Project without such limitations. Feather
River water is now controlled by the Oroville Dam and the project also
includes 15 pumping plants, 18 reservoirs, 5 power plants and the massive

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May 1982

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California Aqueduct leading from tlie Delta to the lower San Joaquin
Valley and tlie Los Angeles basin.

A second stage of tire State Water Project is now being formally pro-
posed. To increase tlie quantity of water diversion southward, Proposition
9 on tlie June ballot would constiuct a Peripheral Canal around tlie
Delta (north to south), add large resei-voirs to store Sacramento River
winter runoflf for shipment south in the summer and build other dams,
reservoirs and canals. The GCAS Board strongly opposed Proposition 9
because of its probable irreparable damage to the Delta and the Suisun
Marsh, its threat to the North Coast rivers, the unproven need for the
water by Southern California consumers, tlie project’s cost and its ex-
cessive energy requirements. The costs associated with the Peripheral
Canal and its energy requirements are yet to be discussed here. The
other major points were presented in the March and April issues of The
Gull.

A major proponent of the canal, tlie Los Angeles basin’s Mebopolitan
Water District, has placed the total cost of Proposition 9’s projects at
$2.5 bUlion. Opponents estimate that the required new power plants
alone would cost twice that amount. Add to that the canal itself and the
proposition’s new reservoirs, dams, canals, pumping plants, siphons and
control structures. The total cost, including the impact of interest rates
and inflation, nears $20 billion— about $1000 per person in California.

Because of the extensive pumping requirements to move water through
the proposed canal, into offstream seasonal storage facilities, uphill in
the Cahfornia Aqueduct going southward and up over the Tehachapis,
new energy sources would have to be ereated. Power requirements for
the expanded State Water Project would increase tenfold to ten billion
kilowatt-hours, enough to provide two million homes with light and
heat. The needs of a State Water Project that has in the past been a net
generator of electricity would far exceed its production capabilities.

The alternative is clear: “Conservation before exportation.” Agricul-
tural conservation measures alone would insme tliat tlie present water
supply to Southern Cahfornia will be ample. Lining canals, utilizing
more eflBcient irrigation methods, reclamation processes and facilities and
groundwater management programs offer a far better and less expensive
solution.

The message of Mono Lake and the transfonnation of the Owens
Valley make it imperative that Proposition 9 and futrue attempts to
construct similar facihties be defeated. The claim is false that more
destructive alternatives are already possible in the event Proposition 9
is defeated. The GCAS Boai'd and its Conseiwation Committee urge a
“NO” vote on Proposition 9 at tlie polls next montli.

PAUL GREEN, Conservation Committee

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Help Needed to Stop the Canal

Opponents of SB 200 gathered 850,000 signatures, more than twice
the number needed to put the bill up for a public vote. California’s next
statewide election on June 8 will include on the ballot the referendum
on SB 200. This was an accomplishment to be proud of, but the real
task is just beginning. Everyone’s help is needed to stop the Peripheral
Canal. The same kind of grass roots efFort that got the first referendum
in 30 years on the ballot is necessary to alert all Californians to the
dangers to the ecology of the Delta and Bay and to the expense of bil-
lions of dollars for the Canal.

OflBce work, telephoning, voter registration activities, fundraising, pre-
cinct organization— there is much to be done and it’s woilli the effort.
In Alameda County call 763-7049, in San Francisco, 681-3800, to volun-
teer your time. Let’s not leave this job half done! Help to get every
voter to the polls on June 8 to vote NO on Proposition 9.

Help Save San Francisco Bay

Keep the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)
strong. Federal funding reductions of $145,000 will weaken BCDC
unless state legislators can be persuaded to allocate state funds to re-
place the deficit.

A weak BCDC means the potential for more bay fill and less public
access to tlie shoreline. Letters and/or wires should go immediately to
any or all of the following c/o State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814:

Assemblyman John Vasconcellos, Chairman, Ways and Means Com-
mittee; Assemblyman Willie R. Brown, Speaker of the Assembly; your
own Assembly representative. -CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Glean Air Update

The Clean Air Act provides laws which keep the quality of air healtliy
and breathable. For the past ten years it has controlled levels of nitrous
oxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and sulfur dioxide. A “Dirty Air Bill,”
HR 5252, introduced by Representatives Luken and Dingell, would
severely cripple the Clean Air Act and result in doubled automobile
emissions and unheal tliy levels of air pollutants.

California State Senator Robert Presley is concerned about the strength
of the Clean Air Act and has introduced SJR 36, a biU which will support
an efficacious Clean Air Act and will urge Congress to oppose the “Dirty
Air Bill.”

Write to your State Senator (State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814)
and urge him/her to support the Clean Am Act and SJR 36. If you
haven’t already, lorite to your Representative (House Office Building,
Washington, DC 20515) and urge him/her to support clean air and a
strong Clean Air Act and to oppose HR 5252, the “Dirty Air BiU.”

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May 1982

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Mono Lake Campaign

Ihe Februaiy Gull included a final report on the year-long GGAS
fund raising effort to help save Mono Lake. But for months, several
GGAS members, headed by Joyce Davis, had been quietly pursuing the
possibility of a grant from the Ruth Mott Fund of Flint, Miehigan, to sup-
port tlie litigation to preserve Mono Lake. A detailed history of the
eeologieal importanee of Mono Lake was submitted to the exeeutive
direetor of tlie Fund, along with specifies of the legal suit brought by
National Audubon against the Los Angeles Department of Water and
Power. It was tlie hope of the GGAS Mono Lake Subeommittee that the
ti'ustees of the Fund would find the national importanee of the threatened
Mono Lake environment and the uniqueness of the law suit pitting the
publie tmst vs. water rights irresistible. ( The pending litigation addresses
the eonfliet created by ease law which, on the one hand, proteets the
rights of the public to nonconsumptive uses of the state’s navigable
waters and, on tlie other, affords protection to consumptive uses. )

At the time of submitting GGAS’ grant proposal in September, 1981,
the Fund had as one of its major grant award criteria the proteetion of
reeent environmental gains through legal action.

The subeommittee followed up the request with eopies of national
environmental and legal pubheations on the Mono Lake ease. It also
met with tlie Fund’s exeeutive direetor. Llopes to eap the yeai'’s efforts
for Mono Lake with a big splurge stayed high.

It is a great pleasure to announee tliat on Mareh 4, 1982, GGAS was
notified the Fund had awarded $10,000 as requested for Mono litigation
eosts. It is a great eonelusion to the GGAS Mono Lake Gampaign, which
ended up at $36,291 gross and $34,536 net.

The subcommittee thanks the Rutli Mott Fund and all GGAS mem-
bers who helped the Galifoniia Gulls, the brine shrimp, the tufa and
Mono Lake itself.

— AFTON E. GROOKS, Mono Lake Subcommittee

From the Sidelines

The arrival, somewhat tardily, of the Supplement to Birding, Volume
XIII No. 5, dated October, 1981, has ended a period of agonizing sus-
pense. It’s all over now and we all know where we stand.

The Supplement is tlie official compilation by tlie Ameriean Bu'ding
Association, Inc., of lists. There are Life Lists, State and Provincial Lists.
There are Canada Lists and Mexico Lists, Central and Soutli Ameriea
Lists. There are Western Palearetie Lists and A.B.A. Area and Lower
48 Lists, Big Day Lists, Decade Lists, Baek Yard Lists (by aereage)

73

THE GULL

May 1982

and more. The record holders are listed in order of achievement down
to what they call the Tlu'eshold: below that are the faceless birders with
no rank woiili mentioning.

Our own Aimold Small marches triumphantly in fifth position on
World Life Lists. He would have been fourth except for a dark horse
from Australia who came roaring down tire stretch like Phar Lap of
legend and breasted the tape with a staggering total of 6150 — 68.3
percent, says the A.B.A., of all the known species of birds on earth. The
Aussie had kept his numbers secret until somebody leaked to the Bird
Bonanza Newsletter.

A good friend of mine, Stokeley Froog, a retired screenwriter who
fives in Guadalajara, has fired off a letter of protest to the A.B.A., calling
them to task for leaving his fist out. Stokeley claims Number One on
Mexican Species Seen Through the Bottom of a Beer Glass List at 72,
all of them authenticated by A.B.A. procedures.

I know how he feels, sirrce they have ignored my fist, too. It’s small,
but very selective — Montane Species Seen Through the Half Moon in
an Outhouse Door: three, Hammond Flycatcher, Mountain Chickadee
and Red-breasted Nuthatch.

The Listing Syndrome, alas, is not only alive and well; it is burgeoning.
The American mind tends more often tlian rrot to be quantitative rather
than qualitative. We are brought up on numbers. Our grades in college
are usually based on percentiles; we understand batting and fielding
averages, Neilsen ratings, golf scores and box office grosses much more
readily than the quality of thirrgs. It is hard to quantify the grace of one
atlrlete as compared with anotlrer or the emotional impact of a work
of art. Numbers permit direct comparison, which in turn permits com-
petition, and competition is as American as apple pie.

You can’t put munbers on the simple joys of birdwatching, on the
excitement of the search, tlie finding, the focusing, the listening and
finally tlie naming of the darting little wraitli in the twiggery or tlie
soaring raptor hanging over a distant ridge. You can’t tote up in figures
the fun of it all, tlie rapport with wild tilings, the companionship of
others of like heart and mind, the fresh smell of the fields or woods on
a damp morning in spring.

Most important of all, you can’t put numbers on tlie experience, the
expertise, the skills involved in field identification. No quotients exist
for shai-pness of eye, acuity of hearing, familiarity with haunts, habits,
flight patterns and tlie myriad bits of evidence the first rate field birder
calls upon in a difficult identification.

Still, you have to find numbers. After all, without tliem how can you
compete?

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May 1982

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So the listers go fortli and conquer and endure the muskeg of Attn
and pray for a howler of a Siberian storm to blow some Asiatic vagrants
into tlieir laps so they can move a notch or two past their fellows in tire
700 Club.

And I and the rest of the faceless ones will continue to watch from
the sidelines.

-HAROLD SWANTON

Reprinted by permission from the April 1982 WESTERN TANAGER, LAAS.

Back Yard Birder

Suddenly, it’s spring and die yard is teeming with bird life. Spring-
time is a busy season for most birds as they stake out territories, search
for mates and begin the task of nesting and raising famihes. Singing is
the main means of communication in most species, some exceptions
being woodpeckers who hammer on trees and grouse who stamp their
feet and rattle dieir feathers to attract attention.

Morning is die time when birds sing most frequently and energetically.
Insect eaters usually arise earlier tiian seed eaters because they can
find food more easily in dim light. Birds that roost in holes arise later
when daylight finally reaches them. Midday seems to be a time of rest
but during late afternoon and dusk birds renew their activity. There are
a few species that sing at night (e.g., Mockingbirds) or by the light of
the moon ( owls ) or even in pitch blackness ( rails) .

Knowing where to look for the singer is an advantage to a birder.
This is dependent upon a bird’s habitat. Species that sing from the
ground, like the Rufous-sided Towhee, need songs that wiU ti'avel past
tree trunks and dense underbrush. Since low-pitched sounds have longer
sound waves, ground singers have the lowest songs in pitch. Birds vocal-
izing from shrubs and low trees, such as the Wilson’s Warbler, have
songs a bit higher. The highest pitched songs are voiced by birds inhabit-
ing the tree tops (warblers) where sound waves are unobstructed.
Because pure tones like thin whistles are hard to locate, birds who
frequent marshes have a repetitive buzz or rattle to communicate their
whereabouts. Meadowlarks, who live in open country, prefer singing
from a vairtage point above ground so tlreir pure-toned song can travel
farther. Birds of the open prairie or tundra, where tlrere are no perches,
sing while in flight. Among these are Bobolinks and Lark Buntings.

Most birds have an identifiable voice and song; some similar species
can be told apart only by their song. Although each species’ song follows
a set pattern there ai'e regional and individual variations.

How are songs learned? In some species, calls or songs are entirely
inherited, as discovered by researchers who placed turkeys, cliickens and
pigeons witli foster parents where they developed their own calls unin-
fluenced by tlae sounds they heard around them. But some birds are

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May 1982

influenced by the sounds tliey hear as demonstrated when European
Robins raised by Nightingales (another thrush) learned their foster
parents’ song. Song development is more complex in passerines. Meadow-
larks and Cardinals raised in complete silence became poor singers.
Deafened Canaries developed an altered song; therefore, hearing must
improve certain birds’ singing ability.

Tests of the hearing ability of birds show they hear in a range that
overlaps our own, but many small birds emit and hear sounds higher
than we can detect. Because most small birds cannot hear the low human
voice, the real reason for stealthiness among birders is to enable us to
hear the birds, not tlie reverse.

Besides their song, birds have a variety of sounds they make to com-
municate danger or to keep in touch with their mates or their offspring.
When our resident Bewick’s Wren spies the cat, he keeps up a constant
warning buzz. Olivia Newton Jay, a neighborhood Scrub Jay who is
quite tame, utters the softest, sweetest cooing sounds when offered food.
In contrast to her usual raucous voice, I heard her talking to her babies
in the same, soft manner.

Learning the sounds made by our local birds enriches the birding
experience. As spring is the peak time for bird song, happy listening!

-MEG PAULETICH

Point Reyes Bird Observatory

These PRBO activities are offered at no fee:

Territoriality: Discussion of how and why landbirds choose, defend
and claim territories, by Bob Yutzy, education director, 11 a.m., Saturday,
May 15, at the Palomarin Research Station near Bolinas.

Bird Song Workshop: Learn skills to remember what you hear. Dem-
onstrations with recordings, slides and a field experience with Ron Arps
and Bob Yutzy, on Sunday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the PRBO
headquarters near Stinson Beach.

Spring Bird Census: We will use the Christmas Count circle to attempt
to census breeding birds within that area of the Point Reyes Peninsula,
Sunday, May 23, 7 a.m. -4 p.m.

For details phone PRBO’s Education Coordinator, (415) 868-1221.

Fremont Bird-watching Glass

It is not too late to join the Fremont Adult School’s class, “Birding
Field Trips,” offered by Alice Hoch. It consists of six Tuesday morning
meetings from 9:30 to 12:30 at near-by birding spots. The first was
April 27. For information phone the adult school at 791-5841 or the
instructor at 657-0475.

Alice says, “Some of my favorite students have heard about my class
through The GuJlT

76

May 1982

THE GULL

News from the Ranch

Just prior to the opening of the Ranch Gerry Snedaker, president of
the Volunteer Council, organized a pick and shovel party to rid tlie
grounds of debris from the storm. Many thanks to Gerry and his volun-
teers.

Opening weekend was damp but no deterrent to the several hundred
visitors who arrived. Most of the herons were in and busy with their
nesting activities, while the Great Egrets, always arriving later, sought
their territories.

ACR extends a wami welcome to Ray Peterson, biologist-naturalist,
who has joined tlie staff and with his family will have quarters in Vol-
unteer Canyon.

A new docent training program will begin in September. Applications
are now being accepted. Edris Cole, secretary of ACR, can be reached
at 383-1644 for pertinent information. Don’t delay — the number which
can be accommodated is limited and it is a worthwhile program.

-BETTY BOYD

Mono Lake Ecology Trip

The ecology and wildlife of spectacular Mono Lake is the subject of
a two-day field trip on May 29-30. We will explore the varied habitats
around Mono from tlie sagebmsh plains and willow-lined mountain
streams to the strange tufa groves. Emphasis will be on the bird com-
mimities, but we will also investigate tlie lake’s aquatic life, surrounding
plant communities and nearby volcanoes.

This field trip is taught by Chris Swarth tlirough tlie Bay Adventures
Seminar program of the S.F. Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Chris has
spent three summers studying the waterbirds at Mono. To register for
this class call the Seminar Coordinator at (415) 792-3271 or write: Bay
Adventures, P.O. Box 524, Newark, CA 94560.

Mother’s Day Barbecue in Marin

The Marin Audubon Society has announced its 27th annual barbecue
on May 9 at (and for the benefit of) Audubon Canyon Ranch. Members,
family and friends are invited to visit tlie Ranch and its heronry and to
enjoy a delicious old-fashioned chicken barbecue picnic or a vegetarian
alternative. Coffee and lemonade are included. Wine and beer will also
be available. Serving time: noon to 2 p.ni. Donation: $6 adult or $4
child under 12. Reservations may be made by mailing a check and a note
indicating preference for chicken or for vegetarian quiche. The check
must reach the committee by April 30. Mail to: Phylfis E. Samson, 68
Barbaree Way, Tiburon, CA 94920.

77

THE GULL

May 1982

Cooper Society Meeting

On Monday, May 3, Ray Pierotti of the Moss Landing Marine Labo-
ratories will present a talk to tire NoiThern Chapter of tlie Cooper Orni-
thological Society entitled: “Polygamy and parental care: Sex and the
single gull.”

Ray, who has been studying the ecology and behavior of gulls for the
past ten years, is one of the best-informed gull experts in the nation. He
will compare the quality of parental care in tlie polygamously nestmg
Western Gulls of Santa Bai'bara Island with the monogamously nesting
gulls of the Farallon Islands. Ray is an energetic and articulate speaker
and his talk should be of interest to anyone interested in birds.

The presentation will begin at 8 p.m. and will be preceded by a
business meeting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 2503
Life Sciences Building, UC Berkeley. Everyone interested is encouraged
to attend.

GIFTS

AND BEQUESTS

For GGAS
In honor of

Gift of

Josephine J. Hughes

Nancy Conzett

in memory of

Roxie and Clark Gleason

Sam Day

in memory of

Jon and Andy Katten

Lucile Green

In memory of

Mrs. Philip E. Linnekin
Mrs. Harold Knopp

Lois Henson Fanshier

Suzanne V. Ortiz
Ardra Cornehus Brodale
Ilene Rietlnneies
Bill and Terry De Lorbe
Friends and colleagues, Dept of
Microbiology, UC Medical Center, S.F.

Dr. C. T. Deng,
Dept, of Surgery, U.C.L.A.

In memory of

Donald J. Fujita, Cancer Research
Laboratory, University of Western
Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
Diana Sheiness, Dept, of Biochemistry,
Louisiana State University
Medical Center

Shayna Diane Levenberg

For GGAS Sanctuary Fund
From the estate of
Rachel Makower
For Audubon Canyon Ranch
In memory of

Tom Waddell
George Sanders
John Adinolfi

Virginia Lawler

Delpha de Timofeev

For Mono Lake Project

Mrs. Robert S. NiccoUs

78

May 1982

THE GULL

BALLOI Note: This ballot is for members of the Golden Gate
Audubon Society only. If you are not a member, do not return this
ballot.

For your ballot to be counted it must be returned not later than
IMay 30. Please remove tliis ballot from The Gull and mail or bring
it to the Golden Gate Audubon Society, 2718 Telegraph Ave., ’*^206,
Berkeley, GA 94705. You may vote for seven candidates.

Check One:

Q This ballot represents one vote for each candidate marked.

□ This ballot represents two votes (hunily membership).

Board Nominees: Others:

□ Dan Murphy, First Vice President □

□ Robin Piilich, Second Vice President □

□ Frank Lowe, Treasurer □

□ Helen Green, Recording Secretary □

□ Minnie Groshong,** Gorresponding Secretary □

□ Hazel Houston, Director □

□ Nina Kelly, Director □

**A vote for Ms. Groshong constitutes approval of the nominee to
retain the position for more than the maximum three-year term.

Name: Signature:

ANTS Training

The Audubon Narixre Training Society (ANTS) has scheduled its
Spring Nature Training for two Saturdays, May 15 and 22, from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. at the Lafayette Reservoir. The 12-hour course will cover the
basics of how to share nature with children or adult groups. The fee is
$15 for both days. IM graduate quarter units from Galifornia State Uni-
versity Hayward is available for an additional $18 and a three-hour
project. To register, phone 834-6666.

Designed for ANTS Volunteer trainees, teachers, youth leaders, par-
ents and grandparents, this time-tested training is guaranteed to spark
awareness, understanding and appreciation of tlie neighborhood world.
We don’t have to go to a park to enjoy nature. Natural processes support
and maintain all of us right where we live. Those who have taken the
training are thrilled to find out for tliemselves the urban ecology at work
all around them.

ANTS Volunteer teams serve their own neighborhood schools. All tliat
is required to become an ANTS Volunteer is enthusiasm for children
and the outdoors, 12 hours of internship after the Basic Nature Training
class and a commitment of IM hours a week witli small groups of school
children. ANTS Volunteers are well rewarded with an expanded know-
ledge of their world and warm relationships with new friends.

79

Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc.
Office: 843-2222
2718 Telegraph Avenue, #206
Berkeley, California 94705

Return Postage Guaranteed

-library

San f'ranoiaoo, CA, 94113

THE GULL

May 1982

OFFICERS

President, Jon Zablackis (527-2083)*

First Vice President, Dan Murphy (564-0074)*

Second Vice President, Robin Pulich (848-3594)*
Recording Secretary, Helen Green (526-5943)*
Corresponding Secretary, Minnie Groshong (526-8443)*

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

Conservation, Trudi Jackson (548-1352)*

Education, GGAS office (843-2222)

Field Trips, Shirley Kelly (387-8290)*

Extended Field Trips, GGAS office (843-2222)

Finance, Joyce Davis (524-1506)

Emeryville Crescent, Vera Paraschak (525-7681)*
Hospitality, Hazel Houston (653-7347)*

Membership, Maybelle Groshong (526-8443)*

*Member of the Board of Directors

Program, GGAS office (843-2222)

Publicity, GGAS office (843-2222)

DIRECTORS
West Bay:

Ellen Sarbone (396-3951 )*

Shirley Kelly (387-8290)*

East Bay:

Joyce Davis (524-1506)*

Maybelle Groshong (526-8443)*

Hazel Houston (635-7347)*

Directors-at-large:

Robert Hirt (383-5337)*

GULL Editor, Don Sanford (527-6017)*
Observations: Stephen Bailey (548-9507)

and Joseph Morlan (524-7421)
Librarian, Christine Jones (929-0327)

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RARE BIRD ALERT (recorded) 843-2211
Executive Director, Andrea Kieserman (843-2222)

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

Send address changes to office promptly; Post Office does not forward THE GULL. Monthly
meetings: second Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Joint membership — local and national $25 per year
(individual); $32 (family); includes AUDUBON Magazine and THE GULL; to join, make
checks payable to National Audubon Society and send to GGAS office to avoid delay in
receiving THE GULL. Membership renewals should be sent directly to the National Audubon
office. Subscriptions to THE GULL separately $6 per year; single issues $1. High school and
college student membership $15 per year. Senior citizen individual $17, senior citizen family $19.
Associate Membership in Golden Gate Audubon Society, $10 per year.

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

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

SO