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8/9/2019 02-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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By Paul Webster
North Americas largest heron is a familiar sight on
the waterfront and other damp areas around Tacoma.In The Birds of Washington (1909) William L.
Dawson described the Great Blue as picturesque a
word he felt meant both graceful and majestic. Dawson
continued that the Great Blue was a typical feature of
our Northwest landscape, whether standing motionless
in shallow water waiting for prey or slowly flapping its
way across the sky. Wary, adaptable, at home either in
marine or fresh water habitats, the Great Blue in the
century since Dawsons time has co-existed rather well
with modern civilization. However, its nesting colonies
are vulnerable to disturbance by Bald Eagles and
human activity.
Those who usually watch wildlife through binocu-
lars may find the Great Blue up close something of a
surprise. This large heron stands just under three feet
high; its the Great Blues broad wings that spread to
nearly six feet and some of its neck stretches that make
it seem larger than it really is. In flight the birds neck
is pulled back into a Z, so that it becomes parallel to the
bill, and its legs trail out behind. The plumage is
mostly grayish, the neck streaked with white, black,
and rust. Behind the long yellowish, tapered bill adults
have a white crown with black plumes extending back
from above the eye, and longish feathers on the neck
Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 40 No. 1 February 2009
See "Geese" on page 7
See "Great Blue on page 8
25 years ago page 8
Announcements page 9
BirdSongs page 8
Christmas Bird Count pages 1, 6, 7
Education page 4
Environment matters page 3
Executive Directors column page 2
Field trips page 5
New members page 10
Volunteer recognition page 10
In this issue:
Photo/Mathew Hull
People from all across the United States and Canada will be
watching and counting birds during the Great Backyard Bird
Count (GBBC) for fun and for conservation.
National Audubon and the Cornell Lab of ornithology are
hosting the GBBC with sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited.
During the event, everyone who enjoys birds can submit their
observations through www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Be sure to goto the website before you count to see the very important,
easy-to-follow instructions and local checklists.
To have more fun, join Tahoma Audubon Societys annual
GBBC Special. It is free, but we encourage non-members to
take out an introductory membership for the family at $20.00
($15.00 for seniors or students.)
The national count is in its twelth year and Tahoma Audubon
will for the eighth year have its special crash course led by a
Master Birder, the count, and a meal each day of Presidents
Day weekend. Please call Tahoma Audubon Society, 253-565-
9278, or Thelma Gilmur, 253-564-8210 to sign up and to get
contact information for leaders and meals. Also call TAS early
to sign up so that hosts will know how much food to plan on.
Feb. 13, Friday, 9:00-11:00 Birder Betty Jones will lead atMary Blytons home in Puyallup, overlooking the Orting Valley.
Mary saw bluebirds as late as December 23 this winter. Mary
will furnish a 10:30 brunch.
Feb. 14, Saturday, 9:00-11:00 Birder Art Wang will prepare
brunch and lead the crash course and count in the
Commencement Bay area across from his home.
Feb. 15, Sunday, 9:00-11:00 Ken and Nell Batker will lead
crash course and count on Minter Creek in Gig Harbor where
Judy and Ken Austin will furnish brunch.
Feb 16, Monday, 10:00-12:00 or 12:30 Rosanne Becker
and Joann Sims will lead crash course and count at University
Place and possibly a couple other places if group wishes.
Lunch will be served by Helen Engle at her and Stans home.
Another opportunity to do the GBBC with a group, butwithout the crash course and meal, will be on Sunday, the 15th
at PLU. Meet Julie Smith, biology professor, at 9:00 a.m. on
the east side of the Reike Science Center. The count will be
finished and the records reported online at www.birdcount.org
by 11:00.
Great Backyard Bird Count--for fun and for conservation.
National Audubon and the Cornell Lab
Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 13 - 16
Great Blue Heron
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
ur Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on December 20th was in the middle ofthe Big Snow Event of this winter, by which I mean both actual snowand Snow Geese.When I met my group in Area 3 to gather up
the CBC numbers at the end of the day, Jeff
Feagin riveted me with a report of 153 Snow
Geese over Fox Island! What!!!!??? I made
him fill out a Rare Bird Report because I figured there might some challenges.
Heck, Snow Geese werent even on the tally list we were using for expected spe-
cies in Pierce County in December. Fox Islanders got to enjoy these geese for
several days more, to the delight of many.
That wasnt the end of it, though. Turned out Snow Geese were seen in MANY
places on our CBC that day! Areas 2, 4, and 7 also turned in large numbers as well,
with close to 200 in each of these areas!
Snow Geese gather on a playeld at Chief Leschi School.Photo/Bryan Hanson
Snow Geese driven by the snow
O
Were celebrating
and youre invited.
Please turn to page 9 for details on the big event!
Christmas BirdCount 08 - page 6
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8/9/2019 02-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Tahoma Audubon Staff
Flint, Bryan Executive [email protected] 253-565-9129
Kyer, Krystal Conservation [email protected] 253-232-9978
Swaim, Stephanie Education [email protected] 253-327-9480
Taylor, Graham Volunteer 253-565-1884Kerrigan, Julie Coordinator [email protected] [email protected]
Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
John Garner President
Marjorie Shea Vice President
Wayne Larsen Past President
Jane Brosius Secretary
Kathleen Nelson Treasurer
Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008
Rob McNair-Huff Field Trip Chair
Thelma Gilmur Membership Co-chair
Dick Carkner
Sally Larson
Marcus Roening
Peggy L. Kopf
Darby Veeck
Ione Clagett
Melissa Paulson
Loren Webster Calendar Editor [email protected]
The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon SocietyLocated in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
The Towheeis a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS
advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conserva-tion through education and activities that enrich its membersexperiences in and with the natural world.
The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with acombined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issue. Submissions of articles andphotographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, andenvironmental education are reviewed and considered for inclu-sion by the editor. Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may
be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.E-mail submissions to: [email protected]: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.comPrinting: Consolidated Press
Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009
ENVIRONMENTMattersExEcuTIVE dIREcTORsCorner
February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3
On a frosty
cold January morn-
ing a new presi-dent was sworn
in before a hope-ful crowd, nation and
world. Many elo-
quent words havebeen written and
spoken about the in-auguration of the
rst African-Amer-ican President. It would be hard to know what could be
added. Probably the best words were those I saw on a
banner held up in the crowd that day, We HAVE over-come. For those who have had to ght for the right to sit
in the front of the bus, it is a crystal clear articulation of thejoy of nding one of their own sitting in the highest ofce
in the land. For me it touches a resonant chord, strung be-
tween a belief that history and democracy conspire to bringabout justice and a faith that through collective action we
can hasten its arrival.As his rst act, President Barack Obama called the na-
tion to its highest self. He reminded us of the struggles this
country has risen above in its short life on this planet. He
called all of us to participate in rising above the issues weface today.
No greater challenge faces us then that of climate changeand its possible effects on our societies, natural habitats and
the wildlife that depends on them. With strong leadership,
a hopeful and engaged citizenry, and collective action wecan tackle this issue as we have many others in our past.
As we have for the last forty years, Tahoma Audubonwill be a leader at the local level to help bring about posi-
tive change to protect habitat. With the support of you, ourmembers, volunteers, and donors, we will work tirelessly
with our partners to bring about environmental justice.
The following is taken from a statement of priority is-sues from National Audubon for the rst months of the
new administration.Global Warming and Renewable Energy:
We welcome the opportunity to help the President
deliver his promised $150 billion plan for clean energytechnologies that will protect our environment and stim-
ulate the economy, with up to 5 million new green jobs. The Congress should pass legislation providing
signicant incentives for development of renewableenergy and pass signicant legislation to address global
warming with a comprehensive cap-and-trade program.Endangered Species Conservation:
Well work with the Administration to secure reversal of
the Bush administrations weakening of the EndangeredSpecies Act, such as the controversial decision to
allow agencies to self-consult regarding the impacts offederally-approved projects on endangered species.
Congress should pass new tax incentives to encourageprivate landowners to work toward recovery of
endangered species.
Bird and Habitat Conservation:
The Administration and the Congress should reinvest
in the National Wildlife Refuge System and addressthe unacceptable $3.5 billion maintenance backlog
crippling this critical tool for conservation.
The Congress should pass legislation to conserveneotropical migratory birds and address the steep declines
in Americas common birds that are disappearing fromparks, farms, and backyards across the country.
Ecosystem Restoration:
The Administration and Congress should fund signi-
cant new restoration projects to improve Americas great
natural ecosystems: The Mississippi River, Everglades,Long Island Sound, and the Great Lakes.
Changes are afoot
By John Garner
On behalf of the board of Tahoma Audubon, its my privilege to
invite you to an exciting month of celebrations honoring our past
and looking to our future as we continue our work to conserve andrestore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for
the benefit of humanity and the earths biological diversity. Bynow Im sure your calendars are marked for an open house recep-
tion honoring Thelma Gilmur on Sunday, February 15th from 1:00to 4:00 at the Mountaineers Clubhouse in Tacoma. This reception
is offered in response to an enthusiastic demand from our members
to recognize, thank and express our love for our own grand dameof conservation andeducation. It is also a celebration to honor all the good work accomplished by those
of you who have connected with Tahoma Audubon through an invitation from Thelmato join in a bird count, or that request from her to staff a shift at the Fair, or the other
favor or task she asked of you, and of course, you couldnt say no. Th at just may cover
the entire Tahoma Audubon membership!Our celebration continues at our 40thAnniversary Banquet on Saturday, February 28
at 5:30 at the McGavick Center at Clover Park Technical College. Our theme,
Growing From Our Roots, promises an enjoyable evening as we reflect back, andlook ahead to the future of Tahoma Audubon.
I want to assure you that your board, volunteers and staff are not resting on their laurels,
and if we do distinguish ourselves, its because we stand on the shoulders of those who
have come before. As we look to our future, we do so with these plans and aspirations: To effectively influence public policy issues that impact our mission. Specifically,to sharpen our focus on shorelines, stewardship of our open space and natural areas,and to expand the role that citizen science plays in natural resource management.
To conserve the biological diversity of Pierce County by preserving and restoringhabitat and ecosystems our commitment to the Green Tacoma Partnership is atangible expression of our work in urban environments. To expand education programs and empower citizens to protect and preserveecosystems and habitats our Osprey Club and summer day camps are wonderfulexamples of how we engage our youth to become the stewards of tomorrow.
To ensure that adequate financial and human resources are available to sustain ourorganization. To that end, the board hascommitted itself to a goal of growing boththe membership and the financial supportthat is needed to ensure our work continues.
On behalf of the board, thank you for your
steadfast support of an organization thats 40years old and still growing strong!
Growing From Our Roots:
40 Years of the Tahoma
Audubon Society
John Garner
Last November, Tacoma took not one, but two big stepsforward to help conserve urban habitats across the city. TheTacoma City Council unanimously passed severalComprehensive Plan amendments, and included amongthem was a new Open Space Habitat and Recreation Planor OSHRP.
The OSHRPis a policy document that will lay out policiesand plans that will help Tacoma acquire, restore, and manage
publicly-owned open spaces throughout the city. This plan isthe product of over two years of work by the planning staff,various city agencies, Metro Parks Tacoma, and extensiveoutreach and involvement with the Green Tacoma Partnership(GTP), a public-private partnership working together tocreate a network of urban open spaces and habitats sustainedby community involvement.
One product of the OSHRP is an inventory andevaluation of urban open spaces citywide. These spacesidentified in the plan are the best natural areas Tacoma has
lots of parks, gulches, creeks, lakes, steep slopes,wetlands, and shorelines. Together, many of these areashave the potential to be habitat corridors for both wildlife
and people. Point Defiance Park, Puget Gardens, SwanCreek Park, Wapato Hills Wildlife Preserve, and FirstCreek Watershed are just a few of Tacomas urban naturalareas identified in the plan.
In fact, shortly after adopting the OSHRP, the CityCouncil eagerly and unanimously passed a resolution(No. 37656) declaring the Citys intent to workcollaboratively with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on acommunity stewardship plan for the cleanup of the FirstCreek Watershed, located in Tacomas EastsideNeighborhood.
Representing the Tribe at the November 18 CityCouncil meeting, Tribal planner David Whited emphasizedthat the identity of the area must be reclaimed if it is to berestored. The First Creek Watershed exists today as aseries of stormwater drainages with various namesreferencing the street it intersects, such as T StreetGulch and R Street Gulch. Yet, it is a watershed in itsentirety, and must be recognized as one.
Shortly afterward, the Puyallup Tribe passed a similarresolution. Together, with the new First Creek Neighbors
group and otherexisting groups, theywill transform the areafrom one of misuse,neglect, and crime, toa neighborhood jewelthat can be enjoyed byall people andwildlife.
Kudos to TacomasCity Council fortaking these importantsteps to improve oururban quality of life,protect our water quality and natural areas.
Get involved! More information, including how to getinvolved, can be found online at: OSHRP:http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=7612The Puyallup Tribe: http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/First Creek Neighbors: http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/Green Tacoma Partnership: www.greentacoma.org
Conserving urban habitats for people and wildlife
Contact Krystal at 253-232-9978.
By Krystal Kyer
Tahoma Audubon is excited to announce that we will beconducting a BioBlitz in late spring 2009 in the NisquallyRiver Watershed. This exciting project will engage locallandowners, schools, professional scientists, and citizens in arapid biodiversity assessment of the flora and fauna in thearea.
In recent years, the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance(PCBA) has conducted BioBlitzs inCrescent Valley (Gig Harbor) and theLower White River watershed. As aresult of landowner and communityoutreach and engagement in theBioBlitzs, new community groupshave formed to protect these areas. TheCrescent Valley Alliance formed in2006 and continues today to imple-ment its community stewardship plan.The Friends of the Lower White Riverformed in 2007 spurring a LowerWhite River BioBlitz in 2008, andthey are in the final stages of complet-ing their stewardship plan. PCBAsstewardship plans can serve as tem-plates for new projects, as in the case ofthe Nisqually BioBlitz project.
The area we will be blitzing is located in the Nisqually
Biodiversity Management Area (BMA), known as region10E, in the Roy/McKenna area. Volunteers will be teamedup with professionals and work together to identify speciesin a defined area over a 24-hour period. Data from theBioBlitz will immediately be recorded using handheldCyberTracker software, and uploaded into computers using
the University ofWashingtonsNature Mappingprogram. Thatinformation willthen be available toscientists and regu-lators across Washington State, as itis integrated into the Washington
N a t u r a lH e r i t a g eProgram data-base. In this way,citizen scientistsmake valuable con-tributions to scientif-ic knowledgeand manage-ment, whilegaining personalknowledge andexperiences of a par-ticular place.
Tahoma Audubon hasreceived a $10,000 Green PartnershipFund grant from the Greater TacomaCommunity Foundation and Pierce
Conservation District to conduct the BioBlitz. This award is
matched by $10,000 from The Zoo Society to the PCBA, aswell as additional funds pending. The Nisqually BMABioBlitz is a cooperative project of the PCBA, NW Trek,Tahoma Audubon, UWs NatureMapping program, WADept. of Fish and Wildlife, and the Nisqually RiverWatershed Council.
Get Involved!
Training in Nature Mapping is not required to par-ticipate in the BioBlitz, but it is helpful. Two trainings
are being offered this spring:Nature Mapping - data collection &
monitoring - March 20-21, 2009 atTacoma Nature Center in Tacoma.Register by calling 591-6439.
Nature Mapping - data collec-
tion & monitoring - May 30-31, 2009at NW Trek in Eatonville. Contact JessicaMoore at 360-832-7160 to register.
Ages 12 and up, $70 per person, nocharge for additional family members. This
workshop is for citizens interested in using the NatureMapping process to keep track of wildlife in their backyard,local parks and forests, or any other natural area. This two-dayhands-on environmental learning workshop helps people takethe next step after learning to enjoy wildlife.
To participate in the Nisqually BioBlitz contact Krystal
at 253-232-9978 or email [email protected]
Crescent Valley Alliance: call LucindaWingardat 253-858-3647 or
online at http://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/Friends of the Lower White River website:http://www.biodiversity.wa.gov/ourbiodiversity/updatewhite_river.htmlPierce County Biodiversity Alliance:http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/projects/bma/overview.htmlUWs Nature Mapping program: http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/
Get ready to BioBlitz!
Rapid biodiversity assessment:
The term rapid biodiversity assess-
ment was coined to describe a moni-
toring approach that relies on a subset
of indicators (for example, selected
species) to be able to quickly draw
conclusions about the health, richness,
or diversity of a biological feature.
Several methods have been developed
for use in both terrestrial and aquatic
environments. A bioblitz is a rapid
biological inventory of plant and animal
diversity found in a designated area
within a 24-hour period.
Citizen science: Citizen science engages volunteers in the collection of ecological information, often
under the leadership of conservation agencies or organizations. Use of citizen scientists is growing
for several reasons: (1) Conservation agencies and organizations often do not have enough resourc-
es to conduct all of the monitoring they need; (2) Many citizens have expert skills in fish, wildlife, and
plant observation as a result of a hobby or avocation; (3) Much more data can be collected by
enabling or training citizen scientists to work with conservation agencies and organizations, helping
to achieve a more robust and comprehensive understanding of biodiversity status and trends.
Free rain garden workshopsA rain garden is a shallow depression
in a yard planted with a variety of ow-
ers, shrubs and grasses that dont mind
getting their feet wet.
Learn how rain gardens help soak up
rainwater from downspouts, driveways,
and sidewalks, while protecting our lo-
cal waterways. When planted with the
right types of plants, rain gardens also
attract birds, butteries and bees.
Youll receive a FREE rain garden
manual and additional materials.
Youll also have a chance to start de-
signing your own rain garden during
the class! There are opportunities
to gain further hands-on experience by helping
create rain gardens later in the summer.
Choose from these dates -
(All classes held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
Thursday, February 5 Orting
Thursday, February 19 Tacoma
Thursday, March 5 Buckley
Thursday, March 19 Lakewood
Monday, April 20 University Place
Thursday, April 30 Edgewood
Workshops are FREE, but advanced registra-
tion is required. For more information, work-
shop locations, or to register, contact Pierce
Stream Team, at (253) 845-2973 or e-mail
streamteam@ piercecountycd.org.
Co-sponsored by: Pierce Stream Team, Stewardship Partners, WSU Native Plant Salvage Project/Foundation,
Chambers- Clover Watershed Council, Puyallup River Watershed Council, and Pierce County Public Works and Utilities.Raingardenposterdes
ignedbyJohnPitcher.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=7612http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=7612http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=7612http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=7612http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/http://www.greentacoma.org/http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/http://www.greentacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/http://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/http://www.biodiversity.wa.gov/ourbiodiversity/updatewhite_river.htmlhttp://www.biodiversity.wa.gov/ourbiodiversity/updatewhite_river.htmlhttp://depts.washington.edu/natmap/projects/bma/overview.htmlhttp://depts.washington.edu/natmap/projects/bma/overview.htmlhttp://depts.washington.edu/natmap/http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/projects/bma/overview.htmlhttp://www.biodiversity.wa.gov/ourbiodiversity/updatewhite_river.htmlhttp://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.greentacoma.org/http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=7612mailto:[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected] -
8/9/2019 02-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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fIEld TRIps and Events
Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009
EducaTIONMatters
2917 Morrison Road W.,University Pl. WA 98466
253-565-9278www.TahomaAudubon.org
Open Mon Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.
1919 South Tyler Street,Tacoma WA 98338
253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.orgOpen Tues. Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
& Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
I hope that you dont imagine that Florida is nothing but strip mallsand theme parks. For many that travel to the land of the Big Mouse,
this is all that they get to see. And I do admit, my guilty pleasure inOrlando is visiting my favorite theme park, riding rides and sampling
the foods from all the tiny faux nations along its boardwalk. But as
a former resident naturalist of the Sunshine State, Im going to tellyou about a gem of a nature trip to take if youre ever in the Tampa/
Orlando vicinity.Florida is at. Formed in a calm sea millions of years ago, its calcium
carbonate bedrock is lled with fossils of seashells and ancient sea
creatures. When Florida emerged from the ocean as warmer climatesgave rise to the cycles of ice ages, it allowed terrestrial plants and
animals to ourish. Freshwater aquifers permeate the porous bedrockand rise to the surface through cracks and springs in the weak rock.
Calm rivers amble for miles across the at surface, fed by springs andthe rains of the rainy season.
One hours drive from the theme parks near Orlando lies access tothe Hillsborough River in Northeast Tampa at the edge of the largest
metropolitan area in Florida. My husband, Scott, and I took a half-day to visit the river by kayak. For four hours and covering about
nine miles, we rode the slow currents down river watching wildlife
and taking pictures. This was my second time down the river, whichScott had introduced me to years before we moved to Washington.
It was unbelieveable. In those fourhours we saw Black Vultures, Roseate
Spoonbills, Wood Storks, Red-
shouldered Hawks, Osprey, Anhinga,Double-crested Cormorants, Limpkin,
White Ibis, Great Blue Herons, LittleBlue Herons, Tri-colored Herons,
Black-Crowned Night Herons, GreatEgrets, Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets.
And we heard Barred Owls echoing
through the cypress. If youre intoanimals BESIDES birds, we drifted
by alligators, turtles, snakes and ottersas well. I kid you not. It was truly
awesome. Here are some photos to
convince you!
Call Steph @ 253-565-5479. Or
February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5
Weekly Bird Walks at NisquallyWednesdays 8:00 am to 11:30 amLeader: Phil KelleyBig changes are happening at Nisqually NationalWildlife Refuge!Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts thebirds at Nisqually NWR. On the rst Wednesdayof the month, the group takes a longer hike on thefull loop, at least for a while this spring depend-ing on construction. The other weeks, the trip isshorter, totaling about 4 miles. On these weeks, thegroup walks out to McAllister Creek via the newcross dike trail. Then it takes the boardwalk/trail tothe Twin Barns, the Nisqually overlook area, andout past where the ring dike used to be.Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, wa-ter, snacks, and $3 for entry feeunless you have a pass. Scopes are welcome.Meet: At the Visitors Center.Directions: Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exitto Nisqually NWR at exit 114. Turn right at light.Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to conrm de-tails during the trail construction period, and aboutthe start time which may change to 7:30am.Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360) 459-1499, [email protected]. During the 3-4 year estuary reconstruc-tion project, go to http://www.fws.gov/nisqually/and click on Events and News. During the recon-struction, some trails may be closed temporarily.
Skagit and Samish ats feld tripEnjoy the wintering waterfowl, swans, thousandsof snow geese, raptors and other specialites of thisarea by joining us on Feb. 7th. The meeting placefor carpooling is the park and ride parking garageby Freighthouse Square, near the Tacoma Dome.Meet at 7:00 a.m for an early start.This trip is quite popular, so sign up soon by call-ing the Tahoma Audubon Center.Trip leaders are Bruce LaBar and Charlie Wright.
Gig Harbor ExplorationSaturday, February 218:00 AM to Mid AfternoonLeader: Jeff CohenJoin Jeff Cohen as we explore parks, beaches, and
trails in the Gig Harbor area. We will visit TheTacoma Narrows, Pt. Fosdick, Raft Island (by per-mission), and Kopachuk State Park. We will lookfor sea birds and waterfowl, loons, and woodlandbirds. We hope to see all ve woodpeckers, andeven a possible Mute Swan. We may be hearingsome early spring bird song. We may walk up to1.5 miles. Well stop at a restaurant for a lunch, oryou can bring your own lunch.Bring: Warm clothes, lunch if desired (or somemoney for a restaurant lunch), snacks, drinks.Car toll is $4. if you return home on the TacomaNarrows bridge. Scopes are very welcome.Meet: At 8:00 AM at McDonalds in Gig Harbor.Take hwy 16 north from the Narrows Bridge toexit 10. Turn right, and then take a quick left intoOlympic Plaza. McDonalds is on the left.Sign-up: Email or call Jeff Cohen, 206-354-5542,[email protected]
Nature Walk at Point Defance ParkFeb 22 Sun 8:00-11:30 AM
Join author Rob McNair-Huff for a 5-mile walkthrough the forests at Point Deance Park. The tripstarts at the back of the parking lot for the Point
Deance Zoo and Aquarium. Come prepared for ahealthy walk through the park in changeable weath-er conditions. Winter bird highlights can includewaterfowl, Bald Eagles and forest birds. Formoreinformation, e-mail [email protected].
Othello Sandhill Crane FestivalFriday - Sunday, March 20-22, 2009Othello, WashingtonReported by Carol SchulzThe Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is a wonder-ful birding festival in Eastern Washington. Theeld trips, lectures, and banquet served at the highschool are famous now; and quite a few partici-pants and speakers come from out-of-state. Theeld trips leave in school buses, vans, and carsfrom the high school.Registration information and tour info is availableat www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org or call1-866-726-3445 toll free (after 4pm). The mostpopular trips and accomodations ll early, so reg-ister ASAP.For more information about the festival, call or e-mail Carol Schulz, [email protected], 206-824-7618.E-mail is preferred.
Tahoma Audubon Workshop series at Fircrest Community Ctr.The Fircrest Community Center will be hosting three workshops this Spring, inviting neigh-
bors to learn about natural habitats and native gardens. Workshops will be led by Tahoma
Audubon volunteers and staff. Register by calling the Fircrest Community Center at 253-564-
8177 or in person at the Center located at 55 5 Contra Costa Ave., Fircrest, WA98466.Bird Feeding BasicsLearn about local birds and how to use a eld guide. Ensure that a variety of birds visit your
backyard with the information provided in this class.
Age: All. Fri Feb. 27th 6:00PM - 8:00PM Cost: $5.00 Tahoma Audubon SocietyContainer Gardening WorkshopContainer gardening with native plants adds a touch of natural beauty to any home, and can
brighten the smallest of outdoor spaces. Learn about which plants attract wildlife, including
birds. Also learn about the best locations for containers, watering and light requirements and
how to choose appropriate plants. Workshop will also include tips on how to keep interest in
the pots by the use of texture and color.
Sat March 21st 2:00PM - 4:00PM Cost: $5.00 Tahoma Audubon SocietyNative Plants TourLearn about native and non-native plant species growing in our yards and woods. Workshop
includes a walk through Whittier trails with Thelma as she indenties plants native to our area.
Sat April 4th 9:00AM - 11:00AM Cost: $5.00 Tahoma Audubon Society Thelma Gilmur
Holiday travels: Nature on the Hillsborough River, FL
Right: Black Vultures in a Bald Cypress;Below: Alligator and Turtle;Left: Red-shouldered Hawk with snake.Far Left: Roseate Spoonbill & Great Blue Heron.
Photos/ScottSwaim
Photo/Steph Swaim
Introducing Nature Snapshots at Tacoma Nature Center Have you ever wondered what you might nd on a short walk or in your backyard, but didnt
know where to look or who to ask? Become your own naturalist with these evening workshops
throughout the winter and spring! Each month we will offer a 2-hour program on a specic
theme so that you will leave with the basics of how to identify the critters you didnt know
you saw everyday. Youll notice that you notice a lot more on the walk to school or the trip
to the mailbox everyday! These programs are informal and geared to families but everyone iswelcome. Fees: $15 per person, $30 per family (max of 4). Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Please
register through the Tacoma Nature Center, 591-6439.
January 13th:Birds February 20th:Mammals March 10th:Herps (Reptiles & Amphibians)
April 14th:Invertebrates May 12th: Tidepools
Upcoming Adult Birding ClassesGet ready! Spring will soon be here and you will want to be able to identify those new birds
at your feeders. This Spring we will be offering another set of Adult Birding Classes so that
you can hone your birdwatching skills. Register for both at the Tacoma Nature Center, online
at www.metroparkstacoma.org or by calling 253-591-6439. You may also become a member
of Tahoma Audubon Society at the time of registration.
Beginning Birdwatching: Backyard BasicsThis class takes place at the Tacoma Nature Center at Snake Lake
Mondays March 3rd to the 23rd, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Curious about birds, but dont know your crown from your tail feather? All are welcome to
this introduction to the joy of identifying the birds that are all around us. You will learn how
to identify common birds, use eld guides as well as binoculars. Learn, too, about some of the
best places to see birds and practice your newfound skills. Local eld trip Saturday, March 21,
9am-1pm. Call the Tacoma Nature Center to register, 253-591-6439.
$45.00 for Tahoma Audubon Members - $55.00 for Non-Members Ages 18+
Intermediate BirdingThis class takes place at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center in University Place
Tuesdays, April 21st to June 9th, 2009, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
This class is for those who have completed an introductory birders class or have a good
background in bird identication. In addition to the scheduled class days, there are three eld
study sessions. Field Trips: 2-day trip to Washington coast on May 2-3; 2-day trip to Wenas
on June 6-7; 3-day trip to Eastern Washington June 20-22. Participants are responsible for trip
transportation and expenses. Call the Tacoma Nature Center to register, 253-591-6439.
$55.00 for Tahoma Audubon Members - $75.00 for Non-Members Ages 18+
This field-based class brings together the natural
world and the artists perspective. Native plant
specialist, Mary Sue Gee, will provide hands-on
instruction in identification and ecological rela-
tionships during one classroom session and three
field trips. She will be joined by Monica Weidman,
watercolor artist and botanical illustrator, to
engage the students in a deeper appreciation and
understanding of the native plant ecosystem of
the South Puget Sound. Mary Sue has an MLA
degree in landscape architecture and extensive
training and experience in wildlife habitat restora-
tion, urban and wetlands ecology. She combines
her interest in art and nature in her presentations
and stories. Monica has a BA in Art Education
and is a certified Scientific Illustrator. She finds
pleasure in natures serene pace and its simple
yet complex beauty.
Partners in providing thebest in nature
programming
at the Tacoma Nature Center
Now enrolling students ages 3-6
First session begins September 2009Details at www.metroparkstacoma.org Or call 253-591-6439
Nurture in Nature Preschool
Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are
people limited out of necessity.
Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come.
Field trip leaders put in a lot of time and planning and
no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 no-shows a
year can result in revoking opportunity to participate.
Arrive at the meeting place early.
No pets are allowed.
Be prepared for seasonal weather.
Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is
scheduled past mid-day.
All passengers divide total carpooling expenses.
Current guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car, not
including driver.
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
RulEsWild Edible Plant WalksCome and eatStinging Net-tles and otherplants, on ourWild EdiblePlant walks!We will havetwo walks inFebruary both starting at 2 PM and meeting inthe big parking lots One at Kopachuck on theSaturday the 14th of February (so bring your
Valentine!) and the other at Penrose Point onSaturday the 28th of February. What betterway to start the new year than to learn how tospot all sorts of healthy greens for free! Both walks will be led by rangers Dan Christianand Matt Smith. Each walk will be limited to15 people, so you need to call in advance toregister. For Kopachuck call 253-265-3606 andfor Penrose call 253-884-2514.
The Art & Nature of Native Plants Spring ClassFee: $75 member; $95 non-member includes class
instruction and three field trips. Optional field trips may be
scheduled with additional fee.
Required Text: Plants of the Pacific Northwest
Coast, Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, 1994. Book will be
available at class for $19.95. Discount for Tahoma Audubon
members.
Suggested Text: Flora of the Pacific Northwest, C.L.
Hitchcock and A. Cronquist, 1973.
Other field guides are useful if students have favorites.
Suggested Tools: Any type of sketch book, pencils,
charcoal, colored pencils, watercolors, magnifying glass/
lens, binoculars, camera
Class Date: 7-9 pm, Wed. April 15, Adriana Hess Audubon
Center, University Place
Field Trips: 9am-3pm; Sat. April 18, Sat. May 2. Third
date to be scheduled with class.
Scholarship assistance is available. Contact the
education committee chair, Margie Shea, at 591-
6439 or [email protected]
To Register: Call 591-6439 to register. Pre-registration is
required. Deadline to register is April 8.
stephanieSWAIMEducation Coordinator
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected] -
8/9/2019 02-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total
Species
Red-throated Loon 25 25
Pacic Loon 1 58 59
Common Loon 3 1 6 10
loon sp. 1 1
Pied-billed Grebe 1 1 4 14 2 1 1 23
Horned Grebe 10 13 26 11 1 3 1 65
Red-necked Grebe 2 4 1 4 1 241 253
Eared Grebe 47 47
Western Grebe 4 52 1 4 1179 1240
Clark's Grebe
Dbl-crested Cormorant 46 45 48 6 259 1 34 268 707
Brandt's Cormorant 22 4 349 375
Pelagic Cormorant 1 2 49 5 100 157
cormorant sp.
Great Blue Heron 19 13 7 6 5 4 1 12 67
Mute Swan 1 1
Trumpeter Swan 5 5
Swan species 41 5 46
Canada Goose 240 116 6 35 170 151 490 97 19 1324
Cackling Goose 4 82 27 113
Snow Goose 183 153 187 523
Wood Duck 60 9 3 72
Green-winged Teal 28 2 3 5 52 1 91
Mallard 80 166 93 134 85 226 70 253 76 1183
Northern Pintail 2 6 4 1 20 33
Cinnamon Teal
Northern Shoveler 1 2 5 567 575
Gadwall 8 11 58 14 5 96
Eurasian Wigeon 1 6 1 1 1 10
American Wigeon 215 360 66 95 49 73 37 232 158 1285
Canvasback 30 30
Redhead 4 4
Ring-necked Duck 26 4 1 447 10 488Greater Scaup 6 19 25
Lesser Scaup 12 114 2 128
scaup sp.
Harlequin Duck 1 5 6
Long-tailed Duck 6 6
Black Scoter 11 11
Surf Scoter 32 10 70 24 6 19 575 736
White-winged Scoter 1 3 3 17 24
scoter sp.
Common Goldeneye 8 36 15 43 134 27 351 614
Barrow's Goldeneye 110 28 34 7 5 44 228
goldeneye sp.
Bufehead 5 20 50 9 72 131 38 4 141 470
Hooded Merganser 7 3 6 38 4 4 1 63
Common Merganser 7 61 18 210 27 316 639
Red-breast. Merganser 9 4 3 9 25 289 339
merganser sp.
Ruddy Duck 11 11
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total
Bald Eagle, adult 6 4 5 2 3 2 1 12 35
Bald Eagle, immature 3 1 4
Northern Harrier 1 1
Belted Kingsher 2 3 5 1 2 3 3 19
Red-breasted Sapsucker 6 4 7 2 3 2 1 25
sapsucker sp.
Downy Woodpecker 2 7 5 10 2 4 30
Hairy Woodpecker 2 2
Northern Flicker (red sh.) 11 10 27 26 4 6 10 20 1 115
(yellow shafted/int.)
Pileated Woodpecker 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 9
*Tree Swallow 2 2
swallow species
Horned Lark
Steller's Jay 9 11 22 52 6 9 3 11 1 124
Western Scrub-Jay 3 1 5 9 4 6 4 32
American Crow 160 421 353 321 200 65 200 464 6 2190
Common Raven 1 1
Black-capped Chickadee 37 53 32 136 32 38 12 81 421
Chestnut-bk.Chickadee 29 22 137 24 6 2 3 223
Bushtit 32 60 25 18 3 10 148
Red-breasted Nuthatch 4 1 20 9 3 2 2 6 47
Brown Creeper 1 3 3 1 2 10
Bewick's Wren 2 2 1 4 5 3 4 21
Winter Wren 8 8 17 11 1 2 1 1 49Marsh Wren 4 2 1 7
wren sp.
American Dipper
Golden-crowned Kinglet 31 4 5 38 45 49 10 13 195
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10 5 7 12 2 1 37
Townsend's Solitaire
Hermit Thrush 2 1 3 1 1 8
American Robin 1203 152 2906 151 41 15 12 101 212 4793
Varied Thrush 7 7 12 8 2 2 4 42
American Pipit 1 1 8 10
Cedar Waxwing 290 200 1 491
Northern Shrike
European Starling 60 347 274 169 17 53 400 1364 20 2704
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total
Species
Hutton's Vireo 2 2
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 20 2 1 26
..Audubon's subsp.
..Myrtle's subsp.
Townsend's Warbler 1 4 1 4 1 11
warbler sp.
Spotted Towhee 15 16 44 37 9 3 17 32 173
*American Tree Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow 3 3Fox Sparrow 9 8 21 18 10 3 10 4 83
Song Sparrow 18 52 42 62 46 7 16 27 270
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 1
*Swamp Sparrow
*White-throated Sparrow 1 1
Golden-crowned Sparrow 5 64 19 8 14 70 180
White-crowned Sparrow 8 3 2 2 15
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 112 91 293 219 35 45 53 122 970
.. slate-colored subsp. 1 1
Red-winged Blackbird 50 3 18 8 42 35 156
Western Meadowlark 7 1 8
Brewer's Blackbird 50 16 5 71
blackbird sp.
Brown-headed Cowbird
Purple Finch 4 7 23 34
House Finch 14 111 23 105 20 18 32 323
Red Crossbill 3 3
Pine Siskin 55 118 55 50 105 383
American Goldnch 2 3 1 75 81
Evening Grosbeak
nch sp.
House Sparrow 76 27 16 106 10 21 20 51 327
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 1 3
Cooper's Hawk 2 1 4 1 1 9
Accipiter sp. 1 1
Red-tailed Hawk 13 13 4 4 2 36
Rough-legged Hawk
American Kestrel 1 1
Merlin 1 1 1 1 4
Peregrine Falcon 1 2 1 1 5
Ring-necked Pheasant 2 2
Ruffed Grouse
California Quail 13 13
Virginia RailSora
American Coot 6 17 9 1732 1764
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer 8 31 1 27 6 7 16 5 101
Greater Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper 1 1 2
Ruddy Turnstone
Black Turnstone 5 3 8
Sanderling
Western Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Dunlin 315 60 6 381
calidris sp.
Long-billed Dowitcher
dowitcher sp.
Wilson's (Common) Snipe 1 1 2 2 6
sandpiper sp.
Parasitic Jaeger
Little Gull
Bonaparte's Gull 400 50 500 60 1596 2606
Heermann's Gull
Mew Gull 94 103 20 1579 1796
Ring-billed Gull 50 1 147 198
California Gull 6 9 10 1 4 30
Herring Gull 2 2
Thayer's Gull 1 10 7 4 22
Western Gull 1 1 2
Glaucous-winged Gull 135 144 125 67 45 22 40 28 286 892
W. X Glaucous-winged 10 42 2 169 223
gull species 1700 3 20 1723
Common Murre 1 96 97
Pigeon Guillemot 14 3 204 2 21
Ancient Murrelet 24 24
Marbled Murrelet 1 1
Rhinocerous Auklet 1 2 56 59
CASSIN'S AUKLET 1 1
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total
Rock Pigeon 555 82 58 289 20 58 2 150 23 1237
Band-tailed Pigeon 1 4 2
Mourning Dove 1 40 2 2 45
Barn Owl CW
Western Screech-Owl 1 1 2
Great Horned Owl 1 2 1 4
Short-eared Owl
No. Saw-whet Owl
Barred Owl 1 1
Anna's Hummingbird 15 9 21 8 4 9 66
Count Compiler: Faye McAdams Hands
Area 1: Joe McGuire
Area 2: Carol Schulz
Area 3: Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Area 4: Roxy & Bill Giddings
Area 5: Rolan Nelson
Area 6: Marcus Roening
Area 7: Stan & Sharon Johnson
Area 8: Ruth Sullivan
Carol Smith, Jim ODonnell& Cindy Smith.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
By Faye McAdams Hands
Or at least, thats how it felt! Our Christmas Bird Count for
2008 fell right in the middle of our chilling December tempera-
tures and snow-covered roads. Id like to personally thank all of
the Area Coordinators -- Joe McGuire & Art Wang, Carol Schulz,
Diane Yorgason-Quinn, Roxy & Bill Giddings, Rolan Nelson,
Marcus Roening, Ed Pullen for Stan & Sharon Johnson, and Ruth
Sullivan and ALL of our Counters, for persevering and making
it happen!
We actually did quite well coming in with all time high
counts encompassing the 35 years of Tahoma Audubons CBC
for a number of species: Annas Hummingbird, Red-breasted
Sapsucker, and Snow Geese. We also had a first this year as our
own Charlie Wright spotted a Cassins Auklet from the Boat.
The Tally Dinner was well attended, considering the thicken-
ing snow that started about 1pm and refused to let up. Wetallied, ate fast, re-lived the day and our high points, and drove
carefully home.
See you next year, when were all hoping for weather in the
mid-60s for our 2009 CBC!
CBC in the frozen tundra!
That day was just the beginning. Reports from all over western
Washington, but most right here in the South Sound, continued to roll
in through early January, then slowly dissipated as the snow did like-
wise. Geese were reported at Titlow, Nisqually, Puyallup, Fife, Gog-Le-
Hi-Te at the port, Belfair, Eatonville, Federal Way, and huge numbers in
Kent (650 in one flock). There were also reports south to Julia Butler
Hansen National Wildlife Refuge, west to Grays Harbor, and the
greater Seattle area.
Bryan Hanson saw 107 with Ed Pullen on the CBC in Fife. He said,
It was a big surprise and a real treat to see those beautiful Snow
Geese in Fife. As unusual as it was, they did look quite at home in
the snowy field.
Though we have had Geese before on our CBC, this year has been
unprecedented in numbers and distribution in the south sound, just
one more way this has been an unusual winter.
In an attempt to solve the mystery, I turned to Dr. Dennis Paulson,
Director Emeritus at the UPS Slater Museum of Natural History and
friend to Tahoma Audubon, who had of course been following the
phenomenon. His analysis: The first thing that occurred to me
when this invasion of the south Sound began to happen was that the
heavy snow was completely covering their feeding areas on the
Skagit Flats and northward. I dont have confirmation of this, but I
think its the best guess. I think it explains Trumpeter Swans also
being seen in many more areas than usual and the repeated sighting
of flocks of both species flying just about everywhere.
Theyre gone now. Hope you didnt miss them! If so, come on
our field trip to the Skagit Valley February 7 th. One mission will be to
discover whether the Snow Geese are back where they belong!
... Geesefrom page 1
Top: Song Sparrow in the snow.
Above: Our water crew on tugboat Joe, December 20, 2008.
Left to right: Reporter from the Peninsula Gateway , Marian La-
Bar, Bruce LaBar, Faye McAdams Hands, Charlie Wright, barely
seen is skipper Robin, and on the dock Jim ODonnell
Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
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and upper body give adults a slightly shaggy appear-
ance. Juveniles have a dark crown, a foreneck heavily-
streaked with brown, and lack the adult plumes.
The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is at home
across most of North America. It breeds from south-
east Alaska to Canadas Maritime Provinces, and
south across the United States well into Mexico. On
the Pacific Coast the Great Blue ranges from Alaskas
Kenai Peninsula to Baja California. Birds east of the
Rockies are migratory and winter
roughly from the Ohio Valley
to northern South
America.
Great Blues are
common residents in
suitable habitat throughout our
state, and a February visit to a local
heron colony can be a fascinating
experience. Great Blues entertain
observers with a large reper-
toire of stylized behaviors and
sounds to maintain territory and attract the opposite
sex. An unattached male shows his availability in the
stretch display by extending his neck, raising his bill
to vertical, erecting neck plumes, and then retracting
his neck while moaning Goo-goo. He also claps his
bill together audibly, preens demonstratively, and
makes circular flights above the colony with neck
extended. Herons have an entire series of calls; some
examples are the repeated Frawnk which expresses
alarm or threatens. The clucking
Go-go-go is a contact call at the
colony and foraging sites, and a
two-syllableEe call is uttered in flight.
Great Blues dont need much from us,
but they do need space around their
colonies, about three hundred meters,
especially early in the breeding
season when the birds are quick to
abandon their huge nests. Beyond
that they need only some wet meadows, marsh-
es and shorelines, where if you think William
Dawson was right they actually lend
their touch ofpicturesque tran-
quility to our busy world.
February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009
BIRDSONGS
byPhilBuly
aNNOuNcEMENTs
Answers:1.Osprey2.perchingbird3.Antarctica4.eyass5.Commongoldeneye
Dennis Paulson did the program for
our 15th Anniversary Banquet on
February 10, 1984 at the Sherwood
Inn. He called his program a
photographic essay entitled Follow
the Wind Birds, covering the biology of
shorebirds, the plovers, sandpipers, and their
relatives.
Our Christmas Bird Count, presided over by Ken
Brown on December 18, 1983 resulted in average
numbers: 116 species. The excitement was that Joe
Quinn, Mary Layman and Rich Bowers spotted the
first ever Peregrine Falcon in Area 1. Other goodies
included an Oldsquaw (now Long-tailed Duck), two
Virginia Rails, two Ancient Murrelets, 200 Water Pipits,
one Red Crossbill, one White-fronted Goose. No
Merlins. The birders gathered to do the count totals at
Helen Engles home where they enjoyed the chili
dinner she prepared for them.
For several years Dr. Henry Kyle, physician at McNeil
Island Federal Penitentiary for over three decades, had
been asking for support in finding a way to preserve
the naturalness of McNeil Island against the possibility
of private development. On January 4, 1984 papers
were signed which transferred most of the
McNeil Island Complex to the State of
Washington. The Game Commission,
with positive recommendation from the
Non-game Advisory Council, gave
Director Frank Lockard the authority to
negotiate with the State and to accept
ownership of the bulk of the island complex.
The transfer was made subject to the condition that
the property transferred shall continue to be used for
wildlife conservation. Decision makers who stuck to
their promises received our thanks: Governor John
Spellman, Rep. Norm Dicks, Rep. Sid Morrison, Sen.
Slade Gorton, and Sen. Dan Evans.
Auduboners across the state were working to pass
the Washington Wilderness Bill of 1984. Mary Fries,
our Wildflower Specialist, wrote some beautiful words
about what wildness means to us.
It is enough for me to know that somewhere there
is room for the cougar to roam though I will never see
him. There are wildflowers I will never learn to
identify because I cant get near enough but I cheer
them on and wish them well on this spaceship Earth.
There are wild fish I will never eat. There are birds
singing in the deep woods, making nests, guided by
some age-old pattern I cannot know. There are
sweet cascades of water
moving toward me from
higher ground. I take a drink
of it and taste the essence of
the mountains.
Our field trips were
coordinated by Cathy Jerbic,
Field Trip Chair. We went to
see Art Wolfes wildlife
photography at Pier 59 Gallery
near the Seattle Aquarium;
plus a family outing to the Aquarium with Snake Lake
Nature center (Now Tacoma Nature Center). Jim
Scearce led the trip to Nisqually Wildlife Refuge; Ken
Brown led the Skagit River and Padilla Bay trip. Thais
Bock took us to West Seattles Lincoln Park and
Vashon Island, walking onto the Fauntleroy-Vashon
Ferry to look for alcids and seabirds. Cathy Jerbic took
us to explore the Wilkeson Coke Ovens and have
lunch at the Wilkeson City Restaurant for some local
history. Snake Lake Nature Center took us to San
Juan Island for a visit to the Whale museum, plus
birding for Eagles, Skylarks, and seabirds.
By Helen Engle
Helen Englefrom days of yore.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences
welcome, 253-564-3112, [email protected].
Just the other day... Heres what TAS was doing in February 1984
Audubonstronglysupportsproperly-sitedwindpowerasacleanalter-
nativeenergysourcethatreducesthethreatofglobalwarming.
Wind
powerfacilitiesshouldbeplanned,sitedandoperatedtominimize
negativeimpactsonbirdandwildlifepopulations.
NationalAudubonSocietyWindPowerPolicy
... Great Blue from page 1
quizzicalthe
By Thais Bock
wl1. Formerly known as Fish Hawk whatis its name today?
2. The word passerine means _______.
3. Waterfowl are found on every conti-nent except this one.
4. A young falcon is called an _________.
5. Which goldeneye species has a round
white spot on its face? (Answers below cartoon.)
A plaque honoring Keith Schwyhart will be installed at our
recirculating stream,
at the Adriana Hess Wetland Park, where Tahoma Audubon provides educationalprograms. To give you a bit of history on this: University Place became a city in
1995, and wanting open-space in the new city, they purchased this land from Dr.George Hess and his wife Adriana. The mayor asked Tahoma Audubon if theywould be the educational presence for the Park. This role was nalized on paper
in 1997. Sometime soon after that, Keith was appointed to the AHWP Committeeeven though Audubon did not come into the building until December, 1999.
The AHWP Committee continued the planning and the accomplishing of the
mitigation required because the trail and the deck were placed within the 100 footwetland buffer. As the Committee met monthly, Keith started sharing how hed
visited centers where one could watch the birds from the Centers windows. Hewas sold on the difference in number of birds when water was present. The Com-
mittee agreed. The architect had planned for an amphitheater at this spot. As theCommittee kept planning, it was agreed wed have a stream and we began looking
for various companies to give us plans. Keith brought forth a rm with whom he
had had experience and the Committee and Park chose his candidate. The projectwas nshed in 2004. We may have had an amphitheater and many fewer birds on
this site if it had not been for Keith.
In late 2008, Keith
Schwyhart was diag-
nosed with lymphoma,
and died peacefully in
the company of family
December 15, 2008.
His Wife, Betty Bruce
and his family request-
ed that memorials be
sent to Tahoma Audu-
bon in his honor.
Honoring Keith Schwyhart
Think Birdathon now so youll be ready with
pledges when it comes time between April 25 andMay 31 to go out on a given day to count the birds.
You can count alone, with a group of your friends,
or choose to go with an expert birder and get thehelp you need to really find a good number ofbirds. Choices of trips will be listed in futureTowhees. Please watch for them and call TAS tosign up.
Many sponsors prefer to pledge a flat amount
and that works well, too.Its fun, you learn a whole lot about birds, and
meet people with the same interests as you havewhen you sign on as a Birder/Counte r. If you cantgo out to find the birds, you are encouraged tosend a Birdathon contribution. Tahoma Audubon
needs many dedicated sponsors to help supportour conservation and education work.
who is it?
Birdathon is knocking!
Celebrate
Come Celebrate!The Conservation & Education Legacy
and Leadership of Thelma Gilmur
Open HouseSunday, February 15, 2009
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Mountaineers Clubhouse2302 North 30th Street,
Tacoma, WA
In recognition of this milestone, we invite
you to join us for an evening of great
food, unbeatable company and hearty
celebration of our accomplishments
over the last four decades. Well
reect on our past and future...and
well have fun doing it!
The evenings program includes a cock-
tail hour, fantastic silent auction items and a
delicious buffet meal. Then well elect new board
members, recognize our distinguished volunteers
and kick off this years Birdathon.
We sincerely look forward to seeing you
at this 40th Anniversary event!
Tahoma Audubon Society is turning 40!
Thanks to you, we have lots and lots of books inour library at the Adriana Hessofce ... but now we needanother bookcase!
Do you have a
bookcase to donate?If so, please call us 24 hours before donating
your bookcase so that we will be ready for yourdelivery. Were in the ofce from 10am - 1pm.253-565-9278
What: TAS 40th Anniversary Banquet
and Annual Membership Meeting
When: Saturday, February 28th, 2009.
Cocktails & auction - 5:30 p.m.
Dinner and program - 7 p.m.
Where: Clover Park
Technical College
McGavick Student Center
4500 Steilacoom Blvd, SW
Lakewood, WA98499
Cost: $40 per person
RSVP: Order tickets at
www.TahomaAudubon.org.
Deadline for registration is Tuesday, Feb. 17th.
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February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11
Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As
an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National
Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing
your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in
Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub-
scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis-
counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/
National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National
membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of
Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas. Checkspayableto:TahomaAudubon2917Morrison
Rd.W.
UniversityPlace,
98466TahomaAudubon
Society,establishedin1969,
isa501(c)(3)nonprofit
organization.Donationsaretaxdeductible.
Membership Fee:
___ Introductory (first year) $20
___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50
___ Chapter member renewal $30
___ Other Contributions _____________
Member(s) Name: _______________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City______________________________ Zip__________________
Phone: home ___________________business _________________
e-mail: ________________________________________________
Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
Membership
VOluNTEERRecognition
Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009
wElcOME to New and Returning Members
We are so pleased to welcome you to Tahoma Audu-
bon Society. Our mission is to conserve and restore
natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife,and their habitats for the benet of humanity and the
earths biological diversity.Chapter New and Renewing:
Lynn Arthur & Galen Stark, Amy Bettesworth, Bent &
Marie Blichfeldt, Carole Breedlove, John & CatherineBunger, Jennifer L Burklund, Loretta Chivers, Don &
Pat Clifford, Kathryn Cooper, Susan C Dawson, RhonaDiehl, Edith Drylie, Gloria Ellis, Lloyd & Patricia Fet-
terly, Bill & Roxy Giddings, Barbara Guller, CorreneHall & Alan Hurr, Thomas M Hargrove, Danielle E
Harrington, Gail Hemphill, Valerie Higgins, Barbara &
Michael Hill, Millard & Becky Hixson, Rita L Hum-mel & Jim Hansen, Robert Husted, Wayne Jackson,
Brooke A & Brian Johnson, Byrna Klavano, Phyl-lis Knopp, Margaret Kraft, Mardi Krusemark, Dillon
Leggett, Robert & Rosemary Lenigan, Jean O Loomis,
Paul & Lauretta Lucien, Ferm Lundberg, Carol Mack-innon, Marilyn Mahoney, David Marshall, Susan Mat-
tern, Brian & Sue McCluskey, Jean McCord, Sally
McHugh, William Mitchell, Gary & Sharon
Nestegard, Herman K Nickel, Jim & Jeanne
ODonnell, John & Karen Parks, Alex Petty,Robyn Ryan, Fred & Louise Schumock, Tan-
ja Scott, Gretta Stanll, Evelyn Svendsen,Mike Walker, Alan B Zimmerschied.
Chapter Joint with National:
Christine Anderson, Robert Annon, Patricia Bergen,Nels & Winifred Bjarke, Judy Blatt, Jack & Billie
Brown, Nate & Angie Chappell, Gerald L Cozad, LoisCurrie, Jo Egan, John T English, Robert M Ferguson,
Willena Ferguson, Philip O Frazer, Al Gray, Phillip &Shirley Healy, Sherrie Kilborn, Jim & Ann Leighty,
Julie & David Lucas, Robert Mack, Betty J Main, San-
dra T Martin, Mary Pat Minor, June & Wayne Mosby,John Nelson, Richard & Janet Nelson, Tedd & Sally
Nesheim, Ann Post, Ed & Kay Pullen, William Scheer,Jon G Wagner, William Weber, Joel Wingard.
Introductory, Recruited through TAS:
Mickey Allen, Mark & Kathy Baldridge, Curt Black,Lynn de la Maza, Jay Erickson, Ronald Groves, Marian
Hagener, Rocky Hauge, Bill Ludwig, Michelle J Tirhi
& Adele Tirhi, Alex Wang.
Introductory, Recruited through NAS:Mary Boatwright, Charles R Cludesson, Theresa Du-
fault, Abigail Jarman, Lawrence P Lake, D Page, Wade
Spear, Constance K Till, Elaine Tomita, Julie Veeck,Geoff Walker.
Hope you will attend our very special 40th anniversarymembership meeting and banquet on February 28th.
NOTE: 82 TAS members renewed their membershipthrough NAS as shown in the latest NAS report to us.
These 82 members will not receive the Towhee.
REMEMBER: Since policy started in January 2008,the Towhee is sent only to those who have renewed lo-
cally through Tahoma Audubon. This is because we donot get a share of fees when members renew through
the national Audubon organization.
November 16, 2008 to January 15, 2008
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
The January floods were beating us down after therecord December snows, so Ruth Sullivan led the firstchapter field trip of 2009 out of the weather into theOlympic rain shadow, and it worked!We had found the ark, and we stayed
nice and dry all day with nary a drop.Extra high tides coinciding with thenearly full moon reminded us that wewere in fact still living in a waterworld, though. Beaches were mostlysubmerged, so there were very fewshorebirds. Luckily, the abundantwaterfowl made up for it.
Ruths first stop was Point Wilsonat Fort Worden, near Port Townsend.This site has become quite famousthis winter for providing guaranteedlooks at large numbers of AncientMurrelets, and this day was no excep-tion. We saw several lines of thesesought-after cousins of the Puffinsflying single-file low over the water,though of course not very close!Three species of Loons, Cormorants,Surf Scoters, Red-BreastedMergansers, Western and Horned Grebes, Gulls, andstunning Harlequins rounded out the species here, withlarge numbers of Buffleheads. Buffles were everywherewe went, both salt and fresh water. Luckily its hard to get
tired of them!At Port Hudson
in town, we foundthe expected hugeflock of BlackTurnstones on thepilings and among
them the previ-ously reportedtwo RockSandpipers, hardbirds to see evenwhen youre look-ing right at them,their heads tuckedin to drown out
the noisy Turnstones. Ruth described the Turnstonevocalization as a guttural rattle, but at least it was hap-py-sounding rattle. What was really unusual, though, wasthe single Marbled Godwit standing like King Kongamong the bantam Turnstones and Sandpipers, perhaps
thinking himself as a god among shorebirds, somethingwe couldnt argue with. Dapper Hooded Merganserscruised back and forth through the pilings, jockeying forbetter positions just as we were doing above them.
For the freshwater point of view, we visited the Kah TaiLagoon, where Ruddy Ducks amused us greatly, as wellas a Pied-Billed Grebe, Scaup, Gadwall, Coots, and aGreat Blue Heron. We had a few Song and Fox Sparrowsas well, our first Passerine spot of the day. The light waspretty good here, especially considering our gray day, socameras came out. Loren Webster had brought some
pretty nice camera equipment, and it was hard to tear himaway. Of course, Ruth is one of the premier bird photog-raphers in the region, as we all know. Leslie Webster justlooked on with amusement. She was getting life birdstoday!
Heading out of Port Townsend, we hit the jackpot atIndian Island Lagoon Beach with 450 Brant!! A PileatedWoodpecker, Cackling Geese, and several Bald Eagles(by now becoming junk birds!) were also at hand. Atight-
knit group of six Great Blue Herons across the water on asmall patch of beach made us wonder what they were upto with their unusual cooperative behavior.
Then working our way to Fort Flagler, we finally foundthe flock of little birds wed been listening for all day. We
were surrounded by both Kinglets,Downy Woodpecker, Brown Creeper,
Varied Thrushes, both Chickadees,and best of all 300 Pine Siskins intwo intersecting flocks, patrolling theskies above us and some fenced-inchickens, domestic geese, and goatswho were valiantly guarding the fort.Some of us have been missing theSiskins for the last couple of winters,but now we know where they are.New Purple Martin boxes had beeninstalled and made us look twice atwhat looked like out-of-seasonMartins that turned out to be decoys.Hope they work to bring the birds tothese great nest boxes.
We ended our day at Oak Bay withhundreds of Pintail! What a sight!We were smiling all the way home.Ruth calculated 65 species for theday, with terrific numbers especially
of the most-wanted Brant, Pintail, and Ancient Murrelets!Wow! As we headed south, the sky darkened and theheavens opened up again, but they didnt dampen ourbirding experience. Thanks, Ruth! Its good to have youback in the saddle.
Red-Throated loon, Point Wilson,January 11, 2009
Photo/Loren Webster
By Julie Kerrigan
Recently, I have had the privilege to work withAnna Thurston on the Natural Area StewardshipTraining developed by the Washington NativePlant Society, in conjunction with the CascadeLand Conservancy, Green Tacoma Partnership,City of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma. Thetraining is an 11 week course offered on Fridays atthe Tacoma Nature Center in which participantslearn about native and invasive plants, soils, sitemanagement plans, geology, site monitoring, map-ping and a variety of other topics. Experts in theirfields provide the classroom and field trainings.Throughout the training Saturday field trips arescheduled to provide a variety of hands-on volun-teer experiences, habitat exploration and plantidentification opportunities. This training is offered
free to participants with the understanding thatparticipants will volunteer their time (100 hours)and new gained knowledge to work as stewards ona variety of natural areas around Tacoma.Participants receive a wonderful assortment of freeresources in the form of maps, books and bro-chures. We have about 20 participants in the train-ing who are eager to learn and volunteer their time.While Im there to assist with set-up, preparing forpresentations and volunteer check-in, I am learn-ing like the participants about our natural worldand how we can make it a better place. I lovelearning new things and Im really excited that Ihave the chance to soak it all in and put my knowl-edge to good use.
In the coming months the Green TacomaPartnership will be offering free one day trainingswith similar content. Look for more details soon.
A student at the University of Puget Sound, Jill is
interning with Tahoma Audubon as editor of theTowhee for her spring semester. She has already
jumped into the work with both feet for this issue.We look forward to her contributions in the comingmonth. Jill is looking for volunteers who want to helpwith editing the Towhee now and in the future.
Natural Area Stewardship TrainingWelcome to Jill Eikenhorst
High and dry birding in flood season
What is Global Youth Service Day?
Pierce County Global Youth Service
Day is a time for hundreds of youth
volunteers from throughout Pierce
County to join local nonprofit and other
community organizations to work on
service projects. Participating organiza-
tions are matched with volunteers who
give their time, talents and services to
make a hands-on difference in our com-
munity.
Not only does Global Youth Service Day have a sig-
nificant impact on the needs of local nonprofits and
schools, it also enables volunteers to meet new
people, work as a team, gain new experiences, and
see first-hand the caring power of our community.
Its about coming together for a common purpose to
improve the lives of others and advance the com-
mon good.
The goals of Global Youth Service Day are:
1.) To mobilize youth to identify and address the
needs of their communities through service.
2.) To support youth on a life-long path of service
and civic engagement.
3.) To educate the public, the media,
and policymakers about the year-round
contributions of young people as com-
munity leaders.
What Kind of Projects are
Encouraged?
Organizations are encouraged to sub-
mit project applications to utilize teams
of 10 to 50 individuals. We encourage
service-learning projects in areas rang-
ing from literacy and the environment, to healthcare,
hunger, and help for the elderly.
Agencies are welcome to submit applications for
multiple projects. Specific projects might include:
Serving a meal at a homeless shelterHome repair or construction for a low-income familyAssisting at the local food bankCollecting books for kids and spending time readingwith them.PaintingLandscapingEnvironmental educationPark, school or playground clean-upCollection Drives for food, clothing, etc.Graffiti clean up
When & Where
Projects can take place anytime between February
16 and April 26, 2009. A Volunteer Celebration event
will occur on Friday, April 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm
at Mount Tahoma High School.
Who Can Volunteer?
Youth ages 12 to 24 are welcome to participate. We
have a goal of having more than 750 youth partici-
pate along with 250 adult mentors.
Have a project? Want to volunteer?
For more information contact: Sarah Oliver at
[email protected]. Or call(253)
284-3380.
2009 Pierce County Global Youth Service DayGlobal Youth
Service Day '09
Tacoma Goodwill will mobilize more than 750 young
people to participate in the 21st Annual Global Youth Ser-
vice Day, Fri.-Sun., April 24-26, 2009, in Pierce County.
Tacoma Goodwill will receive $2,000, provided by State
Farm Companies Foundation, to help with planning local
GYSD projects. Youth from around the county will lead,
design and carry out several projects at schools and non-
prots throughout
the area.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-QuinnPhoto/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
We found the missing Pine Siskins near Fort Flagler.Decoys adorn new Purple Martin Houses.
Photo/Ruth Sullivan
Marbled Godwit trying to blend in with a hundred Black Turnstones at Port Townsend.
Ruth Sullivan, Leslie and Loren Webster at the Kah Tai Lagoon near Port Townsend.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
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8/9/2019 02-2009 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
7/7
Feb 6 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,
invasive species removal, pruning).
Feb 7 Sat 11:58 AM to 3:58 PM. Seabird Survey 5. Location:
assigned survey sites.
Feb 9 Mon 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird Walk at Hess
Feb 10 Tue 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Nature Alphabet: C is for
Colorful Critters. Tacoma Nature Center. Preschoolers exploredifferent nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature
walks, and crafts at the Tacoma Nature Center. Adult participationis recommended, children under four require an adult present.
Please note alternating times. Register by the Saturday before theprogram by calling 591-6439.
Feb 10 Tue 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Conservation Committee.Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Road W,
University Place, WA 98466 M
Feb 10 Tue 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Valentine Card Class. AdrianaHess Center. Rosanne Becker: Instructor. Valentine Iris Fold
Card Class. Fill in Valentine shapes with colorful strips of paperor ribbon that spiral to the center or iris. Leave class with at least
two cards and patterns to make your own! Just bring scotch
magic tape (green plaid dispensor), small scissors and a craftcutting mat if possible! Cost: $15 paid at class. Call 565-9278 toreserve your spot! Email: [email protected] or call 253-564-
7115 for questions.
Nature Snapshots: Mammals
Feb 10 Tue 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Tacoma Nature Center. Ages12 and up, $15 per person or $30 per family (4 people max)
Join us for a snapshot of nature as we explore the basics ofidentication and help families learn a few of the local native
wildlife. Call 591-6439 to register. E
Feb 11 Wed 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks at
Nisqually Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts thebirds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitors Center. The
group may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail is open.Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, the
Nisqually overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about3 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,
snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes arewelcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to conrm details
(especially during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley,Lacey, (360) 459-1499, [email protected]. F
Feb 11 Wed 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding Scientists
Adaptations for Life
Feb 11 Wed 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding ScientistsAdaptations for Life
Feb 12 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. TAS Board Meeting. Adriana HessAudubon Center. Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board. Guest Welcome, please call ahead at (253) 565-9278.
Feb 12 Thu 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Beginning Homeschool
Science: Amazing Animal Adaptations. Location: TacomaNature Center. Homeschool students explore science through
hands-on experiments, activities and inquiry-based learning.Register early, these classes ll quickly! Call 591-6439. Ages
8-10, $10, 9:30-11:30 or 1-3 pm. To participate in this class,students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Feb 12 Thu 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Beginning Homeschool Science:
Amazing Animal Adaptations. Tacoma Nature Center.
Feb 13 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning).
Feb 13 Fri 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Membership Meeting. TacomaNature Center, 1919 S. Tylor Street. Monthly membership
meeting ofTahoma Audubon. All welcome. Check web site forprogram - www.TahomaAudubon.org. Call (253) 565-9278.
Feb 15 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Open House for Thelma Gilmur.
Location: Mountaineers Clubhouse, Tacoma. A
Feb 16, 2009 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plant Walk at Hess.
Location: Hess
Feb 17 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Snake Lake Science Club: Got
science? Location: Tacoma Nature CenterAges 10-14, no charge for club meetings, $10 per student to join
the club. Snake Lake Science Club is for homeschool and othersudents age 10-14 years old who want to learn more about science
and the natural world. Students pay a once-per-school-year feeof $10 to join the Science Club and are then free to participate in
any program offerings, including the 2009 Snake Lake ScienceFair. The following programs are designed to help students learn
more about science and the scientic process through hands-ondiscovery. Pre-registration for each program is required as space
is limited.
Feb 18 Wed 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks atNisqually Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
birds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitors Center. Thegroup may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail is open.
Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, theNisqually overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about
3 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to conrm details(especially during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley,
Lacey, (360) 459-1499, [email protected]. F
Feb 19 Thu. Enviro. Lobby Day. Location: WA State Capitol,Olympia. www.environmentalpriorities.org. A
Feb 19 Thu. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Intermediate science: All about
Animals. Location: Tacoma nature Center.Homeschool studentsexplore science through hands-on experiments, activities andinquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes ll quickly!
Call 591-6439. Ages 8-10, $10. To participate in this class,students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Feb 19 Thu. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Intermediate science: Allabout Animals. Location: Tacoma nature Center
Feb 19 Thu 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Education Committee Meeting.
Adriana Hess Conference Room.
Feb 20 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning).
Feb 24 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Nature Alphabet: D is for Dragony.Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories,hands-on activities, nature walks, and crafts at the Tacoma Nature
Center. Adult participation is recommended, children under fourrequire and adult present. Please note alternating times. Register
by the Saturday before the program by calling 591-6439.
Feb 25 Wed 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks atNisqually Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
birds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitors Center. Thegroup may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail is open.
Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, theNisqually overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about
3 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to conrm details(especially during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley,
Lacey, (360) 459-1499, [email protected]. F
Feb 25 Thu 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding Scientists:
Animals, Animals Everywhere
Feb 25 Thu 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding Scientists: Animals,Animals Everywhere
Feb 26 Fri 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Advanced Science: Bio-Science:Zoology. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Homeschool students
explore science through hands-on experiments, activities andinquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes ll quickly!
Ages 12-15, $12. Older homeschool students will continue theirscience studies with challenging and engaging experiments and
activities. To participate in this class, students should be able tocalculate averages, percentages and solve simple equations.
Feb 27 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning).
Feb 27 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Nature Storytime Starry NightLocation: Adriana Hess Audubon center
Join us as we explore the park at the Adriana Hess AudubonCenter in University Place with nature stories based-on the
current theme. Adults are welcome with the children. This is awonderful grandparent/grandchild activity! Space is limited to
the rst 20 registered guests (adults and children!), so call earlyto sign up! 591-6439. $6.00 per child non-member. $3.00 for
Tahoma Audubon Member. Adults and U.P. residents FREE(registration at Tacoma Nature Center requested, 591-6439)
Feb 27 Fri 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Advanced Science Lab:Zoology. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Homeschool students explore science through hands-onexperiments, activities and inquiry-based learning. Register
early, these classes ll quickly! Call 591-6439. Ages 12-15, $12.An expanded science class for Advanced Homeschool Science
students which includes an integrated laboratory session as anextension of the two hour classroom session. Students get greater
in-depth investigation of the monthly topic, practice in problem-
solving and research skills and hands-on experimentation.Attendance in the class session is required for participation in
a lab session. Lab sessions are not required for participation inclass sessions.
Feb 28 Sat 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Self-guided Tour Workshop at
the Tacoma Nature CenterLocation: Tacoma Nature Center. For the self-guided tours at the
Tacoma Nature Center at Snake Lake, specially trained groupleaders like YOU learn natural history and ecology information
and activities to share with your class on your eld trip. You willhave access to your science lab and equipment, our hands-on
exhibit area, our 71-acre nature preserve and our nature biofacts,eld guides and more! $50.00 per person. Ages 18+ Call the
Tacoma Nature Center to register, 253-591-6439
February 28 Sat 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. 40th Anniversary Banquet.
Location: McGavick Student Center at Clover Park. GrowingForm Our Roots Come join in the celebration of 40 years of
steadfast advocacy and education on behalf of the environment.The festive evening will have a silent auction, delectable buffet
and recognition of four decades of achievements. But we arenot stopping there, and we look forward to the next forty years
and the joy of growing from our roots. The address is 4500Steilacoom Blvd. Call our ofce at (253) 565-9278 for more
information. A
Mar 2 Mon 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Beginning Birdwatching -Backyard Basics. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Curious
about birds, but dont know your crown from your tail feather?
All are welcome to this introduction to the joy of identifyingthe birds that are all around us. You will learn how to identifycommon birds, use eld guides as well as binoculars. Learn, too,
about some of the best places to see birds and practice your newfound stills. Local eld trip Saturday, Mar 21, 9am-1pm. $45.00
for Tahoma Audubon Members, $55.00 for Non-Members.Ages 18+. Call the Tacoma Nature Center to register, 253-591-
6439.E
Mar 4 Wed 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks atNisqually Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
birds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitors Center. Thegroup may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail is open.
Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, theNisqually overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about
3 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to conrm details(especially during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley,
Lacey, (360) 459-1499, [email protected]. F
Mar 6 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning).
Mar 7 10:58 AM to 2:58 PM. Seabird Survey 6. Location:assigned survey sites.
Mar 7 Sat 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Snake Lake Science Fair.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Join us for the Snake LakeScience Fair at the Tacoma Nature Center. Students age 6-18 will
be able to create their own science projects and participate in thisexciting community event. Homeschool students and students
from public and private schools are welcome. $10 per