Hawk Talk Spring 2016

12
Spring 2016 | Wingfield Springs Community Association Newsletter W inter is over and already our maintenance crews are working hard at beautifying our common areas. Of high priority: 4 Irrigation. Always a challenge. See Director Jones report inside. 4 Director Dauria continues his excellent work with Reno Green to tend to our landscaping maintenance and new implementation needs. 4 Director Dauria also leads the electronic surveillance project. Should complete this year. 4 We will continue updating the landscaping in the medians on Wingfield Springs Road. 4 We finally have our tree database. Some are in serious need of attention. We have a budget to fix several trees. 4 The windmill feature is getting a significant facelift. Water scoops, new jets and upgraded lighting are the main feature of this investment. 4 We will also further research installing electricity in the Vista median and Wingfield Hills intersection. These investments are sure to lift our twenty year old landscape implementation. Other items get old after twenty years or so. Our governing documents need a significant refresh. Director Brainard is leading this charge. We look forward to the recommendations of the ad- hoc sub-committee. OK, this next one is also getting old yet we continue to have dog owners ignoring their responsibility with regards to their dog poop. Folks it is a simple act of respect for all around you to pick up after your dog. We have several dog stations throughout the community so make use of this feature. The walk trails are for our community to enjoy, not a bathroom for dogs. If you witness such event take a picture and send it to me. Maybe carry a smartphone so a photo can be snapped? If you are a landlord with tenants that have dogs please remind them they are under the same rules as owners. All of this is common sense and demonstrating respect. This one has to do with recycling. An owner asked me to include a note regarding cardboard in the recycle bins: please make sure to break down the boxes so as to minimize the amount of space taken. This last one I fail to understand. In late February a Red-tailed hawk was shot on the Hills golf course next to the number 13 tee box. This cowardly act is repugnant at best. If anybody in that area is aware of illicit activity by people trying to gun down our prey birds please contact me with whatever information you might have. I will get the State Department of Wildlife involved and the people responsible will be prosecuted. I have an article inside that deals with Red-tail hawks. Good read! I wish you all a great spring. The Board and all our partners will work diligently to make the season an enjoyable and safe season. See you at the April 28th Board meeting. Our guest speaker will be the legislative advocate for our homeowner issues. Bob Denis PRESIDENT, WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Photo by Kyrre Carlsen “...recycle bins: please make sure to break down the boxes so as to minimize the amount of space taken.” Photo by K. Carlsen. Location: Red Hawk Hills Golf Course.

description

Official Newsletter of Wingfield Springs Homeowners in Sparks, Nevada.

Transcript of Hawk Talk Spring 2016

Page 1: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

Spring 2016 | Wingfield Springs Community Association Newsletter

W inter is over and already our maintenance crews are working hard at beautifying our common areas. Of high priority:

4 Irrigation. Always a challenge. See Director Jones report inside.

4 Director Dauria continues his excellent work with Reno Green to tend to our landscaping maintenance and new implementation needs.

4 Director Dauria also leads the electronic surveillance project. Should complete this year.

4 We will continue updating the landscaping in the medians on Wingfield Springs Road.

4 We finally have our tree database. Some are in serious need of attention. We have a budget to fix several trees.

4 The windmill feature is getting a significant facelift. Water scoops, new jets and upgraded lighting are the main feature of this investment.

4 We will also further research installing electricity in the Vista median and Wingfield Hills intersection.

These investments are sure to lift our twenty year old landscape implementation.

Other items get old after twenty years or so. Our governing documents need a significant refresh. Director Brainard is leading this charge. We look forward to the recommendations of the ad-hoc sub-committee.

OK, this next one is also getting old yet we continue to have dog owners ignoring their responsibility with regards to

their dog poop. Folks it is a simple act of respect for all around you to pick up after your dog. We have several dog stations throughout the community so make use of this feature. The walk trails are for our

community to enjoy, not a bathroom for dogs. If you witness such event take a picture and send it to me. Maybe carry a smartphone so a photo can be snapped? If you are a landlord with tenants that have dogs please remind them they are under the same rules as owners. All of this is common sense and demonstrating respect.

This one has to do with recycling. An owner asked me to include a note regarding cardboard in the recycle bins: please make sure to break down the boxes so as to minimize the amount of space taken.

This last one I fail to understand. In late February a Red-tailed hawk was shot on the Hills golf course next to the number 13 tee box. This cowardly act is repugnant at best. If anybody in that area is aware of illicit activity by people trying to gun down our prey birds please contact me with whatever information you might have. I will get the State Department of Wildlife involved and the people responsible will be prosecuted. I have an article inside that deals with Red-tail hawks. Good read!

I wish you all a great spring. The Board and all our partners will work diligently to make the season an enjoyable and safe season. See you at the April 28th Board meeting. Our guest speaker will be the legislative advocate for our homeowner issues.

Bob Denis PRESIDENT, WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Pho

to b

y K

yrre

Car

lsen

“...recycle bins: please make sure to

break down the boxes so as to minimize

the amount of space taken.”

Photo by K. Carlsen. Location: Red Hawk Hills Golf Course.

Page 2: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

Wingfield SpringsCommunity Association Newsletter

WSCA Board of DirectorsPRESIDENT Bob Denis, [email protected] PRESIDENT Lou Dauria, [email protected] Marilyn Brainard, [email protected] Ray Case, [email protected] Richard Jones, [email protected]

Handy Phone Numbers & Information

ASSOCIA SIERRA NORTHTelephone: (775) 626-7333Melissa Robertson, Community Manager Direct Line: (775)334-7449Kenia Salazar, Assistant to Melissa Direct Line: (775)334-7426Facsimile: (775) 626-7374Website: www.wingfieldspringshoa.orgEmail: [email protected] Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.Monday through Friday; the phone lines shut down at 4 p.m. on Friday.

WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY PATROL(775) 722-6270Call 911 for emergency services; ambulance, fire, police.

Red Hawk Swim & Fitness Center (775) 626-8699David’s Grill at Red Hawk (775) 626-1000Red Hawk Golf Club (775) 626-4599Washoe County Regional Animal Services (775) 353-8900Sparks Police Department (Non-emergency) (775) 353-2231Reno Green Landscaping (775) 852-8952Call immediately for water related issues.

Please note: Views expressed in HawkTalk are not necessarily the opinions of WSCA, its board members or Associa Sierra North. The editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles for content and space constraints. Advertising in HawkTalk is paid for by the individual advertisers. WSCA does not necessarily endorse or support any of the advertisers. Advertising monies collected are used to offset the printing costs of each HawkTalk.

HawkTalk is supported in whole by advertising. Newsletter published by: Kathy Hess, Just Imagine Marketing and Design

(775) 746-4138 | [email protected]

Page 2 HawkTalk | Spring 2016

Communitymanager’s report

I hope that everyone had a great start in 2016 as we move into the second quarter. The change in assessment due date frequency ($165/quarter to $55/month) went seamlessly. As a reminder, we offer different payment methods for assessments to include checks accompanied by a coupon, bill pay through your

own financial institution and Direct Debit. All owners are encouraged to sign up for Direct Debit which is Electronic Funds Transfer/Automatic Payment of Assessment, usually through your bank or other financial account. If interested in signing up, please contact Kenia Salazar directly at 334-7426.

There have been many owners who have been pro-active in wanting to enhance their property and have submitted architectural and/or landscaping plans to the Design Review Committee. It is exciting to see this continued activity! The Design Review Committee currently meets regularly and if you have any questions pertaining to the Design Review process, please contact Mary Francis directly at 334-7452.

This time of year also means upkeep of properties including landscaping and any necessary maintenance items. It was noted during the previous community tour that there are many homes in need of painting, specifically trim painting. We sent out courtesy notices for this subject and appreciate those who have made the effort to comply so quickly. If you wish to re-paint your home with the exact same colors, approval is not needed. Please note that if you need to submit a request to the DRC (Design Review Committee) to change your paint scheme, you will need to fill out the Standard Plan Submittal Checklist along with a $25.00 check for the design review fee. If you need a sample paint brochure, please contact Mary Francis at 334-7452. Please visit www.wingfieldspringshoa.org to print the Standard Plan Submittal Checklist.

Last year, Ryan Harvey (Reno Green) and I drove each of the main paths to include Decoy, West Perimeter, Island Queen, Poco Bueno, Media Court, S. Florentine/Silver King, N. Diamond Oaks, Cinnamon, Eagle Wing, Copper Ann, etc. The drive was beneficial as we were able to identify common areas in need of minor maintenance in areas not always visible from a street view. One of the main purposes of the drive was to also identify homes and lots in need of maintenance along these walking paths. There were many fences in need of repair, overgrown vegetation impeding onto the paths and the back of homes in need of painting. We plan on doing another drive within the next few weeks so please ensure that your property is up to community standards.

The last compliance issue that I’d like to touch on is in regards to an increased number of garage doors being left open while unattended. This is an infraction of Section 11.16 of the rules and regulations. More importantly, for homeowner safety please ensure that the garage door is closed when unattended.

Be sure to check out all of the great articles enclosed in this edition of the HawkTalk including, but not limited to, Board President Report, an article on Red-tailed Hawks, Rick’s Observations, Garrett Gordon Bio and Reminders regarding the upcoming garage sale. There is also information pertaining to an upcoming Shred-It Event hosted by ESI. I hope you can make it to the April 28th Board Meeting as there will be several important and informative agenda items such as Reserve Study Update, 2015 Audit, Update on Security System, Governing Document Revisions, Sidewalk Safety Repairs, Safety Task Force Project and a conversation with our legislative advocate.

Associa Sierra North – An Associa® Member Company

Melissa Robertson, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®

Vice President of Operations — Nevada Certified Supervising Community Manager

Page 3: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

HawkTalk | Spring 2016 Page 3

FPO

YOUR LOGO HERE

YOUR ADDRESS HEREYOUR PHONE #/URLYOUR STORE HOURS

RETAILER AREA

YOUR MESSAGE HERE

So SOFT, he’d rather sleep

on the floor.

© 2012 Shaw

Carpet | Area Rugs | Tile & Stone | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient | shawfloors.com

Come in for special savingson Shaw’s soft Anso® nylon carpets.

ON SALE NOW!

775-331-63881180 S. Rock Blvd. Sparks, NV 89431

www.carpetreno.com

Mention this ad and receive a

4 ounce bottle of R2X cleaner!

Real Estate Update

[email protected]

925-550-5302

1591 Bedford Ct.Reno, NV 89503NV LIC# 0080832

ANDYMEDRANOFREE ESTIMATES

What does it mean to you when there is a low housing inventory? Our housing market continues to be a strong seller’s market. That means that

there are more buyers than there are homes available for them to purchase. In Red Hawk, 139 single-family homes sold between March 1, 2014 and March 1, 2015 at a median price of $310,000 and size of 2,393 square feet ($130.13 per sq. ft.). The homes were on market an average of 74 days.

For the same more recent period in 2015-2016, 115 Red Hawk homes sold at a median price of $355,000, size of 2418 square feet ($145.05 per sq. ft.) and an average of 61 days on market. That’s a $15 per square foot or 11.5% increase in just one year! Most of the increase happened in the Spring of 2015 and we’ve seen prices settle since then.

In Reno/Sparks there is less than one month of inventory for homes under $300,000 at just 23 DAYS through February. For homes in the range of $300,001–$600,000, inventory is just 56 days. These price ranges make up 95% of the sales in our region. The National Association of Realtors looks for 5 to 6 months of inventory in a balanced market, where neither seller’s nor buyer’s have a distinct advantage.

There are several factors contributing to our continued inventory shortage, and we predict that these reasons will not disappear in the near term:

1. The economy continues to improve, with more companies moving into the region.

2. There are many first-time homebuyers entering the market.3. Interest rates remain very low, even with the recent rate increase.

One very positive result of market conditions is that homeowners who purchased at the height of the market in 2008 are now able to sell their home for at or above their purchase price. Beth Cooney, Dickson [email protected] | (775) 544-6026

Page 4: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

Page 4 HawkTalk | Spring 2016

Workshops will be held to review the agenda items of the next scheduled board meeting. Homeowners are welcome to attend workshops. No action (vote) will be taken by the Board on any matter discussed or reviewed at a workshop. Workshop and meeting notices will be published in each HawkTalk newsletter. HawkTalk will be mailed at least ten (10) days before each board meeting.

Board meeting agendas will be posted on the Association’s website the Friday before each board meeting. You may also obtain an agenda copy by calling ASN at (775) 626-7333. HawkTalk newsletter articles and suggestions are due to ASN at least four (4) weeks before each Board of Directors meeting.

DATE MEETING TIME LOCATION NOTESApril 14th Agenda Workshop 3:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room Mandatory

April 14th Executive Sessions/Hearings 5:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room Mandatory

April 28th Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Private Members Lounge Mandatory

May 19th Executive Session/Hearings 5:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room As Required

June 16th Executive Session/Hearings 5:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room As Required

July 14th Agenda Workshop 3:00 p.m.. Sun Porch Room Mandatory

July 14th Executive Sessions/Hearings 5:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room Mandatory

July 28th Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Private Members Lounge Mandatory

August 18th Executive Session 5:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room As Required

September 15th Executive Session 5:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room As Required

October 13th Agenda/Budget Workshop 3:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room Mandatory

October 13th Executive Sessions/Hearings 5:00 p.m. Sun Porch Room Mandatory

October 27th Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Private Members Lounge Mandatory

November 17th Annual Meeting 6:00 p.m. Private Members Lounge Mandatory

WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

2016 MEETING CALENDAR

Your Red Hawk Neighbor.Your Red Hawk Realtor.Call your neighborhood expert to get the best price for your home.

BETH COONEY, REALTOR®

Cell [email protected]

www.BethCooney.com

Wingfield Springs Semi-Annual Community Spring Garage Sale

B e sure to mark your calendars for the weekend of May 21st & 22nd. Residents may set up in your yard and/or driveway from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Association will post one Community Garage Sale sign at the entrance of the Community and will also place an ad in the “Neighborhoods” section of the Reno Gazette Journal.

The Association is allowing individual signs to be placed at intersections and in front yards beginning Saturday morning. The signs can go up at 7:00 a.m. Saturday and should be removed no later than 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Spring is upon us! Over the next three months, in addition to standard maintenance services, Reno Green Landscaping will be performing the following activities within your community:

4 Increased staffing levels for the spring season4 Spring aerations4 Weed control in planters, ditches and walking trails4 Fertilization and broadleaf control in turf areas4 Irrigation start-up (end of April–beginning of May)4 Fruit prevention 4 Facelift of water feature at entry which includes adding copper

scuppers and masonry work to enhance the Wingfield Springs community sign

4 Installation of formal landscaping along Wingfield Springs Road flanking the Silverton pond area

4 Installation of formal landscaping at Island Queen and General Thatcher

4 Planting of select replacement trees throughout the community

We are excited to be servicing your community this coming season and wish you all a happy spring!

SPRINGTIMELANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Page 5: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

HawkTalk | Spring 2016 Page 5

Remodeling your home canincrease its value. Protect itby taking a new look at yourhomeowners insurance policy.CALL ME TODAY.

Renovate yourhomeownerspolicy.

Great insurance. Low rates.

0901136.1 State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

Laurie Brazier Ins Agcy IncLaurie Brazier, Agent

5275 Vista BlvdSparks, NV 89436Bus: 775-626-1897

A s we head into the spring season, more and more home owners are thinking about putting their houses on the market. With this in mind, it’s important to remember that when it comes to boosting a home’s value for resale, sellers

can never underestimate the impact of a fresh, clean coat of paint.While it can be easy to minimize the impact of a first impression, the exterior

paint job of a home strongly determines how potential buyers feel about a place. When it comes to the housing market, appearances do matter!

The good thing about updating your home’s paint job, is that compared to other outside improvements —like roofing—painting is a less expensive way to improve your facade. Buyers may not immediately consider the need to redo a roof when they are looking at a home, but they will think about needing to paint; it’s a huge deterrent.

The different ways you can use paint to drive buyers to your home include:

4 Updating the exterior first (if you have to choose).4 Choosing a fresh, clean, and neutral color palette. This will eliminate the

chance of an immediate, emotional rejection of the home.4 Focusing on quality work. If the job is done to perfection, buyers will

overlook color dissatisfaction.

Our painting experts at WOW 1 DAY PAINTING are here to help you get your home in prime condition.

Happy selling!

Elise Bunkowski is the co-owner of WOW 1 DAY PAINTING Reno.

Boost Your Resale Value

Page 6: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

Page 6 HawkTalk | Spring 2016

APRIL BOARD MEETING’S SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERCome Meet & Greet Garrett on April 28

Garrett Gordon is a partner in the Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie law firm’s Business Practice Section focusing on land use, real estate and government relations law. He has represented clients before numerous local governments, state agencies, city councils, county boards and planning commissions, in both northern and southern Nevada, as well as the Nevada Ethics Commission, and County

and State Boards of Equalization. His education and experience in urban planning enhances his understanding of real estate and land issues.

Pertinent to WSCA’s needs, Mr. Gordon advocates for clients before the Nevada Legislature, including community associations and the Community Associations Institute’s NV Legislative Action Committee.

In the 2015 legislative session, he actively monitored over 24 proposed bills impacting us. Three examples in that category he either helped defeat or convinced elected officials to amend:

1. Mandating that community associations engage in foreclosure mediation (unnecessary & a financial burden);2. Treating our informal violation hearings between the board and residents like proceedings in a court of law (significant financial

burden);3. Making capital improvement expenses which exceed 1% of the annual budget subject to a vote of the owners (another very costly &

unnecessary requirement)

Equally important, Garrett is well respected by the legislators (who control our fate) and they seek out his opinion on our matters pending before their committees. WSCA is one of many associations who proudly step up and help contribute to his efforts on our behalf by way of CAI’s Legislative Action Committee.

DISTINCTIONS

• Reno Gazette Journal — The Reno Tahoe Young Professionals Network-”Twenty Under 40” Award 2011• Nevada Business Magazine — 2013–2014 Legal Elite, 2012 “Best Up & Coming”, “Top 75”, 2011 “Top 20 Up & Coming”,

“Top 25”, “Top 35” – “Northern Nevada Best” 2011–2014• John P. Frank Pro Bono Awards Luncheon — Recognized for commitment — Pro bono service • Builders Association of Northern Nevada — “Associate Member of the Year” 2008

Submitted by Marilyn Brainard, Board Secretary

Page 7: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

HawkTalk | Spring 2016 Page 7

Spring Checklist

We’ve made it through a cold and snowy winter but now it’s time to welcome the warmth and fabulous colors of springtime. While we do that, let’s continue to think about keeping our

homes and our families safe. Here are just a few simple things that you can do to protect yourselves, save money, and be safe.

1. Check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide testers. If you don’t have a battery tester, don’t take chances with your life. Replace the old batteries with fresh new ones.

2. Trim shrubs and bushes around windows and doors. Bad guys like hiding places and overgrown bushes are perfect for that.

3. Check all exterior lighting. Replace burned out or dim bulbs with fresh new ones. If you don’t have them already, install motion sensing lights near front and rear doors. Bad guys hate lights so let’s make sure there is plenty of it.

4. Be sure to put away bicycles, lawn tools, and anything else that might attract the attention of the bad guys. If they see it, they’ll take it!

5. If you must leave a window open to enjoy the spring air, install window restrictors. These inexpensive devices can save you thousands of dollars.

6. Go through your old files to save space and keep your information secured. You can save space by scanning or photographing your documents and saving them to a thumb drive. Put the thumb drive in a safe place and shred the old documents. Check out Shred-It Day on page 9.

7. Be neighborly! If you see something suspicious or something that “just doesn’t look right”, call ESI Security or the police.

Wingfield Cove Village 30 Update by Jackie Seeno

We are excited about our newest upcoming development within the Wingfield Springs Community, Wingfield

Cove, which consists of 123 single family homes, located at Wingfield Springs Road and Poco Rey Drive.

Over the last few years, Red Hawk Land Co. has worked with the City of Sparks in the processing of the plans for this subdivision and we hope to begin grading and improvements in late spring/early summer.

The homes at Wingfield Cove will range in size from approximately 1,700 sq. ft. to just under 3,000 sq. ft. We believe Wingfield Cove will be a welcome addition to the existing Wingfield Community and look forward to breaking ground in a few short months.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

roc.038.16 HawkTalk Ad v2.pdf 1 3/23/16 2:25 PM

Page 8: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

The following is an overview of events that occurred within the boundaries of Wingfield Springs. Specific information such as names, addresses, and other personally identifiable information has been removed to protect the privacy of all

parties. Notes: The data from this period appears to reflect substantial increases in the number of events but should not be cause for alarm. The numbers for this quarter increased significantly due to sweeping changes in our reporting parameters and a longer reporting time frame. Large numbers in the areas of Alarm Response, Suspicious Persons/Activity, miscellaneous HOA violations, and Maintenance are all a product of the newly adopted reporting guidelines. This in no way reflects an increase in unwanted or illegal activities on Wingfield Springs’ properties. Please see the following summary.

n Officers have broadened their definition of suspicious or unwanted activity to “widen the net” and eliminate false assumptions. Officers will report such activity and upon further investigation, will amend their submitted reports. However, strict guidelines must be set before reports can be downgraded from an “Incident Report” to an “Informational Report.”

n Alarm responses have increased because different types of alarms have been added to the category, such as car alarms, home fire and burglary alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. Previously, this category only included alarms for Wingfield properties.

n HOA violations reflect an extreme increase in infractions such as an open, unattended garage door, or a trash container not returned properly, that were not previously reported. Beginning this quarter, HOA violations are being reported and tagged with homeowner addresses.

n In comparison, Property Damage, Vandalism, and Graffiti data appears to show increases in such behavior but actual incidents are level and limited to minor tagging (using personal markers or paint) and unintentional vehicle vs. property incidents.

As a whole, crime in Wingfield Springs is much lower than adjoining areas and significantly lower than national averages. Officers continuously adapt their patrols to effectively monitor activity and will continue to report issues as they arise. Reporting procedures are under review and will be modified accordingly.

Please continue to report any suspicious activity. If you see something, say something.

Our Dispatch Center operates 24 hours per day, every day. Call us at (775) 722-6270.

Page 8 HawkTalk | Spring 2016

1st QTR 2016

Page 9: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

HawkTalk | Spring 2016 Page 9

SWEET SPRING SUITE DEAL.

Sunday thru Thursday King Suite for two.

Includes a box of sweets from Sweets Handmade Candies.

HAMPTONINNTRUCKEE.COM

11951 State Highway 267, Truckee, CATel: (530) 587-1197 • Fax: (530) 587-3167

For Reservations Call Toll-Free: (888) 587-1197EXPIRES MAY 31, 2016

We tend to hang on to old documents because “you just never know”. That’s true. You just might need that auto service record from three years ago or an old credit card statement as a proof of purchase. But there is a better way…scan it, then shred it!

Documents to keep:• Deeds & titles• Birth & death certificates• Current ID cards and passports• Marriage and business licenses• Wills & powers of attorney

Keep it if you might need it in a hurry or if replacing would be difficult and time-consuming. Other documents worth keeping but only for a short period include:

• Tax returns• Payroll documents• Bank statements/financial statements• Home-purchase/home improvement documents• Medical records• Warranty documents

After you’ve decided what “hard copies” to save, you can scan ’em and shred ‘em! If you don’t have a scanner, there are dozens of free apps for your smartphone that allow you to take a picture of the document and save it to an organizer.

Finally, invest in a security/fire safe to protect your irreplaceable documents and storage media.

Above will find a map of where the shred it trucks will be located within the Red Hawk parking lot.

Shred-It DayMay 7th, 201610 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Page 10: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

Page 10 HawkTalk | Spring 2016

This is an ideal time of year to notice a lot of activity from our thriving Red-tailed Hawk population. All large birds of prey are a spectacular sight even for the casual

observer, but most are not as readily available as right here in our unique surroundings of protected wetlands. With breeding season upon us, you might just have the opportunity to see a spectacular sequence of aerial acrobatics. Hawk pairs fly in large circles and gain great height before the male plunges into a deep dive and subsequent steep climb back to the female. Soon, the birds grab hold of one another with their talons and fall spiraling towards earth, then break apart to soar aloft and chase again.

This activity is a likely sign of a breeding pair. Red-tailed hawks are monogamous and may mate for life. Both adults also build the nest, or simply refurbish one of the nests they’ve used in previous years. Nests are tall piles of dry sticks (up to 6.5

feet high and 3 feet across!). The inner cup is lined with bark strips, fresh foliage, and dry vegetation. Construction takes 4–7 days.

The female lays one to five eggs each year. Both sexes incubate the eggs for four to five weeks, and feed the young from the time they hatch until they leave the nest about six weeks later. Although Mom and Dad share incubation duties, usually the female is the one sitting on the nest all night. Males will bring food for females on the nest, but females also hunt and eat when they are off the nest.

The female is the larger of the species with a height of approximately two feet and a wingspan near 4 feet. With that much mass the adult is surprisingly light at just 2 to 3 pounds.

Red-tailed hawks have a varied diet that depends on where they live. In general they eat small to medium-sized mammals, but they will also eat birds, reptiles, insects and carrion. Like many predators, the Red-tailed hawk plays an important role in the balance of our local ecosystem. They are a key check to the exploding rabbit population, as well as the eroding nuisance of moles and voles. “Red-tails” also cause the pigeon population to keep a wary eye out as they are another choice on the menu!

The average lifespan in the wild is probably less than 12 years, though some live into their 20s.

Sadly, about two weeks ago one adult of a breeding pair on the Hills Golf Course was shot at the nest during the final stage of building. We are happy to discover that the remaining adult is trying to incubate the eggs on its own. A difficult task at best, we will keep our fingers crossed that some chicks might survive.

High Season for Aerial Acrobats

Photo by K. Carlsen. Location: Red Hawk Hills Golf Course.

“Like many predators, the Red-tailed hawk

plays an important role in the balance of our local ecosystem.”

Page 11: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

HawkTalk | Spring 2016 Page 11

[email protected]

5050 Vista Blvd., Suite 101 Sparks, NV 89436Serving Our Community Since 1929

Heuer Insurance AgencyIt’s time Heuer Insurance took care of

all your insurance needs: AUTO INSURANCE | HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE | LIFE INSURANCE

RVS/BOATS | COMPETITIVE BUSINESS PACKAGES

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION | EMPLOYEE BENEFITS | BONDS

1929 201687YEARS

Rick’s Observations Irrigation The 2016 WSCA irrigation water supply and distribution testing and flushing will start during April in time for our irrigation season. We have analyzed the results from 2015 and you will notice improvements based on replaced valves, filters, and meters throughout the community. As we continue into the spring, I’m sure there will be more areas that will need attention after our testing and flushing.

As I mentioned in the January HawkTalk, we are on schedule to finish the testing and flushing and start turning the water back on by late April/early May depending on weather and other factors. Please realize that the testing and flushing takes approximately two weeks. If you plan to irrigate your lawn prior to this time-frame you will probably notice that your lawn may “green-up” faster than the community mow strips.

From my discussions with Mr. Ron Gribble, Red Hawk Golf Superintendent, we are in a good position for 2016 to have sufficient water for WSCA. Ron is working with the City to obtain a permanent effluent permit that will be used as a backup to our ground water allocation from the Red Hawk Land Company (RHLC) and our surface allocation from the Orr Ditch.

Additionally, based on our approved budget for irrigation water and maintenance and repair, we will be in good shape for 2016

barring any unforeseen occurrences.

Mr. Lou Dauria and I will continue to work closely with Reno Green and RHLC on behalf of the board to execute the landscaping and irrigation components of our approved budget for the WSCA. Based on the excellent mutual cooperation during 2015, we will continue to meet with Mr. Gribble and Ms. Ryan Harvey of Reno Green on a regular basis during 2016.

The result of these discussions and the monthly irrigation water data reports will continue to be coordinated with the board of directors and with Ms. Melissa Robertson, Associa Sierra North. This information will then be disseminated to the WSCA through the quarterly board meetings and uploaded to the WSCA website.

Wingfield Cove (Village 30)Please refer to the article in this edition provided by Jackie Seeno for the latest update.

Richard “Rick” Jones

• Friendly, Uniformed Painters

• Start and Finish On Time

• Spotless Clean-up

Nevada License #0080809

Page 12: Hawk Talk Spring 2016

Wingfield SpringsCommunity Associationc/o Associa Sierra North10509 Professional Circle, Ste. 200Reno, NV 89521

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDRENO, NV

PERMIT NO. 379

EVENTS RENO EARTH DAY 2016Idlewild Park | April 24, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.The first major outdoor festival of the season. Thirty-nine acres of engaging activities, stages of live music and entertainment, over nine themed areas, educational workshops, arts and crafts, contests with prizes, and unique exhibitor experience. A diverse array of Earth Day perspectives from across the High Sierra and neighboring regions collaborate to create new content, celebration the planet we share. Contact: Todd Howell (775) 771-1277; [email protected]; www.renoearthday.com RENO JAZZ FESTIVALUniversity of Nevada, Reno | April 28–30 | $5Celebrating 54 years of honoring jazz! Considered one of the best of its kind in the world, and lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as “showcasing music’s future,” the Reno Jazz Festival has been hosting jazz superstars and the finest emerging young artists for over five decades. Celebrating 54 years of jazz (since 1962), the Festival hosts three days of concerts, clinics and competitions on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

The festival also acts as an educational venue for some of the country’s most talented middle school, high school and college-age musicians, as thousands compete with their school bands, vocal groups and ensembles from around the Western states. The three-day festival culminates in a showcase concert and awards ceremony to honor the best and brightest young standouts.

RENO RIVER FESTIVALTruckee River Whitewater Park May 7–8, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.An action-packed weekend of music, food, activities, competition and fun!

HOT AUGUST NIGHTS PRESENTS SPRING FEVER REVIVALDowntown Reno | May 20–22Cool Cars and Live Rock-n-Roll Music! In advance of the premier summertime classic car event, downtown Reno will hum with the sound of powerful engines and dreamy sighs as classic cars from bygone eras line the streets for Hot August Nights Spring Fever Revival. Marvel at the show-n-shines and enjoy free live entertainment provided by the Silver Legacy Resort Casino (performances will be announced in early May). The event also

features food, beverage and booths filled with memorabilia and merchandise. Free to the public to enjoy the sights and sounds.

Open to all 1976 and older model vehicles, the event welcomes all classic car owners to participate. Each registered participant will receive a commemorative dash plaque, two-for-one buffet at the Silver Legacy and lunch provided by designated outdoor food vendors. The entry fee is just $40 but will be waived for all 2016 registered Hot August Nights car participants. Car registration and participant information, plus a full calendar of events, can be found on the website link below. Contact: (775) 356-1956; www.hotaugustnights.net

RENO STREET FOOD–PARTY IN THE PARKIdlewild Park | Fridays, May 20–Sept. 30, 5–9 p.m.Relax in the park and let us cook for you. Come hungry —leave full! Reno Street Food is the original weekly gourmet street food event in Reno, produced by locals for locals, but visitors are enjoyed to attend as well! Party in the Park at Idlewild Park features over 20 gourmet food, craft dessert, beer, wine and mixed drink vendors to serve you.

Live music! Local musicians provide free live entertainment each week! Bring your lawn chairs and a blanket—the beautiful park setting provides plenty of room to relax with family and friends. Lots of free parking and a large playground for the kids. Over 2,000 people attend every Friday night for food trucks and fun. Visit our facebook page for more info. Contact: (775) 825-2665; [email protected] STREET VIBRATIONS SPRING RALLYDowntown Reno | June 3–5

After a long winter, it’s time to liberate your Harley from hibernation and enjoy a weekend of motorcycle fun and cruising down the highway! The event features live entertainment, bike games, competition ride-in shows, poker run, more than 80 vendor booths, participant parties for registrants. The event is open to all bike models and will be headquartered in downtown Reno. Twenty-four bands on six stages will keep you entertained all weekend! Open to the public to enjoy free live entertainment daily and shop at the vendor booths. Motorcycle participants can purchase a VIP package that includes poker rallies and other invitation-only activities.