february 2009 warbler newsletter portland audubon society

8/9/2019 February 2009 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society

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Audubon SocietyoPortland5151 NW Cornell RoadPortland, Oregon 97210

Page 2 From the Director & Free TripsPage 3 ......................Calendar of EventsPage 4 & 5 .. Conservation & Care CenterPage 6 & 7 ................................Trips & ToursPage 8 ......Nature Store & SanctuariesPage 9 .......... Field Notes & VolunteersPage 10 ........................Birding WeekendsPage 11 ........................IBA of the MonthPage 12 ................. Map/Hours/Sponsors

Inside this issue

WarblerAUDUBON SOCIETYof PORTLAND

FEBRUARY 2009Volume 73 Number 2

In this issue...Great Backyard

Bird Count

See page 4

IBA of theMonth

See page 11

continued on page 4

Spring BreakCamps

See page 7

Whether youve done the work already or yourelooking for where to start the AudubonSociety of Portland and Three Rivers Land

Conservancys Backyard Habitat Certification Programis here to help. This new collaborative effort will providetechnical assistance to small-lot private-property owners torestore native wildlife habitats in the ir backyard. Right nowthe program is for backyards within the City of Portland. Ifyou are outside the City of Portland, we would still love tohear of your interest in our program and can get you on ourmonthly Backyard Habitat E-newsletter. Our future visionsinclude expanding the program region-wide over time.

The goals of the program are to assist property ownersthrough three levels of advanced habitat restoration. Theprogram focuses on the removal of aggressive weeds,naturescaping with native plants, stormwater management,and wildlife stewardship.

If you are interested in learning more about the BackyardHabitat Certication Program, you can email KarenMunday at [email protected] or ll outour online interest form at www.audubonportland.org/backyardwildlife/backyardhabitat. We will send you ourbackyard e-newsletter and will contact you about schedulinga site visit. We will have target areas within the City ofPortland and will be grouping site visits by neighborhoods.

Our site visits include having a knowledgeable backyardcertification staff person come to your backyard for aone-on-one consultation. Well provide technical assistanceand a written site plan and recommendations. We will alsoprovide discounts and incentives for native plants and othermaterials to help you on your way. A fee of $25 is due priorto your site visit, and upon completion of your certicationprocess youll be able to proudly display a Certied BackyardHabitat sign in your yard!

Turn your yard into a

Rufous Hummingbird Jim Cruce

Bleeding Heart, Purple Trillium,Salal Tammi Miller

Winter is a great time of year to see birds of prey around the Portland metro area. A mildclimate and abundant prey base make the Willamette Valley a prime winteri ng groundfor hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls. In fact, birds of prey increase in both total numbers

and species diversity during the winter months. This winter, Portland Audubon is celebratingour amazing birds of prey with trips, classes, presentations, and events throughout the month ofFebruary. There will be fun for every enthusiast: kids, adults, and families!

Sauvie IslandRaptor Road TripBreakfast with Birds of Prey

Saturday, February 7th,9am2pm

Explore Sauvie Island in search ofmagnicent eagles, hawks, andfalcons that spend the winter here.On this special day devoted toraptors, experienced naturalists and

hawk experts will host activities atfour locations around the island.Well provide a map, then youchoose where to go to enjoy guidedbird viewing, meet live raptors upclose, and see hawk identication displays. Hot drinksand donuts will be available in the morning so we can staywarm and have breakfast with the birds.

How does the roadtrip work?The trip begins at Krugers FarmMarket, where you will need tostop rst to get your event map andguide. To reach Krugers, go over theSauvie Island bridge, and continue

straight 1.5 miles (passing byHowell Territorial Park) to the farmentrance on your right. Entrance tothe event is $5 per vehicle (cash onlyplease), which includes a one-daySauvie Island Wildlife Area parking

permit, event guide, birding map and checklist, and picturehandouts on how to identify birds of prey.

Well provide spotting scopes, a crash course i n raptoridentication, and naturalists to point out the birds. Bringbinoculars and eld guides if you have them. Dress for theweather with gloves and a hat; this event takes place rain orshine. It is suitable for birders of all skill levels, and familiesare welcome.

Certifed Backyard Habitat!

Rvling in Rapr

Carol Hall and Arnie Rowland proudly display theirCertified Backyard Habitat sign. Gaylen Beatty

Raptor Cam: Beginning in January, tune into theKGW-Audubon Raptor Cam to watch a pair of Red-tailedHawks through their annual nesting cycle in downtownPortland (www.kgw.com).

Befriend a Bird of Prey School Programs: Schedule apresentation with Audubons educational birds of prey at

your childs school.

Sauvie Island Raptor Surveys, Metro Area PeregrineFalcon Surveys, Audubon Kestrel Nest Box Program.

Highlighted bird of prey eld guides in the Nature Store,2009 Bird of Prey Photo Contest, and public releases ofrehabilitated raptors.

Also check www.audubonportland.org for more very cool ways to enjoy birds of prey:

February 4 (Wed.): RaptorIdentication Class with NaturalistJames Davis at Metro (see www.oregonmetro.gov//index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24433&view=details&event_id=25618)

February 5 (Thurs.; see p.7):Introduction to Raptor Identication withJohn Rakestraw at Audubon

A Celebration of Portlands Amazing Birds of Prey

February 7 (Sat.; see above): Raptor Road Trip

February 2022 (Fri.Sun.; see p.6): Three-day FalconField Trip to Skagit Flats

February 22 (Sun.; see p.5), 1pm4pm: AudubonWildlife Care Center Open House Meet PortlandAudubons educational birds of prey, learn aboutrehabilitation, and get a behind-the-scenes l ook at one ofthe busiest bird rehab centers in the United States.

2009 Bird of PreyPhoto Contest!

See page 5 for guidelines

Great Horned Owl Jim Cruce

Coopers Hawk Paul Buescher

Merlin Don Baccus

Peregrine Falcon Ed Deal

Bald Eagle Mike Houck


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From the Executive Director

Connecting Green is all about access to nature in the city. Connecting Green eld trips will introduce you to someof the regions most scenic and wildlife-rich natural areas and parks and the ever-growing regional trails network.During winter and early spring, Mike Houck will lead several walks along the Springwater on the Willamette Trailfrom downtown to Oaks Bottom and around this 160-acre refuge. For all bicycle and paddle trips, bring your ownequipment helmets and life jackets are required. Kayak and canoe rentals can be arranged at Portland KayakCompany (www.portlandrivercompany.com, 503-459-4050) or Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe (www.aldercreek.com,503-285-0464).

Registration is limited, so sign up soon at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic. If you dont have

internet access, call 503-292-6855 ext.122 to register. Directions will be sent to all registrants. Trip participants will belimited in number, so sign up early!

Connecting GreenWild in the City Field Trips

FebruarySat., February 7th, 8am11amOaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Join Mike Houck for a stroll around the 160-acre OaksBottom Wildlife Refuge. Mike has been hiking in OaksBottom for over 30 years and is intimately familiar wi ththe history and natural science of Oaks Bottom and itsdiverse wildlife habitats. Oaks Bottom was Portlandsrst formally designated urban wildlife refuge and is alsothe citys Migratory Bird Refuge through an agreementwith the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition toenjoying some winter birding, participants will learnwhat the Portland Parks Department and Bureau ofEnvironmental Services are doing to improve h abitat in

the Bottoms. This trip is a two-mile loop on both pavedand uneven dirt paths, with two moderate hills, and isappropriate for families.

Thurs., February 12th, 8am11:30amEastbank Esplanade to Oaks Bottom Refuge

Join Mike Houck for a four-mile walk from the VeraKatz Eastbank Esplanade to the north meadow andwetlands at 160-acre Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Thewalk will be along the Springwater on the Willamettegreenway trail and will end at SE Milwaukie, wherewe will catch a TriMet bus back downtown. Bringbinoculars and dress for the weather, as we will go rainor shine. Bring a TriMet pass or $2 for your ticket ($.95for Honored Citizens 65 and over).

Sat., February 14th, 9amNoon

Valentines Day Paddle Around Ross IslandJoin Mike Houck in watching Ross Islands Great BlueHerons pitching woo at their Ross Island nest site. Thisis the time of year the herons return to their communalnesting colony, refurbish their nests, and engage intheir ritualistic courtship behavior. This leisurely paddlearound Ross, Hardtack, East, and Toe Islands willacquaint participants with the natural history of thisfour-island archipelago and the issues concerning publicownership and long-term management of the islands.You are responsible for bringing and maintaining yourown kayak/canoe. The trip is appropriate for beginningpaddlers.

Portland Audubon and Metrowill soon be implementinga restoration plan to make

the Collins Sanctuary a betterplace for birds and other nativewildlife. Portland Audubons wildlifesanctuaries are among our greatest

assets and attractions for families seeking a day in nature.All three sanctuaries Collins, Pittock, and Uhtoff areimportant natural landscapes and help sustain the BalchCreek Watershed for wildlife and water quality.

Though we own and manage nearly 150 acres of land andfour miles of trails on both sides of Cornell Road, membersand visitors favor the trails in the Pittock Sanctuary wherea pond and giant Douglas r tree s offer welcoming placesfor people to appreciate nature. The Pittock Sanctuarysproximity to our Nature Store and Wildlife Care Center alsocontributes to its popularity. Donated to the Society nearly70 years ago, these 28 acres have been the main target ofconsiderable volunteer efforts that have resulted in the trailnetwork, bridges, and forest restoration we enjoy today.

Back in the 1980s, the Society devised a creative fundraisingcampaign that made it possible to expand our holdings bypurchasing a caretakers house and another 40 acres of land

Meryl Redisch

February 14 (Sat.), 7:30am5pmNorth Tillamook CountyJoin leaders Tim Shelmerdine and David Smith toexplore sites in coastal Tillamook County includingNehalem Meadows, Whee ler, Rockaway, Barview, Bay City,

and Tillamook. Meet David and Tim at the North PlainsChevron Station just north of Hwy 26 at North Plains/Glencoe Rd Exit 57 and plan to depart for the coast by7:30am. Dress for weather, bring binoculars and lunch/water. Well return to Portland by 5pm. Beginners welcome!

February 21 (Sat.), 8am11amCrystal Springs Rhodie GardensDoug Robberson is your leader for a leisurely walk aroundthe Rhododendron Gardens. This is the perfect place toget up-close views of up to a dozen species of winteringwaterfowl. The Gardens are located just north of theintersection of SE 28th and Woodstock, across the streetfrom Reed College. Beginners welcome!

February 22 (Sun.), 8am11am

Dawson Creek Corporate ParkJoin Max Smith for a tour of this little-known Hillsboropark with great views of waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, andAcorn Woodpeckers. From Portland, take Hwy 26 west tothe Shute Road exit and dri ve south on Shute Road. Aftercrossing Evergreen Parkway, continue straight as ShuteRoad becomes Brookwood Parkway, cross Dawson CreekDrive, and turn left into the new Hillsboro Library parkinglot. Meet at the north end of the parking lot near the pond.Dress for the weather; beginners welcome!

February 28 (Sat.), 8am11amRidgefield NWR, WashingtonJoin us on a walk on the Oaks to Wetland Trail looking forwinter sparrows and oak woodlandresident species likeBrown Creepers and White-breasted Nuthatches. The trailcan be muddy so bring appropriate hiking shoes. Meet at

the trailhead parking lot on the Carty Unit located 1 milenorth of the intersection of Pioneer and Main Streets indowntown Ridgeeld, Wash. Dress for the weather. Callleader Ron Escano (502-771-3454) if you need moreinformation.

Field TripsNo registration required show up at

time and place given. Call rst if indicated.

Baskett Slough andAnkeny NWRsFebruary 16 (Mon.), 8am4:30pmThis is a good time of year to see wintering waterfowl andraptors in the Willamette Valley. Join Denny Graham atthe NW corner of the WalMart parking lot in Woodburnfor a trip to Baskett Slough and Ankeny National WildlifeRefuges. Bring your lunch and rain gear. We will arrange

carpools at the meeting point. Directions: I-5 to Exit 271;WalMart is just southeast of the freeway exit. ContactDenny at 503-659-1245 for further information.

...love to go birding during the weekdays. We start a littlelater, go a little slower, and try to keep a restroom in sight.Magpies

now known as the Uhtoff Sanctuary. The third and largestsanctuary is named after the Collins family, who presentedthe land to us decades ago. No one recalls w hy Audubonturned down that offer, and 86 acres was donated insteadto the Oregon Parks Foundation. Although an agreementwith the Foundation granted us oversight to manage theproperty as a wildlife refuge, limited resources precluded

us from developing them to showcase their natural andcultural values.

Now, however, we can begin that process and promotethe signicance of the Collins Sanctuary as part of aregion-wide plan for preservation. An agreement wasrecently completed that transfers ownership from theParks Foundation to Metro and keeps Portland Audubonas the primary steward of this natural landscape. We lookforward to working with Metro on restoring this site forbirds, wildlife, and watershed health.

Metro, the Forest Park Conservancy, and PortlandAudubon will present an overview of this property at ourNature Night series. Join us on Tuesday, February 10th,at 7pm to learn more about the Collins Sanctuary andthe role this natural area plays in the long-term healthand sustainability of Forest Park and the Balch CreekWatershed.

New Opportunities to RestoreBalch Creek Watershed

Sun., February 15th,2pm5pmWinter Waterfowl ofOaks Bottom

A two-mile stroll aroundthe Bottoms always yieldssome exciting wildlifesightings. This time of yearwell focus on winteringwaterfowl and the raptorsthat prey on them BaldEagles and PeregrineFalcons. Most birdingforays to Oaks Bottomyield at least 40 species.We will both spot andlisten for their calls andsongs. Leader MikeHouck, who has been leading nature tours of Oaks Bottomfor over 30 years, will also describe efforts by PortlandParks and Recreation and Bureau of EnvironmentalServices to improve sh and wildlife habitat at the Bottoms.

MarchSun., March 8th, Noon3pm

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Noon to 3 pm.See Feb. 7th trip for details.

Sat., March 14th, 9amNoonLower Columbia Slough Restoration Paddle

Join Jim Labbe and Bob Sallinger from Portland Audubon,and Dave Helzer from Portlands Bureau of EnvironmentalServices, for a morning paddle on the Columbia Slough.Well visit the Ramsey Refugia Restoration project and severalmitigation projects in the lower Slough, discuss habitatrestoration and enhancement in the urban environment,and do some birding along the way. You are responsible forbringing and maintaining your own kayak/canoe.

NewportFebruary 2425 (Tues.Wed.)The Magpies will travel to Newport to look for winteringwaterfowl and seabirds. Our trip begins at 9am at theHateld Marine Science Center in Newport and ends onthe 25th at noon. Contact leaders Dick Demarest(503-407-7912) or Don Stein (541-765-7567) for details.

Birding from the Springwater on the Willamette Trail, withPortland Memorial Mausoleum mural in the background. Mike Houck

Progress has been made on thePortland Memorial Mausoleum mural,which will be completed by June 2009.This will be the largest mural in NorthAmerica. Mike Houck

2 FEBRUARY 2009 www.audubonportland.org


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FEBRUARY Calendar of EventsMON TUE WEDSUN FRI SATTHUR

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1 2 6 74 53Birdrs Nigh7:30pm Hrn Hall

An Overview of the Greater Forest ParkEcosystem

Tuesday, February 10th, 7pm Heron Hall

Forest Park consists of more than 5,000 acres of forested wilderness in the City of Portlands west hills andis the nations premier urban forest. Despi te its location close to downtown Portland, Forest Park offersthe peaceful environment of an evolving forest ecosystem that is home to a wide array of ora and fauna.

The Park contains over 70 miles of trails and provides a variety of opportunities for recreation, education, andenjoyment of nature.

Metro, the Forest Park Conservancy, and Portland Audubon all have a role to play in promoting and sustaining ahealthy ecosystem for Forest Park and the Balch Creek Watershed. Join us to learn more about wh at our respectiveorganizations are doing to ensure that Portlands largest urban park supports bi odiversity and provides access tonature and recreation for everyone.

Second Tuesday of the month from September to May. Free and open to

the public. If you have a suggestion for a Nature Night presentation, contact

Catherine at [email protected] or 503-292-6855 ext.129.

NATURE

NIghT

Canada Goose pair check outOsprey nest on East Island. Willthe geese displace the Ospreyagain this year? Mike Houck

Sat., March 21st, 9:30amNoonExploring East Countys Urban Green by Bike

Jim Labbe with Portland Audubon and Steve Fancherwith Gresham Environmental Services will lead thismorning bike tour of new and innovative green streets,raingardens, and recently enhanced natural areas inTroutdale, North Gresham, and Fairview. Well visit sitesthat exemplify recent and expanded efforts to improve

water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and create spacefor nature in the urban East County. Well also ride thecompleted section of the Gresham-Fairview Trail and learnabout pending trail segments. You are responsible forbringing and maintainingyour own bicycle.

Sun., March 22nd,8am11amPaddle Around RossIsland

See Feb. 14th trip for details.

AprilSat., April 4th,9am12:30pmLower Johnson CreekBike Ride

JoinJim Labbe, UrbanConservationist withPortland Audubon, andMatt Clark, director of theJohnson Creek WatershedCouncil, for a 21-mile bikeride out the SpringwaterCorridor Trail to Greshams Linneman Station and back.Well pedal our way through the lower Johnson CreekWatershed, stop at several urban natural areas along theway, and learn about future opportunities to protect andenhance the Johnson Creek Watershed. You are responsiblefor bringing and maintaining your own bicycle.

CJ Hockett is a Pacic Northwest Wildlife Photographer specializi ngin ne art images of wild birds and mammals. Combining skills asa visual artist, photographer, and print maker, CJs works are simpleyet dramatic with a degree of abstract realism. His ultimate goal is tocapture nature and leave it as it is. These ne art prints are created toengender a sense of appreciation for and responsibility toward the preservationof wildlife and their habitat.

Born and raised on his parents ranch near Joseph, Oregon, CJ Hockett (M.D.)is a graduate of the University of Oregon and Oregon Health & ScienceUniversity. He is a retired Naval Aviator and Physician who resides on WhidbeyIsland, Washington.

Barn Owl Fledglings CJ HockettNew Gallery Exhibit Opens in theAudubon Interpretive Center

CJ HockettWildlife Photography

Bk Launch Paryfr Northwest NatureGuide wih MrNauralis Jams Davis(Dc08/Jan09 Warbler)

Bald eagls, Crans,and Warfwl fSauvi Island, 1pm(Dc08/Jan09 Warbler)

Blugrass LivMusic Jam 12:30pmHrn Hall

Birdrs Nigh7:30pm Hrn Hall

Rapr IdnificainClass wih NauralisJams Davis a Mr,7pm (p.1)

Inrducin Rapr Idnificain,7pm (p.7)

oaks Bm WildlifRfug, 8am (p.2)

Bginning Fild Birdingwih Grg Bakr, 8am (p.7)

Rapr Rad trip,9am2pm (p.1)

Bginning Birding Iclass, 7pm (p.7)

Naur Nigh: Anovrviw f hGrar Frs Parkecsysm, 7pm HrnHall (p.3)

easbank esplanad oaks Bm Rfug,8am (p.2)

Gra Backyard BirdCun bgins (p.4)

Klamah Winr WingsFsival bgins (www.winrwingsfs.rg)

Oregons 150th birthday

Valentines Day

tillamk Cuny Fild trip,7:30am (p.2)

Paddl Arund Rss Island,9am (p.2)

Nw Vlunr orinain,1pm (p.9)

Bginning Birding I Fild

trip, 8:30am (p.7)

trs in Winr Class, 10am(Dc08/Jan09 Warbler)

Winr Warfwl f oaksBm, 2pm (p.2)

Magpis visi Bask

Slugh and AnknyNWRs, 8am (p.2)

Gra Backyard Bird Cunnds (p.4)

Summr Camp rgisrainbgins (p.7)

Nw Vlunr

orinain, 6pm(p.9)

Gulls in Winr Class,

7pm (p.7)

Bard Ming 7pm

Hrn Hall

Skagi Flas and

Falcns rip bgins(p.6)

Crysal Springs

Fild trip, 8am (p.2)Gulls in Winr Fild trip,9am (p.7)

tghrGrn VlunrDay, 10am4pm (p.9 in Dc08/Jan09 Warbler)

Blubird trail Mg, 9am (p.5)

Dawsn Crk Park Fildtrip, 8am (p.2)

Bginning Birding I Fildtrip, 8:30am (p.7)

Wildlif CarCnr opn Hus,1pm4pm (p.5)

Magpis bgin rip Nwpr (p.2)

Cnsrvain Lcura orgn Z, 7pm(p.12)

Ridgfild NWRFild trip, 8am (p.2)

Gnral Vlunr training,9am4:30pm

Birding Wknd (p.10)

Ph Cnsnris du (p.5)

Blugrass LivMusic Jam 12:30pmHrn Hall

Birding Wknd (p.10)

Bginning FildBirding and SauviIsland explrain wihGrg Bakr, 8am (p.7)

Birding txas Syl!rip bgins(Dc08/Jan09 Warbler)

Birdahnrgisrainbgins (p.10)

3FEBRUARY 2009www.audubonportland.org


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Conservation

Great BackyardBird Count,February 1316by Seth Reams, Great BackyardBird Count Volunteer

Binoculars? Check. Notepad? Check. Camera?Check. Yep, thats right, its ofcially CountingSeason! The Great Backyard Bird Count is coming

up this February 1316, and it marks the 12th annual

four-day event that asks birdwatchers of all ages andareas to count birds to help compose an immediateand long-term picture of where the birds are acrossNorth America. Anyone can participate, from those justbeginning to birdwatch to those who have been watchingfor years. You can count for as little as 15 minutes for j usta single day, or you can count for as long as you like forall four days. Its completely free,a lot of fun, and very easy.

You just count birds anywhereyou wish for as little or as longas you wish during the fourdays. Then, record the highestnumber of birds of each speciesseen together at any one time.To report your counts, just llout the online checklist at theGBBC website (www.birdsource.org/gbbc), or you can mail inthe paper version.

As the count progresses, log on to the web site andexplore what kinds of birds are being reported from allover the U.S. and Canada. You can see up-to-the-minutenumbers and compare with those from previous years.You can also send in photographs of the birds thatyou see. The website has an entire gallery devoted toparticipants photos.

In 2008, birders submitted 85,725 checklists totaling635 species and 9,805,216 birds, an all-time record forthe count. Portland reported 227 checklists with a total

of 114 species. Thats 88 more checklists and 26 morespecies than last years tallies! Oregon overall reported211 species and 1,469 checklists. As good as thosenumbers are, I know we can do better. To be in the top 10of reporting states, Oregon would need to report around

3,000 checklists. I thinkwe can do it this year!

The Cornell Laboratoryof Ornithology and theAudubon Society use allof the information yousubmit for numerousstudies including weatherpatterns and climate

changes, food supplies, diseases, migration patterns,and breeding successes. They also use the information toanswer important questions. What common species arein decline? What species are increasing in number? Allof the information gathered is vital to the success of birdlife and habitat everywhere.

The GBBC website (www.birdsource.org/gbbc) is easyto navigate and full of all the information youll need.You can log on from anywhere and explore all the datathat has been collected over the last 11 years. Please goonline for more information or contact Seth Reams [email protected].

One person really can make a difference.

On January 16th, Audubon, Oregon Natural DesertAssociation (ONDA), and 15 other conservationorganizations submitted comments to Harney

County opposing a proposed wind development project atthe edge of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon. Ifthe project is approved, it could put more than 200 windturbines on the north ank of Steens Mountain parallel tothe Steens Loop Road and the Kiger Gorge Overlook. Weconsider the pending applications to be fundamentallyawed, placing the unique iconic landscape and wildlifeof Steens Mountain at unnecessary and unacceptable risk.Furthermore, this application unfortunately representsa growing trend in Oregon of developers scaling theirprojects to avoid State review and the more stringentwildlife protections that come with it.

While Audubon supports the development of renewableenergy resources, including wind power, we believe thatdevelopers need to be held to basic standards to protectwildlife and other natural resources. Renewable ener gydevelopment is likely to transform signicant portions ofOregons landscape in the coming years. Some have likenedthe situation to a wind gold rush. Oregon needs to buildin real safeguards to ensure that our renewable energy istruly green.

The Harney County projects are a case in point. Thedeveloper, Columbia Energy Partners, has subdividedthree adjacent projects into 104-megawatt segments. Thenumber is important because any projects that generate 105megawatts or more are subject to permitting by the StateEnergy Facility Siting Council (EFSC). This automaticallytriggers the involvement of wildlife agencies.Projects thatrate below 105 megawatts are only subject to permittingby the county in which the project is located, sometimestriggering virtually no wildlife review at all. Oregonis seeing a proliferation of 104-megawatt facilities beingproposed across the landscape.

Portland Audubon has hired Mary Coolidge to llthe position of Assistant Conservation Director.Mary is a familiar face to many around Audubon,

having previously served as an intern in our PeregrineFalcon Program and as a volunteer in ourWildlife Care Center intermittentlybetween various eld biology adventuresthroughout the Western United States.She brings a wealth of experience on bothurban and regional conservation issues.

Mary has worked on a variety of wildlifepopulation studies including surveys ofMarbled Murrelets, Burrowing Owls,Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, andNorthern Goshawks. She has served as an observer withHawkWatch International on Mt. Hoods Bonney Butte; withthe Wildlife Research Institute on Rogers Pass, Montana;and as a Field Crew Manager on the Institute for BirdPopulations California statewide Burrowing Owl census.

Locally she has worked with Friends of Trees, the ColumbiaSlough Watershed Council, and Portlands Bureau ofEnvironmental Services while serving in AmeriCorps.

Marys work with Audubon will span ourfull range of conservation issues, but herspecic focus will be on developing theStatewide Important Bird Area Program,coordinating efforts of Audubon chaptersstatewide, and with Audubons activistnetwork, building Audubons citizenscience programs and forest policy issues.In her free time (of which there will likelynot be much), Mary enjoys gardening,biking, knitting, and backpacking.

Those of you who have expressed an interest in becominginvolved in Audubons bird conservation efforts will behearing from her shortly. Please join us in welcoming Mary!

Mary with Goshawk Portland Audubon

Audubon Welcomes New AssistantConservation Director, Mary Coolidge

Kiger Gorge Marilyn Stinnett

Proposed Steens Mountain Wind DevelopmentExemplifies Why Wind Power PermittingSystem Needs to Be Fixedby Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director

One of the three Harney County projects known asEchansis snuck through County permitting with nowildlife or habitat analysis and no input from naturalresource agencies. The two projects that are currentlypending permits, known as East and West Ridge, currentlyinclude a paltry three months of wildlife survey datacollected in the late summer and early fall. Voluntary WindPower Siting Guidelines developed by industry, agencies,and conservation organizations (including Audubon)earlier this year call for two years of data on projectsprior to permitting if the project is located in areas withhigh wildlife risks or in areas that are new to wind powerdevelopment. The Harney County projects meet bothcriteria. In addition, Oregon Department of Fish andWildlife has also called for two years of wildlife surveysbecause of the proximity of the developments to known

Sage Grouse leks.

Audubon and ONDA met with the developer several timesover the past several months to urge him to collect two yearsof data and then submit the project to EFSC for permitting.Unfortunately he has refused and continues to seek permitsfrom the County. Audubon plans to challenge this projectusing all means available, including litigation if necessary.

In addition we also plan to initiate efforts to encouragethe State to review its current permitting system. Thedual system that allows proje cts below 105 megawatts tobe permitted by the counties rather than the State wasoriginally meant to allow for a simpler, quicker process forsmall, less complex projects. However, in our opinion, thethreshold was set far too high and savvy developers havegured out how to manipulate the system. As our letterwas being sent to Harney County, word was arriving thatyet another 104-megawatt facility was being proposed, thistime near Bend.

American Goldfinch Jim Cruce

Downy Woodpecker Jim Cruce

Varied Thrush Jim Cruce



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Volunteerto Monitora BluebirdTrail

Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project is lookingfor new volunteer bluebird trail monitors.Come to the meeting 9amnoon on Saturday,Feb. 21, at Champoeg State Heritage Area VisitorCenter. For more information, go towww.prescottbluebird.com or call 503-246-7920.

Submission deadline is February 28, 2009. Maximum of three photo entries per person. Photos taken by amateur photographers only. Please,

no professional photos. We will have two categories ofphotographers: amateur adult and youth (14 or under).

Winning photos and honorable mentions will beannounced on March 15th and will be posted atwww.audubonportland.org and on The Bird Word,our electronic newsletter. Winning photos will also behighlighted in the April issue of the Warbler.

Entry constitutes permission to use the photographsand photographers information without compensation.Mailed CDs cannot be returned.

All photos must be submitted in a digital form by

email or on a CD. Photos should be in JPEG format witha resolution at least 250 dpi. There is no maximum le

Wildlie Care Center

What really happens behind the closed doors ofthe Wildlife Care Center? Why does Finneganhave a cast on his foot? Do owl pellets stink?

Wildlife veterinarians, naturalists, educational birdhandlers, and volunteers will be on hand to answer thesequestions and many more at the Wildlife Care CenterOpen House on February 22. Help us celebrate Portlandsamazing birds of prey! As part of Portland AudubonsReveling in Raptors, the Wildlife Care Center is openingits doors to you and your family and offering severalinformative and fun activities.

Behind-the-scenes tours ofthe Wildlife Care Center.Guided tours will give you a peekat what really goes on in one ofthe busiest wildlife rehabilitationcenters in the U.S. Youll see thehospital, the food preparation

area, and the laboratory, and youmight get a glimpse of a patient!

Question-and-answer timewith a wildlife veterinarian.Meet Audubons two wildlifeveterinarians and try to stumpthem with your questions. Theyin turn will stump you with casestudies of actual cases seen inthe Care Center.

Come and meet AudubonsAmerican Kestrel, JackSparrowhawk. Rie Luft

Wildlife veterinarian Molly McAllister examines an injuredBald Eagle in the Wildlife Care Center. Portland Audubon

Raptor education station. At the education station inHeron Hall, experience hands-on activities to h elp you learnmore about raptors. Compare wings and feet and otherspecial adaptations of a variety of raptors.

Kids Reveling in Raptors Art Show. Art supplies willbe provided for kids to draw their favorite raptors. Thepictures will all be displayed on the Audubon website!

Meet our resident raptors. All of Audubons residenteducational birds will be out on sanctuary grounds.Experienced bird handlers will be available to tell you eachbirds story and to answer questions about them.

Portland Audubons Wildlife Care Center is the oldest andlargest wildlife rehabilitation center in Oregon. Over 3,000injured or orphaned native wild animals come through thedoors, and over 15,000 wildlife calls are elded each year.Come see where it all happens and join us for the WildlifeCare Center Open House on February 22.

Wildlife Care CenterOpen HouseSunday, February 22, 1pm4pm

Portland CBC YieldsNew Record Numberof Species Seenby Wink Gross, Compiler,Portland Christmas Bird Count

Its been a tough year for Christmas Bird Counts.The wild weather forced many cancellations andpostponements among the 49 counts in Oregon

and SW Washington. But the 137 eld counters on

the Portland CBC on January 3rd lucked out andenjoyed dry, albeit cloudy, skies while racking up a newPortland record for number of species: 119.

The coveted Eagle Eye Award for best speciesfound was awarded to rookie CBCer Matt Crumbakerfor spotting an American Dipper on Balch Creek inMacleay Park. It was the rst dipper on the Portlandcount in 15 years. Heroic owling b y John Deshler, JayWithgott, and Tim Shelmerdine contributed BarredOwl (rst for the count), plus Northern Saw-whetOwl and Northern Pygmy-Owl, neither of which hadbeen recorded since the 1980s. In total, 7 species ofowls were found this year. Not bad in the midst oftwo million people!

Tundra Swans must have been staging a mass y-in:the 438 seen was almost three times the previous highcount. As if to compensate for all that white, Double-crested Cormorants and American Crows were alsomuch more numerous than usual.

As always, all areas of the Portland count contributedto the total. The North Portland/Columbia Riparianarea, commanded by John Fitchen, led with 104 species.Southeast, organized by Pat Muller, contributed theonly Virginia Rail, California Quails, and Ring-necked Pheasant the latter used to be recorded bythe hundreds. Lake Oswego, led by Lynn Herring,had the aforementioned Saw-whet Owl and scads ofCommon Mergansers, and SW Portland/Beaverton,directed by Lori Hennings, added the only CinnamonTeal and Red Crossbill. Northwest, headed up by

Char Corkran and Sam Pointer, found the only Brown-headed Cowbirds and Common Ravens, in additionto the more glamorous dipper and forest owls.

My thanks to the Portland CBC area leaders andeveryone who participated. It was a great count. Markyour calendars for next year: January 2, 2010 itll be even better!

American Dipper. Photo: Dave Menke/USFWS

Unlike traditional birdwatching, you dont haveto be an early bird and get up at the crackof dawn to see these birds of prey, but werecommend that you allow about three hours ifyou wish to visit all four locations.

What will you see?It all depends on what nature has in store, butfrequently sighted raptors include Bald Eagles,Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, andNorthern Harriers. With a little luck, you alsomight spot a Rough-legged Hawk, Coopers Hawk, Merlin, orPeregrine Falcon. Beautiful Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, andGreat Blue Herons often are seen at this time of year as well.

No registration is required. For more information, go towww.audubonportland.org or call 503-292-6855 ext.116.

Sauvie Island RaptorRoad Tripcontinued from page 1

Bald Eagle Jim Cruce

Coopers Hawk Jim Cruce

Northern Harrier Jim Cruce

Rough-legged Hawk Jim Cruce

Sponsored by Audubon Society of Portland, Metro Regional Parks and GreenspacesDepartment, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and HawkWatch International.

size for photo submissions on a CD. If you email yoursubmission, please keep the le size 3MB or smaller.

All photos must be of Pacic Northwest birds ofprey, Pacic Northwest birds of prey in their habitat,or photos taken at the February 7th Sauvie IslandRaptor Road Trip.

To submit photos, please mail or email to KarenMunday, [email protected], AudubonSociety of Portland, 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland,OR 97210. Please include your name, address, city,state, zip code, daytime phone number, email, anddescription of your photo including where the photowas taken. Please also indicate whether it is a youth oramateur adult entry and indicate the age of the youth

photographer.

2009 Bird of Prey Photo Contest

Audubon Society of Portland is announcing its 2009 Bird of Prey Photo Contest. All photos must be of Pacic

Northwest birds of prey or pictures taken at the February 7th Sauvie Island Raptor Road Trip. All photographersmust be either amateur adults or youth (14 or under).

For more information and to see the contest prizes, check out our website at www.audubonportland.org/raptor/photo.

Western Bluebird Paul Buescher



6/12

Educational Trips & Tours

July 31August 10, 2009

Svalbard is a dynamic landscape of ice-shrouded mountains amidst a bountiful northern sea,and the best place in the world to view Polar Bears in a truly wilderness environment. Ringedand Bearded Seal, favorite prey of the Polar Bear, are found on the pack ice on the eastern

side of the archipelago, and in the many inlets we explore. Walrus also live here and can be seen

in numbers on Moffen Island. Seabirds are abundant with nesting Atlantic Puffin, Thick-billedMurre, and Dovekie. Families of Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese raise their young along theice-free shorelines, and Snow Buntings nest on the dry tundrabenches where Arctic Fox patrol for an easy meal of eggs oryoung. Arctic Tern and Pomarine Jaeger nest on the tundra,while Black-legged Kittiwake and Northern Fulmar seekcliff sites near glaciers.

We will explore both sides of the archipelago on board theNational Geographic Explorer, a state-of-the-art vessel operatedby Lindblad Expeditions. Daily activities include cruising insearch of wildlife, landings via Zodiac craft to experience thetundra, visits to historical sites, and opportunities to kayak in the

LAND of the Ice BeARs

June 616, 2009

Nome, in far west Alaska, offers stunning scenery and incredible birding opportunities. Itsroad system is great for accessing the diverse habitats where well search for wildlife duringour rst four days. Expect a mix of the exotic and the familiar, including Yellow Wagtails

(Asian songbirds of the brushy tundra) that breed next to White-crowned Sparrows. HarlequinDucks share their breeding grounds with Arctic Warblers (a thrush relative that winters in Africa).Gyrfalcons compete with Peregrines for cliff nest sites. Waterfowl and shorebirds seen only inmigration farther south are devoted to full-time breeding activities. With Musk Ox on the tundraand the possibility of Gray Whales in Norton Sound, there is indeed no place like Nome!

During our ve days in southcentral Alaska well travel by bus deep into Denali National Parkfor excellent chances of viewing Grizzly Bear, Moose, Dalls Sheep, Caribou, and possiblyeven Wolf. We follow the Denali Highway across a landscape rich in bird life, including BorealChickadee, Red-throated Loon, and Whimbrel, in its spruce forests and low tundra.

Our last three days well experience the maritime ecosystem of Kenai Fjords National Park from ourbase in Seward. A full-day boat trip will bring us close to Sea Otter, thousands of nesting seabirds,the toes of tidewater glaciers, and maybe Humpback Whale and Orca. Well look for species suchas Red-faced Cormorant among the thousands of Black-legged Kittiwakes and Horned Puffins.

What is included: All ground transportation in Alaska, 10 nights lodging (based on doubleoccupancy), all park entry fees, boat and bus tour fees, breakfasts, lunches, and the services of yourleader. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland.

Fee: $2,895 members / $3,095 non-members Group Size: 9 maximumDeposit: $1,400 required to secure your place Leader: Steve Engel

Contact Steve Engel at [email protected] or 971-222-6119.

March 1922, 2009

Enjoy some of the best birding in the west on this fantastic voyage with Bob Fields and theAudubon Society of Portland. The most important wetland system in the west, the KlamathBasin is a haven for migratory birds and is one of Oregons 105 Important Bird Areas. The

spectacular spring migration of Snow, Rosss, and Greater White-fronted Geese should be in fullswing. In addition to witnessing huge ocks of waterfowl on previoustrips, weve also had excellent viewing of Barrows Goldeneye,Lewiss Woodpecker, and Rough-legged Hawk, to name a just a fewof the other species we can expect.

This is a good time of year to be out in one of Oregons premierbirding areas observing the transition from winter to spring. BobFields is a former manager of the Klamath Basin National WildlifeRefuge System and an active volunteer for Portland Audubon. He hasled this popular trip for many years. His intimate knowledge with the

wildlife and the issues faced by the refuges makes this a trip not to be missed! Don Coggswell is askillful birder who has co-led many of Portland Audubons tours.

What is included: Transportation by van from Portland, 3 nights double-occupancy lodging inKlamath Falls, all entry fees, breakfasts, and lunches, and the services of your leaders.

Fee: $490 members / $530 non-members Group size: 14 participantsDeposit: $250 required to secure your place Leaders: Bob Fields and Don Coggswell


Arctic wilderness. An experienced naturalhistory staff accompanies us throughoutthe voyage. Lindblad has offeredexpeditions to the remotest corners of theworld for over 25 years and has a stellarrecord for safety, environmental consciousness, and wildlife sightings.

Leader: Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator. Steve has four summers ofexperience working as a naturalist in Svalbard.

Fee: $6,920 from Oslo, Norway. Includes rst and l ast night in Oslo, round-trip airfare from Oslo to Svalbard, all meals on board, use of kayaks, all shoreexcursions and sightseeing, entrance fees, transfers to and from group ights,tips (except ships crew), services of ship physician and eight-member expeditionstaff. For additional information, contact Steve Engel as soon as possible.


Alaska to Nome and Back!

Klamath Basinb i r d i n g e x p e d i t i o n

Snow and Rosss Geese Steve Shrunk

February 2022, 2009

We will depart Portland on Friday morning, arriving in the Skagit areawith plenty of daylight to begin exploring for raptors, shorebirds, andwaterfowl. Saturday and Sunday well continue to bird and explore

the many roads and public access sites and visit the Padilla Bay InterpretiveCenter. Well stop at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on our way homeSunday afternoon.

What is included: All transportation from Portland, two nights lodging (basedon double occupancy), two breakfasts, one lunch, and the services of your guide.

Fee: $265 members / $295 non-members Group size: 8-9 participantsContact Steve Engel at [email protected] or 971-222-6119.

Skagit Flats and Falcons!

South Africa & Botswana!

Join Audubon on this incredible adventure in the true African Bush aswe explore the vast Klaserie Reserve, Kruger National Park, and theincredible Mashatu Park in Botswana. Trip begins with three nights in

Cape Town, and well venture south to experience this ecologically uniqueregion and the Cape of Good Hope. Enrollment is limited to 12.

Tentative dates: October 19November 3, 2009Deposit: $1,800Fee: ~$4,000 (nal fee yet to be determined)

Birding Southeastern

ArizonaMay 31June 7, 2009

Join Audubon on this trip to one of the birdingcapitals of the U.S.! Well explore the Sonoran Desertand the Sky Islands of southeastern Arizona. Whilein the Sonoran well nd birds such as Verdin,

Cactus Wren, and Gambels Quail. In the MadreanPine-Oak Woodland well seek Bridled Titmouse. Thisarea has the highest diversity of hummingbirds in theU.S., and we have a chance to see up to 10 species. Welllook for regional specialties such as Magnificent andWhite-eared Hummingbird. In Madera Canyon well see the PaintedRedstart, and here is our best chance for the aptly named Elegant Trogon.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek attracts many bird species, and well watchfor Varied Bunting and Gray Hawk. Ramsey Canyon is famous forthe many hummingbirds that come to the feeders and the surroundingpine-oak woodlands that host a variety of birds. Southeastern Arizonais the northern limit for many bird species. Well stay at comfortableaccommodations along the way, strategically located to provide access tothese incredible places.

What is included: All lodging, ground transportation from Tucson, allmeals except dinners, park fees, and services of the trip leaders. A portionof your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society ofPortland.Fee does not include airfare to and from Arizona.

Fee: $1,785 members / $1,950 non-members (based on double occupancy)Deposit: $750 Group size: 1416 participantsLeaders: Dan van den Broek, Master Birder Coordinator, and Kirk HardyContact Steve Engel at [email protected] or 971-222-6119.

Polar Bear in Svalbard Ralph Lee Hopkins

Svalbard lies between 76 and 81 northlatitude, halfway to the North Pole fromNorway. Solid line is the trip route,beginning and ending in Longyearbyen.

Trogon Dan van den Broek



7/12

Trips & ClassesHOW TO REGISTER

Contact: Steve Engel, AdultEducation Coordinator

Email: [email protected]: 971-222-6119

Credit Card Payment: We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. A 3%processing fee is added to each transaction. Include card number, expirationdate, and billing address, or call Steve Engel and pay over the phone.

Adult Classes1. Phone or email with your contactinformation and the classes in which you wishto reserve one or more spaces.2.Mail in your payment right away. Makechecks payable to Audubon Society of Portland.3. Well contact you with confirmation ofpayment and class details.

Educational Trips & Tours1. Phone or email to request a registrationpacket for the trips of interest.2. Complete and sign the Registration / WaiverForm and return it with the required deposit.3. Well contact you with confirmation ofpayment and further details.

Mail: Audubon Society of Portland5151 NW Cornell Rd.Portland, OR 97210

Beginning Birding IFebruary 9 (Monday),7pm9pm: Class in Heron HallFeb. 15 & 22 (Sundays), 8:30am11:30am: FieldTrips

If youve always wanted to give birding a try and wouldlike to learn some basics, this class is for you. Designedespecially for beginners, topics include nding birds, tipsfor looking at birds, recognizing behavior and habitats, andidentifying bird sounds. Take concepts from the eveningprogram and apply them on two Portland-area eld trips.Your instructor will be Laura Whittemore. Sign up early,as Lauras classes ll quickly!

Fee: $35 members / $50 non-members

Enrollment limited: 14 participantsPre-registration is required.

Beginning Birding II, which requires some birdingexperience, will begin in late March (more informationat www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/classes/beginbirdII).

Beginning Field Birding andSauvie Island Explorationwith Greg BakerSaturdays, 8amNoon,February 7, March 7, April 4

Saturday morning explorations at one of Oregonsmost accessible Important Bird Areas Sauvie IslandWildlife Area, managed by Oregon Department of Fishand Wildlife continue with Greg Baker! This eldclass series is perfect for those interested in developingand sharpening their birding skills under a variety ofconditions with the tutelage of an expert birder. Exploredifferent habitats on the island, learn bird calls, and searchfor waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. This w orkshop islimited to 15 people and signups are for all three days.Carpooling is encouraged.

Fee: $50 members / $60 non-membersEnrollment limited: 15 participantsPre-registration required participantsregister for all three days.

FEBRUARY MARCH

Gulls in WinterFeb. 18 (Wednesday), 7pm9pm:Class in Heron HallFeb. 21 (Saturday), 9amNoon: Field Trip

Do you typically take a pass on identifying gulls wh enyou are out birding? If you feel it is time to take the plungeand learn some tricks for guring out what kind of gullthat is, then joinJohn Rakestraw, author of numerous

articles and theFalcon Guide to Birding Oregon, for anevening class on gull identication and natural history.On Saturday, John leads a eld trip to a local gull hangoutwhere we will put our new-found knowledge to the test.

Fee: $25 members / $35 non-membersEnrollment limited: 15 participantsPre-registration is required.

Hummingbirds: Facts, Flowers& FeedersMarch 12 (Thursday), 7pm8:30pmin Heron Hall

Learn the most effective ways to attract hummingbirds toyour yard and garden. Local hummingbird expert AbbyCrouch will share her tips on the best plants for hummersyear round and the easy and safe approaches to feeding.Her bird-friendly yard has been proled in Sunset Magazineand featured on Metros Natural Gardens Tour. Classincludes a multi-page handout on plants and feeders.

Fee: $10 members / $15 non-membersFunds raised by this class provide supp ort for theWildlife Care Center!Pre-registration is required; free for volunteers.

Open Country BirdsMarch 17 (Tuesday), 7pm9pm in Heron Hall

A great introduction to birds of open habitats with HarryNehls. Appropriate for nature lovers and birders of all skilllevels. Through lecture and slides, Harry will cover Crows,Ravens, and Blackbirds. Crows and Ravens are members ofthat fascinating bird family, the Corvids, and the Blackbirdfamily is represented by a variety of species in Oregon.Discover the unique Tri-colored Blackbird, the WesternMeadowlark (our state bird), and many more!

Fee: $10 members / $15 non-membersPre-registration is required; free for volunteers.

Revving Up for the Raptor Road Trip:

An Introduction toRaptor IdentificationFeb. 5 (Thursday), 7pm9pm in Heron Hall

The Willamette Valley is home to a host of hawks, eagles,and falcons. Identifying these birds may seem daunting atrst, but sorting through them all isnt so hard when youknow what to look for. Join local author and guide JohnRakestraw for an introduction to raptor ID. Well learn thekey eld marks for all the local wintering raptors, and makeside-by-side comparisons of similar species.

Fee: $10 members / $15 non-membersNo class size limit. Pre-registration is required.

Visit www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult for a listing of adult classes through June 2009.

To register: Call to reserve your spot, then download the registrationform from www.audubonportland.org and send it in with payment.Places can be saved for only 14 days without payment.

All classes run 9am4pm.Prices are listed formembers/non-members.

To reserve your spot,call Sarah Swanson at971-222-6120.

Spring Break Campsat the Audubon Society of PortlandSummer Camp

registrationstarts Feb. 16th.

See www.audubonportland.orgor call Sarah Swanson at

971-222-6120.

Monday, March 23 Wednesday, March 25Tuesday, March 24 Thursday, March 26 Friday, March 27

Grades: 1st2ndFee: $240 mem/$260 nonFur, Fins, and

Feathers

Would you like to search the forest, creek, and pond for amazing animals both big and small? During this weeklongcamp, well become experts on all the things with fur, ns, or feathers that can be found in Audubons WildlifeSanctuary. Youll meet some of Audubons education birds, play games in the woods, and have fun making new friends.

Bird ArtGrades: 2nd3rdFee: $60 mem/$70 nonHike along forest trails windingthrough woodpecker, owl, andsongbird habitat. Use yourobservations of birds and theirhabitat to create boldly colorful,wildly imaginative drawingsand sculptures using oil pastel,graphite, colored pencils, and clay.

Forest DetectivesGrades: 2nd3rdFee: $60 mem/$70 nonThrow on your detective hatas you step into our wildlifesanctuary to explore and unlockthe secrets of the woods. Justlike Sherlock Holmes, you willneed a keen eye to look out forthe tracks that show you wherethe raccoons roam, and the holes

in the tree that tell you whichwoodpecker was where. Hands-on games, stories, and craftswill help to hone your youngdetective skills.

Escape to Bird IslandGrades: 2nd3rdFee: $65 mem/$75 nonEscape to the birdiest islandaround: Sauvie Island. Springbrings a great mix of new birdslike swallows, and wintering onesincluding Sandhill Cranes. Searchfor the nests of Bald Eagles andhave a picnic with the birds!

Map and CompassTreasure HuntGrades: 4th5thFee: $65 mem/$75 nonSpend the day at scenic Mt. TaborPark and discover the art of eldnavigation! Your team will be givena treasure map with a compasscourse that will lead to clues andtreasures on this extinct volcano.

Wildlife Tracks andSign, Oh My!Grades: 2nd4thFee: $65 mem/$75 nonHave you ever wondered whatanimals do when were notlooking? Have you ever wanderedthrough the woods lookingat tracks on the ground andsearching for their meaning?Come along as we track the

oodplains of the Sandy River atOxbow Regional Park. Throughdetailed observation, well unravelthe mysteries of wildlife trackingthrough basic track identicationand sign interpretation.

Quest for theTailed Frog(overnight Monday night)Grades: 4th5thFee: $125 mem/$145 non

What has a dual life, is unusually odd looking, and is incrediblyhard to nd? If you guessed the Coastal Tailed Frog, you are right!Join instructors Tim Donner and Ian Abraham as we search in theColumbia River Gorge for this phenomenal amphibian.The nightwill be spent at Audubons Marmot Cabin with ashlights in hand aswe continue the search for amphibians. On Day Two well get somereal-life experience surveying for amphibian egg masses!

Pirates of the Pacific(overnight Wed.and Thurs. nights)Grades: 5th8thFee: $165 mem/$185 non

Join Steve Robertson, Education Director, on this 3-day quest into themystery of the Neahkanie Treasure. Youll hear the ancient legend andvisit a museum to examine a set of huge stones that may be the mapto the buried treasure! Well then head out to Neahkanie Mountainand learn the basics of map and compass use. Lodging is at a beachsidecabin in Rockaway, owned by the Twin Rocks Friends Camp.

Join other animal lovers for a day devoted to learning about the careof injured and orphaned wildlife. Well go behind the scenes withwildlife rehabilitators and nd out what this exciting eld is all about.

Jr. Wildlife Vet 102(Wednesday) Grades: 4th5thFee: $60 mem/$70 non

Jr. Wildlife Vet 101(Thursday) Grades: 2nd3rdFee: $60 mem/$70 non



8/12

Audubon SocietyoPortland

gratefully acknowledges these

thoughtful gifts:

You can honor a special person with a gift to Audubon

Society of Portland. Your gift will help fund a futureof inspiring people to love and protect nature.You can make an Honor or Memorial gift online

at www.audubonportland.org or by calling971-222-6129. A songbird card acknowledging yourthoughtful gift will be sent to the honoree or family.

in Mmory

Jon andronSusan BextonRon Biava and Emily Clark

Pamela and Terry Aldrich

Darlene Betat

Mr strudBonnie Berneck

Jo polnkyAnne Marie Smith

elnor enlrBeneice Taylor

Frn LnnrMildred and TheodoreHonold

Donld D. Wllc, sr.Judith and James Hendren

Carolyn Gilmore

Anne and Tony

Mildenberger

Nncy RonfldLeslie Labbe

Hln LbrtJudy English and Loyd

Patterson

in Honor

Hrry Nhl clnd Warbler not

Leslie R. Labbe

pul sullvn brdwlk

Leslie R. Labbe

Lrry WllmTroy Linden

Jn Hrtln ndMrk grnfld

Linda S. Craig

Brb grovrClaire Puchy

pml eydJackie and Richard Eyde

Jnt ploAnna Jamison

Kyl snkScott Spinks

Ll MrvShannon Marich-Crawford

Jul Crtr-CookSusan Carter

Crol ThomPaula Shifley

Cndy plntKatherine Weil

Nature Store Highlights

For Education:Laptop computer

For Sanctuary:

Loppers Hand saws Work glovesWatering wand hose attachment

For Wildlife Care Center:Science Diet Kitten GrowthAquariums Kiddie Pools

Dawn Dishwashing DetergentWelding GlovesCamper/Trailer

Untreated Wood: 2x4, 4x4, 4x8

If you can donate these items, please firstcontact Audubon Society of Portland at

503-292-6855 ext.102, MonFri, to arrangea time for delivery/pick-up.

Thank youto:

Wish List & Thank yous

Our Wish List:

Patricia Schafer for an Inspiron 5150 Dell laptopcomputer

Grand Central Baking Company for pastries donatedto Nature Store events

Rosemary Shiolas for a 36-inch bow saw Deanna Sawtelle for 500 cards Meri Falk for 5 gallons of bleach, 3 pet dishes, and

1.5 dozen eggs for the Wildlife Care Center Nature Bake for cookies at Nature Store events

On the WingDVDs now available in the Nature Store!

Get the full story of the Chapman Swifts and Portland Audubons role in this unique spectacle. Says Shawn Levyof The Oregonian, This documentary about the celebrated semi-annual appearance of the speedy little birdiescalled Vauxs Swifts at Northwest Portlands Chapman Elementary School is a lively and colorful tapestry ofhuman and avian life, and a great adver tisement for the many things that keep Portland weird. And remember,when you purchase your copy from the Nature Store, all the sales prots go directly to Audubon!

Sanctuaries

Original Caretakers House, circa1939. Portland Audubon

Wonderful Memoriesby Harriet Randolph Andersonwith introduction by Sanctuaries Director Tom Costello

In the fall of 1962 I was invited to rent what I call theBird House. Rent was $30 per month for this wonderfullog cabin, now rebuilt and serving as the Wildlife Care

Center. Back then it was a simple long roomwith a few sloping add-ons. There were largewindows on both sides with large, roofedbirdfeeders attached that stayed busy all day. Ivividly remember awakening to the scratchingand sliding as the raccoons, with their blackbandit faces, arrived and peered upside downat me as they clambered to clean things up.We also live-trapped some packrats thatgalloped overhead in the attic at night. Their

uffy nests were the best insulation up there.

I laugh that the Bird House was well builtbecause when the pipes froze and broke, thekitchen was sloped for the water to run out.The fountain out back never quit runningand built a gorgeous ice mountain taller than me. I hada 50-gallon oil tank that ran out during a long freeze andcreated a problem for me since my boa constrictor had to getinto bed with me for warmth. And I once put my tarantula inthe bathtub for exercise, but it took advantage of one of thecracks and I never saw it again.

October 12 was a dramatic evening that year. I arrived homeat 4:30 and soon heard a howling wind. My skirt blew up in

my face as I stepped outside. I soon found a man stumblingacross the parking lot, blood dripping from a split lip. Atree had fallen on his truck on Cornell Road. Our woods

lost many trees that night in the infamousColumbus Day Storm.

Dr. and Mrs. Fred Crenshaw retired here fromGeorgia and were paid $50 per month to livein the current administration building andgreet visitors. They were warm-hearted andmany of us enjoyed Ediths biscuits and a littletaste of southern hospitality. Thursday nightsat 8:00 we would crawl into the bed together

and watchIronside in what is now Merylsofce.

One sunny fall afternoon I met a naturalistdown by the pond, and we talked about thenewts and the hundreds of red-legged frogs. In

January the pond froze solid with masses of eggs around theedge; it was an amazing sight. Each plate-sized mass had 100clear pea-sized dots with black centers. The harvester antsin the meadow made towers 4 or 5 feet tall. The Mallardsand Wood Ducks nested and brought up young. Thingsprogressed that year until the spring, when I found a redcanoe up against my Bird House hogan. I said no to thisold Indian-style proposal, but three months later we weremarried and I moved on.

As this article goes to print, Jenny, Orion, and I will have moved into the freshly restored Caretakers House. I am excited to finallyassume the full responsibilities of my job as Sanctuaries Director and Caretaker, and relieved to trade in my hour-plus daily commute

for a quick stroll across the street. I am particularly grateful to Sanctuaries Assistant Greg Kurtz for his flexibility and sacrifice incovering the many gaps left for the past year and a half in the absence of a resident caretaker. I would also like to thank our friend,volunteer, and supporter Harriet Anderson, without whom the restoration of the caretakers house would not be possible.

In celebration of this restoration, Harriet has compiled some fantastic stories from the time she rented the original caretakers cabin.I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I have.

Raptors of Western North Americaby Brian K. Wheeler

More of an advanced reference bookthan a eld guide. Featuring 630 excellentcolor photographs and an abundance ofinformation on species range, plumage,distribution, and behavior, this is the mostcomplete, detailed and up-to-date book onthe topic. Best suited for advanced birders,biologists, researchers, and eager birdershungry for additional information.

Hawks in Flightby Pete Dunne, David Allen Sibley,Clay Sutton

A must have since it was released in theearly 1990s. Not your typical eld guide inorganization but small enough to bring intothe eld, and very helpful if you are going tospend the day watching raptors and have bi ts

of time to do some reading. This guide is big on writtendescriptions, and the prose captures many of the nuancesof raptor ID in a way that makes sense. Pen-and-inkdrawings compare and contrast similar species and a smallsection of black and white photographs is helpful.

Peterson Guide to Hawks ofNorth America, 2nd Editionby William S. Clark and Brian K.Wheeler

A solid source of information focused mainlyon identication, but also contains nice rangemaps, behavioral descriptions, and informationon status and distribution. The color photos

and paintings are much improved over the rst edition. Foruse in the eld, this book would be better than Wheelers soloeffort,Raptors of Western North America.

Hawks from Every Angle: Howto Identify Raptors in Flightby Jerry Liguori

Liguoris book is a great contribution toraptor ID with its focus on eight differentight positions any bird might assume, alongwith an analysis of how lighting conditions

can complicate ones interpretation of what they are seeing.The author has spent many seasons as an observer at hawkmigration sites such as the Goshute Mountains in Nevada.The amount of information an observer amasses andbrings to play in each identication challenge astoundspeople who dont watch migrating hawks 12 hours a day for36 months, year after year. Liguori does an admirable jobof explaining, and especially illustrating with photographs,the subtleties of identifying raptors in ight.

National Audubon SocietyPocket Guide: NorthAmerican Birds of PreyPocket Guides make a subject appealingand easy to dive into. This little bookcovers all the diurnal and nocturnalraptors native to North America

in a small and simplied format. Since most of thespecies are covered with one photograph, the user maysoon be purchasing another eld guide to learn moreplumage differences related to age, sex, and distribution.Nonetheless, it serves well as a handy and inexpensiveintroduction to a wonderful group of birds.

In tune with this months special focus on raptors, w eve invited Steve Engel, Audubons Adult Programs Coordinator, towrite about his favorite raptor-related titles. All are available at the Nature Store.

As seenon OPB

The Audubon Society of Portland is a member ofEarth Share of Oregon. For more information,contact Earth Share of Oregon at 503-223-9015or on the web at www.earthshare-oregon.org.



9/12

by Harry NehlsField Notes

SightingsThe late December snow and ice storm that canceledmany local Christmas Bird Counts distressed the birds, butapparently was not overly deadly. On December 21 many birdswere seen with a coating of ice on their head and back, but theywere not overly hindered and soon dropped the icy capes.

A few hummingbirds didnt make it, but most did. Manybirdfeeding stations were swamped with birds, bringing someunexpected species. The secretive Lincolns Sparrow wasreported at many feeders, much to the delight of the observers.For most feeder watchers this was a rst. Many reportedpartial albinos or other oddly marked birds in their yards.

On December 24 Margaret LaFaive noted a ChippingSparrowat her northeast Portland feeder. Some feedershosted ocks of up to 150200 Pine Siskins. Ed McVicker

reports that among the siskin swarm at his southwest Portlandfeeders December 22 was a single Common Redpoll. DavidMandell spotted one December 25 in northeast Portland.

Quite a few reports were received concerning ocks of CedarWaxwings in the Portland area. On December 18 PattyNewland spotted a Bohemian Waxwing among a ock nearher home in northeast Portland. Large ocks ofRobins werealso seen, some accompanied by Varied Thrushes.

Most likely the most exciting feeder bird was the maleNorthern Cardinal that appeared November 11 at NancyTrevets feeders in Aurora. It apparently remained in town andwas seen again at Dan Sullivans feeders December 20.

On December 16 Shawneen Finnegan photographed a veryunexpected Swainsons Thrush rooting around the base of atree along NW Culpepper Terrace in Portland. Em Scattaregiaand Chris and Adrian Hinkle identied a Cassins Vireoat Ridgeeld National Wildlife Refuge December 28. OnDecember 30 they saw a Cassins Finch near Mt. Tabor Parkin Portland.

About 4,000 Snow Geese are in the Sauvie IslandRidgeeldNWR area this winter. On December 5 John Gatchet sawtwoRosss Geese on Sauvie Island. Lisa Humphreys spotted

Brant on a pond at the Dawson Creek Corporate Park inHillsboro December 5. These ponds held Emperor Geese inNovember.

The immature Swainsons Hawk Lyn Topinka photographedNovember 27 at the Shillapoo Wildlife Area near VancouverLake is apparently wintering and is easily seen by visitingbirders.

When winter storms move across Oregon, peopletend to run for cover. Birds seek shelter also, butthey do not have a furnace or wood stove to keep

them warm.

A birds body is surrounded by a thick coat of uffy downthat acts as insulation against the cold. The head and neckhave very little down so to keep that area warm, the bird

regularly tucks its neck against its body, bunching up theneck feathers as insulation. The body is kept at a constant105 degrees; the head is always a bit cooler.

Over the soft downy feathers is a layer of rather stiff, toughfeathers that form a protective cover. These contour feathersare carefully tended by the birds so they lay at and overlapone another. Cleaning and waterproong oils secreted froman oil gland at the base of the tail are liberally spread overthe contour feathers, creating a sealant.

To keep the body warm, this outer layer is h eld tightlyagainst the downy feathers so the warm air trapped againstthe body does not escape. During windy weather birds willface into the wind to keep the contour feathers at.

Very few birds move about while a storm is raging, usuallyseeking deep cover in a conifer or other thick cover; some

How Do Birds Protect Themselvesin Severe Weather?

seek out cavities or woodpecker holes. After thestorm their activity resumes, but landbirds tendto stay away from dripping foliage or other pl aceswhere water can drip on them. If foraging in atree, a bird will work over the trunk or about largelimbs. Ground feeders will shy away from wet grassand dense vegetation.

The feet of most birds are not feathered but arecovered by thin layer of scales. Scales are not muchprotection from the cold and ice, but the feet arethe main control of the birds body temperature.

Heat is distributed by warm b lood coursing throughthe arteries to all parts of the body. It is then returnedto the heart through the veins. The arteries and veins inthe feet are close to the bones, with capillaries spreadingwarm blood to the extremities. During cold weather thecapillaries are constricted, keeping most if not all the warmblood away from the skin and moving it directly from thearteries into the veins, then returning it to the heart.

In contrast, when the body becomes overheated duringhot weather or from exertion, the capillaries in the legsare completely opened and the warm blood is moved tothe skin, where most of the heat is released into the openair. Heat is also lost by loosening the contour feathers andallowing the trapped air in the down to escape.

Occasionally one sees a bird stuck to a tree limb or with its toesfrozen open. By releasing some warm blood into the capillaries,the bird can warm the feet and solve these problems.

When Katy Weil resigned as Audubons Wildlife

Care Center Director in 1996 and handedthe reins over to me, she gave me two pieces

of advice (orders, really): Take good care of Owen [ourresident educational Barn Owl], and dont let Susan Flett-Pomeroy leave her volunteer shift. At the time Susan wasalready in her 14th year as a volunteer at our Care Center,and Katy had developed a theory that Susan had somehowcome to embody the stable center of the Care Centeruniverse. I cant explain it, Katy told me. I just feel that ifSusan leaves terrible things will happen.

We will soon learn whether Katys theory has merit. Susanhas retired from her shift at the Wildlife Care Center after26 years and a total of over 5,000 volunteer hours! Everyweek for more than 2 decades, Susan has come into theWildlife Care Center to clean cages and feed critters. She

has survived four Care Center Directors and can rememberback to a time when the Care Center was more or less run byvolunteers alone.

Susan has regaled us with tales from the olden dayswhen the Care Center was housed in a rat-infested shackand Owen the Barn Owl lived on a perch set atop therefrigerator. She recalls the sandwich man driving histruck up to Audubon to drop off day-old sandwiches touse as food for injured crows. She was around for the greattransition in 1986 when the old Care Center shack was torndown and 2,0003,000 animals were rehabbed out of atrailer placed in the Audubon parking lot while the newer,more modern Care Center was constructed a process

Susan taking care of mouse colonies. Portland Audubon

Inspiring people to love and protect nature. ThatsAudubons mission and its what our volunteers doevery day! The Audubon Society of Portland is one ofthe Northwests leading conservation organizations,offering a wide range of natural history andenvironmental activities to members, the community,and especially volunteers. Whatever your interestsor talents, there is a volunteer position for you.

These include many regularly scheduled volunteeropportunities, as well as special projects and eventpositions: Help restore habitat in our wi ldlife sanctuary. Be a conservation activist! Care for and feed injured wildlife at the Wildlife Care

Center (there is currently a wait list for this volunteeropportunity).

Help answer the communitys appetite for naturalhistory information by being an assistant at theNature Store.

Lead school groups through a fascinating explorationof our nature sanctuary.

Be a voice for Audubon by volunteering as areceptionist or an Audubon Docent.

Help make Audubons special events successful, like

the Wild Arts Festival, the Native Plant Sale, andSwift Watch.

New Volunteer Orientation i s Saturday, February14th, 1pm3pm OR Tuesday, February 17th,6pm8pm. Volunteers who wish to ser ve in a capacitybeyond special events must also attend GeneralVolunteer Training on Saturday, February 28th,9am4:30pm.

If you would like to donate some of your time andenergy to the Audubon Society of Portland, pleasecontact Deanna Sawtelle at [email protected] or 503-292-6855 ext.108.

Mandy Sims shows a bat to a visitor at our Halloween event.

Deanna Sawtelle

Volunteering atAudubon is Fun andRewarding!by Deanna Sawtelle,Volunteer Coordinator

that took far longer than expected because Audubon ranout of money.

A lot has changed since Susan started at Audubon, butshe has been a constant and reliable xture throughoutit all, unappable and always slightly bemused. She andher husband Philip have raised two daughters, Danielleand Amanda, both of whom were placed into Care Centerservitude as they tagged along with their mom. WhenSusan works her last shift in January she will far and awayhold the all-time record for longevity volunteering on ashift at Audubon. She is a recipient of Audubons highestvolunteer honor, the Mamie Campbell Award.

Susan promises that she will continue to come back theWildlife Care Center in a volunteer capacity, so perhapsKatie Weils dire predictions will be thwarted, at least fora little while longer. However, we will truly miss Susansregular presence, her amazing amount of experience, andher inspirational dedication week in and week out at theCare Center.

Thank you, Susan, and the entire Flett-Pomeroy families,for all that you have done for Audubon!

Volunteer of the Month:

Susan Flett-Pomeroyby Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director

Over 900 Brown Pelicans were seen at Netarts Bay on the central Oregoncoast on December 6th, with more squadrons heading in. Many apparently lin-gered too long before migrating south and were caught in the cold snap a fewdays later. Many birds either didnt survive or arrived in California malnour-ished and frostbitten. See Oregonian article at www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/pelicans_hit_by_major_dieoff.html. Marilyn Stinnett



10/12

Welcome, New Members!

P

ortland Audubon is a force in conservation thanksto its strength in membership, standing togethersince 1902. We appreciate each and every one

of our members and celebrate our membership bywelcoming our new members monthly. Thank you forjoining our vibrant and growing community!

The Afashi Family

Gail Alexander

Vicki Allen

Scott and Heather Allmain

Corinne Bacher

Maria Baker

C. Jean Bangs

Sherrie Barger

Jody Belrose

Mark Berkson

Amaya Bilbao Cromwell

Jennifer Bly

Mark and Edita Boguslawski

Allison Bollman

Laurie Bostwick

Charles Boyce

Patricia D. BrentBrian Carleton

John C. Church

Gary Cole

Justin Cole

Leslie Cole

Madelene Columbus

Tessa Connelly-Worcel

Stacy Connery

Mary A. Coolidge

Shawn Daughton

Brian and Kim Davies

Rebecca and Scott Demorest

Carol Densem

Karen Devers

The Devlin Family

Emily Dietrich and Jeff Fisher

Bud Donald and Patricia Hogan

Patricia Duty

Travis Ellis and Isabel Gilda

Noah and Isabella Engles

Susan D. EversAnne-Marie Fischer

Vicki Galloway

Lee Gareld

Trece Gaunt

Melanie Gilbert

Linda I. Gilman

Cheryl Hammond

Rebecca and Matt Hannan

Judie and Ed Hansen

Pam Harrison

Janet Helus

Emma Hibler

Elaine Hines

Jaqueline Hinkle

Bjorn Hinrichs

Karl and Rose Howard

Adela Iliinsky

Mark Ingalls

Kasandra Jackson

Rory JenkinsNora Jewett

Stephen Jones and

Elizabeth Burns-Jones

Jacqueline G. Jones

Jane Kim

Jenny Kincaid

Jennifer Kohne

Melanie Krueger

Gary Lahaie

Terri Lahti

Patricia Langford

Barb Legacy

Charles LeGrand

Donna Locke

Matthew L. Long

Tod Lundy

Carlin MacCorkle

Gary and Kristen

Markwardt

Judi Mar-Zaleski

Laura Matin

Suzanne Mattox

Christina McCoy

Patrick W. McElligott

Molly McGuire

Avis McHugh

Susan M. Mickelson

Andrea Moulas and Jeff Nichols

Sarah B. MunroFrams Murphy

Luke Nelson

Bob J. Nistler

Shondell Odegaard

David Odom

Alex OKeefe

Dan ONeill

Delbert Ottinger Family

Carol Paddock

John Peaslee

Stephen Penberthy

Rachel Perry

Bill and Shizue Peterson

Amy Potter

Deanna Reed

Jo Reese

Kriss Rita

Mary Ellen Robbins

Bill Roulette and

Laura DiSimone

June RzendzianKathleen Saxton

Tom and Leslie Schmid

Shelia Schmid

Janine Schmitter

Joseph Schneider and

Rebecca Cavell

Jan Schorey

Taylor Schwartz

Paul Seamons

Sandra Snyder

Emma Somervell

Carol and Joe Sonderleiter

Grigoriy Sotnik

Wayne Sparks

Lisa Steckley

Albert Stefanski

David Stepp

Barbara Stikker

Jinny Trout

Colleen WardAnne Warner

Bill and Monica Welch

Ron Welker

Marcia and Randy White

The Williams Family

Linda and Brian Wolfe

Judith Woodruff

Abby Wyers and Dave Sage

Meghan Young

Mark Zornow

Marilyn Zuber

Richard and Luvia Zusi

If you would like to join us or have any questions aboutmembership, please contact Catherine [email protected] or 503-292-6855.

Become a Sponsor for Birdathon 2009

Birdathon is Openfor Business!

Birdathon provides excellent opportunity forbusinesses to participate through BirdathonSponsorship, with great visibility through

event marketing and access to thousands of people atour website and in our monthly Warblernewsletter.Birdathon also offers your employees a meaningfulteam-building experience, as your company can buildits own team with leaders provided by Audubon Societyof Portland.

Through your sponsorship, you will be sending a messageto the community and to your employees that you valueour native wild things and w ild places. For informationabout becoming an event sponsor, creating a companyteam, or specic levels and benets of event sponsorship,contact Gary Slone at [email protected] orAnn Takamoto at [email protected].

Nothing in life is certain, but as Audubon membersand dedicated nature lovers, we all nd comfort anda sense of belonging with events like the blooming of

spring wildowers, the annual migration of birds, and ofcourse Birdathon. Last Spring 2008, Audubon membersand their friends joined together with dedicated Audubonstaff and volunteers to raise an all-time high $130,000! Toaccomplish this, over 230 Birdathoners, more than ever

before, joined teams that searched near andfar for Oregons birds. The result: nearly2,000 dedicated individuals and businessesmade Birdathon donations in support ofthe Audubon Society of Portland.

Why should you participate this year?Because each and every year, Oregonsnative birds and their habitat need yourprotection. One of the most effective waysyou can help is by joining together withyour fellow Audubon members, celebrateOregons birds, and raise funds for PortlandAudubon.

Beginning birders, new members, and members friendsand families all nd Birdathon a great way to socializeand discover some of Oregons hottest birding spots.Veteran Birdathoners enjoy the annual ritual of immersingthemselves in birding and eking out those rarities. Butits the birds that benet most of all from the pledges andcontributions you make.

You do not need to be an expert birder! If youre entirelynew to Birdathon, it works like a walk-a-thon: This year,over 250 Birdathoners will collect pledges for nding andcounting bird species. Its a competitive and educationalevent for any level of birdwatcher, as well as for the familiesand friends who cheer them on! You can join our guidedtrips, organize your own trip, or count independently.Guided trips range from intensive two-day gonzo trips

to a relaxing morning sitting andwatching birds in the Crystal SpringsRhododendron Garden.

All trips are led by birding expertsand are a great way to make newfriends and connect with other birdlovers. There are trips for kids andadults, beginners to experts. Wealso have special-interest trips, likebirding by bicycle or birding by publictransportation! You can join in the funfor gathering as little as $35 in pledges.

Pledge yourself or have your friends and family pledgeyou. Its a unique and highly effective way to support theAudubon Society of Portland.

For more information, to register, or to make aBirdathon donation, click on the Birdathon logo at www.audubonportland.org.

To inquire about the benets of becoming a BirdathonBusiness Sponsor, contact Gary Slone, BirdathonCoordinator, at [email protected].

BIRDATHON is coming! April 24May 24Registration begins on February 23rd

by Gary Slone, Birdathon Coordinator

At the beginning of my 13th yearof leading birding weekends in

Oregon, I would like to repeat thatit is a joy to share so many beautiful birdswith so many ne people. T hank you toall the friends and supporters who haveshared these adventures with me.

I am doing these weekends as a volunteer, simply makingmy expenses and no more. In return, I would like to ask allfuture participants to help me with 5 things. Please make your check payable toAudubon Society ofPortland.

Please send separate checks for each trip ($70/couple,$35/individual).

Please provide all of the information requested forregistration.

Please come prepared with lunch, appropriate clothing,insect repellant, sunscreen, etc.

Please come, help me nd birds, and enjoy the trip!

A special noteBecause these trips are so popular, they ll early and thereis often a waiting list. At the same time, on the 10 trips in2008 there were over 60 cancellations. That was a lot ofoverheadfor me and for other participants. Please thinkbefore registering.

Paul Sullivan

Audubon Birding Weekends 2009 A Portal to Birding Oregon

How an Audubon BirdingWeekend works

You decide on the trip you want to attend, and send ina registration, including payment. Checks are not casheduntil the trip happens. If you cancel, you get your checkback. However, those who cancel should let me knowwell in advance so that someone on the waiting list canparticipate.

No-shows will forfeit their registration payment. Folks who inquire, but dont send money, dont get on

the list. About 10 days before the trip, I send a letter to

participants giving details like lodging options, meetingplace, schedule, possible birds, etc.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation,food, and lodging. I try to help arrange carpooling.

We travel to the location on Friday and stay in the samelodging two nights. We meet at a restaurant for breakfaston Saturday, then carpool and bird all day. We bird halfof Sunday, then separate and head home.

We see new birds, explore new locations, and meet new people.We have fun.

Carol Karlen will again help lead these trips. We continue toenjoy sharing birding in Oregon with others.

Paul T. Sullivan

How to Register for an AudubonBirding WeekendRegistration for Audubon Birding Weekends is$35 per person for each weekend. Please make yourseparate checks payable to theAudubon Society ofPortland. Register by the Tuesday before the weekend you

plan to attend. The following registration information isneeded for each weekend you wish to attend:

February 28March 1 Curry County

We will escape the cold of winter and look for the rstspring migrants, as well as coastal species.Base: Gold Beach.

March 2122 Summer Lake

We will visit this staging area for large numbers ofSnow Geese and other waterfowl on their northwardmigration. Base: Summer Lake.

April 2526 Jackson County

As spring comes to southern Oregon, we will visit thisarea to catch the early migrants. Specialties of the areainclude Oak Titmouse, Mockingbird, California Towhee,and Black Phoebe. Base: Ashland.

UPCOMING BIRDING WEEKENDS

your name(s) address phone

email trip you wish to join number of attendees

Please send theregistration to:

Paul T. Sullivan,4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26,Beaverton, OR 97005

Questions? Email Paul at [email protected] orcall 503-646-7889. Weekday evenings are the best time toreach me.

amountenclosed.

A complete schedule of 2009 Birding Weekends isavailable at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/weekends.



11/12

Important Bird Area o the Month

Sauvie Island IBA

by Mary Coolidge, Assistant Conservation Director

S

auvie Island Wildlife Area is one of about 100Important Bird Areas (IBAs) that have been identiedthroughout Oregon, and is part of a global network of

sites that have been selected for their outstanding habitatvalue and the imperative roles they play in hosting birds,whether for breeding, migrating, or over-wintering. TheSauvie Island IBA, located at the north end of the island,consists of over 12,000 acres of farmland and wildlifehabitat comprised of wetlands, savanna, and cottonwoodriparian and bottomland Oregon white oak forest. TheOregon Department of Fish an

february 2009 warbler newsletter portland audubon society

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