February 2008 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society

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    Audubon SocietyofPortland5151 NW Cornell RoadPortland, Oregon 97210

    Page 2 ......................From the Director

    ...................................... Free Trips

    Page 3 ......................Calendar of Events

    Page 4 & 5 ............................... Conservation

    Page 6 & 7 ..............Trips & Tours & Camps

    Page 8 ......Nature Store & Sanctuaries

    Page 9 ...................................Field Notes

    .....................................Volunteers

    Page 10 ........................Birding Weekends

    Page 11 .......................Bird of the Month

    Page 12 ................. Map/Hours/Sponsors

    Inside this issue

    WarblerAUDUBON SOCIETYof PORTLAND

    FEBRUARY 2008Volume 72 Number 2

    How do birds adapt to winter food shortages? See page 9

    In this issue...Managing Invasive

    Species

    See page 8

    Living with UrbanCoyotes Presentation

    See page 5

    Give Your Sweethearta Gift of Nature

    See page 11

    Breakfast with Birds of Prey Saturday, February 2nd, 9am2pm

    Volunteers Needed!

    Stop by Audubons Sauvie Island KestrelProject information table while you are onthe Raptor Road Trip and learn how youcan participate in this restoration program.Volunteers are also needed for monitoringPeregrine Falcons in the Portland metroarea, for local Pygmy-Owl surveys, andfor the Great Blue Heron inventory.Go to page 4 to read more abouthow you can be directly involved in thesemonitoring and restoration efforts.

    Harr

    ier,Rough-leggedandRed-tailHawks

    Jim

    Cruce

    Finnegan, the Peregrine Falcon Portland Audubon

    Winter BreakCamps Were Wetand Wonderful Bring on Spring!By Sarah Swanson,Camp Director

    In weather conditions that make most peoplewant to curl up by the fire with a good book, kids

    at Audubon Society of Portlands Winter BreakCamp headed outdoors to explore the best that theseason has to offer. Camps traveled to Mt. Hood fora day of snowshoeing, where they came across snowcaves and animal tracks, and even had time to huddleup for a cup of hot cocoa. Another camp found largeherds of Roosevelt elk at Jewell Meadows WildlifeArea. Closer to home, our campers learned to identifyboth winter ducks and various doughnut varieties.

    We also had some great onsite camps during whichkids toured the Wildlife Care Center and worked onenvironmental enrichment in the form of woodenhiding places for treats for our education birds. Othercampers produced amazing art that was based ontheir observations of Audubons Wildlife Sanctuary

    and its winter inhabitants. Thanks to all of ourinstructors and volunteers that made this awonderful camp session.

    Sadly, winter break is over, but we are alreadyexcited about the upcoming Spring BreakCamps! Please see pages 67 inside for campdescriptions, and visit our website atwww.audubonportland.org for campavailability. Highlights include Tails of theForest, Befriend a Bird of Prey, AnimalTracking,and Mission Impossible II: LostTreasure of Neahkahnie.

    How does the road trip work?The trip begins at Krugers Farm Market, where youwill need to stop first to get your event map and guide. To reach Krugers, go over the Sauvie Island bridge, andcontinue straight 1.5 miles (passing by Howell TerritorialPark) to the farm entrance on your right. The event fee is $5per vehicle (please bring cash only), which includes a SauvieIsland Wildlife Area parking permit and lots of helpfulmaterials.

    Well provide spotting scopes, a crash course in raptoridentification, and naturalists to point out the birds. Bringbinoculars and field guides if you have them. Dress for theweather with gloves and a hat; this event takes place rain or

    shine. It is suitable for birders of all skill levels, and familiesare welcome.

    Unlike traditionalbirdwatching, you donthave to be an earlybird and get up at thecrack of dawn to seethese birds of prey, butwe recommend that youallow about three hoursif you wish to visit allfour locations.

    What willyou see?It all depends on what nature hasin store, but frequently sightedraptors include Bald Eagles,Red-tailed Hawks, AmericanKestrels, and NorthernHarriers. With a little luck, youalso might spot a Rough-leggedHawk, Coopers Hawk, Merlin,or Peregrine Falcon. BeautifulSnow Geese, Sandhill Cranes,and Great Blue Herons often are

    seen at this time of year as well.No registration is required. Formore information, see www.audubonportland.org or call503-292-6855 ext.116.

    Sponsored by Audubon Society ofPortland, Metro Regional Parks andGreenspaces Department, OregonDepartment of Fish and Wildlife,and HawkWatch International.

    E

    xplore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent eagles, hawks, and falcons that spend the winter here. On this special daydevoted to raptors, experienced naturalists and h awk experts will host activities at four locations around the island.Well provide a map, then you choose where to go to enj oy guided bird viewing, meet live

    raptors up close, and see hawk identification displays. Hot drinks and donuts will be available inthe morning so we can stay warm and h ave breakfast with the birds.

    Sauvie IslandRaptor Road Trip!

    Julio, the Great Horned Owl Portland Audubon

    BaldEaglesBjor

    nFredrickson/www.b

    jornfredrickson.zenfolio.com

    Kestrel Bjorn Fredrickson/www.bjornfredrickson.zenfolio.com

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    The expectation is that 2008 willbe the year that Oregon joinsCalifornia and Washington

    to collectively protect the health ofthe west coasts ocean and coastalecosystem by establishing a networkof marine reserves and protected

    areas. These places in Ore gons waters are ones thatsupport the greatest diversity of habitats for animals andplants during all stages of their lives. While we cant seekelp forests, rocky reefs, caves, or crevices from shore, theseplaces are critical for sustaining the health and resiliency ofOregons marine environment.

    For the benefit of all Oregonians, this conservationissue is finally past the stalemate stage wi th full coastalcommunity representation and clear directives fromGovernor Kulongoski about what is expected and when.However, it doesnt mean that the process will go smoothlyor without controversy. At this time, members of thegovernors appointed council for ocean policy are designinga nominations plan that establishes ecological criteria andengagement opportunities for coastal communities.

    Meryl Redisch

    From the Executive Director

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

    February 9 (Saturday),8am11amRidgefield NWR Walk andAuto Tour

    Join us on a walk on the Oaks to Wetland Trail lookingfor winter sparrows. The trail can be muddy so bringappropriate hiking shoes. Meet at the trailhead parking loton the Carty Unit located 1 mile north of the intersectionof Pioneer and Main St in downtown Ridgefield, WA. Dressfor the weather, and there is a per-car $3 Refuge Visitor Fee.An optional drive on the River S auto tour is offered forthose interested. Call Ron Escano at 503-771-3454 if youneed more information.

    February 16 (Saturday),8am11amSauvie IslandAdrienne Wolf-Lockett and Bob Lockett lead the 3rdSaturday walk co-sponsored by Audubon and BackyardBird Shop to explore the island for waterfowl, raptors,

    and sparrows. Call Backyard Bird Shop (503-620-7454)for information and to reserve a spot. Meet centrally thencarpool around the island. Parking permit is require dshould you choose to drive. Beginners we lcome!

    February 23 (Saturday),8am11amDawson Creek Corporate ParkJoin Max Smith for a tour of this little-known Hillsboropark with great views of waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, andAcorn Woodpeckers. Directions from Portland: take Hwy26 west to the Shute Road exit and drive south on ShuteRd. After crossing Evergreen Parkway, continue straightas Shute Rd becomes Brookwood Parkway, cross DawsonCreek Drive, and turn left into the new Hillsboro Libraryparking lot. Meet at 8am at the north end of the parking lot

    near the pond. Dress for the weather; beginners welcome!

    Field TripsCarpooling is encouraged for conservationand sociability. For information, call us at

    503-292-6855 ext.119.

    Sauvie IslandFebruary 7 (Thursday),8:30am*1pm(*Note time change from listing in January calendar)

    This is a good time of year to see wintering waterfowl andraptors on Sauvie Island. Join Denny Graham at the Dept.

    of Fish and Wildlife parking lot on NW Sauvie Island Rd,about 1.8 miles beyond the east end of the Sauvie Islandbridge. Lot is about 0.2 miles beyond the junction of NWSauvie Island Rd and Reeder Rd. Dress for the weather andbring snacks and a Sauvie Island parking permit if you haveone. We will arrange carpools at the meeting spot. ContactDenny at 503-659-1245 for more information.

    Oaks BottomFebruary 18 (Monday),9amNoonJoin Ron Spencer for a walk around Oaks Bottom WildlifeRefuge. Well hike the loop trail, and well look for thoseearly spring migrants. Meet at the Oaks Amusement Parkparking lot at 9am. Contact Ron at r [email protected] 503-656-5170 for information.

    NewportFebruary 2122(Thursday 8am Friday 4pm)Join us for a 2-day trip to the coast. We will meet inNewport, and the trip is limited to 12 people. Forinformation call Sue Carr at 503-649-3360.

    Cycle, Paddle, and Walk the regions parks, trails, and natural areas. Connecting Green is all about access to naturein the city. Connecting Green field trips will introduce you to some of the regions most scenic and wildlife-rich naturalareas and parks and the ever-growing regional trails network. Register at www.audubonportland.org/trips_classes_camps/adult_programs/wildcity. If you dont have internet access, call 503-292-6855 ext.116 to register.Bring your own equipment for all bicycle and paddle trips, and helmets and life jackets are required.Directions and other details will be emailed to registrants. Trip enrollment is limited, so sign up early.

    Connecting GreenWild in the City Field Trips

    February

    Saturday, February 2nd, 9am1pmRide with the Groundhogs: Willamette

    Greenway Bicycle RideCycle with Mike Houck on a flat 15- to 20-mile ridealong the Willamette River Greenway to Oaks BottomWildlife Refuge and Sellwood Riverfront Park. The rideis appropriate for families who have their bikes in tuneand maintained and are used to riding 1520 miles.

    Saturday, February 9th, 8am11amRoss Island Paddle

    Join Mike Houck on a leisurely three-hour paddlearound Ross, Hardtack, East, and Toe Islands. Wewill take a close look at the City of Portlands newestnatural-area park, a 45-acre portion of Ross Island thatwas donated by Ross Island Sand and Gravel in October2007.

    Sunday, February 10th, 2pm5:30pm

    Eastbank Esplanade to Oaks BottomJoin Mike Houck on a four-mile stroll from the VeraKatz Esplanade along the Springwater on the WillametteTrail to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, taking TriMetback downtown at the end of the trip. We will stop alongthe way to view Great Blue Herons as they go throughtheir annual courtship and nest-building activities.

    Saturday, February 23rd, 10amNoonWillamette Cove Paddle

    Join Bob Sallinger andJim Labbe on a leisurelymorning paddle in the Portland Harbor and learnabout the past, present, and future of this unique NorthPortland natural area. If river conditions are not safe,this trip will be led as a walk along the Willamette Riverto Willamette Cove.

    March

    Saturday, March 1st, 9amNoonRoss Island Heron Colony Watch

    Walk the Eastbank Esplanade to Ross Island with MikeHouck to view Great Blue Herons rebuilding their nestsand going through courtship, preparatory to laying eggsin early April. This will be a 3.5-mile walk out and backfrom the downtown Esplanade to the Springwater on theWillamette Trail to the downstream tip of Ross Island.

    Saturday, March 8th, 9amNoonColumbia Slough Restoration Paddle

    JoinJim Labbe and Bob Sallinger with AudubonSociety of Portland and Ry Thompson from PortlandsBureau of Environmental Services for a morning paddleon the Columbia Slough. Well visit the Ramsey RefugiaRestoration project and several mitigation projectsin the lower Slough, di scuss habitat restoration and

    enhancement in the urban environment,

    and do some birding along the way.

    Tuesday, March 11th, 8am11amOaks Bottom and SpringwaterCorridor Walk

    Come along with Mike Houck for a strollaround the 160-acre Oaks Bottom WildlifeRefuge. Mike has led tours at the Bottomsfor over 30 years and is intimately familiarwith the history of Oaks Bottom beingdesignated as Portlands first official urbanwildlife refuge and current efforts to restorefish and wildlife habitat throughout therefuge.

    The expectation is that in ten months, proposals identifyingocean sites will be reviewed by state agency officials formarine reserves designation, implementation, monitoring,and enforcement. These proposals will come from i ndustry,coastal communities, conservation organizations, andother citizen groups. We expect proposals to vary widelyin scope, including some that would have ver y minor

    conservation impacts.

    Portland Audubon, working with fellow nongovernmentalorganizations, is leading a campaign that will re quirethousands of voices from across the state to share theirsupport for conservation practices that most stronglyprotect ocean habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.We believe that the marine reserves plan has the potentialto impact the sustainability and resiliency of oceanecosystems and resources that provide the backbone forhealthy and thriving bird populations. Moreover, we believethat our membership expects nothing less of us.

    Your help is needed. Please contact the Marine ReservesCampaign Field Coordinator, Erin Anderson, [email protected]. Together, we can createa lasting legacy of ocean protection for present and

    future generations.

    ...love to go birding during the weekdays.We start a little later, go a little slower,

    and try to keep a restroom in sight.

    MAGPIES

    Expectations for Oregons Ocean

    Birding Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Mike Houck

    C the Springwater on the Willamette Trail. Mike Houck

    2 FEBRUARY 2008 www.audubonportland.org

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    FEBRUARY Calendar of EventsMON TUE WEDSUN FRI SATTHUR

    NOTE: An electronic version of this issue and past Warblers is available on our website, www.audubonportland.org.

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    12

    5

    19

    27

    13

    6

    20

    25

    11

    4

    18 21

    7

    14

    28

    1

    22

    8

    15

    2924

    10

    3

    17 23

    9

    2

    16

    Explore the 40-MileLoop from SouthWaterfront to OHSU,3pm (Jan. Warbler)

    Sauvie Island RaptorRoad Trip, 9am (p.1)

    Willamette GreenwayBicycle Ride, 9am (p.2)

    Beginning Field Birding &

    Sauvie Island Exploration,8am (p.7)

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

    Hells Canyon Preservation Council presentsWild Connections: The Hells CanyonWallowaEcosystem. This 35-

    minute film celebrates thestunning beauty and wildlifeof the ecosystems of HellsCanyon and the WallowaMountains. Legendaryconservationist MartinLitton and WhitmanCollege student SavannaFerguson narrate the filmand help us understand this regions critical importancefor fish, wildlife, and people across the Northwest. Localfishermen, hunters, scientists, and Native Americans offertheir insights in the film about the threats to the landscapeand opportunities that we have to shape the future ofthis special place. Wild Connectionswas produced by theaward-winning Green Fire Productions for Hells CanyonPreservation Council.

    Greg Dyson, the Councils executive director, will presentthe film, answer questions, and discuss the need to protectthis unique landscape. Wild Connectionschallenges a newgeneration to protect and re store the Hells CanyonWallowaecosystem into the future. The film portrays recent effor tsto restore this national treasure into a healthy, functioning,and vibrant ecosystem, and it shows how restoration workcan provide economic benefits for local workers. We hopeyou will join us.

    The Hells CanyonWallowa Ecosystem

    Tuesday, February 127pm Heron Hall

    27 28 ConservationLecture at OregonZoo, 7pm(Jan. Warbler)

    Magpies visit Smith& Bybee Lakes, 9am(Jan. Warbler)

    1

    2 3 86 74 5

    Urban Ecologyand ConservationSymposium at PSU,9am (p.4)

    Living with UrbanCoyotes Presentation,7pm (p.5)

    Birders Night7:30pm Heron Hall

    Magpies visit SauvieIsland, 8:30am (p.2)

    Ridgefield NWR Walk& Auto Tour, 8am (p.2)

    Ross Island Paddle, 8am(p.2)

    Bluebird monitor meeting(Jan. Warbler)

    Birding Weekend (p.10)

    NATURE NIGHT

    30 3129

    Saturday, March 22nd, 9amNoonOaks Bottom and Springwater Corridor Walk

    (See Tuesday, March 11th for trip description, but notedifferent times.)

    Sunday, March 23rd, 9amNoonPaddle Around Ross Island

    Join Mike Houck on a three-hour early morning paddle(before the boats get on the r iver) around Ross Island. Thiswill be a leisurely paddle around Ross,Hardtack, East, and Toe Islands. Thepaddle will acquaint participants withthe natural history of this four-islandarchipelago and the issues concerningpublic ownership and long-termmanagement of the islands. The tripis appropriate for beginning paddlers.

    Friday, April 4th,8am11amOaks BottomWildlife Refuge

    Plan AheadSee upcoming Warblernewsletters and visit www.audubonportland.org/trips_classes_camps/adult_programs/wildcity for more information on the following field trips.

    Sauvie Island FieldTrip, 8am (p.2)

    Peregrine FalconMonitoring Workshop,10am (p.4)

    Nature Night: TheHells CanyonWallowaEcosystem, 7pm (p.3)

    Eastbank Esplanadeto Oaks Bottom,2pm (p.2)

    Birding Weekend (p.10)

    Magpies visit OaksBottom, 9am (p.2)

    Magpies leave forNewport, 8am (p.2)

    Board Meeting, 7pmHeron Hall

    Dawson Creek ParkField Trip, 8am (p.2)

    Willamette Cove Paddle,10am (p.2)

    Conservation Lectureat Oregon Zoo,7pm (p.12)

    Leap Year Day

    Beginning Field Birding& Sauvie IslandExploration, 8am (p.7)

    Ross Island Heron ColonyWatch, 9am (p.2)

    Magpies visitSherwood Greenways(503-244-6496)

    Columbia SloughRestoration Paddle,9am (p.2)

    Birding Weekend (p.10)

    Birders Night7:30pm Heron Hall

    Hells Canyon

    Saturday, March 29th, 9am12:30pmSpringwater Corridor Ride

    JoinJim Labbe, Urban Conservationist withthe Audubon Society of Portland, and TeresaHuntsinger with the Johnson Creek WatershedCouncil for a 21-mile bike ride out to GreshamsLinneman Station and back via the SpringwaterCorridor Trail. Well peddle our way through thelower Johnson Creek Watershed, stop at several

    urban natural areas along theway, and learn about futureopportunities to protect andenhance the Johnson CreekWatershed. You are responsibl efor bringing and maintaining yourown bicycle; pumps and patch

    kits recommended. Helmets areabsolutely required.

    Paddling Ross Island. Mike Houck

    Saturday, April 19th,9amNoonFanno CreekGreenway Ride

    Friday, April 25th,8am11amCelebrate Arbor Day,Oaks Bottom WildlifeRefuge

    Saturday, April 26th,8am11amJohn James AudubonBirthday PaddleAround Ross Island

    Great Blue Heron Mike Houck

    3FEBRUARY 2008www.audubonportland.org

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    Conservation

    The Urban Ecology and Conservation Symposiumprovides a unique opportunity for people to shareinformation about environmentally focused

    research, projects, and programs in the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan region. The day is packed withpresentations, posters, and keynote speakers. There isalso plenty of time to network. Join us to learn, share,and be inspired.

    The Urban Ecology Research Consortium (UERC) isa consortium of nonprofit organizations, agencies,universities, businesses, and environmentalprofessionals interested in urban ecological research.The Audubon Society of Portland is a foundingmember of UERC and sits on its steering committee.

    Fungi in Tryon Creek State Park. Robin Lewis

    Sixth Annual

    Urban Ecologyand ConservationSymposium:Science in the CityMonday, February 4, 20089am 4:30pm,Evening Social until 6:30pmPortland State University Smith Center Ballroom1825 SW Broadway, Portland

    Cost: $30 standard fee; $15 for students.To register, go to www.uercportland.org

    Keynote SpeakersRoy Ellicker, Director of OregonDepartment of Fish and Wildlife

    andDr. Stan Gerht, Urban Coyote and

    Raccoon Expert from Chicago

    Volunteers Needed for Portland-Area Great Blue Heron InventoryThe Great Blue Heron is one of the Northwests most

    iconic species and is the official citybird of Portland. Each spring heronsnest in large colonies known asrookeries at places such as Ross Island,Vancouver Lake, Smith and BybeeLakes, and Heron Lakes Golf Course.However, heron rookeries are highlyvulnerable to habitat alterations, humandisturbance, and natural changes tothe environment. I n 2007, Audubonbegan assembling information aboutknown heron rookeries in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. This year, we arelooking to expand that effort.

    We will need help with two parts of this project. First,we are looking for information on heron rookerie s in

    Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Columbia, and ClarkCounties. Specifically we will be looking for the followinginformation: Location of Rookery Number of nestsYears in existence (if known)

    Second, we will be seeking Heron Rookery Site Stewards totrack changes at specific heron rookeries over the course ofthe year. We will be pairing individuals with rookeries neartheir home or workplace. If you know of a heron rookeryin the Portland-Vancouver metro region and/or you wouldlike to become a Heron Rookery Site Steward, pleasecontact Karen Munday, Portland Audubon Urban WildlifeSpecialist, at [email protected].

    Get Involved in ProtectingPlaces for Nature in YourNeighborhood!

    Sign up to join the Friends and Advocates of UrbanNatural Areas (FAUNA) at www.audubonportland.org.We will send you updates and action alerts on how you

    can get involved in conserving and restoring our urbanwatersheds and protecting nature near where we live,work, and play!

    Audubon Society of Portlands Urban NaturalResource Directory (UNRD) is now available onlineat www.urbanfauna.org. The UNRD is a resourcefor citizens seeking to protect, restore, and managewatersheds for fish, wildlife, and people in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region. After publishingfour editions of the UNRD between 1990 and 1996,Audubon Society of Portland released a final hardcopyedition in 2007. Subsequent editions will be availableonline at www.urbanfauna.org.

    Citizen Science: A GreatWay to Get Involvedby Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director

    The naturalist William Burrows once wrote of science that The large circle of light only reveals the larger circle ofdarkness that encompasses it. Despite centuries of accumulated research into the ecology, biology, and naturalhistory of all the species with which we share this planet, there remains far more that we dont know about these

    animals, even those that seem familiar and close at hand. At a time when we are changing the ecology of our planet at a ratepreviously unsurpassed, even those things that we think we know can no longer be taken for granted.

    The observations of citizens have a huge role to play in helping us track, understand, and manage our local wildlifepopulations. Audubon has long been a pioneer in the field of getting citizens involved in wildlife research. Audubonsannual Christmas Bird Count provides a century-long record of bird population trends at both the local and national levels.Throughout the year, Portland Audubon provides a variety of opportunities to get directly involved i n monitoring localwildlife populations. These are a great way to have fun, learn about the natural world, and make a difference for wi ldlife. Youdont need a Ph.D.; all you need is a desire to learn, the ability to observe, and a love of nature.

    Volunteers Needed forPeregrine Falcon Monitoring

    Since 1994, Audubon Society of Portland has beenmonitoring local Peregrine Falcon populations. Duringthe spring of 2008, Audubon will be conducting intensivesurveys of known and potential nest sites in the Portland

    metro area. In 2009, Audubon willbe assisting in statewide surveys ofperegrine populations.

    To prepare for these efforts, we willbe presenting an intensive all-daytraining workshop. The workshop willprovide a comprehensive overviewof Peregrine Falcon biology, ecology,identification, recovery, management,and monitoring. The workshop will beled by Dr. Joel (Jeep) Pagel, one ofthe foremost authorities on PeregrineFalcons in North America who hasstudied Oregons peregrines for more than two decades.His career has included serving as the Northwest PeregrineFalcon Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service, Endangered

    Species work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser vice, andserving as a Research Associate with the Santa CruzPredatory Bird Group. Additional field training sessions atknown peregrine nest sites will be offered later in the spring.

    The goal of this workshop is to prepare participants to takepart in Peregrine Falcon nest site surveys and educationoutreach programs during the 2008 and 2009 nestingseasons. While participation in monitoring or e ducationaloutreach activities is not required, priority will be given tothose willing to commit to participating in three 4-hourmonitoring sessions between March and July of 2008. Noprior experience is required.

    When: Saturday, February 16, 10am4pmWhere: Audubon Society of PortlandCost: $50 (Students: $25)To register: go to www.audubonportland.org or contactKaren Munday at 503-292-0304.

    Volunteers Needed for SauvieIsland Kestrel Project

    Kestrels are the smallest North American falcon.Researchers in many parts of the United States have noticedunexplained declines in American Kestrel populations,and population trends in Oregon are unclear at this time.Starting in 2008, Portland Audubon will begin conductingkestrel surveys on Sauvie Island. We will also be distributingkestrel nest boxes to citizens in the vicinity of Sauvie Islandwho have appropriate kestrel habitat on their property.Young produced in these boxes will be banded by expertbanders working with the property owner.

    We will need volunteers to participate

    in kestrel surveys as well as volunteersto participate in building kestrel nestboxes.

    To get involved, contact KarenMunday, Portland AudubonUrban Wildlife Specialist, [email protected] or stop by our Kestrel Projectinformation table at the RaptorRoad Trip (see page 1).

    Volunteer Field AssistantsNeeded for Local Pygmy-OwlResearchby John Deshler

    Northern Pygmy-Owls are tough, mysterious little birdsthat are found in forest and woodland habitats throughout

    Oregon. Much remains unknown about this species. Insome parts of Oregon the species is listed as sensitive,reflecting a lack of scientific knowledge about populationdynamics. John Deshler has been studying a pygmy-owlpopulation in the greater Portland area for h is MastersThesis at Portland State University and is looking forvolunteer research assistants. During the first year ofresearch, five nest sites were identified and twenty-threeyoung were observed to have fledged. Fifteen pygmy-owlswere banded and released unharmed.

    Volunteers should have extraordinary patience andtenacity, the ability to traverse heavily forested landscapes,and intermediate birding skills. Theability to participate regularly duringa weeks-long stretch between Marchand August is a must. Tasks are

    divided into surveying, nest finding,habitat assessments, telemetry,and nest monitoring. The mostdetermined volunteers will reap thegreatest rewards. An introductorypresentation will be held at Audubon both for thoseinterested in learning about pygmy-owls and for thoseinterested in participating in the project.

    When: Tuesday, March 11, 7pmWhere: Audubon Society of PortlandCost: Free

    American Kestrel. Jim Cruce

    Pygmy-Owl recovering atWildlife Care Center.

    Bob Sallinger

    Ross IslandHeron Rookery. Mike Houck

    Peregrine Falcon guardingnest on Interstate Bridge. Bob Sallinger

    4 FEBRUARY 2008 www.audubonportland.org

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    Few wildlife sightings evoke stronger responsesamong urban residents than that of a coyoteroaming about a greenspace, hunting mice at the

    edge of a yard, or loping down a city street. There aremany areas in the region where residents are serenadedto sleep by the howls and yips of the animal that Navajosheep and goat herders once referred to as GodsDog. For many it is a reminder of why they choose tolive in Oregon. For some it simply evokes fear. Localjurisdictions have struggled to determine what, if any,response should be undertaken.

    Dr. Stanley Gehrt recently completed a study of urbancoyotes in Chicago that has been described as The mostambitious work of its kind in the country. Dr. Gehrttracked 220 radio-collared coyotes in Chicago over thecourse of his six-year study. His work is fascinating andwill provide valuable insights for wildlife lovers, wildlifeprofessionals, and neighborhoods struggling to coexistwith urban coyotes.

    Join us for aLiving with Urban Coyotes Workshop todevelop a better understanding of the biology and ecologyof this adaptive wild dog.

    Sponsored by Portland Audubon and the Urban EcologyResearch Consortium.

    Living with Urban Coyotes Presentation

    National Experton Urban Coyotes toSpeak at AudubonSunday, February 3rd, 7pmat Audubon Society of Portland

    Coyote researcher Stan Gehrt and friend. Gehrt

    FREE!

    On December 12, 2007, the Portland Ci ty Councilheard testimony from citizens, developers, andpark advocates regarding a proposal to have

    new development pay a greater share of the costs of newparks, trails, and natural areas as Portland grows. Thehearing was the first of several in the coming months. Thedecision, expected in April or May of this year, will be oneof the most important environmental policy decisionsthe Portland City Council will make for years to come.Below we outline the history and context of this importantdecision in the hope that Portland Auduboners will getinvolved in the coming months.

    In July 2001 the City of Portland adopted a visionary parksplan Parks 2020 Vision to maintain and expandPortlands system of parks, trails, and natural areas asthe city population grows to a projected 700,000 by theyear 2020. TheParks 2020 Vision calls for a diverse,interconnected system of parks, trails, and natural areasthroughout the city and for a minimum level of park accessin every neighborhood.

    There are primarily two ways we can pay to implement the

    Parks 2020 Vision and make it reality for all Portlanders.The first is to tax ourselves, usually via property taxes, inthe form of municipal bonds to purchase land and capitalimprovements for parks, trails, and natural areas. Thesecond is to raise funds with park system developmentcharges (SDCs), one-time fees on new development thatpay for new parks, trails, and natural areas to ser vice thatdevelopment. The principle behind park SDCs is thatexisting residents should not bear the entire burden ofproviding new parks to service new growth. While somestate and federal grants will provide addi tional financing,the bulk of funding for Portlands parks will come fromeither taxes or SDCs.

    The opponents of park SDCs (usually residentialdevelopers) argue that SDCs amount to an unfair tax onnew homebuyers that make housing less affordable. Policydebates about park SDCs are certainly about who paysand who benefits, but the issue of fairness is far morecomplex, especially in Portland where policies have beenconsciously designed to address social equity. The heart ofthe issue surrounding the Portland City Councils pendingdecision to increase park SDCs is really one of social andintergenerational equity in neighborhood access to parksand natural areas.

    Portlands Disparities inAccess to ParksOne of the great myths about Portland is that we haverelatively good neighborhood access to parks and naturalareas. We dont. Portland has high per-capita park acresbecause of Forest Park but relatively poor neighborhoodaccess to parks compared to other cities in our region.

    We rank low because of disparities in access to parks andnatural areas. The Coalition for a Livable Futures RegionalEquity Atlas (www.equityatlas.org) found that less than50% of Portlanders live within a quarter-mile walkingdistance of a public greenspace, a minimum standard forquality park access. This is toward the bottom of the list ofcities in the region ranked in terms of neighborhood parkaccess (see Figure 1). Not coincidentally, Portland also hassome of the lowest park SDC rates in the region for newsingle-family homes.

    While park deficiencies can be found in most districts ofthe city, lower-income communities and communitiesof color are significantly more likely to be park deficient.These deficiencies are partly the consequence of pastdevelopment not paying for the park infrastructure needsthey created. Since parks tend to increase the value ofadjacent property values and associated housing costs,low-income residents tend to end up in neighborhoodswith worse park access. In otherwords, the unpaid costs ofinadequate park developmentare borne disproportionately byless-privileged segments of thepopulation, namely low-incomepeople and people of color whoface greater wealth and incomebarriers to choosing to live inhousing near parks. The childrenand elderly who depend onhaving nature nearby also suffergreatest in the long run when parkdevelopment does not keep pacewith growth.

    As Portland continues to growup rather than out and as energyand transportation costs rise,walkable access to parks andnatural areas will matter more,not less, especially to children, theelderly, and the poor who dependon having access to nature ne arby.These are the fairness issues wemust face in debating the proposedincrease in park developmentcharges.

    City Commissioner DanSaltzman proposed that new commercial and reside ntialdevelopment pay 75% of park costs to service thatdevelopment. Under Commissioner Saltzmans proposal,25% of park costs associated with new growth will still bepaid by other sources, largely taxpayers. More importantly,correcting for past deficiencies will be entirely borne bythe existing community. This hardly pits existing resi dentsagainst new homebuyers. However, the new park SDCs willprovide for new parks in high-growth areas like outer EastPortland that theParks 2020 Vision and the CLF RegionalEquity Atlas have identified as park deficient. The proposedpark SDCs also include exemptions for affordable housingthat ensure costs will not fall on those with the least abilityto pay. The Saltzman proposal simply asks that developerspay for a significant portion of the park infrastructureassociated with that growth, just as we ask develope rs topay for sewers, streets, and water pipes to service thosedevelopments.

    Increasing SDCs to adequately fund parks isaboutfairness. Future generations and those now living inpark-deficient neighborhoods deserve the benefits ofthe excellent city park system that only some of us enjoytoday. Commissioner Saltzmans proposal will expand theentire park, trail, and greenway system to meet the needsof future growth while helping address geographic andsocial disparities in park access into the next generation.If the Portland City Council does not act now to equitably

    Growth Fees for Parks, Trails, and Natural AreasAre About Social and Intergenerational Equityby Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director, and Jim Labbe, Urban Conservationist

    and adequately build the costs of parks into the costs ofdevelopment as Saltzmans proposal would ourgeneration will fall short in securing an excellent city parksystem for present and future generations.

    What You Can Do:

    1. Attend an upcoming hearing and supportCommissioner Saltzmans proposal for increasedSDCs that recover at least 75% of growth-related costs for new parks. Join Friends andAdvocates of Urban Natural Areas (FAUNA)on Portland Audubons Urban Conservationpage to receive email updates regardingfuture hearings.

    2. Send a letter or email to the Mayorand City Council.

    Mayor or Commissioner1221 SW 4th Ave.

    Portland, OR 97204

    Mayor Tom Potter

    [email protected]

    503-823-4127Commissioner Sam Adams

    [email protected]

    Commissioner Randy Leonard

    [email protected]

    Commissioner Dan Saltzman

    [email protected]

    Commissioner Erik Sten

    [email protected]

    In December, Commissioner Dan Saltzman proposed increasingthe park SDCs in order to recover up to 75% of growth-relatedcosts. The proposal will also assess non-residential fees to serviceparks in commercial and business districts. Under thi s proposal,

    new park SDC funds collected between 2008 and 2020 would: Acquire 890 acres of new parkland including 500 acres of natural

    areas throughout the City. Develop 350 acres of existing parkland. Acquire over 15 miles of new trailway. This is roughly the length

    of the existing Springwater Corridor in Portland. Develop 710 miles of new trail. Leverage state and federal dollars to acquire and develop

    hundreds of acres of additional parkland and many more milesof trails, as envisioned by theParks 2020 Vision.

    Walkers and bikers enjoy the popular Springwater greenway trail. Portlands park SDC program helped pay for numerousimprovements along the trail. Future SDC funds will help complete the notorious Sellwood Gap trail segment, finallycompleting a continuous trail from Portland to Gresham and beyond. Mike Houck

    Figure 1: Contrary to perception, Portland hassome of the worst park access in the region,ranking near the bottom of jurisdictions interms of neighborhood access to public park-land. (Reproduced from the Regional EquityAtlas, Chapter 7, Parks and Nature.)

    5FEBRUARY 2008www.audubonportland.org

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    Bald Eagles Don Baccus

    Klamath Basin

    March 1316, 2008

    Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, Lower Klamath Refuge is ournations first waterfowl refuge. This 46,900-acre Refuge is a varied mix of shallow

    freshwater marshes, open water, grassy uplands, and croplands that are intensivelymanaged to provide feeding, resting, nesting, and brood-rearing habitat forwaterfowl and other water birds. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website

    Enjoy some of the best birding in the west on this fantastic voyage with Bob Fields andthe Audubon Society of Portland. Bob is the former manager of the Klamath refugesand a past Audubon Society of Portland Board Member. Widely hailed as the most

    important wetland system in the west, the Klamath Basin is a haven for migratory b irdsand is one of Oregons 105 Important Bird Areas. Well search for large flocks of ducksand geese that stop in the basin and the eagles that feed on them. The spectacular springmigration of Snow, Rosss, and Greater White-fronted Geese should be in full swing.Raptors like Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, and Prairie Falcon are likely tomake an appearance. Trip enrollment is limited to 14 participants. Your fee i ncludes vantransportation from Portland, 3 nights lodging in Klamath Falls, entry fees, breakfasts,

    lunches, and leadership.

    Cost: $470 members / $510 non-membersConact: Steve Engel at [email protected] or 971-222-6119.

    Birding Expedition

    CALIFORNIA CONDORSBig Sur, Pinnacles, and Point ReyesApril 713, 2008

    Join us as we again head south to view the largest bird in North America, the CaliforniaCondor! Well travel by van from San Francisco Bay to Condor strongholds such as thePinnacles National Monument and Big Sur, south of Monterey. At Pinnacles we will

    hike the rugged volcanic landscape with excellent chances of seeing Condors in flight orat roost and perhaps Prairie Falcon and Golden Eagle as well. The wildflowers will alsobe spectacular! Our two nights in Monterey will give us plenty of time to explore the BigSur coast with its redwood forests, dramatic sea cliffs, and numerous parklands. Over twodozen Condors are known to frequent this stretch of coastline. Well also have time to visitthe world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium before we head north to Ano Nuevo State Park,where Elephant Seals lounge on the beaches. Our final two days will be spent exploringthe wild and open spaces stretching from the Golden Gate to Point Reyes. Well use hostel-style lodging inside national park lands for our last two nights. Spring wildflowers will beblooming and migration time under way with songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors filling ourbinoculars at many stops. Trip leader Steve Engel loves to visit old haunts along this stretchof coast and delights in sharing all aspects of its natural history with others.

    Cost: $795 members /$835 non-members

    Group Size: 89 participantsDeposit: $400 required to secure

    your placeLeader: Steve Engel

    What is included: Ground transportationfrom Oakland, CA, 4 nights double-occupancy lodging, 2 nights hostel-stylelodging, all entry fees, breakfasts, lunches,and the services of your leaders. A portionof your fee is a tax-deductible contributionto the Audubon Society of Portland.

    Contact:Steve Engel [email protected] or971-222-6119.

    Educational Trips & ToursThese trips are popular. We recommend that you book early.

    Condor Country: Pinnacles National Monument David Moen

    Alaska!June 714, 2008

    J

    oin the Audubon Society of Portland on a journey to the Great Land this summer! Alaskais a land of superlatives when it comes to wildlife and a must-visit destination for anyonekeen on the natural history of North America. This trip is designed to introduce you

    to some of the best of Alaska at a fun and relaxed pace. On our boat trip in Kenai FjordsNational Park we will experience the rich marine ecosystem of south-central Alaska. TheChiswell Islands are home to nesting seabirds such as Red-faced Cormorant, Thick-billedMurre, and Tufted and Horned Puffin. The air will be alive with calls of Black-leggedKittiwakes and theres a chance to see Parakeet and Ancient Auklet. Well also get closeto tidewater glaciers where, with luck,well spot the rare Kittlitzs Murrelet.Humpback Whale, Orca, and DallsPorpoise are likely to be seen fromthe boat and Sea Otters are all butguaranteed. Our next stop is DenaliNational Park, the crown jewel of ourNational Park System. Well exploredeep into the park via shuttle bus,experiencing many of its habitats thatare home to GrayWolf, Grizzly Bear,

    Caribou, Dall Sheep, and Moose.The birdwatching can include RockPtarmigan, Gyrfalcon, Merlin,Long-tailed Jaeger, and NorthernWheatear, to name a few. Next wellspend two days traversing the Denali Highway between Cantwell and Paxson, taking ourtime as we search for wildlife-viewing opportunities among the many wetlands, forests,tundras, and mountain passes. Trip leader is Audubons Adult Education Coordinator, SteveEngel. He has spent many summers traveling in Alaska and is eager to share with you themany wonderful sights that await us.

    Cost: $1,795 members /$1,835 non-members

    Group Size: 9 participantsDeposit: $1,000 required to secure

    your placeLeader: Steve Engel

    What is included: Ground transportationfrom Anchorage, 7 nights double-occupancy lodging, all park entry fees, boatand bus tour fees, breakfasts, lunches, andthe services of your leader. A portion ofyour fee is a tax-deductible contribution tothe Audubon Society of Portland.

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

    Harlequin Drake. Credit: Glen Smart/USFWS

    Tails of the ForestGrades: 1st2nd March 2428 (MondayFriday)Fee: $230 members / $245 non-membersDuring this week-long camp, youll learn about all the tails of the forest and the animals thatthey belong to. Tell tales about animals, play animal games, and make art projects inspiredby what you learn. Well be sure to spend lots of time in Audubons Wildlife Sanctuarysearching for bushy squirrel tails, slippery newt tales, and spiky woodpecker tails.

    Bug ArtGrades: 2nd3rd March 24 (Monday)Spring is when all the little bugs in the Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary start to warm upand wiggle around. Well bring our magnifying lenses and nets to find and observe theseamazing tiny animals. Youll draw, paint, and create sculptures of all the critters you findlurking in the Sanctuary. Learn what makes the forest floor crawl with life!

    Junior Wildlife Vet 102Grades: 4th5th March 24 (Monday)Join other animal lovers for a day devoted to learning about the care of injured andorphaned wildlife. Well go behind the scenes with wildlife rehabilitators and find outwhat this exciting field is all about.

    Aquatic ArtGrades: 2nd3rd March 25 (Tuesday)What creatures live in your local creeks and ponds? Well look in Balch Creek and thepond in Audubons own Wildlife Sanctuary to find mayflies, trout, and maybe even acrayfish! Get to know the plants and animals that live in this watershed and turn yourobservations into imaginative paintings, drawings, and clay sculptures.

    Spring Break Camp 2008 Sc

    Comecelebrate the

    100-year anniversaryof the Lower

    KlamathNWR!

    Exit Glacier, Alaska Steve Engel

    6 FEBRUARY 2008 www.audubonportland.org

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    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 zip code, or call Steve Engel and pay over the phone.

    FEBRUARY

    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 w ith 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

    Participation is limited to 12 people. The program will run 14 months, beginning Spring 2008 and ending Summer 2009. Most months therewill be two classes and two field trips as we follow Oregon birds through the seasons. For more information and to learn how to register, contactSteve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator.

    Master Birder ProgramIntroducing the AudubonSociety of Portlands new

    BeginningField Birdingand SauvieIslandExplorationFebruary 2, March 1,April 5(Saturdays),8amNoon

    Join Greg Baker, expertbirder and fiddler, and get to know one of Oregons most

    accessible Important Bird Areas Sauvie Island WildlifeArea managed by Oregon Department of Fish andWildlife. Just 10 miles from downtown Portland, SauvieIsland is rich with wildlife. Greg has offered this class inthe fall and spring for going on 16 years and it alwaysfills up! Its perfect for those interested in developingand sharpening their birding skills, meeting new birdingbuddies, and exploring the different habitats on the island.Learn bird calls, and search for waterfowl, songbirds, andraptors. This workshop is limited to 15 people and signupsare for all three days.

    Fee: $50 members / $60 non-membersEnrollment Limited: 15 participantsPre-registration required participants register for all three days.

    Northern Flicker Paul Buescher

    Photo C. Pederson

    MARCHBeginning Birding IISession 1: March 23, April 6 (8amNoon)

    April 20 (all day)Session 2: March 30, April 13 (8amNoon)

    April 27 (all day)

    Join popular instructor Laura Whittemore on one ofthese three-field-trip sessions focusing on building birdingskills. Participants should either have already taken LaurasBeginning Birding class or GregBakers Beginning Field Birding,or have some prior birding

    experience. This class will be anopportunity to spend more timein the field learning bird groups,songs, habitats, and field marks,and to take on the ID challengesthat cross our path.

    These three Sunday field trips consist of two local trips(8amNoon) and one all-day trip b y van (8am5pm). Localtrips will be w ithin the metro area and youll need your owntransportation or carpool with a friend. The all-day triptransportation will be provided by Audubon. Register foreither Session 1 or Session 2.

    Cost: $70 members / $80 non-membersEnrollment Limited: 12 participantsPre-registration is required.

    Focus on Flowers:A Wildflower Field Class for Beginnersand Advanced BeginnersApril 13 (Sunday), 8am4pm

    Join instructor andphotographer DonJacobson on an outing tothe Columbia River Gorgein the spring. The focusof this class is on learninghow to identify flowers, and

    of course we willidentifyindividual flowers withboth common and scientific names. Don will give a briefoverview of the history and significance of scientific names.Plant keys, ecology, and conservation concepts will alsobe touched upon, and a list of references will be provided.The classroom will be the flower-covered Memaloose Hillsnear Hood River. There will be moderate hiking: 46 mileswith 700-foot elevation gain. The pace will be slow, withnumerous stops for identification. The carpool location is inSE Portland and the rendezvous point is near Hood River.

    Cost: $25 members /$35 non-membersEnrollment Limited:12 participantsPre-registration isrequired.

    APRIL

    Balsamroot Don Jacobson

    White-crowned Sparrow.Credit: Donna Dewhurst/USFWS

    To register, first call Sarah Swanson at 971-222-6120 to reserve your spot.Then download the registration form from www.audubonportland.org and send it inwith payment. Places can be saved for only 14 days without payment.

    Forest to FarmGrades: 4th5th March 25 (Tuesday)Ever wondered how you would feed yourself if you werentable to get food from the supermarket? Put on your overallsand hop on board as we explore the connections betweengrowing food and the wilderness. Test your awareness on theedges of cultivated fields by listening for the sound of thehummingbird and the cries of hawks. Dig your fingers intothe soil to explore the hidden worlds that lie underneath.From the dirt under your feet to the food in your belly,come learn how its all connected!

    Junior Wildlife Vet 101Grades: 2nd3rd March 26 (Wednesday)Join other animal lovers for a day devoted to learning about

    the care of injured and orphaned wildlife. Well go behindthe scenes with wildlife rehabilitators and find out what thisexciting field is all about.

    Animal TrackingGrades: 4th5th March 26 (Wednesday)Have you ever wondered where the original stories ofthe land come from? Have you ever wandered throughthe woods looking at tracks on the ground and hoping tounderstand their meaning? Come along as we spend a fullday unraveling the mysteries of animal tracking through basictrack identification and animal gait interpretation.

    Forest Park ExplorersGrades: 2nd3rd March 27 (Thursday)Spend the day hiking and exploring some of Forest Parksmany exciting trails. Well learn about the plants and animalsthat live right here in Portlands backyard. March is a greattime to find new wildflowers, drumming woodpeckers, andslimy Banana Slugs. Make a map so that you can find theseamazing places again.

    Bird QuestGrades: 4th5th March 27 (Thursday)This camp will travel to birding hotspots around Portlandto find as many birds as possible in one day. Whether youknow every warbler you see, or just want to learn thedifference between a hawk and a falcon, this camp will show

    you something new. Youll keep a bird species list and learnall kinds of cool facts about the birds that call the PacificNorthwest their home. Binoculars are provided.

    Befriend a Bird of PreyGrades: 2nd4th March 28 (Friday)What is the difference between an owl and a hawk? Is avulture a bird of prey? Well answer these questions andmore as we spend the day investigating these amazingpredators. You can handle talons, skulls, and wings and evenmeet some of our resident raptors from our Wildlife CareCenter.

    Mission Impossible II:Lost Treasure of NeahkahnieGrades: 5th8th

    March 2628 (WednesdayFriday)Instructors: Mike Kin and Ian AbrahamFee: $155 members / $175 non-membersHaving received word of a successfully completedimpossible mission from last spring at Marmot Cabin, thehome office at Forest Park has sent a coded message:

    Years ago, two ships traveling in the night collided and sank.As legend goes, one ship contained a hold full of beeswax. Theother carried a treasure, which was buried onshore under a rock.Your assignment is to find this treasure. Obtain clues andhints through any means necessary including, but not limited

    to, interviews with tidepool residents and conversations withpassing gray whales. If you choose to accept this assignment,you will be lodged at Twin Rocks Friends Camp in Rockaway.Your days will be full of adventure and intrigue, nights full ofstories and campfires. As always, should you or any memberof your group be captured, the Audubon staff will disavow allknowledge of your actions. This message will self-destruct afteryou register for this AWESOME adventure. Good luck!

    duleFee per Class (unless noted otherwise):$60 members / $70 non-members.All classes run 9am4pm.Partial scholarships available; ask Sarah for an application.

    7FEBRUARY 2008www.audubonportland.org

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    Sanctuaries

    For Education:Powerpoint projector Flat screen monitor

    Laptop computer Floorlamps

    For Sanctuary:Loppers Hand saws Work gloves

    Long-necked staplerWatering wand hose attachment

    For Wildlife Care Center:Chicken baby food

    Science Diet kitten foodBleach Camper/trailer

    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:

    Katherine A. OMeara for a 19-inch flat panel monitor. Judy Bjorge for seven chromolithographs, a signed

    print, and a set of books. James Sims for a Dell laptop for the Wildlife

    Care Center.

    Audubon SocietyofPortland

    gratefully acknowledges these

    thoughtful gifts:

    You can honor a special person with a gift to AudubonSociety of Portland. Your gift will help fund a future

    of 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 your

    thoughtful gift will be sent to the honoree or family.

    In MemoryJohn King

    A Friend

    Judy OsburnTown and Country Fence Co. of Oregon

    Gordon BaileyJudy and Dixon Shaver

    Anne NewtonDoug and Rhande Ainslie

    Auriel WhiteJames and Claire Dugoni

    Elizabeth Sparks ChilesVirginia S. Calvin

    Jim KimballCharlotte and David Corkran

    In HonorCarol Thomas

    The Shifleys

    Judi PaisleyKira Paisley

    Scott FaberAnn Jamison

    Valerie DavisRoslyn Simon

    Kyle SpinksScott Spinks

    Hugh and Mary GemmellHannah Salomon

    Laney StrandEric Strand

    The Nickerson FamilyWendy Maynard

    Vonda Purdy-MyersVanessa Verrill

    Peg and Bob GoldieMax and Maxine Wilkins

    Nature Store Highlightsby Nancy Mattson & Sally Loomis, Nature Store Staff

    New Dimensions inNature ObservationLast spring, Portland Audubon and KGW-TV used aRaptor Cam to bring an exciting up-close view of thenesting, feeding, and fledging of a Red-tailed Hawk familyto a worldwide audience via the internet. Now, with a well-designed nest box equipped with a Hawk Eye Nature Camfrom the Nature Store, that same excitement can be brought

    to your own TV, as you view the wildlife outside your door.Which of your own backyard residents would you like toclosely observe without disturbing? Nesting songbirds orowls? Perhaps a frisky family of squirrels? Or maybe just anup-close view of your busy hummingbird feeder?

    The Hawk Eye Nature Cam, at$85.00 ($76.50 for members),is equipped with a small weathershield and 100 feet of cable for long-distance viewing from a variety ofbackyard settings. During the day,these cameras transit real-time,live-action images in bright livingcolor. At night, six miniatureinfrared lights take over, allowingyou to continue watching in full

    darkness. The infrared lights do not disturb or harm birdsor other wildlife while they allow you to observe the secretnighttime world of nature.

    Three styles of nest boxes with the Hawk Eyepre-installed and ready to mount on a nearby treeare also available.

    Stop by the Nature Store for a demonstration andinformation on how to use these cameras in a responsibl emanner that allows you and your family, friends, andneighbors to gain enhanced watch-but-dont-touchknowledge of our urban fauna.

    Kids Corner: New BooksThe Nature Store carries childrens books that emphasizethe fun and wonder of the natural world. Kids who learnto understand the amazing world around them will bemotivated to protect it as they grow older. Here are somenew titles wed like to highlight that both parents andchildren will enjoy.

    Beetle Bop by Denise Fleming usesbrightly colored stenciled artworkand rhyming text (great for readingaloud) to show how common andhow varied these insects can be.Where in the Wild?by DavidSchwartz has wonderful colorphotos with fold-over flapsthat reveal the amazing waysthat animals use camouflageto protect themselves. Whenthe Shadbush Bloomsby CarlaMessinger shows the cycleof the seasons through theperspective of a Lenni Lenape(a Native American of years past) as well as that of her

    modern-day descendent, with lovely

    painted illustrations.

    Etta Kaner and Marie Lafrancehave created a fun series of booksthat explore weather. Who Likes the

    Wind?and related works for sun,snow, and rain are colorful flapbooks that help answer the manyquestions young children have,like what a cloud feels like or whythe wind whistles.

    On a global basis... the t wo great destroyers ofbiodiversity are, first, habitat destruction and second,invasion by exotic species. E.O. Wilson

    Invasive species can drastically alter the natural processesof an ecosystem in a relatively short period of time. The

    proliferation of invasive species, both plant and animal,is often caused and accelerated by habitat destruction, andtogether the two wreak havoc on native wildlife and habitat.A case in point is the perilous decline of the NorthernSpotted Owl, whose habitat has been severely diminished bythe destruction of our old-growth forests through voraciouslogging practices. Habitats disturbed by logging have provedwelcoming to the Barred Owl, which has steadily expandedits natural territory and is now competing with the NorthernSpotted Owl for territory and contributing to the rapiddecline of the native species.

    The important lesson is that while invasive species pose aserious threat to native ecosystems and habitats, they arebyproducts of a larger problem: human encroachment anddestruction of habitat. Any solution tothe problem of invasive species mustbegin by addressing our role in creatingthe problem. In the long run it will dolittle good to organize volunteer workparties to remove English ivy from oursanctuaries if our neighbors are stillusing ivy in the landscape around theirhome; the ivy will continue to encroachand our sanctuaries will becomea small, isolated island of habitat.Similarly, we cannot blame the BarredOwl for the decline of the SpottedOwl without first looking at the role ofthe chainsaw and societys insatiableappetite for timber.

    Education and outreach are essential components of a

    successful program of invasive species management.

    An informedpublic thatunderstands whywe are working tocontrol invasivespecies is more likely to support our efforts, whether byworking to remove invasives on their own property, joiningour habitat restoration effort, or spreading the word aboutthe impacts of invasive species and habitat loss.

    Current Focus of PortlandAudubons Invasive SpeciesEffortsOur sanctuaries projects focus on habitat restoration andenhancement by removing invasive plant species andplanting native species. While we do have our share ofinvasive animal species, their removal presents numerouspractical and ethical problems while doing little to providesuitable habitat for native wildlife.

    While we have catalogued 20 invasive plant speciesin our sanctuaries, our recent efforts have focusedon English ivy, garlic mustard, and clematis. Thebackbone of our efforts is our monthly work party,held on the third Saturday of the month. Rain orshine, dedicated volunteers come to scour the hillsideand help us rid our sanctuaries of pestilent plants. Wealso host a number of work parties for corporate andcommunity groups that would like to help with ourhabitat restoration program.

    This coming year we will be augmenting ourvolunteer efforts, thanks to a grant from the Bureauof Environmental Services Watershed InvestmentFund. We plan on bringing AmeriCorps crews outto focus on ivy removal and native plantings on the

    slope between Balch Creek and Cornell Road. This projectwill restore five acres of prime streamside habitat, increase

    slope stability, and improve water quality in Balch Creek.

    Managing Invasive Speciesby Tom Costello, Sanctuaries Director

    Garlic mustard in bloom. John M. Randall/The NatureConservancy

    English ivy up to no good. John M. Randall/The Nature Conservancy

    8 FEBRUARY 2008 www.audubonportland.org

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    by Harry NehlsField Notes

    Sightings

    As with all living things, among birds the secretof success is food. Food is the great regulator; itcontrols population levels, distribution, and general

    well being. It also is one of the main reasons that birdsmigrate.

    Generally birds do not carry much fat so they must eatregularly. This could cause problems in times of shortages.Food shortages are found most often during the wintermonths and birds have to offset this problem to a certaindegree. As winter approaches, bird metabolism is slowed,all nonessential functions are closed down, and the birdsspend more time doing nothing wh en not foraging forfood. They are also much less fussy about w hat they eat.

    The Columbia River in North Portland has been a birdinghotspot this winter. All three species of loons have beenseen including a group of eight Red-throated LoonsChris Warren found at Kelley Point January 2. The usualwintering flock of Common Goldeneyes was presentagain near the railroad bridge on Hayden Island, and on

    January 2 Chris found a bright male Barrows Goldeneyeamong them. Besides a few Lapland Longspurs, SnowBuntings, and Red-necked Grebes, upto four Short-eared Owls have been seenat Broughton Beach near the PortlandAirport. Dave Helzer has been reportingShort-eareds at the airport for severalyears.

    Up to 3,000 Snow Geese have been seenon Sauvie Island this winter. On December29 Karen Bachman and Andy Frankspotted a Rosss Goose at the end of OakIsland Road, and Wink Gross and DavidMandell found a Barrows Goldeneye on the east sideof the Island. A White Pelican is wintering this year onSauvie Island.

    On December 15 Mike Houck saw a Prairie Falcon alongOak Island Road on Sauvie Island. Lars Norgren saw

    one near Roy north of Forest Grove December 21. OnDecember 26 Wilson Cady found a Mountain Bluebird atFrenchmans Bar near Vancouver Lake. On December 21 hesaw two Red-breasted Mergansers on Vancouver Lake.

    Large flocks of Pine Siskins began showing up during

    December. On December 13 Craig Turner saw 250 inMilwaukie; John Gatchet hosted 250 in Gresham, and Seth

    Reams had 125 in NE Portland. OnDecember 24 Andy Frank saw over100 Cedar Waxwings in NorthPortland.

    On December 6 Seth Reamsreported a Vesper Sparrow amongtheJunco flock at his NE Portlandfeeders. Andy Frank reported aCassins Finch at his NW Portlandfeeders during December.

    There were many reports of lower-than-expected numbersof some common species this December, mainly forestbirds. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Varied Thrushes, andFox Sparrows were especially noted. The very heavy rainsduring the month may have been a deterrent and manybirds may have moved to a less wet climate.

    Because small-bodied birds cannot retain as much heat aslarger-bodied birds, they must forage almost constantly forfood. Sparrows, chickadees, Bushtits, warblers, andother similar-sized birds move about in flocks searchingfor food, seldom resting during the day. Staying in flocksprovides some protection from predators, which are also

    looking for food.

    The extensive juniper woodlands of Central Oregon attractmany thousands of seed-eating birds during the wintermonths, but the food almost always runs out about mid-February. By mid-winter, birds wintering in the WillametteValley also experience food sh ortages. There is considerableshifting of bird populations during this period as they seekout other sources of nourishment. Birds become muchmore conspicuous and are often found in large flocks.Fortunately the weather moderates during February so thebirds are less likely to experience extreme hardships.

    Larger birds like hawks and owls need to eat only everyfour or five days, but when they do eat they take muchlarger portions and store considerable fat to tide them overto the next meal. Some birds have other means to ensurea healthy diet during the winter months, including AcornWoodpeckers, which store acorns in holes in granary treesand actively protect them all winter. This in itself takes alot of energy and keeps the whole colony busy. The ClarksNutcracker uses a better method.

    Adapting to Winter Food Shortages

    Over the last year, the Audubon Society ofPortland has been extremely fortunate in

    receiving the tireless and varied support ofMarianne Nelson. Marianne moved to Portland withher husband just over a year ago from Elgin, Illinois,where she served as executive director of the Fox ValleyLand Trust before retiring.

    Last January Marianne trained to lead sanctuary toursand went on to lead dozens of tours throughout thespring. She also helped out with the native plant saleand Birdathon, and serves on Audubons VolunteerCouncil. Marianne has funneled her creative energiesinto a variety of Portland Audubon programs over thelast year, but her support of conservation is particularlynoteworthy.

    Last May she was one of over 50 Audubon Society ofPortland members who turned out at the hearing tooppose the flawed Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Planproposed by the Bush administration.

    In the summer Marianne got involved in the Measure49 campaign and worked tirelessly on Audubons behalfto organize members, volunteers, and the voting publicto support the measure. She was especially adept atdesigning and installing some excellent Measure 49displays outside Heron Hall and in the Wildlife CareCenter, and helped organize two Audubon phone banksto persuade voters to vote for the measure. After thepassage of Measure 49, Marianne did not miss a beatin helping organize citizens to turn out in support ofincreasing Portlands park system development charges(SDCs) in December.

    Marianne provided outstanding public testimonysupporting Audubons advocacy this past year, notedBob Sallinger, Portland Audubons ConservationDirector. She is clearly someone who under stands thebreadth and connection of our conservation work hereat Portland Audubon in protecting the habitat of speciesof regional and national significance, like the SpottedOwl, while also preserving places for nature in ourbackyards and neighborhoods.

    All told, Marianne has logged well over 150 volunteerhours this past year. Rarely are we graced with an energeticvolunteer whose contributions cut across so much ofPortland Audubons work. Thank you, Marianne!

    Volunteer of the Month:Marianne Nelsonby Jim Labbe,Urban Conservationist

    Acorn Woodpecker. Credit: Gary Kramer/USFWS

    Photo

    TedNelson

    Red-necked Grebe and chicks Ron LeValley/www.levalleyphoto.com

    The Clarks Nutcracker is far superior to any otherbird in relocating buried seeds, remembering where theyare buried months later, even under deep snows. Eachindividual bird selects a landmark (tree, rock, log, orsome other prominent object), then buries the seeds at apersonally selected distance around the landmark. Thesecrecy discourages other nutcrackers from locating andstealing the cache. When the bird returns to retrieve theseeds, all it needs to do is go the selected distance from thelandmark and begin digging. The bird might be a bit offbut close enough that the seeds can easily be found even infairly deep snow.

    Treat your staff to a true retreat just minutes from downtownIncrease productivity meetings held in natural environments are less tiring and more

    effective than those held i n conventional settings. Benefit from intimate areas both indoors and out for breakout sessions and team-building exercises. Enjoy breaks outdoors in fresh air; stretch your legs (and minds) on our trails. Our sanctuary includes acres of mixed-conifer forest and 4.5 miles of trails, which connects

    with Forest Park, offering 5,000 acres and 70 miles of trails.

    Rental Fees:

    $50 per hour (two-hour minimum) $25 nonrefundable deposit Certificate of insurance naming Audubon

    Society of Portland as additional insured(required at time of deposit)

    Business members receive specialdiscounts. To become a business membercall 503-292-6855 and speak to ourDevelopment Director.

    Our Facilities:Heron Hall 31 ft. x 31 ft.

    accommodates 75 people if organized auditorium style accommodates 50 people if organized banquet styleRental includes:

    tables and chairs, 27-inch video screen, slide projectorand 10x12 projector screen

    kitchen with small refrigerator, microwave, coffee urn,dishes, cups, silverware.

    nature library and natural history display use of our sanctuary and trails wi-fi access

    Picture your next meeting orevent surrounded by nature!

    9FEBRUARY 2008www.audubonportland.org

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    This popular program willcontinue for another year.As before, it intends to bring

    birders together from around the stateto enjoy birds, see new locations, and

    maybe add to their lists. We aim to helpeveryone see most of the birds. Thepace is moderate, and corny jokes mayhappen from time to time.

    I will again be organizing and leading these trips. Itcontinues to be a joy to share birding in Oregon with others.

    Paul T. Sullivan

    Paul Sullivan

    Audubon Birding Weekends 2008 a portal to birding Oregon

    February 910 Interior Valley Refuges

    We will look for raptors, waterfowl, and winteringpasserines from the Tualatin River NWR to Baskett Slough,Ankeny, and Finley NWRs, with E.E. Wilson Wildlife Areathrown in. Base: Salem.

    March 89 Summer Lake

    We will visit this staging area for large numbers of SnowGeese and other waterfowl on their northward migration.Base: Summer Lake.

    April 2627 Jackson County

    As spring comes to southern Oregon, we will visit this areato catch the early migrants. Specialties of the area includeOak Titmouse, Mockingbird, California Towhee, and BlackPhoebe. Base: Ashland.

    May 2426 Grant County

    We will look for spring migrants, especially the UplandSandpiper, and enjoy the beauty of the StrawberryMountains. Base: John Day.

    Registration

    Registration for Audubon Birding Weekends is $35 per person for each weekend. Separate checks are preferred.Please make your check payable to theAudubon Society of Portland.

    You must register by the Tuesday before the weeke nd you plan to attend.The following registration information is needed for each weekendyou wish to attend: name address phone email trip youwish to join number of attendees amount enclosed.

    June 1415 Klamath County

    We will visit this county to look for Yellow Rails, WhitePelicans, Red-necked and Clarks Grebes, Forsters andBlack Terns, plus shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl onUpper Klamath and Agency Lakes, as well as forest species.

    Base: Klamath Falls.

    July 46 Wallowa County

    We will look for nesting songbirds, migrant shorebirds,and the raptors of the Zumwalt prairie while we enjoy thebeauty of the Wallowas. Base: Enterprise.

    August 910 Lake County

    We will visit southern Lake County: Lake Abert, HartMountain NWR, and the Warner Valley, to see the diversearray of migrant shorebirds, as well as waterfowl and forestbirds. We may find the Juniper Titmouse. Base: Lakeview.

    Audubon Birding Weekends 2008

    What you can expect

    About 10 days before each trip, I will provide a letter to registered participants that will give motel options, schedule,possible birds, and the meeting place. I will also help with arranging carpooling. We meet for Saturday breakfast andcarpool from there. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, food, and lodging. Participants are alsoresponsible for their own comfort: snacks, warm clothing, rain gear, insect repellant, sunscreen, etc. Participants should get

    gas and lunches ahead of time.

    September (no trip)

    This month is already full with the Oregon ShorebirdFestival, the North American Migration Count, and theOregon Field Ornithologists annual meeting.

    October 1112 Crook County

    We will visit the reservoirs and woods of this centralOregon county to find migrant waterfowl and shorebirds.Base: Prineville

    November 89 Central Cascades

    We will spend our days at Haystack Reservoir, HatfieldLake, Wickiup Reservoir, and other high lakes of theCascades, looking for fall waterfowl. We will also look forBlack-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers in burns nearBend. Base: Bend.

    December (no trip)

    Questions? Contact Paul at [email protected] or 503-646-7889.

    Please send the registration to:

    Paul T. Sullivan4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26

    Beaverton OR 97005

    Wildlife Care Center

    Giving a Bald Eagle an enema is just one of thememories Irene MacIntosh takes with her as sheretires after 4 years as the Wildlife Care Center

    Assistant. She will also remember the time she pulledeight baby skunks out of a trash can and how her face

    went numb after about the fourth baby. She wont forgetwatching volunteers picking bird lice off of each other what Irene calls the ultimate team-building experience.Shell remember the animals saved and th ose lost. Manyof her memories are of the volunteers she trained, thosethat brought her chocolate, and those that made her laugh.Irenes last day as the Wildlife Care Center Assistant wasJanuary 8, but she wasnt away for long, and the memorieswill continue to grow because Irene returned as a volunteerfour days later.

    Irene first encountered Portland Audubon 17 years agowhen she took a four-hour-a-week shift in the WildlifeCare Center. As an involved volunteer, she took everyopportunity to learn about wildlife rehabilitation. Irenetook classes, researched individual cases,and obtained her own permit to do small

    mammal rehabilitation in her home. She hada passion for performing fecal exams amicroscopic look for parasites because itwas like a treasure hunt to he r. She made it afamily affair and enlisted her husband Josephto assist with fixing a variety of decrepitmechanical devices on which the Care Centerdepends. Irene was a steady, calm force, according to BobSallinger, the Wildlife Care Center Director for many ofIrenes years. In his mind she was a natural choice as theWCC Assistant when the position opened up 4 years ago.

    As the Wildlife Care Center Assistant, Irene was able to takeher years of wildlife rehabilitation experience and pass iton to the more than 60 Wildlife Care Center volunteers.When speaking of Irene the volunteers respond with

    admiration for her kindness, knowledge of wildliferehabilitation, compassion for wildlife, and her

    sense of humor. Lei Kotynski sums up the feelings:Her kindness, love, and patience comes throughwith every animal she touches and every personshe interacts with. I learned so much from Irene.Another volunteer, Mandy Sims, describes herexperience with Irene: I truly learned what it meansto be unconditionally compassionate and incrediblyknowledgeable and intelligent without the constant

    need to be credited for it.

    So, Irene, it isnt goodbye. Instead, we say thanks for youryears of wit, knowledge, and compassion and we lookforward to many more.

    Irene MacIntosh Retires from Wildlife Care CenterBy Deb Sheaffer, Wildlife Care Center Operations Manager

    Irene MacIntosh (center) treats injured Bald Eagle at WildlifeCare Center. Portland Audubon

    Her kindness, love,

    and patience comes

    through with every

    animal she touches

    and every person

    she interacts with.

    I learned so much

    from Irene.

    Give aGIFT MEMBERSHIPto your Sweetheart!

    I want to become a member orgive a GIFT MEMBERSHIP at level:

    The GIFT MEMBERSHIP is from:

    WARBGMBR

    My check, payable to Audubon Society ofPortland, is enclosed.

    Please charge my:

    MasterCard Visa Discover

    Payment Method

    We will send a card to the new membernotifying them of your gift.

    Name:

    Address:

    City/State/Zip:

    Phone:

    Email:

    I would like to give aGIFT MEMBERSHIP to:

    This gift is for me.

    Name:

    Address:

    City/State/Zip:

    Phone:

    Email:

    $100 Goldfinch

    $250 Warbler(receives special giftsof Official AudubonT-Shirt & Heron pin)

    $25 Introductory

    $35 Individual

    $45 Family

    $60 Wren

    Card #: Exp:A Great Horned Owl isexamined in the Wildlife CareCenter. Portland Audubon

    Did you know?Portland Audubons Wildlife Care Center includes full surgical and diagnostic capabilities,is staffed by professional rehabilitators including a wildlife veterinarian and more than 100volunteers, and is open 9am5pm every day of the year. We do not charge for our servicesand do not receive government funding. You can help our efforts by donating funds ormaterial supplies to the Wildlife Care Center or by becoming a volunteer.

    Call us at 503-292-0304 if you have found an inj ured animal or have questions about urbanwildlife, and get more information at www.audubonportland.org/WildlifeCareCenter.

    10 FEBRUARY 2008 www.audubonportland.org

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    Bird of the Month

    Lincolns SparrowMelospiza lincolnii

    References Birds of Oregon (Marshall, Hunter, and Contreras) Sparrows of the United States and Canada (Beadle and Rising) The Sibley Guide to Birds (Sibley)

    by John Rakestraw

    Some people feel that all sparrows fall into the littlebrown birds that all look alike category. But as littlebrown birds go, Lincolns Sparrows are actually quite

    colorful. While the overall pattern is similar to that of theclosely related Song Sparrow, several differences reallymake Lincolns Sparrows stand out.

    IdentificationRanging 46 inches in length, Lincolns Sparrows averageabout half an inch shorter than Song Sparrows, with ashorter tail, a more delicate build, and a finer bill. On thebirds head, gray on the supercilium and the side of theneck strongly contrasts with the brown crown and cheeks.

    The strong buffy malar stripe also provides strong contrast.

    The upper breast shows a broad buffy band overlaid withfine, crisp black streaks, which extend onto the birdsflanks. These fine streaks are very different from theblurry brown streaking found on Song S parrows. LincolnsSparrows show fine markings on their backs as we ll. Whenagitated which is most of the time Lincolns Sparrowsoften raise their crown feathers into a little peak.

    Range and HabitatLincolns Sparrows spend the winter months along theWest Coast, through the southern third of the UnitedStates, throughout Mexico, and into Central America. Theybreed across much of Canada and southern Alaska southinto mountainous areas of the western United States.

    In Oregon, the birds winter in valleys west of the Cascades.They are usually found in brushy areas along the edgesof wetlands and farm fields. Lincolns Sparrows nest inmountain meadows (usually above 3500 feet in elevation)that have willow thickets or other brushy cover.

    Behavior

    Lincolns Sparrows tend to skulk in heavy cover, makingthem difficult to see. Even when singing, males will usuallybe hidden from full view. With a little patience, though,you can get good looks at Lincolns Sparrows as they maketheir way through the brush, popping up onto a prominentperch for a few seconds before disappearing into the coveragain. Males can be found by following their loud bubblingsong in the nesting season.

    ConservationWintering Lincolns Sparrows are reported more frequentlynow than in the past. Whether this indicates an increasein the wintering population, or just better birders andincreased coverage, is unclear. Potential threats to thisspecies include overgrazing on the meadows where they nestand the loss of brushy wetlands on the wintering grounds.

    Strength inMembershipby Ann Takamoto,Development Director

    Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is alandmark of incredible beauty and a testamentto collaboration and perseverance for all

    Auduboners; the milestone of its centennial this pastOctober is one that we can celebrate and use to inspireus to continue our work.

    Spending some time recently at Oceanside on a stormywinters day, I reflected on these achievements by thefirst Audubon Society president, William L. Finley,his wife Irene, and his lifelong friend Herman T.Bohlman their dedication and tenacity madepossible the first National Wildlife Refuge west of theMississippi. The historical footage Id seen depictednot only the rich wildlife and the huge numbers ofseabirds they were so passionately protecting, but alsothe fact that so much has transpired since then to thedetriment of those abundant resources.

    Driving back from the coast along Highway 26 throughthe Coast Range, I was reminded of the importance ofthe work we do together, and how much habitat hasbeen lost to clearcutting... these are truly challengingtimes.

    There is incredible strength in community, as Portland

    Audubon members prove time and again. You reallystepped up at the years end; the same dedication,passion, and tenacity that drove Finley shone throughin the gifts, donations, membership renewals, andsupport we received to help fund our programs.Our membership is active, involved, and vital in ourmission to protect, understand, and enjoy our preciousnatural resources. It may seem daunting at times, butour members always rise to the occasion and ifhistory can predict the future, then our work is in thebest hands. Thank you, Members!

    Lincolns Sparrow Dr. Richard B. Forbes

    Audubon Society of Portlands Nature Store is

    the headquarters for naturalists in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. We feature binoculars

    and spotting scopes, birdfeeders and seed, and naturebooks, CDs, DVDs, gifts, and toys for adults and children.Portland Audubon members receive a 10% discount onpurchases.

    Living with Urban WildlifeHere is this months checklist highlight from PortlandAudubons new informational brochure,For the Birds:Protecting Birds in Your Backyard and Beyond, from theLiving with Urban Wildlife series.

    Install Bird Nest Boxes: Nest boxes can providebirds with important nesting opportunities in theurban landscape. The Nature Store providesa variety of different types of bird nest boxes

    and expert advice on which species are likelyto be found in your neighborhood.

    Our favorite natural nest boxesare created here in Portland byWildwood Products ofOregon. These beautiful homesfor chickadees and wrens arethe next best thing to a hollowcavity in an aged backyard tree. Usingtrunk sections harvested from locallodgepole pine and birch trees, thecraftsmen at Wildwood carefully boreout the center to create a cozy, well-

    Three Arch Rocks NWR. Marilyn Stinnett

    Leave a legacy that will last for generations to come.A planned gift to the Audubon Society of Portlandwill carry forward your compassion for birds and ournatural spaces.

    Gifts of stock or property, bequests in your will, giftannuities, or charitable remainder trusts may helpyou achieve certain financial goals while providingsubstantial support for Portland Audubons mission.We would be glad to discuss your giving options withyou in confidence and with no obligation.

    Contact Ann Takamoto, Development Director,at 503-292-6855 ext.117.

    Western Screech-Owlets at the Wildlife Care Center. Portland Audubon

    Join the PortlandAudubon Legacy Club

    insulated home while leaving the beautiful outside barkintact. Roofs unscrew for easy end-of-season cleanout orthe addition of a mini-cam (see Nature Store Highlights on

    page 8) prior to spring nesting season.

    Living with Urban WildlifeLovers

    Valentines Day brings the oppor tunity toshow your affection for your favorite

    wildlife lover. Fiore Gardenshas brought back their classic

    Birdwatchers Pin especially forPortland Audubon. Crafted from pewter, itfeatures an oak branch adorned with leaves,acorns, and a row of tiny charms: a field guide,a swallow, a pair of binoculars, and a perchedowl. Hurry in before the 14th to choose aBirdwatchers Pin or another perfect gift from

    our great selection.Youll support Audubon

    programs while delightingyour sweetheart.

    Members Receive a Discountat the Nature Store!

    Give Your Sweethearta Gift of Nature

    Western Grebes Jim Cruce

    11FEBRUARY 2008www.audubonportland.org

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    Inspiring people to love and protect nature since 1902

    Audubon Society of Portland promotes the enjoyment, understanding,and protection of native birds and other wildlife and their habitats.

    We focus on our local community and the Pacific Northwest.

    Audubon Societyof Portland

    AUDUBON

    ADMINISTRATION OFFICES5151 NW Cornell Rd Portland, OR 97210

    503-292-6855 Fax: 503-292-10219am to 5pm, Mon. - Fri.

    SANCTUARIESDawn to dusk every day

    NATURE STORE503-292-9453

    10am to 6pm, Mon. - Sat. 10am to 5pm on Sunday

    INTERPRETIVE CENTER & LIBRARYSame hours as store

    WILDLIFE CARE CENTER503-292-0304

    9am to 5pm every day

    RARE BIRD ALERT

    503-292-6855 www.audubonportland.org

    Pat CampbellNancy Jane CushingMartha Gannett

    Peg GoldieWink GrossJohn HammerstadBarb Hill

    Terry KemKristina Giff