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Taking It To The Streets (and the Garden and the Trail)By Tina Stoner
PVAS is committed to public outreach and sharing our passion for birds, conservation and nature education with the communities we serve. October is a very busy month for public outreach for us thanks to Meet the Birds on the Thompson Creek Trail, Things That Go Bump in the Night at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and Village Venture in the Claremont Village.
The morning of Saturday, October 5th found Seth and Suzanne Thompson and a team of volunteers along the Thompson Creek Trail. Armed with loaner binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides and enthusiasm, their mission was to engage trail users and invite them to meet the birds they share the trail with but that often go unnoticed. By encouraging them to use our trail-side signage at the Dan Guthrie Bird Oasis, visitors learned they could stop by anytime, watch the feeders and use the photo-guide to identify the birds they were seeing.
Each year, the second weekend in October takes us to the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden for two evenings of Things That Go Bump in the Night which helps families learn “Whooo comes out when the sun goes down?” The event unravels the myths and mysteries surrounding the creatures that come out at night, including insects, reptiles and carnivorous and night blooming plants and features live wolves and owls. The owls, of course, are brought by Bob Everett from Wild Wings of California and are handled by a different team of PVAS volunteers each night. With nearly 700 attendees on Friday and a sell-out crowd of 800 on Saturday we had a captive audience that was there to learn. This creates a wonderful
opportunity to teach the children and their parents about the natural history of the owls as well as the respective missions of Wild Wings and PVAS.
The fourth Saturday of October found us at the 38th Annual Village Venture Arts and Crafts Faire where our booth was on First Street in the business and organizations section. Over 20,000 people attend Village Venture each year and sometimes it seemed like they were all in front of our booth as
we again shared the amazing education birds from Wild Wings with the public. As with “Bump” the stars of the show were Odie the Western Screech Owl, Honey the Barn Owl and Bruce the Great-horned Owl. 21 volunteers worked the booth that day handling the birds and educating the public about the dangers of rat poison, how to reduce bird collisions with windows and much more. They sold Burrowing Owl T-shirts, pocket guides to the birds of So. Cal. and our lapel pins. School teachers stopped by to pick up owl pellets for their young students to dissect in class.
Our next public outreach event is the Family Bird Festival at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden on Sunday, February 16, 2020 from 10 am to 3 pm. PVAS sponsors this celebration of our feathered friends and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to present information through our exhibits. If you have any ideas, have a background in education, or might be handy with tools and can help build a display, please contact Tina Stoner at [email protected].
Is all this volunteer effort to Take It To The Streets worthwhile? It’s difficult to measure the impact these events have on the people we meet or the success of our organization, but there is ample anecdotal evidence that we are remembered. There is something very special about a child saying, “I remember you from last year,” and when asked, can tell me the definitions of nocturnal, diurnal and crepuscular, even if their parents can’t.
A Publication of Pomona Valley Audubon Society
www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org
WINTER 2019-20 | DECEMBER - FEBRUARY
(Left) Bob Everett, founder of Wild Wings of California, keeps Bruce the Great-horned Owl on the shady side of our Village Venture booth while showing him to a fascinated visitor. For many people, this is the first time they have seen an owl up close and it can be a very moving experience.
Friday and Saturday night volunteers at “Bump” pose in front of the combined PVAS-Wild Wings of CA booth. The live owls are a highlight for the nearly 1,500 visitors who attended this year.
Suzanne Thompson helps two young future birders use loaner binoculars to see more when they stopped by to Meet The Birds.
PAGE 2 | WINTER 2019-20 | PVAS CHAPARRAL NATURALIST | www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org
PVAS Board of Directors PRESIDENT - Tina Stoner - [email protected] VICE-PRESIDENT - Seth Thompson - [email protected] SECRETARY - Patty Nueva-Espana - [email protected] TREASURER - Jenny Antoniak - [email protected] MEMBERSHIP - Suzanne Thompson - [email protected] PROGRAMS - available (Tina Stoner)EDUCATION - Laura Jaoui - [email protected] - Michael Klein - [email protected] CONSERVATION - Brian Elliott - [email protected] FIELD TRIPS - available (Tina Stoner)MEETING LOGISTICS DIRECTOR - Maryanne Strehlow - [email protected]
Committees & Contacts WEBMASTER - Michael Klein - [email protected] RECYCLING/PROMOTIONS - Nancy Strang - [email protected] NEWSLETTER EDITOR - Tina Stoner - [email protected] Pomona Valley Audubon Society 2058 N. Mills Ave. PMB 426 Claremont, CA 91711
www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org email us at: [email protected] Local PVAS phone number: (909) 625-5510
PVAS Field Trip Difficulty Levels – Trips rated Easy through Strenuous involve walking and standing for several hours.
Minimal – Little or no walking, option to exit car and walk short distances over relatively level terrain. Example: Drive-through wetlands.
Easy - Walking on relatively level terrain, paved or maintained dirt roads (many locations wheelchair accessible.) Example: Artificial wetlands and botanic gardens.
Moderate – Some elevation change, stairs, walking on sloped grass, rolling hills, open fields or groomed hiking trails with mild trip hazards (tree roots, rocks, etc.) Example: Regional Parks with lakes and hiking trails.
Strenuous – Irregular or rocky terrain, > 500ft. elevation change, some off-trail walking. Example: Natural areas and preserves (North Etiwanda Preserve.)
Pomona Valley Audubon Field Trips are offered at no cost (unless otherwise specified) and are open to all. ALWAYS call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to verify time, location and trip status. In case of rain, call the trip leader the night before. For your comfort and enjoyment, participants should plan to bring the following suggested items:
• Binoculars/spotting scope/camera (as desired)
• Water• Snacks/Lunch• Walking/Hiking shoes• Sunscreen/Repellant
• Appropriate clothing (Dress in layers and be ready for unexpected weather changes.)
• Hat• Full tank of gas
Field Trip BasicsPresident’s Message A Legacy of Volunteerismby Tina Stoner
The unexpected death of Dan Guthrie last July has caused
me to realize many things but as I talked to people who knew him longer than I, read emails from fellow chapter leaders and reviewed old issues of the Chaparral Naturalist newsletters, my overwhelming thought was, “Wow, he did so much. He volunteered for everything.”
Studies show that volunteers live longer than those who don’t, and that volunteering provides a greater sense of purpose. With that in mind, I’d like to acknowledge some PVAS members for finding their special purpose within our chapter.
Kathy McPherson has volunteered to be our new Owl Pellet Program Coordinator. One of the many things Dan did quietly on his own was collect, process and distribute owl pellets to school- teachers so their students could dissect them in the classroom. As a retired teacher herself, Kathy is especially aware of how this hands-on experience can inspire a serious interest in owls, nature and science in so many children.
The Eyes and Ears on Burrowing Owls program relies on volunteers for a variety of functions.
Kim Dillbeck and April Chertkow are committee members who monitor the owls at the Chaffey College Chino campus. They are both high school teachers who have ignited their students’ interest in the owls. Their students have built burrow boxes and volunteered to help remove invasive plants at the College Park BUOW Preserve. For several years now, Alan Davis has monitored the owls on the campus’ south end as well as owls at the Preserve. Carol Coy is a committee member who is working on outreach to the Ontario Airport to encourage them to preserve some of their land for BUOW habitat. Sid Silliman is also a BUOW committee member and advocates for preservation of habitat for owls and other animals. Monitoring the owls at the Ontario airport are Jenny Antoniak and John and Linda Baker. Extra kudos to John Baker for agreeing to be a field trip leader and for doing a wonderful job. We look forward to more Friday mornings with John.
Laura Jaoui has graciously volunteered to join the board of directors as our Education Chair. We are so thankful for the help. If you enjoy creating educational materials, or talking to people about our passion for birds and nature, please contact Laura.
Sheila Bolka is our new Facebook co-administrator and she has been doing a wonderful job posting field trip pictures, helpful hints, current events and more. Her beautiful photography and clever dialogue help keep our Facebook page fresh and active.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all our volunteers but might give you an idea of the variety of opportunities. I challenge each of you to find your special purpose within our chapter. Available positions on the board are Field Trip and Program chairs. The Chaparral Naturalist needs writers, proofreaders, an editor and help with distribution. Not sure how you can help continue Dan’s legacy of volunteerism? Contact me ([email protected],) I’m sure we can find your niche.
Our Mission: To promote the protection, appreciation and enjoyment of birds and other wildlife through recreation, education and conservation.
Field Trips
PAGE 3 | WINTER 2019-20 | PVAS CHAPARRAL NATURALIST | www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org
January 4, 2020 – SaturdayOrange County Big Day (multiple locations)Start your new year off with a big list from a tour of multiple coastal migrant traps and hot spots for wintering specialties. Possible sites include Bolsa Chica, the San Joaquin Marsh, Dana Point Harbor, and more. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water, and lunch for a full day trip. Difficulty: Moderate (walking up to 5 mi.) Est. driving 175 mi.
Contact Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or [email protected]
January 11, 2020 – SaturdayWhittier Narrows Regional Park750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA 91733 & the San Gabriel River Spreading Grounds (Off Mines Avenue, Pico Rivera)
Dan will lead us in search of wintering waterfowl, sparrows, flycatchers and more. Both locations are great places to find winter vagrants. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water, and lunch for a full day trip. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (up to 4 miles.) Est. driving 70 mi.
Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or [email protected]
February 15, 2020 – SaturdayLake Perris and San Jacinto Wildlife AreaLake Perris 17801 Lake Perris Dr., Perris, CA 92571
We’ll take a walk at Lake Perris and a drive at San Jacinto for wintering waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, sparrows and raptors including Peregrine Falcon and Bald and Golden Eagle. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Claremont. Bring snacks, water, and lunch. There is a $10 vehicle entry fee ($9 if 62+) at Lake Perris State Recreation Area. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (walking up to 3 mi.) Est. driving 110 mi.
Trip Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 456-4994 or [email protected]
February 20, 2020 – ThursdaySanta Fe Dam Recreation Area15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA 91706
Ken will lead us on this mid-week trip for year-round as well as over-wintering species. Carpool from Memorial Park in Claremont at 7:00 a.m. or meet in the first parking lot at the SFDRA near the restrooms at 7:45 a.m. Bring snacks, water, and a lunch if you’d like to stay in the park to eat after birding. No vehicle entry fee on weekdays this time of year. Difficulty: Moderate (walking up to 3 mi.) Est. driving 31 mi.
Trip Leader: Ken Damon (909) 263-1875 or [email protected]
Chaparral Naturalist www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org
December 11, 2019 – WednesdayPre-CBC Scouting Trip at Bonelli Regional Park120 Via Verde Ave., San Dimas, CA Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (walking approx. 2 mi.)
A morning search for goodies prior to our Christmas Bird Count. Bring water and snacks. Contact trip leader for meeting instructions and time. Difficulty: Est. driving 16 mi.
Trip Leader: Rod Higbie (909) 599-6526 or [email protected]
December 14, 2019 – SaturdayAnnual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)EVERYONE can help! The more eyes and ears, the better.
You can count from home, your local park or other nearby birding spot. Or you can be added to a team to count at specific locations within our counting circle.
To join our 2019 census, contact CBC Coordinator Seth Thompson at [email protected].
2019
2020
SHARING OUR LOVE OF BIRDS and GREAT BIRD BOOKSPVAS has selected Ken Kaufmann’s A Season on the Wing: Inside the World of Bird Migration as our bird book of interest for our 2019-2020 season. We think you will love this beautifully written account of migration through the Americas. Copies of the book will be available to check out at meetings or can be obtained at local libraries. Members who read the book will have an opportunity to share some reactions (if they want). In keeping with our migration theme, Professor Nina Karnovsky will give us additional background on this amazing twice-yearly bird journey during our April 2020 meeting. More information will be available at our monthly meetings or contact Suzanne Thompson at [email protected].
CEDAR WAXWINGS
A shivering cloud of birds in winking flight cruises across the street, changes, returns, reverses, flows back, disappears into the top of a pine, so fast – as if the birds were flinty slivers of steel and the tree a magnet.
Marcyn Del Clements March 26, 2002
Meetings
Bird Walks
PAGE 4 | WINTER 2019-20 | PVAS CHAPARRAL NATURALIST | www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org
First Sunday Family Friendly Bird Walk Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden 1500 N. College Ave. Claremont, CA 91711 Meet at the entrance at 8:00 a.m. for free admission. This family-friendly bird walk is approximately 2 hours long and is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. No binoculars? No worries! Loaner binoculars are available (limited number so first come first served.) You will receive instructions on their use as well. PVAS volunteers Ed Babcock, Gloria Slosberg, Ken Burgdorff and others will lead the walk.
December 1January 5February 2
Fourth Sunday Nature Walk Bonelli Regional Park 120 E. Via Verde Dr., San Dimas, CA 91773 New Meeting Instructions for Bonelli Park We meet at the Equestrian Staging Area/Raging Waters Parking lot on the west side of the park. Exit the 57 freeway (north or south) at Via Verde and turn left toward the park. At the first stop sign (before the entry kiosk) turn left on Raging Waters Drive. (Don’t drive straight into the park.) Proceed north on Raging Waters Drive (disregard the “Raging Waters Traffic Only” sign since they are not operating when we are there) about 0.8 miles until the first stop sign. Stay to the left after the stop (don’t cross the dam
even if the gate is open) and proceed down the hill about 0.3 miles to the large parking lot on your right. Please arrive between 7:30 am and 8:00 am when we will caravan into the park for the walk.Trip leader: Rod Higbie, [email protected], (909) 599-6526
December 22January 26February 23
Chaparral Naturalist www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org
Thursday, December 5, 2019Dr. Lance Benner – Introduction to Recording Bird SoundsBirds produce an incredible variety of sounds that can be remarkably intricate, hauntingly beautiful, and most of which are crucial for their survival. This talk will make extensive use of recordings and sonograms; discuss why recording bird vocalizations is important; and provide suggestions for how to get started making recordings with cell phones, cameras, and dedicated sound recorders; how to use external microphones; fundamentals of sound editing software; and how to upload recordings to eBird.org and XenoCanto.org online databases. Lance has been recording bird sounds since 2009. His recordings have been used in research papers, books, educational nature programs, smartphone apps, and for development of sound recognition software. As a Planetary Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Benner attends asteroid conferences around the world enjoying wildlife and birds along the way.
Thursday, January 9, 2020 (*Please note - second Thursday, not first, due to the Holiday week)Jennifer Boyce - Seabirds and their Habitat Restoration on the Channel IslandsThe Channel Islands are vital habitat for seabirds. They are impacted by factors including predation, habitat disturbance, and invasive species. Jennifer Boyce, a restoration ecologist with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will present a program that focuses on the importance of restoration and how it protects rare and endangered seabird habitat in sensitive and unique natural areas on the California Channel Islands in the hopes of restoring seabird numbers towards their historic numbers prior to DDT and PCB contamination. One of her primary goals is to educate others about the value of native habitat and how to protect it. Jennifer Boyce has been the Program Manager of the Montrose Settlement Program for over 20 years. She is an expert in seabird ecology and restoration.
Thursday, February 6, 2020Dr. Elise Ferree – Black Phoebes It is not uncommon for birds to coordinate their parenting efforts using vocalizations near the nest. Males and females of a given species usually use the same, simple calls to communicate about things like their location or the presence of nearby predators. Dr. Ferree was intrigued when several years ago she noticed male black phoebes (Sayornis nigricans) making a previously un-documented, sex-specific call when approaching their nests with food for the young. Elise will describe how she and her students used behavioral observations, video-recordings, playback experiments and sound analysis software to understand the function and structure of this call. Dr. Ferree teaches at the Claremont College’s W. M. Keck Science Department with special research interests in animal behavior and behavioral ecology.
From 50 Years Ago – A Brief Glimpse of our HistoryBy Tina Stoner
PVAS became incorporated as a non-profit organization on March 24, 1970 and we thought it might be fun to look at what was going on in the Chaparral Naturalist 50 years ago. In those days it was called a Bulletin not a Newsletter and was a single typed page with no photos or graphics. There were “Regular Monthly Meetings” in the Seaver Laboratory on the Pomona College Campus where the lectures were typically illustrated with Kodachrome slides, plant or animal materials and other media. Additionally, a monthly Audubon Wildlife Film was shown at the La Verne College Auditorium. Here’s a sample of announcements from the Fall of 1969 and the Winter of 1970.
“On November 14th our Society contributed $150.00 to Nature Conservancy to help acquire 80 acres of Big Morongo Oasis, a lush green haven for birds and desert mammals in the 29 Palms area. A stream of water that flows through this area will be lost for the use of these birds and desert animals if Nature Conservancy does not acquire the property.” (11-24-69 Vol. XI, No 3.)
“Report on field trip to Rolling Ridge Ranch, Chino, Dec. 13th. Fourteen members and friends were counted on this outing. We are indebted to James Neller, Manager of the Ranch, for the privilege of another visit there. We walked the trail around the lake, somewhat shortened this time, as work is in progress to make a mobile home tract on some portion of the ranch. We did not learn to what extent it would interfere with the lake as a sanctuary for water fowl.
Thirty-four species were counted.” (12-21-69 Vol. XI, No. 4.)
“While you bird at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, ask at the office for a bird survey form and enter on it the birds you see while there. Return the form to the office. The Garden wishes to bring their bird list up to date and would appreciate your help.” (1-26-70 Vol. XI, No. 5.)
“Dr. Howard Cogswell, Dept. of Biological Science, California State College, Hayward, California, 94542, has asked for us to watch for California gulls with tags of bright colored plastic on their backs or wings and or any that have a prominent amount of red, yellow, green, blue or violet dye on the white or light brown parts of their plumage. Reports to Dr. Cogswell of any tagged bird are valuable information for the better understanding of the season and extent of the gulls’ movement. Include date and place of observation, your name and address in your report on observation of any such marked gulls to
Dr. Cogswell at the above address.” (2-23-70 Vol. XI, No. 6)
So, did you know that PVAS was part of creating the Big Morongo Preserve? That $150.00 in 1969 would be valued at $1,050.00 today, a sizeable donation. While Rolling Ridge Ranch is still being developed in Chino Hills, it’s nice to know that the Big Morongo Preserve was helped along by our chapter 50 years ago.
PAGE 5 | WINTER 2019-20 | PVAS CHAPARRAL NATURALIST | www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org
2019 Christmas Bird CountSaturday, December 14, 2019 is the date for the 120th annual Christmas Bird Count. For Pomona Valley Audubon, it will be our 47th count, having held our first one in 1972. Since the Christmas Bird Count began over a century ago, it has relied on the dedication and commitment of volunteer citizen scientists. In other words, it depends on you!
The Christmas Bird Count season goes from December 14 through January 5 each year. Each local count is held on one day during that period and PVAS has
traditionally chosen the second Saturday in December. Counts take place in “Count Circles” which are 15 miles in diameter and do not change from year to year. The PVAS circle has its center approximately at the intersection of Mills Avenue and Mt. Baldy Road in northern Claremont.
Anyone can help with the Christmas Bird Count; counters do not have to be master birders. If you are a novice birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birder. The more eyes and ears we have in the field, the
more birds we find. Another option is to bird from home (if it is within the count circle) or walk in a park or neighborhood within the circle.
If you have never been on a CBC before, your first step is to contact Seth Thompson to find out how you can volunteer. ([email protected].) If you have taken part in the past, contact your previous team leader. Join us!
NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY (NAS) AND POMONA VALLEY AUDUBON (PVAS) MEMBERSHIP We invite you to become a member of both NAS and PVAS. You also have the option of joining just PVAS. For either option, a yearly individual or family membership is $20.
Check one:JOIN o Join both NAS and PVAS ONLINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On the PVAS website, click on “Membership” and then on link to NAS.
Make a $20 donation to NAS. Check Chapter Code: C08 o Join both NAS and PVAS BY CHECK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Make out a $20 check to NAS. Mail to PVAS with address slip below. o Join PVAS only, not NAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Make $20 check to PVAS and send to PVAS with address slip below.
RENEW o Renew your joint membership in NAS and PVAS ONLINE. . . Use the renewal notice you receive from NAS or make a $20 donation to NAS on the NAS website. *Use the same name as your membership.
o Renew your joint membership in NAS and PVAS BY CHECK. Make $20 check to NAS and send to NAS with address slip below. o Renew your PVAS only membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Make $20 check to PVAS and send to PVAS with address slip below.
NAS mailing address: NAS, PO Box 97194, Washington DC 20090PVAS mailing address: PVAS, 2058 N. Mills, PMB246, Claremont, CA 91711
Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________ City __________________________________ State ________ Zip ___________
Email ______________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________
General MeetingsDate: First Thursday in Sept.-JuneTime: 7:00 p.m.Room: Padua Room Address: Alexander Hughes Center 1700 Danbury Drive Claremont, Ca 91711Directions: From Foothill Blvd., head north on Mountain Ave. or Towne Ave. and turn onto Scripps Drive. Turn south on Danbury, the Alexander Hughes Center will be on the east side.Meetings begin with a bird identification session, followed by refreshments, a short business meeting, and our evening program.
NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDCLAREMONT, CAPERMIT NO. 240Pomona Valley Audubon Society
2058 N. Mills Ave., PMB426Claremont, CA 91711www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org
Return Service Requested
210 Freeway
Foothill Blvd.
Scripps Drive
8th St.
SyracuseTown
e Ave
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Danb
ury R
oad
Colle
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Yale
Ave.
AlexanderHughesCenter
(Padua Room)
RanchoSanta Ana
BotanicGarden
MemorialPark
Indi
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Chapter Code C08
PVAS CHAPARRAL NATURALIST | WINTER 2019-20
Don’t miss the 2020 Family Bird Festival on Sunday, February 16th from 10 am to 3 pm. This educational celebration of all things birds was sadly rained out last year, so we have high hopes for the 2020 event! Held in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count, there are lots of opportunities to help. You can count wild birds in the garden, staff the PVAS booth, help with the birds from Wild Wings or help the garden update their exhibits prior to the event. This event is sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited and PVAS and is included with the cost of admission to the botanic garden. Please contact Tina at [email protected] if you’d like to participate.
Family Bird FestivalSunday, February 16, 202010 am to 3 pm
