All around us are fascinating and beautiful situations about which to marvel. From hiking to birding to just standing still discovering what is nearby - these will yield something worth celebrating and make each day a better experience. An image-intensive program will feature Alan Bauer’s passion for adventures and stories that has been the focus of his photography for the past decade----sometimes in unusual places, but always with a positive

spin on the beauty around us. Fantastic photos of birds are guaranteed!

Alan Bauer is a pro-

fessional photogra-

pher who has been

co-author and pho-

tographer for Wash-

ington State

books pub-

lished by The Mountaineers Books.

Kittitas Audubon enjoyed a prior presentation by

Alan about five years ago entitled Desert Hikes of

Washington. Do join us on October 20th for an

enjoyable evening of beauty.

(photos by Alan Bauer)

The Hooter Kittitas Audubon October 2016

All Audubon meetings, held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Hal Holmes Center next to the Library, September through May (except December), are open to the public. Please come and meet with us. A brief business session precedes the program. Stay afterwards for juice, treats, and conversation.

Many thanks to the Ellensburg Public Library for sponsoring our meetings here!

Membership Meeting - Thursday, October 20th, 2016

“Celebrate What is Right with the World!” Presented by photographer, Alan L. Bauer

7:00 PM at Hal Holmes Center next to the library

Page 2 The Hooter

Send in your stories & photos!

The Hooter is the newsletter of

Kittitas Audubon, published monthly except for July.

~~~~~~~

Submissions from members & other readers are most welcome and en-

couraged!

The editor reserves the right to edit for space, grammar, and/or suitability. Email text and/or photos to bob-cat@kvalley.com or snail mail to Jan Demorest, Hooter Editor, 712 E 2nd Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Submissions need to be in by the 20th of the preced-ing month.

Board Notes by Gloria Baldi

From the September 2016 meeting:

Guest Jennifer Syrowitz from Audubon Washington spoke regarding I-732, the carbon emissions initiative that is on the ballot in November. She gave brochures and background on the endorsement by Audubon Washington.

For two sides of the issue, check the following websites: http://yeson732.org and http://fusewashington.org /why we can’t support Washington’s I-732

See Page 4 for more information on this initiative.

Amended Minutes and the Treasurer’s reports were approved for the month of August.

Jan Demorest, the Hooter editor, is requesting input from members. Email her directly.

A membership sub-committee is working on ideas to in-crease member numbers.

Under Climate Change, I-732 was discussed. After dis-cussion, the KAS Board voted to endorse the initiative. Letters to the Editor in the Daily Record can be written by individuals indicating support.

A motion was made and passed that Kittitas Audubon co-sponsor, with the League of Women Voters and the group, Our Environment, two forums. The first on Octo-ber 6th at Hal Holmes will discuss the issues of I-732. The second forum in November will hear Western Wash-ington University Professor Peter Haug speak on environ-mental issues. No money is involved.

Gloria Baldi is to be interviewed on Ellensburg Commu-nity Radio (ECR) (eburgradio.org) on October 5th at noon regarding her birding interest. One can listen online at: http://www.streamlicensing.com/stations/ecr/

The next Board Meeting is October 6th at 4:30 at the west

building behind the PUD. All are welcome.

KAS BOARD MEMBERS President –Tom Gauron 968-3175 Vice President – Judy Hallisey 674-6858 Secretary – Jim Briggs 933-2231 Treasurer – Sharon Lumsden 968-3889 Conservation - Board members Education – Judy Hallisey 674-6858 Field Trips – Steve Moore 933-1179 Historian – Gloria Lindstrom 925-1807 Programs – Jeb Baldi 933-1558 Publicity – Meghan Anderson 253-987-7629 Scholarship – Gloria Baldi 933-1558 Climate Change – Barry Brunson 674-6858 Past President – Jim Briggs 933-2231 *Newsletter – Jan Demorest 933-1179 *Membership – Tuck Forsythe 925-2356 *Bluebird boxes – Jan Demorest 933-1179 *Social Greeter – Kay Forsythe 925-2356 *Christmas Bird Count–Phil Mattocks 899-3370

*non-voting members

KAS Board Meetings are held at 4:30

PM on the 1st Thursday of each

month in the PUD meeting room,

1400 Vantage Highway. These meet-

ings are open to the public and all

Audubon members; please come and

join in the discussions. Meetings ad-

journ by 6:00 or 6:30, after which we

all go out for a sociable dinner ~ NO

business discussion allowed!

The mission of Kittitas Audubon is to develop an

appreciation of nature through education and conservation, with a

focus on birds.

First Saturday BirdWalk ~ September 3rd ~ Five people came out in the cool of a 50-degree morning to walk the trails at Irene Rinehart Park. Temperature warming to 70 brought out a goodly array of bird friends. And hardly a breath of wind to shake the leaves! Species count rose to 22, with notable sightings including:

Western Wood-Pewee

Bewick’s Wren

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Cassin’s Vireo

Cedar Waxwing

Belted Kingfisher

Spotted Sandpiper

American Dipper

Double-crested Cormorant

Cooper’s Hawk

Great Horned Owl

Field Trip Reports Page 3 The Hooter

Bald Eagle Rescue!

This adult male Bald Eagle was found in the Salmon La Sac area on September 7th, weak and unable to fly. The rescu-ers tried calling WSFW but when they got no response they

called our Raptor Transport Coordinator, Norm Peck. The bird was delivered to Dr. Mike Fuller who kept the eagle until the 14th, treating it for Vita-min B deficiency and lead poi-soning. By that time, the big guy was feeling better, but still not eating. Jan & Steve fer-ried him down to a rendezvous outside Sunnyside, where they passed him off to the next driver who took him to Blue Mountain Wildlife Rehab near Pendleton. Here’s a report from 9/17:

“I think the eagle is doing well. He finally turned the corner yesterday. He was pretty depressed. I still don’t know the original cause of his con-dition, but he was thin, anemic and dehydrated. Dr. Fuller wasn’t sure either. We took x-rays and didn’t see anything. He had a low lead level of 3.7 mcg/dl, not enough to cause symptoms. We poured the fluids to him and gave B-complex. He finally started eating yesterday. We will con-tinue fluids until he is eating a normal

amount. Then I think it will just be tincture of time.”

Latest update: 9/26 ~ “He's doing well. Getting feisty! Tried to bite me the other day!” Update on Swainson’s Hawk rescue from early August: The La-dy Hawk recovered so that the Wildlife Rehab people felt she was strong enough to be released and is hopefully on her way to Argen-tina to spend the winter!

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Cassin’s Vireo

American Dipper

Web photo

Web photo

Ste

ve M

oore

photo

Swainson’s Hawk

Climate change is the biggest threat facing

birds today, and we must act now to reduce

carbon pollution. The impacts of climate

change to people and birds in Washington

state—and throughout the Pacific Flyway—

already are being felt through drought, in-

tense forest fires, and changing ocean condi-

tions.

Audubon Washington believes

Initiative 732 provides swift

and effective action to reduce carbon

pollution.

Throughout history, birds have been indica-

tors of human and environmental health.

Canaries were used in coal mines to detect

fatal carbon monoxide and make sure the

mines were safe for humans. Eagles were

among the first to let us know the detri-

mental effects of DDT. Now it is time to pay

attention to how birds are responding to a

shifting climate.

Audubon’s groundbreaking “Birds and Cli-

mate Change Report” details how rising

temperatures influence the range of 588

North American bird species, finding that

314 of those are threatened or endangered

by climate change. In Washington state,

189 species of birds are at risk. Birds have

specific sets of environmental requirements

governed by climate and, during the past 50

years, more than 60 percent of wintering

North American bird species have shifted

their winter ranges northward. Soon, they

may have nowhere left to go.

Never before have birds provided such

a clear and urgent message: they need

our help.

Initiative 732 is a positive step in address-

ing climate change. The tax that would be

imposed on fossil fuels consumed in our

state is a proven method of reducing carbon

emissions, as demonstrated by our neigh-

bors in British Columbia. The initiative also

provides financial protections for the most

impacted communities, including annual re-

bates of up to $1,500 for 400,000 low-

income working households and the reduc-

tion of the state sales tax by a full percent-

age point. Finally, it enlists state industry in

the fight by effectively eliminating the Busi-

ness & Occupation (B&O) Tax for manufac-

turers.

The cost of inaction is unacceptable. We

cannot stand by while birds, as well as peo-

ple, already feel the impact of this environ-

mental crisis. The effects of climate change

are borne disproportionately by low-income

working families and communities of color.

The most important way to avert the worst

impacts of climate change is to reduce car-

bon pollution as soon as possible.

The future of birds and of people in a

warming world are intertwined. When

birds thrive, we all thrive. Let’s take ac-

tion now for future generations of peo-

ple and birds.

Page 4 Hooter

Why We Support I-732

From Washington Audubon website: http://wa.audubon.org/frontpage/landing/carbon

Page 5 The Hooter

Kittitas Audubon has produced a brochure and best practices guide that advocate for and de-scribe how individuals and neighborhood groups can use native plants in a way that will help pre-serve birds, conserve water, reduce the carbon footprint, and still be consistent with firewise practices. (Both available as pdf files at http://wa.audubon.org/chapters-centers/chapterconservation-action.) On the state level, Initiative I-732 proposes to put a tax of $25 per ton of carbon, but intends to be revenue neutral by other provisions (lowering the state sales tax 1%, eliminating B&O tax on manufacturing, and creating a tax rebate for low-income working families). Unlike the consensus mentioned above about the reality of climate change, there is disagreement about this ap-proach. Audubon Washington has chosen to sup-port I-732, as have several Washington chapters, including KAS, but other chapters oppose I-732, and some have taken no position on it.

Climate Change

New Book for Pacific Northwest Birders!

Buteo Books is distributing a new book by J.W. Weber

Title: The Black Swift and Biography of Earl J. Larrison, Pacific NW Natu-ralist 25 pages

Price: $5.00

Special Sale: (mention Allen Hale when you order)

The above book plus Weber’s, A Review of Birds of Washington (Wahl et al, 2005) and Supplement to Birds of SE Washington (Weber and Larrison 1977) is being offered for$9.00 (original price of latter book was $17.00 in 1977).

Buteo Books 2731 Arrington Rd. Arrington, VA 22922 1-800-722-2460

October 7, 8, & 9

Kittitas Audubon is sponsoring “The Messenger”

This film explores our deep-seated connection to birds and warns that the uncertain fate of song-

birds may mirror our own. Moving from the northern reaches of the Boreal forest to the base of

Mount Ararat in Turkey, to the streets of New York, “The Messenger” brings us face-to-face with a

remarkable variety of human-made perils that have devastated thrushes, warblers, orioles, tan-

agers, grosbeaks, and many other airborne music-makers.

4:00 PM Saturday October 8 Tower Theater CWU Campus

Here’s an opportunity to learn about I-732 from different perspectives, and to ask questions!

Forum on I-732 Carbon Emissions 7 PM Thursday October 6

Hal Holmes Center There will be four panel speakers, two “pro” and two “con”, each to speak for 5 -7 minutes. Afterward, the floor will be open for questions from the audience. The forum is sponsored by the League of Wom-en Voters, Our Environment, Kittitas Audubon, the Daily Record, the Ellensburg Public Library, and possibly others.

Page 6 Hooter “Plants For Birds” Initiative!

National Audubon has launched a new resource on its website!

audubon.org/native-plants

Enter your zip code and find a list of native and non-invasive plants for your area that provide nesting or resting habitat, food and cover for native birds, and also firewise plantings.

Be a good bird neighbor, and learn about plants that are native to your area!

The Plants for Birds Initiative has set a goal of get-ting 1 million plants in the ground over the next 5 years through the efforts of individuals and local groups. Visit audubon.org/native-plants for all the information you might want about this program. The birds will thank you!

State Fears Extinction of Marbled

Murrelets by Maria M. Ruth

The past decades have not been kind to the

Marbled Murrelet. Across its range, from

Alaska south to central California, this im-

periled seabird has suffered severe popula-

tion declines—primarily from the loss and

fragmentation of the forests where it nests,

but also from predation, oil spills at sea, net

fishing, and depletion of the small fish it

feeds on.

The situation is so dire in Washington, that

the Washington Department of Fish & Wild-

life (WDFW) has recommended elevating the

protective status of marbled murrelets from

threatened to endangered. Between 2001

and 2015, Washington’s murrelet population

numbers dropped 44 percent. Wildlife biolo-

gists believe the marbled murrelet could be-

come extirpated in the state within the next

several decades if solutions aren't found to

address threats to this species.

The WDFW is seeking public comment on

their up-listing recommendation. Deadline

for comment is October 10. P lease see

information below on how to submit your

comments and participate in this critical con-

servation action.

The WDFW uplisting recommendations and

draft status review are available online at

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/

endangered/status_review/. Comments on

the reviews and recommendations can be

submitted by October 10, via email to Tan-

dEpubliccom@dfw.wa.gov or by mail to Han-

nah Anderson, Washington Department of

Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olym-

pia, WA 98501-1091.

It’s not too late to register for ACOW! Audubon chapters from all around the state meet in Wenatchee to hear speakers, share ideas, and

brainstorm about new projects.

Paul Bannick - his new book Owls (Friday eve)

Candidates for Commissioner of Public Lands

Marbled Murrelet listing and conservation

Firewise ecology talk & field trip http://wa.audubon.org/events/audubon-council

-washington

Page 7 Hooter

Membership & other news! GET “THE HOOTER”

ONLINE

Save paper, printing, post-

age. If you would prefer to

receive the electronic ver-

sion, send your name, mail-

ing address, & email address to:

kittitasaudubon@hotmail.com

At the beginning of each month, we’ll

send you an email with a quick link to

the new Hooter.

Darling Bird Studios, ©2007 UNA

BECOME A KITTITAS AUDUBON MEMBER!! (Or renew your membership)

Receive The Hooter ~ help support education and conservation activities and projects!

Two options are available:

OPTION 1: Membership in National Audubon includes a subscription to the magazine, Audubon, membership in the local chapter (KAS), and KAS monthly newsletter, THE HOOTER

____ Join as a new National Audubon member $20 (includes KAS membership)

____ Renew a National Audubon membership $35

Make check payable to: National Audubon Society Include this form and mail to: Membership Data Center, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235

Name ___________________________ Address __________________________________________

City _____________________________ State, ZIP _________________________________________

Chapter Code COZY220Z

OPTION 2: Membership in only the local chapter, KAS, includes the monthly newsletter, THE HOOTER

____ Join the local Kittitas Audubon Society (KAS) chapter $20

____ Renew your KAS membership $20

____ Make a donation to KAS $______ (amount)

Make check payable to KAS and mail to: KAS, P.O. Box 1443, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Name ____________________________________ Phone __________________________________

Address __________________________________ Cell _____________________________________

City _____________________________________ Email ____________________________________

State, ZIP _________________________________ Would you like to receive The Hooter electronically?

May we print your name in The Hooter as a new, Yes ____ No, prefer paper edition ____

renewing, or donating member? Yes ___ No ____

Kittitas Audubon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. All memberships and donations are tax-deductible.

Membership forms are also available on our Web site: Kittitasaudubon.org.

For membership information contact Membership Chair, Tuck Forsythe ~ forsythe@fairpoint.net

See The Hooter in COLOR on our website ~ http://www.kittitasaudubon.org

Thanks for renewing!

Micah Keith

Steve and Linda Hall

Upcoming KAS Field Trips

October

1st, Saturday ~ First Saturday Bird Walk, Irene Rinehart Park. Colors of fall: yellow leaves, orange pumpkins, golden sunsets, bright creamy moon. Some of those birds are pretty colorful, too – bring your binocs and find a patch of scarlet on a Downy Woodpecker’s head. Meet at the Irene Rinehart riverside parking lot off of Umptanum Rd at 8 AM for a 3-hour walk. Jan Demorest leads; call 933-1179 for info.

November

5th, Saturday ~ First Saturday Birdwalk, Rinehart Park. Teenaged birds are finding out that it’s not summer all year long. Expect to see a few fluffed-up birds, and bring your own fleece and fuzzy hats. Meet at the Irene Rinehart river-side parking lot off of Umptanum Rd at 8 AM. Jan and Steve lead; 933-1179 for info.

Kittitas Audubon

P.O. Box 1443

Ellensburg WA 98926

The Hooter ~ October 2016 The Newsletter of Kittitas Audubon - http://www.kittitasaudubon.org

THANKS TO KITTITAS COUNTY BUSINESSES SUPPORTING KAS!

Inland Internet, Roslyn ~ donates Internet service for our Website: http://www.kittitasaudubon.org

Old Mill Country Store, Ellensburg ~ Provides a discount on bird seed to KAS members. Get your bird seed here!