Conservation in the Limelight

Annual Meeting

Pee Wee Audubon

Thank You

Mayacamas Campout: May1-2

Volunteers

Field Trip Reports

Observations

Midweek Walkabout Results

Pee Wee Reports

Early Birdathon Report

Conservation Groups Rally to Audubon's Support

Birding Bodega Bay: Spring and Summer

Backyard Birding: Birdbaths

Welcome New Members

SCCC Recognizes Nature Educators

Field Trip Reports

Bodega Bay, March 14, 1998
A group of MAS members and friends who had been suffering from cabin fever had a pleasant, warm and sunny day birding in the Bodega Bay area. About 60 species of birds were identified with approximately 1,000 Brant being the most conspicuous birds of the day. All three Scoters were present in the Harbor as well as all locally occurring Grebes minus the Pied-billed Grebe. At the Hole in the Head a newly arrived Northern Rough-winged Swallow gave a 10-minute flyby so all had good views. Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers and spouting Gray Whales were seen from the windy whale-watching lot on the Head.

Sea Ranch, March 29, 1998
Fifteen birders met at the Gualala Bridge for the first-ever Madrone Audubon Field Trip to the Sea Ranch area. Under the leadership of Sam Shummon, and with the able assistance of Ev Wadsworth, Rae Hudspeth and Lee Kosso, Sea Ranch residents, the group birded the Gualala Bridge area, sighting Tree, Violet-green and Northern Rough-winged Swallows, and an Osprey. Moving to Sea Ranch, the group spotted a Bonaparte's Gull in breeding plumage, the highlight of the trip, and watched Ravens chase a Red-tailed Hawk out of the sky. We spent a most informative half hour on the bluff above the Harbor Seal rookery, where a docent met us and explained their activities in protecting these animals.

The Tundra Swans have departed, and the Purple Martins have not yet arrived, but a fine day was enjoyed by all. A total of 28 species were seen.