There was applause from the audience at the September 8 meeting of the Petaluma City Council when the council voted 5-0 to buy the 261-acre Gray's Ranch for $4,000,000 from several private owners.

Core members of the Petaluma Wetlands Park Alliance, who are also Madrone Audubon members, hugged each other. Over two years of efforts by the PWPA, Madrone Audubon and the Bay Institute were finally rewarded. Inspired by former Petaluma Councilwoman Janice Cader-Thompson and presently chaired by David Yearsley, the Alliance was created to support the wetlands project.

Forty-five acres of the property will be devoted to filtration, or polishing, wetlands, an integral part of the city's planned wastewater treatment system. The property will also contain 3.5 miles of new trails that will link to Shollenberger Park, numerous blinds and overlooks. Additionally, it's hoped that National Audubon will approve the placement of a nature-based education center on the property. The city believes the old Gray farmhouse could be refurbished to house the center.

The city will pay $2,233,000 for the property and grants amounting to $1,767,000 will come from the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and the State Coastal Conservancy. Final approval of the grant money is anticipated in October. There should be upwards of an additional $1,500,000 or so for park amenities.

Patricia Johanson, who has achieved international acclaim by combining art and utility in environmental projects, will be a key member of the Carollo Engineers team in the design of the wetlands and trails. Polishing wetlands help filter metals as the final phase of water recycling, a much more effective approach than mechanical or chemical methods. The resulting water will meet tertiary standards and strict water purification requirements. The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is a model for such an approach.

The new water recycling facility will be completed in late 2007. However, there are already indications from the city that the trail system may be in place earlier. The total "wetlands sanctuary," including Shollenberger Park, Alman Marsh and the Gray property, will comprise some 500 acres along the Petaluma River, with almost seven miles of public trails.

State and National Audubon officers have visited the area twice, the last time on July 30, in their search for a nature education center site. They have been impressed by what they've seen-freshwater channels and both seasonal and tidal wetlands. In July, they were also thrilled to witness a "battle" between a Peregrine Falcon and Northern Harrier over the Gray Property, as well as activity in a new egret colony directly across the Petaluma River from Shollenberger Park.

Shollenberger Park is a popular spot for birdwatchers and Madrone schedules a number of walks there every season. Docents have recorded almost 160 species of birds during the past five years, including 25 species of migratory duck and grebe. The park is home to a small population of the elusive American Bittern and earlier this year a juvenile bittern was photographed there. Mike Parmeter and Betty Burridge were "99% certain that this is a first Sonoma County breeding…" In adjoining Alman Marsh, there are endangered Black Rail and the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse.

The PWPA will continue to support the wetlands project and its educational opportunities and work with the City of Petaluma and Audubon to establish appropriate public access to the new property with an emphasis on nature watching. In that vein, the group desires to become a committee under the umbrella of Madrone Audubon because of common interests. Sylvan Eidelman, Madrone Audubon Vice-President, is also a charter PWPA member and has developed a Memo of Understanding spelling out this relationship.
Bob Dyer is a Senior Docent at Shollenberger Park and charter member of the PWPA.

Despite the promise of some grant money to aid in the purchase of the 261 acres, negotiations with the owners, Dave Martinelli, Darrel Freitas, and the Shainsky Trust, had bogged down for over a year because of owner demands. Then, City Manager Mike Bierman had an epiphany while examining the design (described as an "aahh!" moment by Grant Davis of the Bay Institute, another hero in this story) - the location of the Water Recycling Facility (WRF). Originally, the WRF was going to be placed where an oxidation pond currently is - requiring removal of 5,000 tons of sludge and then 250,000 cubic yards of fill. Bierman's inspiration was to move the WRF to 30-40 acres of the Gray property adjoining Lakeville Highway. This would save the city $4,000,000. Given this (new) incentive, the city was able to up the ante and still reduce projected project costs. Thus the deal was made.
BD

Incredible scenery, photographs of albatross, penguins, seals, whales and more…Please join us for a slide presentation by Doug Cheeseman on the wildlife of the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic. He will discuss behavior of a number of species and their adaptations for survival in this wonderful wilderness.

Doug Cheeseman taught biology, zoology and ecology at De Anza College from 1967 to 1998. He and his wife Gail founded Cheeseman's Ecology Safaris in 1980 and since then they have led 10 trips to the Antarctic and many more to Africa, Australia and South and Central America. A long-time wildlife photographer, he has had many photos published in books, magazines and calendars.

Audubon monthly meetings are free of charge and open to the public.

[Coming November 17: "The Magic of a Wildlife Pond" with Kathy and Dave Biggs.]

Bodega Bay, Wednesday, September 3
In spite of thunder, lightening and rain in the morning, twenty-two birders joined Jean Tonascia at Bodega Bay. We had some rain when we began birding, and it was foggy all day, which made for better viewing of the birds. Highlights included the Baird's and Pectoral Sandpipers, Yellow Warbler, Red Knot, Red-necked Phalarope and nice views of the Common, Red-throated and Pacific Loons. It turned out to be a fun day.

Point Reyes, Thursday, September 11
Eighteen birders joined leader Betty Groce at Point Reyes on a warm, sunny day. After birding the Earthquake Trail, we headed for outer Point Reyes to look for migrants. Unfortunately, due to extremely nice weather, the nice crop of migrants present on the weekend had flown the coop. Seeing the Great Horned Owl that lives at the Fish Docks was fun. We did have a Warbling Vireo, an Orange-crowned Warbler, a number of Yellow Warblers, and a Yellow-rumped Warbler. The highlights were lots of Western Tanagers seen well by all and a Chestnut-sided Warbler seen by only a few. Fifty-seven species were observed.

Audubon-California
http://ca.audubon.org (or http://audubon-ca.org)

Audubon-California has an updated Web presence, a new look produced by Dan Cooper, Director of Bird Conservation, and Web master Alison Sheehey. New information includes a listing of Audubon chapters with a clickable map to those with Web sites, a listing of Audubon centers and sanctuaries with a clickable map leading to either a Web site or information about the facility, brand new Debs Park pages (Debs Park is a new Audubon center for inner city children and families in Los Angeles), a listing of all California birding and nature festivals, and much more…

Dan and Alison are actively working to make this a user friendly and helpful site. Please take a look at it and let them know what you think!

And Madrone Audubon's own--
http://audubon.sonoma.net

"On a single autumn night several years ago, radar on Cape Cod indicated that 12 million songbirds passed overhead."

You can read this and a great deal more about the incredible journey many birds undertake to fly between their winter and summer habitats on Madrone's spruced up site. Visit the "Migration Celebration" and follow a flying Canada Goose to one or more of eight different informative bird migration pages assembled by our talented Web master, Jeff Holtzman. Hat's off to Jeff!

Authors: Murray Berner, Bill Grummer, Robin Leong, Mike Rippey
Editor: Ann Smith

The Napa-Solano Audubon Society has just published an atlas of bird species found to breed in Napa County. For each of the 156 species, it contains a written profile, original black-and-white art, and a description of nesting behavior. This book carries an endorsement from the highly-regarded David Allen Sibley, author of The Sibley Guide to Birds: "An essential inventory of the breeding birds... shows the richness and diversity of Napa County."

The atlas is 206 pages, paperback. To order it, send a check payable to Napa-Solano Audubon Society, P.O. Box 5027, Vallejo, CA 94591. The price is $25 plus $2 sales tax and $3 shipping and handling for a total of $30. For more information, contact Marge Irwin at bkirwin@pacbell.net or visit <www.napasolanoaudubon.org>. The Web site includes an order form.

Madrone members visiting the Reno area should find this guide helpful. It describes 20 significant birding areas and 25 side trips within an 80-mile radius of Reno, including the High Sierra forests, Lake Tahoe area, Truckee and Carson Rivers, high desert lakes, and major Pacific Flyway wetlands stopovers.

An overview map shows the relative locations of the birding areas, and nine to-scale maps illustrate the "Popular Birding Routes." These routes include automobile routes, some walking routes, one canoe route, and combination routes, designed in loop, figure-eight, or straight-line fashion. Side trip departure points are also noted. The optional side trips are described briefly, as are some connecting routes between adjacent areas.

The price is $10 (plus $1.50 postage). For direct sales contact: Dave Straley, Audubon Store, (775) 831-4190 or <http://www.nevadaaudubon.org/Bookstore/birdguide.html>. An order form is available at the Web site.

This new book by Mary Oliver, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, presents 26 of her poems on the Snowy Owl and many other species of birds. It includes ten poems never-before collected. It also contains her essay "Owls" and the previously unpublished "Birds."

This book is 86 pages, hardcover. It lists for $22 and may be purchased from bookstores, online booksellers, or directly from the publisher at <www.beacon.org>. Additional information about the author and the book is available at the Web site.

The Conservation Committee needs YOU-Madrone Audubon members who can help make our views known on conservation issues.. This is a hard-working committee that investigates such local issues and can pinpoint the most important people to contact and the most effective way to communicate: by e-mail, letter, or telephone messages, or by attending a local meeting.

A good example is the Graton Rancheria's effort to locate a casino site in Sonoma County. Both Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey have introduced legislation that would give the state and local communities a voice in the casino siting process and allow more extensive environmental review of the proposed property and development. (This involves changing the wording in the earlier tribal status act from "shall convey" land in trust to "may convey" land in trust.) Please see the box at the end of this article for specific instructions.

Other recent issues before the Conservation Committee that need comments from our members include:
¨ Stopping the logging of an old-growth redwood stand in Sonoma County;
¨ Strengthening the grading ordinance so that environmental review is required when projects reach a certain size of acreage or cubic feet of dirt moved;
¨ Encouraging a bill that gives the Regional Water Quality Control Board the power to stop a timber logging plan that will cause erosion and siltation (The California Department of Forestry can currently override Water Quality's testimony); and
¨ Protesting the clearing and ripping of growth along Copeland Creek in Rohnert Park.

Members who will help us out from time to time should email me at dhichwa@earthlink.net or telephone me at 579-1182. Indicate where you live-it would be helpful if we can let members know of a problem and issue in their neighborhood.

Names and Addresses-Write to Make a Difference!

Senator Dianne Feinstein (S. 1342)
One Post Street, #2450
San Francisco, CA 94104
feinstein.senate.gov

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (H.R. 2656)
1050 Northgate Drive, #140
San Rafael, CA 94903
woolsey.house.gov

SUGGESTIONS: Personal letters are the most effective, even if your letter is brief. Be sure to include the appropriate bill number in your letter. County Supervisor Valerie Brown would like to receive a copy of all the letters you send directly on to Senators and members of Congress. Her address is: 575 Administration Drive, Room 100A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

Imagine you're taking a cross-country trip. You've been in the car for hours, the gas gauge is nearly empty and you are tired, hungry and thirsty. You made the same trip the year before however so you know that there is a small town ahead with a gas station, cafe and a motel just ahead. You hope that these businesses have survived the economic downturn, as it is a long way to the next town.

With this in mind, consider the approximately 160 species of birds that log thousands of miles annually between winters in Latin America and nest sites in the United States or Canada. These international travelers cannot store enough energy to fly non-stop, so they have to rest and refuel en route.

A major wave of migrants pours down the Pacific Flyway every fall heading for wintering grounds in Central and South America. Stopover habitats provide the food, water and shelter that are crucial to these birds' survival. However many acres of native habitat along the migratory flyways have been developed, making the remaining refueling stops all the more valuable and highlighting the need for backyard sanctuaries.

You can increase a migrant's chances of survival by creating a backyard oasis that provides needed food and cover. A dense canopy of trees and shrubs will allow migrants to avoid predators and escape bad weather. California native species such as coffeeberry, wax myrtle, toyon, manzanita and ceanothus are good choices for shrubs that do well in our region. The first four listed also produce berries that are enjoyed by many species. Pacific dogwood, Pacific red elder, Pacific bayberry and common juniper are other good choices for autumn fruits, insects and cover. Bottlebrush and Pyracantha are commercial shrubs that provide both cover and food. Orioles and hummingbirds love the nectar produced by the bottlebrush flowers, and, although it is mostly a spring bloomer, it will often flower into September.

Nectar is also produced by a large variety of native perennials. Hummingbirds will visit monkeyflowers (mimulus), which come in a variety of shades from pale yellow through deep red. Autumn-blooming sages (Salvias) are also a good choice, as are the California fuschias (epilobium).
For seed-eating birds, try leaving the seed heads of sunflowers, fennel, dill, cosmos, gaillardia and zinnia in the garden. It may look messy for a while, but the birds will thank you.

A good source of California native plants is California Flora nursery at Somers and D Street in the town of Fulton. Also, keep a look out for the fall plant sale of the California Native Plant. Fall is the best season to plant native perennials in Sonoma County as they can establish good root systems during the rainy season ready to withstand the summer drought.

Creating an inviting stopover area is an opportunity to take action on a local level that will aid international migratory birds. Birds that spend more than a third of their lives on the move will appreciate the recharge areas that you and thousands of other backyard bird gardeners provide.

New Local Members:

CALISTOGA: Greg & Cynthia Kohles. PETALUMA: Lance Barlas, MD; Joy Mander. SAN FRANCISCO: Ellen Harris. SANTA ROSA: Brendan P. Hutchinson, Helen Kochenderfer, Ellen F. Krebs, Barbara Leahy, Margaret Olwell, Dorothy J. Reading, Wanda Sorensen, Amy Southwick, Joseph Tembrock, Toni Van Horn, Anna Young. SEBASTOPOL: Kay Goss, Kay Warren. SONOMA: Sharon Audiss. WINDSOR: Elaine Welke

New National Audubon Members:

BODEGA BAY: George Alger. GLEN ELLEN: Shirley Austin. HEALDSBURG: Diane Soekland. OCCIDENTAL: Tim Goss. PENNGROVE: Dan Eggink. PETALUMA: J. Phoebe Antonio, Pozsqai Family, Kate Snyderman. ROHNERT PARK: Diane Mc Colley. SANTA ROSA: Suzanne Barthel, Gloria Eisenman, Elaine Ransom. SONOMA: Jeff Blum, Stephanie Macedonia, Judith Rose, Bette Timm

It was another productive year for the Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Snowy Egrets, who nested in the redwoods and Douglas firs of Bolinas Lagoon Preserve's Picher Canyon.

Nest Production
The Great Blues had nine active nests. Eight pairs fledged chicks on their first try, while one pair failed (89% success rate). A total of 13 chicks fledged, an average of 1.6 chicks per successful nest.

The Great Egrets had 74 active nests. Forty-three were successful, and 74 chicks fledged the colony, an average of 1.7 chicks per successful nest. Fifty-four nest attempts failed before reaching the peak number (44% success rate). The nest productivity this year from both Great Egrets and Great Blues was lower than the long-term average, possibly reflecting the cool rain we experienced in April.

The Snowies had nine active nests at their peak. Eleven nesting attempts were detected. Four nests were successful for a 36% success rate. The average brood size was unknown.

Predation
Common Ravens were directly observed preying on Great Egret chicks from eight nests, with a total of 17 chicks taken. Additional predation events were likely. No Common Raven fledglings were observed in or near the colony, and a nest was never found. It is likely, therefore, that their nest was unsuccessful again this year.

A Great Egret adult was observed grabbing a neighboring chick and tossing it out of its nest. This may be the first observation of infanticide in the species. The remains of an adult Snowy Egret were found next to the volunteer center, but the predator is unknown.

If you are interested in participating in ACR's North Bay Egret and Heron Project, or in becoming involved in any of our other projects, please contact Cypress Grove Research Center at (415) 663-8203 or at cgp@svn.net.

Pulling Together Day at Tom's Point
Please join us for a day of fun and fulfilling stewardship at ACR's Tom's Point, our beautiful and seldom-visited preserve on Tomales Bay. We'll work together to remove invasive South African iceplant and restore coastal strand habitat. We'll have shuttles from Tomales to the work site, from 10:30 to 11:00 AM. The day concludes at 3:00 PM with a free BBQ lunch! RSVP to Dan Gluesenkamp at 935-8417.

Work Day and More Free Lunch
Join us on Saturday, November 8, in Bolinas Lagoon Preserve's Volunteer Canyon, and help us spruce up the place. Please call the office at (415) 868-9244 to sign up so we can plan on enough food.

The Wildlife Sanctuaries and Centers for Nature Education of Audubon Canyon Ranch (including the Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen) are under the joint sponsorship of Golden Gate, Madrone, Marin and Sequoia Audubon Societies.

Saturday, October 25, from Noon to 2 PM.
Nature Walk at Fairfield Osborn Preserve with Becky Olsen
Join us for a walk around beautiful Fairfield Osborn Preserve. Local naturalist Becky Olsen has been leading walks at the Preserve for five years; she will help us sharpen our observational skills and use them to find denizens of the preserve both large and small. We will hike a little (the terrain is not steep but the ground is uneven in places), play games, look under rocks, gaze up into trees, poke around in ponds and generally explore our surroundings. The Preserve is located in the hills above Rohnert Park and is a spectacular area of native oak woodlands and marshes. The preserve manager only allows small groups out on the trails so attendance is limited. Be sure to call early if you are interested! For reservations call Shona at 869-1577.

Saturday, November 1, from 10 AM to Noon
Where Does Your Water Go? A guided tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Llano Road with Denise Cadman

I am really looking forward to this one! Denise is an education specialist with the Sonoma County Water Agency. She will show us around the plant and talk about where your water goes after you flush! We will also visit the adjacent wetlands and find out how they contribute to the process of cleaning up our dirty water. There is no limit to the number of folk that can come on this trip, but please call Shona at 869-1577 to let us know that you are coming and receive directions.

See you there!
Claire Shurvinton, Madrone Audubon Pee Wee chair

NOTE: If you have any suggestions for fun activities for families or programs that you would like to see, please contact Claire at 527-6118 or at cshurvin@earthlink.net.

NATIVE PLANT SALE
Saturday, October 11, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building across from the County Fairgrounds. This is a once-a-year sale, held by the Milo Baker Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. A follow-up meeting on planting natives in your garden will be held by the Society on Tuesday, October 21. For more information, contact Liz Parsons at 833-2063.

LAGUNAKEEPER WORKDAYS
Two Saturdays, October 18 and November 15, from 9 AM to Noon. LagunaKeepers is the volunteer corps that helps to maintain the Laguna de Santa Rosa in Sebastopol. Meet behind the Youth Annex (the building next to the Community Center on Morris Street) and bring tools, gloves, water and a friend. This year CLIF Bar, Inc. is sponsoring the group by offering free CLIF Bars to LagunaKeepers.

SANTA ROSA CREEK MASTER PLAN
Wednesday, October 29, 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the downtown Santa Rosa Library. The City of Santa Rosa will hold a public meeting to present the results of the Citywide Creek Master Plan workshops this past summer, and to talk about the next steps towards a Plan document. For information contact Sheri Emerson at 543-4225.

CALIFORNIA BURROWING OWL SYMPOSIUM
November 11-12, at the Sacramento Radisson Hotel. Sponsored by The Wildlife Society, Western Section. A symposium dedicated to the science, management and Policy of the Burrowing Owl in California. For information consult the Web site: www.tws-west.org.

CENTRAL VALLEY BIRDING SYMPOSIUM
November 20-23, at the Radisson Hotel in Stockton. Hosted by the Central Valley Bird Club. There will be field trips, workshops, and a Birding Nature Fair and Art Show with over 25 vendors selling nature related items. Keynote speakers are Ed Harper, Keith Hansen and John Hendrickson. The schedule and registration form are on the Web site: http://cvbs.org, or contact Frances Oliver at (209) 369-2010.

FALL CLASSES OFFERED BY JOHN KLOBAS:
Santa Rosa Junior College Community Education. For information and registration call 527-4371.
Let's Watch Hawks, Sunday, October 5, 9 AM to 3 PM. A one-day workshop to the Golden Gate National Raptor Observatory and Hawk Hill on the Marin Headlands to learn hawk identification. We'll also bird Rodeo Lagoon and drop by the visitor center.
Fall Birds of Point Reyes, Sunday, November 2, 10 AM to 4 PM. A one-day trip to the best birding sites in the national seashore

Point Reyes Field Seminars.
For information and registration, call (415) 663-1200.
Residents and Rarities, Saturday, November 15, 10 AM to 4 PM. A day-long birding trip to see residents, winter migrants, and rare visitors to the Point Reyes peninsula.

Northern Pintail (pr.) 4/27 Hudemann Slough area DN
Gadwall (10-12) 5/3 Lakeville treatment ponds DN
Canada Goose (nesting) 4/29 Pond 1/4 mi. E. of Carmody Rd., off Bodega Hwy. DN, JW
Rhinoceros Auklet (7-8) 5/6 Offshore Sonoma County DN
Bonaparte's Gull (58) 5/3 Lakeville treatment ponds DN
Black Tern 4/16 Shollenberger Park AL
Arctic Tern (1) 5/6 Offshore Sonoma County DN
Caspian Tern (4) 4/16 Spring Lake CM, BT
Black-footed Albatross (1) 5/6 Offshore Sonoma County DN
Sooty Shearwater (650) 5/6 Offshore Sonoma County DN
Common Moorhen 5/3 Stemple Creek at Alexander Road MJ
Osprey (juv.) 4/22 Spring Lake RSa
Golden Eagle (1 ad.) 5/4 Dry Creek Road LB
Cooper's Hawk (nesting pr.) 4/9 Ragle Park, Sebastopol KU
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5/2 Chasing feeder birds, Glen Echo Drive, S.R. LB Sharp-shinned Hawk (pr.?) Apr. Off I Street, Petaluma, heard several mornings DN
Long-eared Owl 4/19 Calling all around yard in Penngrove. RL
Semipalmated Plover (50+) 4/10 Bodega Harbor BG
American Avocet (nesting) 4/29 Pond 1/4 mi. E. of Carmody Road DN, JW Lesser Yellowlegs (1) 4/29 Pond 1/4 mi. E. of Carmody Road DN
Solitary Sandpiper (1) 4/29 Pond 1/4 mi. E. of Carmody Road DN, RL Whimbrel (88) 5/3 Pond 1/4 mi. E. of Carmody Road DN
Red Phalarope (30-40) 5/6 Offshore Sonoma County, mostly alt. plumage DN Red-necked Phalarope (55+) 5/6 Offshore Sonoma County, mostly alt. plumage DN
Red-necked Phalarope (6) 4/27 Lakeville treatment ponds (in alt. plumage) DN Calliope Hummingbird(4) 4/29-5/1 Owl Canyon ( 3 males, 1 female) DN Calliope Hummingbird (4) 5/1 Inverness yard, at feeder RS
Rufous Hummingbird (5-7) 4/29-30 Owl Canyon DN
Rufous Hummingbird (7+) 5/1 Inverness yard at feeder RS
Vaux's Swift (1) 4/30 Owl Canyon, overhead DN
Purple Martin (3) 4/2 Laguna de S.R. - in swallow flock of est. 12,000 RS Olive-sided Flycatcher 4/17 Adobe Canyon Road IM
Olive-sided Flycatcher 5/1 Yard in Bodega Bay NC Hammond's Flycatcher 5/3 Penngrove; Goodwin Ave. RL et al Gray Flycatcher 5/3 Penngrove; Goodwin Ave. RL Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 5/3-7 Point Reyes M.Ob Swainson's Thrush 4/29 Owl Canyon DN Cassin's Vireo 5/1 Owl Canyon DN MacGillivray's Warbler 4/23 Salmon Creek Road TE Yellow-rumped Warbler 5/3 Owl Canyon, singing DN
Yellow Warbler 4/21 Shollenberger Park DN
Yellow-breasted Chat 4/20 Along Russian River (from canoe) DE
Great-tailed Grackle (male) 4/17 Rooster Run Golf Course DN
White-throated Sparrow (late) 5/8 Glen Echo Drive, S.R. LB
Black-headed Grosbeak 4/9 Off Willowside Road CS
Black-headed Grosbeak (2) 4/16 Spring Lake CM, BT
Lapland Longspur (heard) 4/9 Bucchli Station, Napa County BDP

CONTRIBUTORS: Larry Broderick, Lisa Burquist, Daniel Edelstein, Ted Eliot, Betty Groce, Marianne Jacobs, Rick Lebadour, Andy LaCasse, Tiffany Martin, Carolyn Metz, Ian Morrison, Dan Nelson, Benjamin D. Parmeter, Roger Sanborn, Rich Stallcup, Barbara Tomin, Kathy Underwood, and Jon Winter.

Red-throated Loon (1) up to 6/15 Bodega Harbor DN
Pacific Loon (4) 7/10+ Bodega Harbor DN et al.
Cattle Egret (5) June Millbrae/ Scenic Avenue (nesting here too?) DN
American Bittern 7/2 Shollenberger Park BD, RSto
Black-footed Albatross 5/31 Near shore Sonoma County at 38.27' X 123.15' DN
Cory's Shearwater August Cordell Bank (first for California if accepted) DS et al.
Osprey June West Petaluma, with a fish DN
Swainson's Hawk 7/19 Napa River at Highway 29 JS
Peregrine Falcon (female) 6/28-7/10 Towers, downtown Petaluma DN
Greater Scaup (1) 7/29 Bodega Harbor, near Marine Laboratory entrance MH
Hudsonian Godwit (up to 2) 9/7 Alviso, Santa Clara County DN
Lesser Yellowlegs (1) 7/25 Doran Pond DN
Red Knot (4) 9/5 Bodega Bay DN
White-rumped Sandpiper June Point Reyes-pond off Pierce Point Road LL, CL, et al.
Semipalmated Sandpiper 8/8 Rush Creek marsh, Marin County RS, et al.
Semipalmated Sandpiper late August Shollenberger Park RM, JB
Baird's Sandpiper 8/21 Shollenberger Park DN
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 9/5 Abbott's Lagoon JW, et al.
Wilson's Phalarope (20) 7/23 Doran Park LH
Red-necked Phalarope (5) 8/16 Shollenberger Park BO
Wandering Tattler 7/29 Sonoma Coast, Ocean Cove DN
Wandering Tattler 8/3 Bodega Head SB
Pomarine Jaeger 8/21 1 mile off Bodega Head DN
Bonaparte's Gull (9) 5/17 Porto Bodega MF
Sabine's Gull (1) 8/5 2 miles off Russian River DN
Elegant Tern (3) 7/23 Doran Park LH
Least Tern 8/23 Highway 37, Solano County (resting with Forster's) AW
White-winged Dove 5/30 Campbell Cove DN
Black Swift (20) 5/17 Pine Flat Road AW, R.R.O.S.
Willow Flycatcher 8/20 Bodega Head DN
Willow Flycatcher 8/24 Skaggs Island Road CL
Bobolink (adult male) 7/12-15 Estero trail area, Point Reyes M.Ob.
Cedar Waxwing (3) 8/12 Ragle Park, Sebastopol LH
Yellow-billed Magpie (adult) 7/19-20 Sonoma Coast, south of Reef Campground DN
Gray Catbird 6/10-12 Owl Canyon; moved to Campbell Cove DH, DN
MacGillivray's Warbler 9/4 Santa Rosa Creek at Willowside Road CS
American Redstart 9/6 Manchester Beach Campground, Mendocino County BB, DS
American Redstart 9/6 Campbell Cove DN
American Redstart 9/6 Bodega Marine Laboratory entrance DN
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6/4 Sebastopol; adult male visiting feeder CM
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6/11-12 Cazadero; adult male visiting feeder DB, PC
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 9/4 Cazadero; first-year male visiting feeder DB, PC
Great-tailed Grackle May-June Rooster Run Golf Club, Petaluma DN
Western Tanager 6/7 Owl Canyon DN,CL,LL
Western Tanager (2-3) 6/9 Owl Canyon DN
Hooded Oriole 4/18 Graton AR

CONTRIBUTORS: Dennis Beall, Sara Blauman, Julie Blumenthal, Betty Burridge, Pam Conley, Bob Dyer, Mary Follis, Mike Heffernon, David Hofmann, Lisa Hug, Richard Hurley, Shirley Leaphart, Cindy &Leslie Lieurance, Calvin Lou, Roger Marlowe, Carolyn Metz, Dan Nelson, Becky Olson, Anna Ransome, Redwood Region Ornithological Society, Claire Shurvinton, Dianne Sierra, Rich Stallcup, John Sterling, Ron Storey, Jim White, and Alan Wight.

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