The quarterly Bay Area Audubon Council (BAAC) meeting was held on September 11 at the Tiburon Audubon Center. BAAC meetings are regional gatherings which provide opportunities for information sharing among local chapters, Audubon California and National Audubon. At this quarterly meeting, Glenn Olsen, new director of Audubon California, and Julia Levin, Audubon California Policy Director, gave an update to the assembled chapter representatives.

Glenn Olsen recognized the progress made in local conservation and restoration. While Audubon's San Francisco Bay Restoration program had to close due to funding problems, a remarkable number of groups are still focusing on the Bay, such as the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture group. Olsen stressed that in order to secure funding and legislation for protection of the Bay, it is important for leaders and voters in the entire state to recognize the San Francisco Bay as a globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA). Audubon California was instrumental in securing the funds to acquire the Cargill salt ponds in 2003 and has a goal of raising $150,000 to advance legislation on a bond act for 2006, which would give Audubon a major voice in the application of the bond funds.

Recognition was given to the various chapters' combined efforts around the Bay, including Napa River restoration, Petaluma River marsh protection, and ongoing salt pond management in the South Bay. Such efforts can increase public awareness about the Bay, its diverse bird life, and Audubon's conservation work. That public awareness will help garner support for funding and legislation to protect IBAs such as San Francisco Bay.

Policy Director Julia Levin summarized the policy agenda for California Audubon this year. She asked for input on prioritizing the following issues:
¨ protecting the Bay Delta, equally important as the Bay itself;
¨ recognition of Important Bird Areas around the state;
¨ extending land stewardship in the Imperial Valley to help restore the Salton Sea;
¨ protecting the entire Pacific Flyway, from the northern states to Baja California;
¨ discouraging the use of invasive non-native plants along highway corridors in favor of native species;
¨ encouraging sustainable gardening with the "Kill Your Lawn" campaign;
¨ minimizing harm to birds from the increased development in the Altamont Pass wind energy system;
¨ studying the impact on bird populations where high-speed rail lines are going through prime habitat, such as Henry Coe State Park and the Los Banos wetlands reserve.
The consensus of the group was that the focus should be on protecting California's IBAs and raising awareness (and funding) for the Bay and Bay Delta.

Glenn Olsen expects that the current Audubon California Board of Directors, chaired by Robert Stephens of the Packard Foundation, will interact with chapter leadership more than in the past, and he encouraged all chapters to attend the Audubon Assembly meeting to be held November 17-18 in Stockton. Madrone Audubon is sending three representatives to the Assembly.

The local chapters have much to share and learn from each other. The Bay Area Audubon Council and the Audubon Assembly are invaluable resources to foster the alliances and collaboration that have historically defined Audubon. The more participation there is in such meetings, the stronger our chapter and grassroots activists will be. Madrone Audubon's Board encourages any members at large to attend the Assembly and future BAAC meetings. You may contact any Board member for details of meeting dates and times.

Golden Gate reported that it has finally preserved the Gateway Valley development. Ohlone Chapter is working on plans for the Bair Island refuge to limit excessive trail construction. Santa Clara has succeeded in its push to have the most natural habitat possible in the South Bay tidal salt pond restoration. Napa-Solano has a new website, and is starting the Solano County Breeding Bird Atlas, which they plan to publish online. Marin is coping with installation of the Bay Area trail. Their recently acquired Bahia marshlands were donated to State Fish and Game and Open Space, and the Marin chapter is working with Bahia homeowners regarding the marina and nesting Clapper Rail habitat.

Sanford R. ("Sandy") Wilbur, who led the California Condor research and recovery efforts from 1969 to 1981, will discuss the condor and his new book, "Condor Tales: What I Learned in Twelve Years with the Big Birds." The book traces the history of the condor from Pleistocene times until the decision was made to take condors into captivity for a captive breeding and reestablishment program. Sandy uses information seldom heard in other condor presentations to describe the reasons for the condors' endangerment, and to show the history of human involvement with the condors.

Sandy spent 34 years with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, in various capacities with the National Wildlife Refuge System, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and the Federal Endangered Species Program. He is the author of five books and many publications on birds and other wildlife and conservation subjects. He is a native of Oakland, California, and has lived in Gresham, Oregon, since 1981.

COMING IN JANUARY, 2005
"The Magic of Malheur-Oasis in the Great Basin Desert" with Steve Shunk

A mound of waste, called the Redwood Landfill, is located just North of Gnoss field near Novato, and it is slowly growing higher and higher. Directly behind that visible mound is the often invisible Petaluma Marsh, the largest remaining unaltered tract of tidal wetlands in California. Once regarded as useless real estate, tidal wetlands are now recognized as second only to rainforests in fecundity. They serve as a food source and nursery for most aquatic life and also act as a filter for many waterborne pollutants. It is small wonder that Redwood Landfill is one of the few remaining dumps sited on an estuary.

Regardless of its unfortunate location, reliance on the Redwood Landfill is steadily growing as the urban areas in Marin and Sonoma increase in population. Redwood Landfill has applied to the County of Marin for a permit that would allow it to expand by nearly 50%. Because it is bordered on three sides by tidal sloughs, to expand they must build up, thus making the landfill higher and steeper. An earthquake, serious flood, or failure of its control systems would likely create an environmental disaster. Toxic soup would spill right into the waters of San Antonio creek and flood the Petaluma Marsh. Due to tidal action, in and out twice a day, any pollution from there has the potential to go as far upstream as Petaluma and downstream to San Pablo Bay.

Even without expansion, the practices of the landfill are a constant disruption to wildlife in the Petaluma Marsh. "Seagulls used to flock to the area and rafts of ducks rested on the adjacent sloughs" says David Yearsley, Petaluma Riverkeeper and longtime habituate of the marsh. "Now the use of bird abatement cannons and whistles has driven them off. Even more problematic, they also drive native and migratory birds out of the wetlands. I've seen a dramatic decline of birdlife since those practices started over ten years ago. Even in the middle of the Marsh I can hear the cannons and whistles clearly".

Still, the trash has to go somewhere. Yearsley believes there are less hazardous and disruptive sites to be found; however, it's an unpopular topic with the politicians and bureaucrats. "None of them want to be the ones to increase fees or try to put a dump in someone else's backyard. Nevertheless, someday the dump will have to close and it is better to start looking for an alternative now rather than expanding in a bad location."

Regardless of the outcome of the permit process for Redwood, an obvious protocol for temporary remedies is for cities to create programs that encourage households to diminish the amount of waste they produce. The city of Petaluma is looking at upping its reuse and recycle ratio to 70%. Public education and incentive will clearly play an important part of this effort. Yearsley and other concerned Petaluma residents are working to educate the community about the danger of using Redwood Landfill for Petaluma's garbage, as the City Council negotiates a new garbage contract that will last up to 20 years. "It would be like fouling our own nest" says Yearsley.

A group of North Bay residents (many from Novato and Petaluma) have started a grassroots organization called, "No Wetlands Landfill Expansion" (NWLE). The group has a launched new website with photos and more information at <www.noexpansion.org/>. The site also lists actions that concerned conservationists can take. Madrone Audubon's website has added a link to NWLE.

Providing a source of food, a safe bathing and drinking spot, and shrubby cover from predators will go a long way towards your enjoyment of bird watching. Creating a mini-wildlife habitat right in your own yard gives you the satisfaction of contributing to the survival of birds that are struggling to make it in a less than generous world. Further, you will pass these values and teachings along to your children.

One of the best California native plants for late summer and autumn blooms is the Hummingbird or California Fuchsia, a sunloving perennial or subshrub fondly known as Zauschneria (formerly its botanical name; now changed to Epilobium canum). However, horticulturists (fondly known as gardeners!) do not always speak the same language as do botanists. So just learn to say Zauschneria, and nurseries will know of what you speak.

Hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators flock to Zauschneria's brilliant orange-scarlet tubular flowers, set against a background of small, gray-green leaves. Autumn is a time when most plants are going dormant, so the Zauschnerias add lots of color and interest to your yard. Zauschnerias are natives to our U.S. west; their home is on sunny, generally dry rocky slopes, although some varieties may be found along the banks of streams.

You may want to limit the Zauschneria presence to an area where it can sprawl, reproduce and be at its rangy best. If you have time, cut them back after they bloom, as you will definitely get better flowers. They go winter dormant; if you don't deadhead and clean them up in the fall (and habitat gardeners recommend that you leave the seeds for the finches) wait until spring, and trim off the dead stems. Mine are planted where they wander and root around in a hot, fairly dry hillside. They receive occasional summer watering.

Rush Creek and Las Gallinas Ponds, Wednesday, September 9
In very hot weather, 11 birders with leader Tom McCuller found 67 species of birds at Rush Creek Open Space Preserve and Las Gallinas ponds in Marin County. The group enjoyed watching an unexpected female Phainopepla at Rush Creek. The Las Gallinas ponds contained a large variety of ducks and shorebirds, including Red-necked Phalaropes.

Duncans Mills and Willow Creek Road, Wednesday, September 15
Nineteen birders attended the first Duncans Mills walk of the season, led by Dennis Beall on a warm sunny day. Fifty-five species were observed, including the usual suspects: numerous Common Mergansers, Caspian Terns, an Orange-crowned Warbler, a regular migrant chocolate Fox Sparrow, and a flight of 104 Canada Geese. Nothing special, but a beautiful day.

Point Reyes, Thursday, September 23
On a clear, warm, windless day at outer Point Reyes, 12 birders, including Jan from Holland, joined leader Don McCarthy. Fifty-eight species were observed, more raptors than warblers. Notable birds included Prairie Falcon and Say's Phoebe. A magical day at the coast.

Howarth Park and Spring Lake, Wednesday, September 29
On a cool, overcast day nine birders joined leader Jean Tonascia to bird at Howarth Park and Spring Lake. A total of 50 species were observed. Highlights included Merlin, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Western Wood-Pewee, White-breasted Nuthatches and Yellow Warblers.

Shollenberger Park, Thursday, October 7
Twenty-three dedicated birders joined leader Andy Lacasse to bird Shollenberger Park and the Lakeville treatment ponds. The highlights included Chestnut-sided Warbler, Bittern, Common Snipe, Blue, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Sora and Virginia Rails, Northern Shoveler and Pintail.

Bodega Bay, Saturday, October 9
On a sunny, cool day three birders with leader Jean Tonascia observed 75 species of birds. Rain was predicted but by the time we arrived it was over. Highlights included seeing several Surfbirds at Bodega Head and three Black Oystercatchers with two Whimbrels standing in front of them on the rocks at Porto Bodega, right in front of us and very close. Veronica Bowers saw her first Semipalmated Plovers off Smith Ranch Road. It was a fun day.

One morning I was killing time, and I walked down the Prince Memorial Greenway and saw about 15+ different birds within an area of half a block just down from the hotel. These included: Great and Snowy Egrets, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Mergansers, Black Phoebes, Mallards, LBJ's, and the usual Crows, Jays etc. I had no binoculars or Sibley so I couldn't pin down a bright yellow, sparrow-sized bird that acted like a flycatcher while working on a bush. There are also thousands of minnows, some crawdads, and one or two homeless folks that tend to sleep in, so I'd suggest going in pairs!

Madrone Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Madrone Audubon Society will hold its 38th annual West Sonoma County Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, January 2. This count has consistently registered a high number of species-among the top ten counts in North America. We need a good number of counters to continue the tradition. Watch for your invitation in the mail if you have counted before. If your address has changed, or if you would like more information, please contact Joy Mander at 778-8765 (preferable), or by e-mail at wsccbc@aol.com.

The count center is in the Salmon Creek watershed which ranges from west of Sebastopol to the coast and from just north of the Russian River down to the Estero Americana. As always, a potluck dinner at the Sebastopol Community Center will finish up the day. Please join us this year-previous experience is appreciated, but not necessary!

Santa Rosa Christmas Bird Count
The Santa Rosa Christmas Bird Count, conducted by the Redwood Region Ornithological Society, will take place on December 19. If you would like to participate (we especially need observers for Annadel State Park), please contact Ken Ackerman at markandack@aol.com or at 538-2038.

Thanksgiving Bird Count
The Thanksgiving Bird Count: one hour on Thanksgiving Day. The counter chooses the time that best fits his/her schedule-some folks have called it a welcome break from the holiday activities! Count circles of 15 feet in diameter are determined by the participant and the counting may be done from a comfortable spot indoors by a window, or outdoors at favorite bird areas near feeders, bird baths, cover, or wetlands. The same circles should be used each year.

This count is not as well known as is the annual Christmas Count, but was begun in 1966 by Dr. Ernest Edwards and the Lynchburg Bird Club in Virginia. Contact Diane Hichwa at 579-1182 for an instruction form or more information.

New Local Members:
BODEGA BAY: Janet Duncan. CLOVERDALE: Patricia Macias. FORESTVILLE: Diane Galiardi. HEALDSBURG: Margo & Albert Merck. OCCIDENTAL: Alexandra McDonald. SANTA ROSA: David Beckman, James Duxbury, Gisela D. Hewitt, Lee Perron & Judy White, Sonoma Land Trust. SEBASTOPOL: Gloria Given, Linda Prater. SONOMA: Barbara Nichols, Bambi Tempest. WINDSOR: Ann Herbst.

New National Members
HEALDSBURG: Betsy Selander. MONTE RIO: Lilith Rogers. PETALUMA: David Hathaway, Dorte Hjermind, Marla Rabinowitz, Rae Russel, Rauno Saarinen, Karen Sheehan, Emily Smith, Leonard Spear, Duffy Stewart, Alan Wight. ROHNERT PARK: Shawn P. Gordon. SANTA ROSA: Margaret Brothers, Sohrab Dorabji, Paul Gardner, Jay Graser, Laura Hoerler, Helen Kochenderfer, Ishi Leclair, Barbara McAuliffe, Patrice Menini, Michael Nelligan, Robert Orr, B. Powe, Darla Rigard, H. E. Roland, Hildreth Serrano, Barbara Towner. SEBASTOPOL: Marjorie Clark, Carole Gerst, Patricia McKay, Sandy Smith. SONOMA: Cassidy Ranch Vineyard, Patty Ekenberg, Sandra Metzger, H. E. Prior, Huella Stone, Sandy Tonini, Nancylee Woodward. WINDSOR: Keith & Marian Fiedler, Anne Skjelbred.

The Sonoma Land Trust is most happy to report that a $7.9 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation of San Francisco has put its Baylands property acquisition project "over the top"! This grant is the largest private gift ever received by the Sonoma Land Trust in the organization's 28-year history. The Trust expects to complete the purchase of the Dickson Ranch by November 1 and the North Point Joint Venture properties in early 2005.

"Botany 12" and "Sonoma Botany" at the Sonoma County Museum, October 15 through February 13. A mixed-media exhibit featuring the work of 12 contemporary artists from Sonoma County and the Bay Area and the stories of 12 regionally significant plants, with herbarium specimens as well as photographs and artifacts.

"Marshes Matter: Tracking the Health of Tidal Wetlands in San Pablo Bay," At the Petaluma Sheraton, Tuesday, December 7, at 7 PM. The first of a series of free lectures on wetlands, co-sponsored by The Bay Institute and the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance. The speakers will be Christina Swanson, Ph.D. and Anitra Pawley, Ph.D., of The Bay Institute. For information contact Gerald Moore, 763-3577.

A big thank you from the Bird Rescue Center for the admission's desk help of Claire Stylianides. Her name was omitted from the Bird Rescue Center's volunteer list in October's Leaves.

And speaking of volunteers…
Help bring back Pee Wee Audubon! Our popular family activities are on hold until someone (or several) steps forward to plan these events. We also very much need "office help" for the Membership Committee and an Education Coordinator-someone who might be interested in advancing the project of producing a CD of local birds for classroom use.

Greater Shearwater 8/29 Bodega Canyon RS, RR, et al.
White-faced Ibis 9/14 Abbott's Lagoon, Marin County DN et al.
White-faced Ibis 10/10 South Carmody Road pond AW
Greater White-fronted Goose (1) 9/19 Campbell Cove RM, DN, JB
Greater White-fronted Goose (many) 9/20 Bay Hill Road DH, DN
Greater White-fronted Goose (many) 9/23 Bay Hill Road DH, DN
Sharp-shinned Hawk (22) 9/22 Bay Hill Road (peak day total) DN, DH
Cooper's Hawk (18) 9/27 Bay Hill Road (peak day total) DN, DH
Ferruginous Hawk 9/15 Bay Hill Road (first of Fall) DN, DH
Broad-winged Hawk (adult) 10/6 Bay Hill Road (county bird for DH) DN, DH
Merlin (first of Fall) 9/25 Bay Hill Road DN, DH
Peregrine Falcon (adult) 10/8 Monte Rio KM et al.
Common Moorhen (2) Sept. Campbell Cove DN, DH
Hudsonian Godwit 9/9-13 Abbott's Lagoon M. Ob.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (3+) Sept. Abbott's Lagoon M. Ob.
Dunlin 9/6 Bodega Harbor SB
Wilson's Snipe (1) 10/5 Cheney Creek "Bird Walk" DN
Least Tern Aug. Doran Park RM
Black Skimmer Aug.-Sept. Bodega Harbor M. Ob.
White-winged Dove 9/1 Westside Park DN
Burrowing Owl (1) 9/15 Bodega Head DN
Broad-billed Hummingbird 9/26 Bahia area; first Marin County record ML
Least Flycatcher Sept. Lagoon Valley Regional Park, Solano County JL
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 10/2-3 Point Reyes JW, DDeS et al.
Willow Flycatcher 9/24 Willow Creek Road RM, JB
Tropical Kingbird 10/4-5 Cheney Creek "Bird Walk" D&DHa, DN
Blue-headed Vireo (1) 10/1 Owl Canyon; first Sonoma County record DN
Veery 10/1 Point Reyes Fish Docks JM, et al.
Varied Thrush 9/28 Bodega Dunes Campground (first arrival) DN
Magpie sp. 9/24-30 Bodega Head, Owl Canyon AW
Yellow Wagtail 9/12-13 Abbott's Lagoon M. Ob.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8/28 Owl Canyon MH
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 9/15 Bay Hill Road DN, DH
Nashville Warbler 9/30 Laguna de Santa Rosa IM, JK, CW, KW
Nashville Warbler (2) 10/5 Owl Canyon DN, BDP, DH
Chestnut-sided Warbler 9/30+ Owl Canyon area AW, DN, BDP et al.
Chestnut-sided Warbler 10/4 Rail Ponds (same bird?) DN
Magnolia Warbler 9/30-10/5 Bodega Marine Laboratory entrance DN, BDP, DH et al.
Black-throated Blue Warbler 10/3 Bodega Marine Laboratory entrance DN, JW, RM, JB et al.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 9/18 Campbell Cove (first of Fall) DN
Palm Warbler 10/3-5 Bodega Marine Laboratory entrance RR, RM, JB, DN
Blackpoll Warbler 9/30 Bodega Marine Laboratory entrance DN
Black-and-White Warbler 10/2-3 Bodega Marine Laboratory entrance BDP, DN, RM et al.
Black-and-White Warbler 10/4 Rail Ponds (same bird likely, as above) DN
American Redstart (2) 9/30-10/5 Owl Canyon AW, DN, et al.
American Redstart (1) 10/1 Campbell Cove DN, BDP, et al.
American Redstart (1) 10/1 Marine Lab residence trees DN
Northern Waterthrush 9/30 Bodega Marine Laboratory entrance DN, BDP
Northern Waterthrush 10/4-5 Rail Pond (another bird that moved?) DN, BDP
Blue Grosbeak (immature) 10/4 Rail Ponds DN
Dickcissel (male) 9/25 Stake-out at Fort Mason, San Francisco KB, DN, RL
Cassin's Sparrow 9/15-17 Stinson Beach park M. Ob.
Lapland Longspur 9/30 Campbell Cove (heard only) BDP
Bobolink 9/21 Bodega Head (outer rocks) DH, BDP
Bobolink 10/3-4 Campbell Cove DN, RM, JB, JW, RL
Bobolink 9/26-28 Lucas Valley, Marin County WT
Yellow-headed Blackbird 9/28 Campbell Cove (immature male) DH, DN
River Otter (8+) 10/6 Campbell Cove (where did the Moorhens go?) DH, DN

CONTRIBUTORS: Sara Blauman, Julie Blumenthal, Ken Burton, Nancy Conzett, Dave DeSante, Denise and Dave Hamilton, Mike Heffernon, David Hofmann, John Kelly, Rick Lebadour, Margarita Luff, John Luther, Roger Marlowe, Joe Morlan, Ian Morrison, Kathy Mugele, Dan Nelson, Benjamin D. Parmeter, Ruth Rudesill, Rich Stallcup, Wilbur Tapscott (ed. note: WT is NC's brother), Alan Wight, Ken Wilson, Jon Winter, and Chris Wood.

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