The Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA) was founded in November 2001 by a group of citizens who wanted the new Petaluma wastewater plant to contain polishing wetlands with a wildlife sanctuary, similar to that of Arcata, CA. Our goal was to rally community support for the project and to convince our reticent city council to build the wetlands on Gray's Ranch, located just south of Shollenberger Park. After two years of hard work, we succeeded in this effort.

In November 2003 PWA had a change in leadership and developed a new mission and a new list of long-term goals that re-defined us as a support group for all of Petaluma's public wetlands with the overall mission of education in and stewardship of those wetlands. In the same month we merged with Madrone Audubon, one of our strongest supporters. We are a committee of Madrone but still maintain our own Board of Directors and mission while operating under the Madrone constitution and bylaws. Our excellent Web site www.petalumawetlandspark.org keeps everyone informed about PWA's recent, current, and future activities.

Because construction of the new wastewater treatment plant with 40 acres of wetlands will not be completed until 2009, we are currently focusing our energies on Shollenberger Park and Alman Marsh. PWA's main activities include building a first-class docent program and starting a plant restoration project for these wetlands. Until 2002 Bob Dyer was the lone docent at Shollenberger. Since then we have added more docents through in-field training and two docent courses so that we currently have ten active docents. An ongoing course for new docents should increase this number. Last year our major teaching emphasis was on hands-on activities for third grade school groups, both in the classroom and at the wetlands. We also do public tours on the second Saturday of the month @ 9:00 AM October through June and special tours for any group that request them.

In September 2004 we started a one-year bird survey to be conducted on a weekly basis. There are five survey teams, led by five of the best birders in the county, which take turns on the weekends counting all of the birds seen in or from Shollenberger Park. To-date the survey teams have counted over 109,000 birds, including several new species to add to our list of over 170 species. The survey data is on a spreadsheet and is being shared with Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO), CA Dept. of Fish & Game, and other interested parties.

In October 2004 we received a $15,000 education grant from the Water Quality Control Board and the City of Petaluma which allowed us to expand the children's program, create a professional-quality bird list, and do some park interpretive renovations. Currently we are writing a weed management plan which we hope to start implementing in 2006. This plan will be coordinated with the City of Petaluma and be part of the general wetlands management plan. Also we are working closely with PRBO Conservation Science which is moving their headquarters to Shollenberger Park in early 2006. PRBO and PWA plan to coordinate, and to some degree merge, many of our educational and survey programs for the mutual benefit of both groups and the public wetlands. We invite all members of the community to join us in working on these exciting projects. Working together, we can build an outstanding educational program and create a fabulous wildlife sanctuary on the 500 acres of contiguous public wetlands in Petaluma.

Audubon is celebrating its centennial year of protecting birds, other
wildlife, and the habitats that support them. This unique accomplishment
deserves recognition, and Glenn Olson, Chairman of the California State Audubon, will speak in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Audubon, giving an update on the organization's conservation plan through 2010.

Glenn notes that our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences. He is very excited about a number of programs which are underway and others which will be launched shortly. He will report on conservation projects from restoring San Francisco Bay to monitoring declining species. The most critical areas for birds in the state will be identified. Glenn will provide important information on active programs tied to initiatives. Just as important are Audubon California's efforts to advocate for enforcement of our environmental laws, and Glenn will describe these efforts as well as other ground-breaking research on a network of preserves and sanctuaries.


Coming in November:
"Mayacamas: Vegetative Recovery Following the Labor Day Fire", with Peter Leveque and grandson Gus Eichhorn.

PETALUMA: Wendy Albrecht, Kristine & Cara Brook, Carolyn Clover, Janet Clover, Collette Michaud, Steven Purcell, Tom & Theresa Woodrum. SANTA ROSA: Hall & Marion Cushman, Richard Wasson. SEBASTOPOL: Susan Marie Gadbois.

Who knows, but whatever the cause, there were three (count them!) Madrone Audubon couples who officially tied the knot in the month of May this year. Such a rush to the altar is unprecedented in the annals of Madrone Audubon.

The leaders of the pack were none other than our handsome chapter president Sylvan Eidelman and his lady love, the ever-smiling and cheerful Naturalist (in Yosemite) Julie Miller. A combined love for the out-of-doors, poetry, and music (he plays the fiddle, she the guitar) were chief catalysts in this sweet love story. They exchanged vows in the historic chapel in Yosemite Valley. No lack of romantic atmosphere at that wedding!

Meanwhile dapper Ken Wilson, long-time leader of Madrone's Beginners Bird Walks, and his sweetheart Becky Olsen, Madrone's Assistant treasurer, furtively slipped away for a very private ceremony. These two lovebirds became acquainted several years ago on Ken's Beginners Bird Walks. Originally 'confirmed' singles, they played an extended game of double hard-to-get while working together to successfully achieve the Important Bird Area designation for Bodega Bay. There were also trips to Costa Rica, Belize, and many more Beginners Bird field trips. For a long time it seemed as if Ken and Becky were the only ones who didn't see what was obvious to everyone else. Eventually the truth could no longer be denied. They were in love. I'm happy to report that at this very moment they are living happily ever after in their home in Petaluma.

Long time Audubon member and expert birder Roger Marlowe recently wed Occidental realtor and avid birder Julie Blumenthal in a meadow setting near their home in the hills west of Occidental. The reception that followed featured hot, live music, exotic dancing, a May Pole dance, ample refreshments, and entertainment for and by the many friends and relatives who joined in the celebration for the happy couple. They met while birding, they honeymooned while birding (or is it birded while honeymooning?) and they vacation in birding hot spots in South and Central America. The family that birds together ………… That's Roger and Julie!

Madrone Audubon extends its best wishes and sincerest hopes for a long and loving future for these three fortunate couples.

The Black Phoebe is a year-round resident flycatcher in Sonoma County and throughout most of its range. It is commonly found near water in semi-open habitats. The Black Phoebe is all black, except for sparkling white on its belly, undertail coverts, and edging on the tail. Enjoyable to watch and easily observed, phoebes are often seen hunting insects on exposed low perches, such as fences, posts, boulders, building eves, and bare branches. They catch their prey by sallying out from their perch to snap up insects flying by and will often collect insects directly from the ground as bluebirds do. Close relatives of the Black Phoebe are the Say's Phoebe, which can be found in Sonoma County during the winter and the Eastern Phoebe, which occurs in the Eastern parts of North America.

The Black Phoebe is a solitary bird. Except during the breeding season when they take a mate and select a nesting site, phoebes are not often seen in close proximity to each other. Common nesting sites are under the eves of buildings, bridges, cliffs, and culverts. The half-cup shaped nest adheres to a vertical surface and is constructed of mud pellets, plant fibers, and animal hair. Seasonally a pair of Phoebes will typically have two broods of three to four young. After the last brood of youngsters has fledged the nest and is self-sufficient, the adult birds will retreat to their original territories for the winter.

Flycatchers are one of my favorite families of birds. When the Ash Throated and Pacific Slope Flycatchers have left our neighborhood for their wintering grounds, I'm always thankful that our resident Black Phoebe is still here to enjoy. The Black Phoebe who lives at our house is queen of her domain. She rules a large pond, open field, and a variety of favorite perches where she hunts insects. At any given time of day, I can count on seeing her at one of the selected locations. Sitting alert and patiently flipping her long black tail, she will quickly sally out to snap up a meal with her wide flat bill. During the summer, a thin willow branch in the middle of the pond is a favorite spot for hunting dragon flies. When Phoebe catches a dragon fly, she always looks a little surprised as she sits and contemplates what to do with this very large insect. She then begins to beat her prey on a rock or branch until the wings fall off, and the body is sufficiently tenderized. I have actually seen her hold the body down with a foot and pull her catch apart into more manageable pieces. The swallow nest box in the middle of the field and the top of the barn next door is where she surveys her land and watches for interlopers and predators. If she's alarmed or agitated, she calls out "fee BEE! fee BLEE!".

Our resident Phoebe spends most of her day between our field and the neighbors. I'm not sure what the typical territorial size of the Black Phoebe is, but I estimate that between our field and the neighbors our Black Phoebe defends and maintains about eight acres. At night, she roosts under the eve of our house above the bedroom window. Just before she is ready to settle in for the night and in the morning as the sun begins to rise, she exclaims "fee bee! fee beer!".

Bird Walk Report

Bodega Bay, Thursday, September 1.
Nineteen birders led by Richard Hurley scoped out Bodega Bay. Fifty-six species were identified, and it was a good opening day for the birding season. Richard said that because the price of gasoline is reaching the stratosphere, it is all important to carpool.

Blue-winged Teal (3) 9/4 Shollenberger Park AW
Wood Duck (1) 8/31 Outer Pt. Reyes RS
Green Heron 8/30 Campbell Cove DN
Common Moorhen 9/4 Shollenberger Park AW
Common Moorhen (5) 8/25 Pond at Bodega Highway and Tomales Road DN
Black Skimmer 8/21 Bodega Harbor, on mudflat near Westside Park RS, AW
Solitary Sandpiper (5) 8/25 June Lake treatment ponds, Mono County RS
Lesser Yellowlegs (11) 9/4 Shollenberger Park AW
Baird's Sandpiper (3-5) 8/27 Huichica Creek, Napa County LK
Baird's Sandpiper (2) 8/31 Doran Park LL
Pectoral Sandpiper (1) 8/31 Doran Park LL
Stilt Sandpiper (1) 8/27 Huichica Creek, Napa County LK
Red Knot (1) 8/28 Bodega Harbor EH, et al.
Pacific Golden-Plover (4) 9/4 Shollenberger Park AW
Swainson's Hawk (dark male) 8/31 Outer Pt. Reyes RS
Bald Eagle (adult) August Fitch Mountain area, Brooks Creek CE, DMcE
Dark-rumped Petrel 8/21 Seen en route to Cordell Bank RS, et al.
Willow Flycatcher 8/30-9/2 Owl Canyon M.Ob.
American Redstart 8/28 Seen from above on the rocks at Bodega Head SB
Hermit Warbler (2) 8/28 Owl Canyon EH, et al.
Townsend's Warbler (2) 8/28 Owl Canyon EH, et al.
Blackpoll Warbler 9/1 Outer Pt. Reyes RS
Blackburnian Warbler 9/2 Outer Pt. Reyes RTe, et al.
Chestnut-sided Warbler 9/2 Outer Pt. Reyes RTe, et al.
Magnolia Warbler (immature female) 9/5 Campbell Cove AW, BDP
Lucy's Warbler 9/2 Pescadero Creek, San Mateo County RTh
Canada Warbler 9/5 Middle Lake (southwest side), Golden Gate Park AH
Northern Waterthrush 9/1 Pt. Reyes Lighthouse trees RH, JW
Baltimore Oriole (immature male) 9/2 Lands End, north of San Francisco Palace of the Legion of Honor BF
Orchard Oriole 9/1 Pt. Reyes Lighthouse trees RS
Summer Tanager (ruber) 8/31 Mendoza Ranch, Pt. Reyes RS
Blue Grosbeak (immature) 8/31 Nunes Ranch, Road Forks Quarry RS

CONTRIBUTORS: Sara Blauman, Chris Evans, Brian Fitch, Roger Harshaw, Ed Harper, Alan Hopkins, Larry Kent, Laura Look, Don McEnhill, Dan Nelson, Benjamin D. Parmeter, Rich Stallcup, Ryan Terrill, Ron Thorn, Jim White, and Alan Wight.

The Shollenberger docents will put on a wetlands program suitable for kids from 3rd to 6th grades (ages about 8-12), highlighting the plants and animals, big and small, which call this Petaluma park home. Activities will include mud and water explorations (so don't wear your best shoes!) and ecology games. We will begin promptly at 9:30 AM and the event will be over by noon, with time for a picnic lunch. Call Claire at 527-6118 to make reservations.

PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR

1. a corresponding secretary
2. a membership chair
3. membership committee members
4. a birdathon coordinator
5. an annual fundraising coordinator

Members step up to the plate, we need you! Do just a little bit of work and have a lot of fun interacting with fellow Madrone members and the community.

At the next General Meeting, we want to say "Help has Arrived!"
Contact President Sylvan Eidelman 280-3404 or Bryant Hichwa 579-1182.

MUTE SWAN UPDATE

Update on Control of the Mute Swans
From Gerald Moore

Mute Swans were imported from Europe to the eastern United States as "pond ornaments", but the swans soon escaped to form wild populations in the Chesapeake Bay area and eventually scattered across the country. Because these swans were pushing out native birds, last year the US F&WS tried to implement a control policy toward this species in the Chesapeake Bay. F&WS was blocked by a lawsuit from the animal rights' groups. The judge stated that Congress had to clarify the swan's status with regard to the Migratory Bird Act, which they did last winter. In June 2005 a federal judge ruled against the animal rights' groups on an injunction to stop the control plans. This opens the way for Federal and State F&G departments to develop management policies which are now needed in the Petaluma River watershed.

News from Audubon Canyon Ranch
From Betsy Stafford

Picher Canyon's Heronry 2005
Mark McCaustland - ACR's Helen Pratt Research Fellow, who has logged four seasons observing the heronry at Bolinas Lagoon Preserve - has shared some very preliminary results ("not fully screened yet," he emphasizes) of the heron, egret, and predator activity of this year's heronry. Last year's numbers are listed below in parentheses.

Great Blue Herons, who first arrived on January 27 (1/21), had 8 (9) active nests and 16 (18) fledged chicks. Great Egrets, who first arrived on February 28 (3/9), had 88 (94) active nests observed on 5/16, and 101 (105) chicks fledged; the estimated number of Great Egret chicks taken by Common Ravens was 56 (72). Snowy Egrets, who first arrived on March 28 (3/29), had at least 2 (5) active nests and at least 5 (8+) chicks fledged.

Autumn at Our Preserves
Autumn never ceases to inspire our docents at our two teaching Preserves. They can wax enthusiastic in the classroom over concepts such as animal and plant adaptation, and then go positively loopy on the trails discovering spider webs, animal scat, and whirling pond critters. The fall school programs reach over 2000 3rd-through-5th-grade schoolchildren in the Bay Area and involve about 200 dedicated docents from ACR's Bolinas Lagoon and Bouverie Preserves. Right now the Docent Training Program at Bouverie is in session for 23 Wednesdays through February 2006; the Training Program at Bolinas Lagoon will start September 2006. For more information on how to join these exciting programs, please call 415/868-9244 (Bolinas Lagoon) or 707/938-4554 (Bouverie).

Bouverie's Guided Nature Walks. October 8, 29, November 5, 19, December 3, January 21, February 4, March 18, April 1, April 22, May 6. 9:30-1:30. Explore the beauty and rich natural history of this 500-acre Preserve. Audubon Chapter members receive special attention in the lottery. Call 707/938-4554 for a lottery form. No charge but donations are appreciated.

Bouverie's Resource Management Days. October 10, November 14, December 12, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8. 8:15-12:30. Come help clear trails, pull non-natives, or work in the native plant garden. Bring gloves, a lunch, and lots of energy. Drinks and tools will be provided. Call 707/938-4554 to register.

Bolinas Lagoon's Fall Work Day. Saturday, October 8. Picher Canyon. 9:30-1:00; 1:00 Free Lunch!

Help with trail work, library work, pulling weeds, planting native flowers, or cooking the lunch. Please call 415/868-9244 to register so we can plan on enough food!

HEADS-UP. A fund-raising letter will be mailed to all our members in November. Please consider an end-of the-year gift to Madrone Audubon.

International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). May 2006. Members are needed on the planning committee for the 2nd annual celebration of the IMBD. Call Veronica Bowers, committee chair, 829-2955 or e-mail veronica@ladolcev.com. The first celebration in May 2005 was a huge success; let's make this one an even bigger success!

Fairfield Osborn Preserve, located on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain, about 7.5 miles from the SSU campus, offers a naturalist-led hike every Saturday, 10:00 AM, through December 10 (no hike offered November 26). Hikes cover two to four miles over uneven ground and are appropriate for families, friends, and individuals. Sturdy shoes, long pants, drinking water, and a snack are highly recommended. No reservations required. Meet in the Preserve parking lot. Ages 13 and older pay $3, and minors must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. For more information: www.sonoma.edu/org/preserve, email fairfield.osborn@sonoma.edu, or call 795-5069.


Sutter Buttes slide presentation. Friday, October 7, at 8 PM in the Tiburon Audubon Center, Tiburon. Pete and Margit Sands will show slides on this smallest mountain range. The Sands manage Dean Ranch in the southeastern portion of the Buttes and are actively involved in the Middle Mountain Foundation. Although the Buttes is still private property, the mountain range is mostly covered by a land trust and will remain wild and undeveloped. The Sands will answer your questions and satisfy your curiosity at their presentation. For more information, call (415)388-2821.


Shollenberger Park Docent Walk by the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance. Saturday, October 8 at 9:00 AM. Meet at the first kiosk. Rain cancels. Call Bob @ 763-2934 for details.


Native Plant Sale. Saturday, 8 October, 9 AM - 1 PM at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building across from the County Fairgrounds, sponsored by the Milo Baker Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. This once-a-year sale offers local gardeners a special opportunity to purchase a wide assortment of California native trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, and a large selection of native seeds. Because fall is the best time to plant natives, the sale is held in October. Special areas will be set up for assistance by experienced gardeners to explain the benefits of using native plants and to help choose and instruct on how to care for them. Tables of rare plants, habitat plants that attract birds and butterflies, and accessories that feature native plants will be set up. Admission is free. For additional information contact Liz Parsons at 707-833-2063 or Mary Aldrich at 707-539-9005.


Raptor Rapture, a family field trip with Bart Kowalski. Saturday, October 22, 10 AM - 1 PM, Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands. Every fall, thousands of birds of prey fly right over the Marin Headlands on their migration south. Red-tailed, sharp-shinned, and Cooper's hawks are common flyers-by over Hawk Hill, where peregrine falcons and golden eagles also soar. Learn to differentiate between buteos, accipiters, and falcons, and apply your skills in one of the best places to view raptors on the West Coast. For more information and registration, call (415) 321-8000, e-mail edregistrar@calacademy.org, or visit www.calacademy.org/education.


Twelfth Annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. November 9-13. This premier event is world-renowned as one of the best of its kind and is located in Harlington, Texas. Enjoy guided field trips to dozens of top birding locations, plus afternoon seminars, evening keynote lectures, and unparalleled children's programs. Shop at the nature fair and meet world-famous birders willing to share their experiences with you. A fun, affordable way to catch glimpses of Red-crowned Parrots, Ringed Kingfishers, Great Kiskadees, Green Jays, and many other birds found only in this unique region. For more information visit online www.rgvbirdfest.com, e-mail tbortness@harlingen.com, or phone (800) 531-7346.


Ninth Annual Central Valley Birding Symposium. November 17-20. The symposium is sponsored by the Central Valley Bird Club at the Radisson Hotel in Stockton, CA. There will be field trips, workshops, a Birding Nature Fair, and Art Show with over 25 vendors selling nature-related items. Keynotes include Thursday's "The Birds of the Central Valley" by naturalist Jules Evens using master photographer Ian Tate's photos and Friday's "Hot on the Trail of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker" by Bobby Harrison and John Trochet. For more information: www.cvbs.org or call Frances Oliver at (209) 369-2010.


Tenth Annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival. January 13-16. The festival is sponsored by the Morro Coast Audubon Society (MCAS) and is located on California's scenic central coast, Morro Bay, which is an important stop on the Pacific Flyway and one of the country's pre-eminent birding spots. The area is recognized worldwide for its diversity of both resident and wintering birds, and at last year's festival, over 200 species of birds were identified. A variety of field trips, workshops, and evening programs with outstanding speakers are offered. Field trip group sizes are limited to maximize spotting and identification opportunities. Feature presentations will be by Kenn Kaufman and Nigel Marven. For more information about the festival, check out their new Web site at www.morrobaybirdfestival.org, or call (805) 772-4677. You can request that your name be added to the mailing list for their 2006 brochure, or register online. The registration deadline is 4 January 2006.

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