At a recent Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA) public meeting, Ellie Cohen, Executive Director of PRBO Conservation Science, presented the following overview of the organization and how it would interface with the PWA and the Petaluma community.

Change was on the horizon for the Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO), founded in 1965 at Point Reyes and staffed with a half-time biologist. This non-profit organization, dedicated to conserving birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through innovative scientific research and outreach, has grown exponentially. The growth rate has been 17% per year for the past five years with a 2005 budget of $6.2 million. Personnel have increased to 120 staff and seasonal biologists, 70-80 interns annually, and 12 education, policy and support staff. No longer is research confined to Point Reyes, but sites are located throughout western North America as far north as Alaska, south to Mexico and Central America, across the California Current and the northern Pacific to Japan, and in Antarctica. To recognize and embrace all these sites, about a year ago a new name was chosen for the organization, PRBO Conservation Science.

Birds are great indicators of an ecosystem's health. Studying bird ecology (bird productivity, life history, diet, etc. as well as habitat features that lead to successful reproduction and a continuation of their population) helps to evaluate and guide management in making the best decision to conserve the most biodiversity. The Fish and Wildlife Service says that nature watching and all that it entails is equal to a Fortune 500 company, a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States. Ellie said we have a lot of clout, and we should use it to conserve more.

PRBO's basic strategy includes long-term population studies, an ecosystem approach, partnerships, adaptive conservation planning, training, and outreach. Long-term data can show trends of what is happening to species, what can be done to restore species population, and whether the changes are due to nature or humans. Ecosystem approach means looking at common, threatened, and endangered species and their habitat features. PRBO itself manages only a few habitats, but mainly provides scientific data to wildlife habitat managers so they can do a better job. Adaptive conservation planning is developing a plan, implementing the plan to see if it works, and then making appropriate changes to improve results. One of the advantages of the training and outreach programs for interns and professionals is to get the latest in conservation science into their hands so they can more quickly improve habitat conditions.

The threat to wildlife and ecosystems will not decline soon, and the need to measure the success of conservation programs and investments will keep growing for several decades-a need that PRBO can help meet. In April 2006, PRBO will relocate their current headquarters from Audubon Canyon Ranch off Bolinas Lagoon to the office complex next to Shollenberger Park where they will own a 20,000-square-foot office condominium in a new 36,000-square-foot building. To help with the cost of the new headquarters, last week the Packard Foundation gave PRBO one million dollars toward their campaign goal of 8.3 million. The Palomarin Field Station at the southern end of Point Reyes National Seashore, site of PRBO's first headquarters, will continue as a training/education facility and a center for PRBO's landbird studies.

Because of the lack of office space and outdated communication technology, huge amounts of data are sitting in computers, waiting to be analyzed. The new headquarters will have cutting-edge communications technology, a wet lab, a visitor center, a resource library, and a presentation room for science lectures from PRBO scientists. The presentation room will be available to the PWA for meetings. PRBO's Education Program will expand its workshops for teachers, bird walks, and outreach with kids from this new location.

Ellie said PRBO would like to explore starting long-term surveys in Gray's Marsh. She asked for and took suggestions on how PRBO could work with the PWA and the community on issues benefiting the wetlands. Both groups have a strong desire to collaborate on issues of education in and stewardship of the Petaluma wetlands. PWA looks forward to this new partnership in overseeing our wetlands. (see www.prbo.org)

Peter Leveque and his grandson Gus Eichhorn made numerous trips to the Mayacamas Mountains Sanctuary during the 2004/2005 school year. This endeavor was the result
of Gus's 5th grade science project. For his project, Gus chose to observe and photograph the progressive recovery of the plants at Mayacamas. Nineteen different locations within the Sanctuary were selected, and the study began. Peter and Gus will share with us the results of their study, including photos taken in September/October 2005, one year after the fire. Also some birds and other wildlife in the Sanctuary will be included in the presentation.

Fortunately for these two scientists, a very wet winter and spring followed the geysers fire. The vegetation took hold, and each trip was clothed in an eagerness to discover and document the growth which had taken place since their last visit. No doubt, there's going to be much to show and tell.

At last the T-shirts and caps with the Audubon logo have arrived and will be on sale, $12 each, at the November 21 members' meeting. Get yours and spread the word.

Without looking at the calendar or observing the departure of our summer visitors and the change in the light, I know autumn is near when the Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows and the Red-shafted Flicker arrive in our yard on or around September 18th. Like clockwork, on the morning of September 17th, I heard the loud, drawn-out "keough keough" call of a Flicker at the top of a Douglas Fir snag along our driveway.

In most areas of Sonoma County the Flickers remain throughout the year, but "our" Flicker stays for the winter and leaves for his breeding ground in late March/early April. Because these birds are cavity nesters, they may need to relocate to find enough dead wood or less competition for nest excavation. Flickers can be found in almost any habitat with trees and nearby open ground for foraging.

There are two subspecies of the Northern Flicker. The Red-shafted Flicker is distributed throughout California as well as most of the west. The Yellow-shafted Flicker is distributed in the east and the north. Where their ranges overlap, the Northern Flickers will interbreed (known as intergrades). During the winter, these intergrades and Yellow-shafted Flickers are seen in northern California.

The Red-shafted Flicker is salmon-red under the wings and tail, and the male has a red moustachial stripe. It has a light brown body with barred back and wings, spotted underparts, a black bib, grey face, and a bold white rump which can be seen in flight. This is an exceptionally beautiful bird. The native peoples of the Sierra Nevada used the Flicker's bright wings and tail feathers in robes and ceremonial head-dresses.

Flickers are a member of the woodpecker family. As a woodpecker, they possess unique physical attributes. Their short strong legs, sharp claws, and zygodactyl feet (two digits pointing forward and two digits pointing backward) are well adapted to perching, but are especially useful for clinging to vertical surfaces. A remarkably stiff tail helps brace them against tree trunks. Their chisel-like bill enables them to bore holes in search of food and excavate nesting cavities. A long-barbed tongue, which wraps around the back of the skull and attaches near the bones of the upper mandible, can extend a couple of inches to aid in extracting tasty grubs and worms from under bark and in recessed areas. The bone and muscle structure of their heads is adapted to absorb shock when they drum and peck against wood.

Flickers do not sing, but have simple calls which are used to attract or keep in contact with a mate, announce territory, and express alarm. They also use nonvocal communication such as drumming on wood, which can sometimes include the side of a house. Flickers are especially vocal and noisy at the beginning of the breeding season. During this time, they have been compared to Mockingbirds whose call is so continuous that one wonders when they stop to eat or rest.

The Flicker, unlike other woodpecker species, is commonly seen foraging on the ground where they feed mostly on ants. Last winter my husband Lance called from work to tell me he thought there was something wrong with a Flicker he saw outside his office. "It's hopping around on the lawn with a flock of Robins", he said. Although they do look odd foraging on the ground, I assured him it was normal. Besides ants, the Flicker eats beetles, termites, caterpillars, other insects, fruits and berries, and occasionally seeds and nuts. During the fall I often see our Flicker on a fence post in the middle of the field eating wild grapes, and when the persimmons are ripe, he will sneak bites of fruit when the resident Mockingbird isn't on guard. But when I no longer hear "keough keough", I know that spring has arrived and summer must pass before I hear our Flicker's call again.

Duncans Mills, Cassini's Campground, Jenner & Willow Creek Rd., Thursday, September 15
On a cool, overcast day with high fog, 16 birders led by Betty Groce did a walkabout in the Duncans Mills area. Forty-eight species were observed, including two Merlins overhead on the Willow Creek Road, about 20 Wood Ducks on the river, and several Wood Ducks at Cassini's. Betty collected an Anise Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar which is now pupating safely in her vivarium and probably won't become a butterfly until spring.

Shollenberger Park, Wednesday, September 21
Betty Groce led 18 avid birders, including Richard Hurley's granddaughter Molly, on a very warm, sunny day at Shollenberger Park. Fifty-seven species were seen. Highlights included one Bittern, two Green Herons, several Virginia and two Sora Rails. All were clearly seen. Two immature or female Yellow-throats feeding on fennel seeds taxed their identification skills. A few birders saw a large Praying Mantis on a dead weed stalk.

Point Reyes, Thursday, September 29
On a clear, warm, windless day, 13 birders accompanied Don McCarthy to outer Point Reyes. No eastern vagrants were seen, but 15 Meadow Larks were noted near the lighthouse. A total of 60 species was identified.

On September 17th the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance completed a one-year survey of all the birds seen in or from Shollenberger Park. This survey was done on a weekly basis by five teams of expert birders who rotated on a weekly basis. We want to thank our team leaders Peter Colasanti, Lisa Hug, Andy LaCasse, Peter Leveque, and Richard Merriss for their outstanding effort. Actually it was a lot of fun, and the teams have agreed to continue the survey into the foreseeable future on a monthly basis. Throughout the year the teams counted about 115,000 birds (a few probably 52 times) representing 149 species. The data is being tabulated and will appear on our website www.petalumawetlandspark.org.

Madrone Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Start the New Year by spending the day with Madrone Audubon as they hold their 39th annual Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, January 1. All are invited to join the count, which has consistently registered a high number of species--among the top ten counts in North America. Once again Madrone wants your help in continuing this tradition of gathering vital data, contributing to the conservation of our county.

Our count center is in the Salmon Creek watershed and ranges from west of Sebastopol to the coast and from just north of the Russian River to the Estero Americana. Counters will be divided among 20 groups, and previous experience, though appreciated, is not necessary. This great day of birding with old and new friends is capped by a potluck dinner and oral reports from the team leaders who create a vivid picture of their team's version of "no leaf unturned".

If you have counted before, you will receive an invitation by mail in mid-November. If your address has changed, or if you would like more information, please contact Joy Mander at 778-7865 or e-mail wscbc@aol.com.

Santa Rosa Christmas Bird Count
The Santa Rosa Christmas Bird Count, conducted by the Redwood Regional Ornithological Society, will take place on Sunday, December 18. New participants are welcome. If you want to participate, please contact Ken Ackerman, Compiler, at 538-2038 or markandack@aol.com.

Thanksgiving Bird Count
Counters are needed for the annual Thanksgiving Bird Count: one hour on Thanksgiving Day. The counter chooses the time that best fits his/her schedule. The count is made in a circle which measures only 15 feet in diameter. The circle's location is determined by the counter who usually chooses a favorite area frequented by the birds, such as feeders, baths, covers, and/or wetlands. Individual birds are counted only once during the hour, even if the birds continue to pay visits. Flocks should be estimated or counted and only the highest number at any one time used.
Thanksgiving Bird Counts were begun in 1966 by Dr. Ernest Edwards and the Lynchburg Bird Club in Virginia. Counts slowly spread to the west, but there are still many areas in the west in need of more counters and a better distribution of counts. Because counters drop out each year, there is a constant need for new recruitments, and this bird count can be done in comfort, indoors near a window, and be a welcome respite from the Thanksgiving dinner. Count results (even if you see no birds at all) should be sent to Dr. John G. Hewston, Count Compiler, Natural Resources Building, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California 95521. Contacts for an instruction form and/or more information: Diane Hichwa at 579-1182 or online at www.utahbirds.org/cbc/ThanksgivingBCform.pdf

PETALUMA: David P. Gillespie, Meredith Guest, Jill Hunter, Sharon Mansfield, and Susan Reiheld SANTA ROSA: Pam Campbell, Natalie Clarkson, and Carol Moller
SEBASTOPOL: Ardath & Martin Andrews

Kits. Madrone Audubon has a suitcase "kits" of materials on topics such as birds, butterflies, bats, owls, and nest boxes which you can borrow. Contact Shirley Spina at 539-4355, or e-mail sspina@pon.net.

There's something missing from the modern American childhood, says journalist Richard Louv. In Last Child in the Woods, Louv writes that unstructured outdoor play--the building of precarious tree houses, the lazy exploration of backyard forests--is fast becoming a thing of the past. Parental fear of strangers, schedules packed with activities, and the increasing availability of electronic toys, he claims, are keeping children indoors more than ever before. To Louv these "de-natured" children lack more than muddy shoes and scraped elbows; he cites studies showing that time in natural settings can reduce obesity, depression, and attention-deficit disorder. He also points to evidence that outdoor exploration fosters creativity, inspires new generations of naturalists and environmentalists, and even raises standardized test scores. To reunite children with nature, Louv offers practical advice to parents, suggesting modest joint expeditions into the natural world: "The dugout in the weeds ... the rivulet of a seasonal creek, even the ditch between a front yard and the road--all of these places are entire universes to a young child." Louv's case for outdoor play is a convincing one, and the possibility of a drug-free "nature" cure for many modern ills is too tantalizing to ignore.

Boreal Birds. In April '05 the Boreal Songbird Initiative, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the National Wildlife Federation, launched a new and beautifully illustrated online field guide to 260 species of boreal birds. The following month, the Web site expanded to include 300 species of boreal birds. This site features interactive maps, recordings, and detailed information about the range and behavior of the birds that migrate each fall from the 1.4 billion acres of Canada's boreal forest to wintering grounds in the US and farther south. This new guide at www.borealbirds.org/birds.html is an identification aid and a reminder of the importance of Canada's threatened and still largely unprotected boreal forest to the continent's birdlife. One third of all North American birds breed in the region, and almost half of North America's ducks and geese use the boreal forest at some time in their life cycle.

eBird 2.0. On 16 September 05 in Ithaca, NY, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon announced the release of eBird 2.0, an updated version of the powerful Internet-based program currently used by thousands of birders. eBird is a free, user-friendly way for birders across North America to record, archive, and share their observations at any hour of the day. It is also an important tool for conservation, providing researchers with a comprehensive picture of the abundance and distribution of birds. The data come to life via eBird's colorful new interactive maps.

In addition to a completely new look and feel, eBird 2.0 has a streamlined data entry process and a suite of new output tools geared toward the interests of today's birders. On customized "My eBird" pages users can now view their life, state, and county lists - all generated automatically as individual reports are entered.

Begun in 2002, eBird is growing and changing as it builds a strong base of dedicated observers. This Web site already supplies data to researchers across the country, and new ways to extract and interpret information will increase its value as a tool for bird conservation. In the coming years, eBird may have a role to play farther south in gathering information in the Caribbean, Central, and South America. To view eBird 2.0, go to www.ebird.org

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!

Bouverie's Guided Nature Walks. November 5, 19, and December 3. 9:30-1:30. Audubon Chapter members receive special attention in the lottery. Call 938-4554 for a lottery form. No charge but donations are appreciated.
Fairfield Osborn Preserve, located on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain, offers a naturalist-led hike every Saturday, 10:00 AM, through December 10 (no hike offered November 26). 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.

Lecture Series on the Natural History of Raptors and Handling. Fridays at 7:00 PM, November 18 & Dec 2. Hidden Valley School, 3433 Bonita Vista Lane, Santa Rosa.

Pacific Loon (alternate plumage) 8/11-9/3 Bodega Harbor RRh, et al.
Dark-rumped Petrel 8/21 Cordell Bank RS, BDP, AW et al.
Cook's Petrel 9/18 Bodega Canyon LL, CL, et al.
Cattle Egret (7) 9/23 High School Road DS
Blue-winged Teal (3) 9/19 Shollenberger Park BDP, TE
Redhead 9/24 Lakeville treatment ponds AW, BDP, RL, RM
Bald Eagle (2 adults) 9/29 Lake Sonoma VW
Broad-winged Hawk (adult) 9/19 Duncans Mills BDP, TE
Broad-winged Hawk (juvenile) 9/21 Bay Hill Road DH
Merlin 9/18 Campbell Cove DN, RL
Common Moorhen 9/25 Bodega Harbor near Doran BB, MN
Pacific Golden-Plover (6) 9/3-19 Shollenberger Park AW, BDP, RS, et al.
Spotted Sandpiper 9/2-9/11 Westside Park DN
Wilson's Snipe (10) 10/3 Sebastopol Community Center LH
Red-necked Phalarope 9/25 Doran Park RRh, WP, JB
Dunlin (1-2) 9/19 Doran Park BDP
Common Tern 9/18 Porto Bodega BDP
Black Skimmer 8/21 Bodega Harbor from boat AW, et al.
White-winged Dove 9/19 Petaluma, Sunnyslope Avenue (photos) SS
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 9/17-18 North of Owl Canyon (photos) CL, LL, et al.
Burrowing Owl 9/24 Historic "F" Ranch, Pt. Reyes RH
Common Poorwill 9/24 King Ridge Road BDP, AW, RL, RM
Black Swift 9/12 Shiloh Regional Park DS
Lewis's Woodpecker 9/27 Pine Flat Road TC, AH
Willow Flycatcher 9/28 Shollenberger Park PC
Tropical Kingbird 9/24-25 Bodega Head lone cypress M. Ob.
Plumbeous Vireo 9/25 Rodeo Lagoon causeway JM, RF
Philadelphia Vireo 9/12-13 Owl Canyon (photographed) DN, DH, BDP
Red-eyed Vireo 9/16 Campbell Cove AW, BDP, BC
Yellow Wagtail 9/16-17 Virgin Creek Beach, Mendocino County DT et al.
Varied Thrush 9/28 Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands RL, DN
American Pipit (1st arrival) 9/16 Russian Gulch DN
Tennessee Warbler 9/12 Campbell Cove DN
Nashville Warbler 9/21 Wright's Beach LH
Chestnut-sided Warbler 9/16 Russian Gulch DN
Chestnut-sided Warbler 9/22-23 Owl Canyon DN et al.
Magnolia Warbler 9/7-12 Campbell Cove AW, BDP, DN
Yellow-rumped Warbler 9/15 Bodega Marine Laboratory residence trees DN
Black-and-white Warbler (immature male) 9/16-22 Campbell Cove DN, BDP, et al.
Black-and-white Warbler (immature male) 9/21-22 Owl Canyon DN, et al.
Blackburnian Warbler (immature female) 9/15 Bodega Marine Laboratory trees DN, BDP
Blackburnian Warbler (immature male) 9/15 Cheney Creek Gulch DN
Hermit Warbler 9/13 Owl Canyon DN, BDP
Prairie Warbler 9/9-18 Owl Canyon and vicinity AW, TE, BDP, DN
Palm Warbler 9/20 Copeland Creek, SSU campus GM
Hooded Warbler (adult male) 9/8-12 Bodega Dunes Campground, site 86 DN, et al.
Northern Waterthrush 9/15-27 Campbell Cove pond DN et al.
American Redstart (3) 9/15 Bodega Bay; three locations, peak date DN
Clay-colored Sparrow 9/25 Rodeo Lagoon JM, RF
Fox Sparrow 9/11 (arrival date) Bodega Bay DN, NC
Lincoln's Sparrow (2) 9/8 (arrival date) Campbell Cove, Owl Canyon DN
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (immature male) 9/13-18 Campbell Cove, Owl Canyon DN, AW, et al.
Lazuli Bunting (immature) 9/16-17 Campbell Cove DN
Red Crossbill (3-4) 9/21 Cheney Creek Gulch DN
Bullock's Oriole (immature female) 9/16-17 Campbell Cove DN, BDP

CONTRIBUTORS: Janet Bosshard, Betty Burridge, Tom Cashman, Bob Cermac, Peter Colasanti, Nancy Conzett, Ted Eliot, Robbie Fischer, Art Hoffman, David Hofmann, Lisa Hug, Rod Hug, Rick Lebadour, Cindy & Leslie Lieurance, Richard Merriss, Joe Morlan, Gerry Mugele, Mike Nelligan, Dan Nelson, Benjamin D. Parmeter, Wendy Peterson, Rhio Reigh, Ruth Rudesill, Sigrun Seifert, Doug Shaw, Rich Stallcup, Dorothy Tobkin, Valerie White, and Alan Wight.

David Yearsley requests donations to help battle Waste Mgt Inc's proposed Redwood Landfill expansion. Send checks to: No Wetlands Landfill Expansion (NWLE), 936 7th Street, Box 157, Novato, CA 94945. For more info, go to www.noexpansion.org.

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