AUDUBON SOCIETY of PORTLAND

JANUARY 2008
Volume 72 Number 1

In this issue...
Warbler
Urban Ecology and
Conservation Symposium
See page 5
Join Our Master
Birder Program
See page 7
Sauvie Island
Raptor Road Trip!
See page 3

Varied Thrush © Jim Cruce Short-eared Owl © Jim Cruce Willow Flycatcher © Michael McDowell

New National Audubon Society WatchList Identifies 11%

of the Birds Found in Oregon as At Risk or Critically Imperiled
by Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director

I n the past six months, the National Audubon Society

has released two important reports that tell us that
many bird species in Oregon and across the United
States are in trouble. These reports speak to the urgency of
many of the Audubon efforts already underway in Oregon
Some Oregon species included in the WatchList, such as
the Northern Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, Snowy
Plover, and Sage Grouse, are already well-known “at-risk”
species. Others such as the Tricolored Blackbird (listed
as one of the 20 most imperiled species in the United
Her survival may entirely depend on whether she can find
a safe place to feed and rest in your neighborhood. With a
little extra effort, you may even be able to create a place for
her to stop and nest.

and will help us define new priorities in the coming years.
In June 2007, National Audubon released a report entitled
Common Birds in Decline. It analyzed 40 years of Bird
Survey data and discovered that many of Oregon’s most
common bird species are experiencing steep long-term
declines. Species experiencing greater than 50% population
declines over the past 40 years include the American
Goldfinch, Barn Swallow, Killdeer, Mourning Dove,
Rufous Hummingbird, and even our own state bird,
the Western Meadowlark. While these species are not
currently at risk of extinction, we cannot afford to let
these downward trends continue unchecked — or within
our lifetimes these species will rapidly move toward the
imperiled list.
In November 2007, National Audubon and the American
Bird Conservancy released the National Bird WatchList.
Described as the most scientifically rigorous WatchList ever
produced, this report identifies bird species that are either
critically imperiled or at immediate risk of becoming critically
imperiled. Unlike the species listed in Common Birds in
Decline, birds on the WatchList are at imminent risk of
extinction if action is not taken. The WatchList includes one
out of every four species in the United States and includes 54
of the 487 species (11%) of birds found in Oregon.
Thank You, Audubon Volunteers!
States), Willow Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher,
Short-eared Owl, and Varied Thrush can still be found
at various times of the year in and around Portland, but are
at risk of disappearing from the face of the earth forever.
One species on the list, the Lewis’s Woodpecker, should
be a very familiar species to residents of the Portland
area — in the 1940s it was described as “abundant” in the
Willamette Valley. A combination of loss of oak woodlands
and competition for nest cavities by invasive European
Starlings, however, has reduced its statewide population by
75% and eliminated breeding populations entirely from the
Willamette Valley.
The two reports tell us that there are species at risk and
identifiable threats across all of Oregon’s different habitat
types, ranging from our oceans to our mountains to our
deserts and to our own backyards. The reports serve as a
reminder that when we think about protecting migratory
birds, we need to think at multiple scales: we need to
protect the most important bird areas across our state and
our nation, but we also need to protect birds in our own
backyards and neighborhoods. The Rufous Hummingbird
buzzing about your feeder may very well be on a journey of
thousands of miles from her wintering ground in central
Mexico to her nesting ground in southern Alaska.
Audubon’s Bird Agenda:
Protecting Birds in the Backyard
and Beyond
The Audubon Society of Portland’s efforts to protect native
birds span the entire Oregon landscape. During 2008 our
bird conservation priorities include the following:
• Protecting nature close to home: Portland Audubon
is working to ensure that every resident in the Portland
Metropolitan region has a natural area within a quarter
mile of their home.
• Protecting Important Bird Areas statewide: Portland
Audubon and a team of bird experts have identified 104
areas across Oregon that are critical for bird migration
and nesting. We are working to ensure that all of these
“IBAs” are adequately protected and managed to promote
bird conservation.
• Promoting a system of Marine Protected Areas:
Many of our most imperiled species are found along the
Oregon Coast. Audubon is working to ensure that the
State establishes permanent protections for our fragile
marine environment.
• Recovering endangered bird species: Portland
Audubon will continue working to protect and recover
our most imperiled species and the ecosystems on
which they depend, including the Northern Spotted Owl,
Marbled Murrelet, Snowy Plover, and Sage Grouse.

by Deanna Sawtelle, Volunteer Coordinator • Increasing penalties at both the State and Federal
levels for illegal killing of birds: Portland Audubon
The Audubon Society of Portland would like to thank all the volunteers who have contributed their valuable time and is working to update decades-old bird protection laws
talent during 2007 so we could fulfill our mission to inspire people to love and protect nature. We are deeply indebted to the to make it a felony to intentionally harm a protected bird
individuals who have given graciously of their energy in order to ensure that people and native wildlife flourish together. species.
We would not be able to accomplish the work we do without their help. continued on page 10 continued on page 4

Inside this issue

Volunteering: Fun for the Whole Family! See page 9 Page 2 ......................From the Director
...................................... Free Trips
Audubon Society
of Portland
Page 3 ......................Calendar of Events
5151 NW Cornell Road Page 4 & 5 ............................... Conservation
Portland, Oregon 97210 Page 6 & 7 .............. Trips & Tours & Camps
Page 8 ......Nature Store & Sanctuaries
Page 9 ................................... Field Notes
.....................................Volunteers
Page 10 ........................Birding Weekends
Page 11 ....................... Bird of the Month
Page 12 ................. Map/Hours/Sponsors
Field Trips
Carpooling is encouraged for conservation
and sociability. For information, call us at
503-292-6855 ext.119.
January 12 (Saturday), 9am–1pm
Ridgefield NWR Walk
and Auto Tour
Join leaders Bob Lockett and Adrienne Wolf-Lockett
(503-775-5303) at the Carty Unit of the refuge for a
morning of exploring the Oaks to Wetlands Trail. Meet
leaders at 9am at the parking lot. Take I-5 North to
the Ridgefield, WA exit and turn left (west). Continue
through the town and turn right at the stop sign at the T
intersection. Follow this road to the parking lot on the left.
A $3 entrance fee admits occupants of one vehicle or up to
four adults. If time and weather allow, a trip to the River S
unit auto tour will be included.
January 19 (Saturday), 8am–11am
Smith & Bybee Lakes
Join us on our third Saturday walk co-sponsored by
Audubon Society of Portland and Backyard Bird Shop.
This North Portland wetland is home to many species
of waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds, and can be a very
productive winter birding spot. Call Backyard Bird Shop
(503-620-7454) for information and to reserve a spot.
Beginners welcome!
January 20 (Sunday), 8am–11am
Crystal Springs Rhododendron
Garden
Join leader Ron Escano to view the local wintering
waterfowl at Crystal Springs. Here is a chance to learn
your waterfowl, with close views of most of our Portland-
area ducks. Meet at 8am at the Crystal Springs parking lot
across the street from Reed College on SE 28th St, which
can be reached from SE Holgate (turn south on 28th) or SE
Woodstock (turn north on 28th). Dress for the weather;
beginners welcome!
MAGPIES
...love to go birding during the weekdays.
We start a little later, go a little slower,
and try to keep a restroom in sight.
Fernhill Wetlands
January 4 (Friday),
9am–11:30am
Wintering waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows should abound
around this favorite Magpies walk. Join leader Norine
Dietrich at the Fernhill parking lot, 200 yards south of the
railroad tracks. If you want to stay beyond 11:30, bring a
lunch and Norine will stay. For information and directions,
contact her at nordiet@comcast.net or 503-643-2502.
Summer Lake
January 10 (Thursday),
9am–11am
Join us as leader Sue Carr takes us for a look at the
wintering waterfowl in this wonderful SW suburban
park! Dress for weather, and meet in the parking lot. For
information and directions, call Sue at 503-649-3360.
Nisqually NWR
January 21 (Monday), 8am–4pm
Waterfowl, raptors, and bitterns are winter highlights at
Nisqually NWR near Olympia. Meet leader Sarah McCarty
at the NE corner of the Safeway parking lot in Jantzen Beach
(Exit 308 off I-5). We will carpool from there at 8am. To
meet the group at Nisqually NWR (10–10:30am), take I-5
north past Olympia to Exit 114 and follow the signs. There is
a $3 fee per car. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Call
Sarah with questions at 503-636-1288.
Smith & Bybee Lakes
January 28 (Monday),
9am–11:30am
Dudley Thomas will take us through Smith & Bybee
Lakes, a great spot for waterfowl and the raptors that are
always present. We can usually count on passerines in the
forest as well. We will meet at 9am in the Smith & Bybee
parking area, which is just after the overpass, on the left. For
information and directions, call Dudley at 503-244-6496.
2 JANUARY 2008
From the Executive Director
From Red to Green
I
don’t know about you, but when
I saw that the new National
Audubon 2007 Avian WatchList
was color coded in a similar manner
as our government’s Homeland
Security threat levels, I took notice.
Meryl Redisch National Audubon is calling attention
to threats we have in front of us, and it’s more than just
the decline of birds in our backyards. It’s unfortunate that
it takes something this dramatic to wake us up to the hard
truth of how vulnerable our common birds have become,
and how what we do impacts the survival of entire species.
What is fortunate is that there is still time to make changes
so that our kids and grandkids can see a Varied Thrush
in its woodland habitat or an Evening Grosbeak in their
backyards.
Audubon members have been standing together for over
a century and calling attention to the plight of birds
regardless of whether they are listed or not. Our members
around the country have participated in citizen monitoring
programs such as the Christmas Bird Count for just this
reason, as a call to action. Opportunities abound for each
one of us to take important steps toward making our
communities more hospitable to birds and native wildlife,
for all to thrive together.
Connecting Green
Cycle, Paddle, and Walk the region’s parks, trails, and natural areas. Connecting Green is all about access to nature
in the city. Connecting Green field trips will introduce you to some of the region’s most scenic and wildlife-rich natural
areas and parks and the ever-growing regional trails network. Registration for all trips is limited, so sign up early
at www.audubonportland.org/trips_classes_camps/adult_programs/wildcity. If you don’t have internet
access, call 503-292-6855 ext.116 to register. Directions and other details will be emailed to registrants.
January
Saturday, January 5th, 9am–Noon
Winter Waterfowl, Oaks Bottom Refuge
Join Mike Houck to scope out waterfowl that winter
over at Oaks Bottom and other urban wetlands. You’ll
get great views of waterfowl and other birds that use the
bottoms as their winter refuge. This trip is appropriate
for families. The walk is a two-mile loop on both paved
and uneven dirt paths, with two moderate hills.
Saturday, January 19th, 9:30am–Noon
Exploring East County’s Urban Green by Bike
Jim Labbe, Portland Audubon’s Urban Conservationist,
and Steve Fancher, Gresham Environmental Services,
will lead this morning bike tour of new, innovative
greenstreets, raingardens, and recently enhanced natural
areas in Troutdale, North Gresham, and Fairview. We’ll
visit sites that exemplify recent and expanded efforts to
improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and create
space for nature in the urban landscape in East County.
We’ll also ride the completed section of the Gresham-
Fairview Trail and learn about Phases 2 and 3, scheduled
to open Fall 2008. You need to bring and maintain
your own bicycle, and helmets are absolutely
required.
Wednesday, January 30th, 3pm–6pm
Explore the 40-Mile Loop from
South Waterfront to OHSU
Mike Houck will lead a walking tour along
the Willamette River Greenway to Willamette
Park, and up through George Himes Park
and Terwilliger Parkway to OHSU. From
there it’s all downhill via the Portland Aerial
Tram (it’s free going downhill!) back to South
Waterfront. This is a great opportunity for
new residents of South Waterfront to explore
the green connections to “pill hill.” The
pace will be leisurely, but the walk includes
an uphill stretch from the Willamette to
Terwilliger Blvd.
February Young naturalist birding Oaks Bottom
© Mike Houck
Saturday, February 2nd, 9am–1pm
Ride with the Groundhogs: Willamette
Greenway Bicycle Ride
Cycle with Mike Houck on a flat 15- to 20-mile ride
along the Willamette River Greenway to Oaks Bottom
We have proof of how that can work. Two months ago
we passed Measure 49, just one year after winning a
bond measure worth over 200 million dollars for land
acquisition, watershed health, and access to nature. We
captured a portion of Ross Island as natural parkland for
herons, osprey, and eagles; moved forward legislation to
increase penalties for harming migratory birds; and are
building the case for establishing wildlife and habitat
reserves in Oregon’s territorial waters.
I don’t know about you, but I find it troubling that the
Department of Homeland Security’s budget runs more
than 20 pages long with line items in the billions of
dollars, while in Oregon and around the country, funding
for conservation programs remains flat or loses ground.
Healthy watersheds, biodiversity, and ecosystem resiliency
should be in our national interest and funded adequately
to reflect its impact on people. I don’t know if the office of
Homeland Security will ever move their color-coded threat
down to green, but as a nation that cares about birds and
what they need to thrive, we must do what is necessary
to get bird species removed from the red and yellow
classifications on the WatchList.
The Audubon Society of Portland is a member of Earth
Share of Oregon. For more information, contact Earth
Share of Oregon at 503-223-9015 or on the web at
www.earthshare-oregon.org.
Wild in the City Field Trips
Wildlife Refuge and Sellwood Riverfront Park. From
there we’ll ride to the Springwater Corridor via the new
Three Bridges over SE McLoughlin to Tideman-Johnson
Park. From there we’ll head back to Oaks Bottom Wildlife
Refuge and the Springwater on the Willamette Trail to
downtown Portland, and back to Willamette Park via
South Waterfront. The ride is appropriate for families
who have their bikes in tune and maintained and are
used to riding 15–20 miles. We take our time on the
rides, with many stops for birding and natural history
viewing. Helmets are absolutely required.
Saturday, February 9th, 8am–11am
Ross Island Paddle
Join Mike Houck on a three-hour, leisurely paddle
around Ross, Hardtack, East, and Toe Islands. We will
take a close look at the City of Portland’s newest natural
area park, a 45-acre portion of Ross Island that was
donated by Ross Island Sand and Gravel in October
2007. We invite the Friends of Ross Island (www.
friendsofrossisland.org) and the general public to
learn more about the islands’ future and participate
in this paddle. The Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles
should have begun this year’s nesting preparations, and
you will get a great opportunity
to view the herons’ courtship
behavior up close from your
kayak or canoe. Life jackets are
absolutely required.
Sunday, February 10th,
2pm–5pm
Eastbank Esplanade to
Oaks Bottom Refuge
Join Mike Houck on a four-
mile stroll from the Vera
Katz Esplanade along the
Springwater on the Willamette
Trail to Oaks Bottom Wildlife
Refuge, taking TriMet back
downtown at the end of the
trip. We will stop along the way
to view Great Blue Herons as
they go through their annual
courtship and nest-building activities. We’ll also peer
into the Ross Island lagoon to see if we can observe the
Bald Eagles on their nest, which is located on the recently
donated 45 acres of Ross Island.
www.audubonportland.org
 JANUARY
Calendar of Events
SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT
Christmas Bird Count: 30 31 Holiday Closure of 1 Winter Break Camps 2 Winter Break Camps 3 Winter Break Camps 4 Christmas Bird Count: 5
Hood River (see Dec. Nature Store and (see Dec. Warbler) (see Dec. Warbler) (see Dec. Warbler) Portland
Warbler) Admin Offices
(see Dec. Warbler)
Christmas Bird Count: Magpies visit Fernhill
Cowlitz/Columbia Wetlands, 9am (p.2) Winter Waterfowl
(see Dec. Warbler) of Oaks Bottom
NEW YEAR’S DAY Wildlife Refuge, 9am (p.2)
6 7 Nature Night: The 8 9 Magpies visit Summer 10 11 Ridgefield NWR Walk 12
Arboreal World of Red Lake, 9am (p.2) and Auto Tour,
Tree Voles, 7pm (p.3) 9am–1pm (p.2)

15 Gulls in Winter Class, 16 Board Meeting, 7pm Smith & Bybee Lakes Field
13 14 17 18 Trip, 8am (p.2) 19
7pm (p.7) Heron Hall
Gulls in Winter Field Trip, 9am (p.7)

Exploring East County’s Urban

Green by Bike, 9:30am (p.2)

Birding Weekend (p.10)

Crystal Springs 20 Magpies visit 21 22 New Volunteer 23 24 25 Trees in Winter Field 26

Rhododendron Nisqually NWR, Orientation, 6pm Class, 10am (p.7)
Garden Field Trip, 8am (p.2) Heron Hall (p.9)
8am (p.2)

Birding Weekend (p.10) Birding Weekend (p.10)

27 Magpies visit Smith 28 Conservation 29 Explore the 40-Mile 30 31 1 Sauvie Island Raptor Road
Trip, 9am–2pm (p.3)
2
& Bybee Lakes, 9am Lecture at Oregon Loop from South
(p.2) Zoo, 7pm (p.4) Waterfront to OHSU, Willamette Greenway Bicycle
3pm (p.2) Ride, 9am (p.2)

Beginning Field Birding & Sauvie

Island Exploration, 8am (p.7)

Living with Urban 3 Urban Ecology
Coyotes Presentation, and Conservation
7pm (p.5) Symposium at PSU,
9am (p.5)
4 Birders’ Night 5 6 Magpies visit Sauvie 7 8 Ross Island Paddle, 8am (p.2)
9
7:30pm Heron Hall Island, 9am Bluebird Monitoring Meeting,
(503-244-6496) Champoeg Park, 9am (p.4)
Tree planting at Ridgefield, 9am
(360-887-3883x18)

Birding Weekend (p.10)

NOTE: An electronic version of this issue and past Warblers is available on our website, www.audubonportland.org.

NATURE NIGHT Sauvie Island Raptor Road Trip!

Second Tuesday of the month from Breakfast with Birds of Prey

Male Harrier © Jim Cruce

September to May. Free and open to the
public. If you have a suggestion for a Nature Saturday, February 2nd, 9am–2pm

E
Night presentation, contact Catherine at
chalpin@audubonportland.org or xplore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent eagles, hawks, and falcons that spend the winter
503-292-6855 ext.129. here. On this special day devoted to raptors, experienced naturalists and hawk experts will host
activities at four locations around the island. We’ll provide a map, then you choose where to go to
The Arboreal World of enjoy guided bird viewing, meet live raptors up close, and see hawk identification displays. Hot drinks
and donuts will be available in the morning so we can stay warm and have breakfast with the birds.
Red Tree Voles How does the “road trip” work?
Tuesday, January 8 The trip begins at Kruger’s Farm Market, where you will need to stop first to get your
7pm • Heron Hall event map and guide. To reach Kruger’s, go over the Sauvie Island bridge, and continue
Bald Eagle © Jim Cruce

straight 1.5 miles (passing by Howell Territorial Park) to the farm entrance on your right. The

P lease join us for a presentation by Eric

Forsman on one of the diminutive
denizens of our Northwest forests, the tree
vole. Eric is a Research Wildlife Biologist with
the U.S. Forest Service at the Pacific Northwest
Research Station in Corvallis, Oregon.
The next time you walk
through the woods,
watch for nests high up
in the trees. You just
might spot the home of
the elusive red tree vole,
which lives nowhere
Photo © Burt Gildart else in the world except
western Oregon and northern California. Tree
voles are unique in that they are the only arboreal
microtine rodent and feed exclusively on conifer
needles. There is concern that they may be
declining as the dense forests in which they live
are clearcut or thinned.
During the last three years, Eric and his graduate
students have used video cameras to observe tree
voles, watching the adult males and females as
they run about in the treetops at night and the
young voles taking their first tentative steps out
of the nest. Eric will use video footage from their
study to introduce you to the treetop world of this
unique little mammal.
event fee is $5 per vehicle (please bring cash only), which includes a Sauvie Island Wildlife
Area parking permit and lots of helpful materials.
We’ll provide spotting scopes, a crash course in raptor
identification, and naturalists to point out the birds. Bring
binoculars and field guides if you have them. Dress for the
weather with gloves and a hat; this event takes place rain
or shine. It is suitable for birders of all skill levels, and
families are welcome.
Unlike traditional birdwatching, you don’t have to be an
“early bird” and get up at the crack of dawn to see these
birds of prey, but we recommend that you allow about
three hours if you wish to visit all four locations.
Rough-legged and Red-tail Hawks © Jim Cruce
What will you see?
It all depends on what nature has in store, but frequently sighted raptors include Bald Eagles, Red-
tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Northern Harriers. With a little luck, you also might spot a
Raptor identification display.
Rough-legged Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Merlin, or Peregrine Falcon. Beautiful Snow Geese, Sandhill © Portland Audubon
Cranes, and Great Blue Herons often are
seen at this time of year as well. Join Audubon’s Kestrel Project
Be sure to stop by Audubon’s Kestrel Project information table while you are on the
No registration is required.
Sauvie Island Raptor Road Trip and learn how you can become directly involved in
For more information, see
Audubon’s Kestrel Monitoring and Restoration Project. American Kestrels are the
www.audubonportland.org or
smallest North American falcon, and researchers in many parts of the United States
call 503-292-6855 ext.116.
have noticed unexplained declines in kestrel populations.
Sponsored by Audubon Society of
Starting in 2008, Audubon will begin conducting kestrel surveys in the Portland
Portland, Metro Regional Parks and
Metro area. We will also be distributing kestrel nest boxes to citizens with
Greenspaces Department, Oregon
appropriate kestrel habitat on their property. Enjoy an inspirational day of hawk
Department of Fish and Wildlife, and
watching and then get directly involved in raptor monitoring and restoration efforts.
HawkWatch International.

www.audubonportland.org JANUARY 2008 3

Conservation continued from cover
How you can help protect birds
Bird conservation begins in the backyard. Many of our
species are declining because of habitat loss and hazards
associated with urbanization. There are many things that
each one of us can do to help birds.
• Go to Audubon’s website to see our new brochure, “For
FeederWatch, www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/.
During the coming year, Portland Audubon will be
providing opportunities to become directly involved in Wildlife
local surveys for American Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons,
Vaux’s Swifts, and Great Blue Herons.
Conservation
• Join Audubon’s Activist Networks to become directly
Lecture Series
involved in legislative efforts to protect birds and bird at the
habitat at the local, regional, and national levels.
Oregon Zoo
• For those primarily interested in Portland Metro area

the Birds: Protecting Birds in the Backyard and
Beyond.”
• Help monitor bird populations: Much of the data used
to develop the Common Birds in Decline and WatchList
reports came from backyard birders. Audubon’s annual
Christmas Bird Count (see December Warbler) is one
of the most important bird surveys, and we need your
• Read more about the problems facing songbird
help! There are also online bird reporting programs
that want to hear about what you are seeing and provide
really cool benefits to participants. Two of the best are
eBird, http://ebird.org/content/ebird/, and Project
conservation efforts, join FAUNA (Friends and Advocates
for Urban Natural Areas): www.audubonportland.
org/conservation_advocacy/fauna;
• For those primarily interest in Statewide and Federal
conservation efforts, join ACT (Audubon Conservation
Team): www.audubonportland.org/conservation_
advocacy/act.
populations and what you can do to help. We
recommend two titles, available in the Nature Store:
Silence of the Songbirds, by Bridget Stutchbury, and
101 Ways to Help Birds, by Laura Erickson.
T
he Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series, hosted
by the Oregon Zoo, Audubon Society of
Portland, and World Forestry Center,
endeavors to strengthen our community knowledge base
on ecological systems and environmental issues. It is
the hope of all partners that this series will motivate our
community to make a difference in the environmental
future of our region.

Oregon Birds on the National WatchList

Listed below are some of the Oregon birds that are
included in the 2007 National Audubon–American Bird
Conservancy WatchList. “Red” species are declining
rapidly or have very small populations or limited ranges,
and face major conservation threats. They typically are
species of global conservation concern. “Yellow” species
are declining or are rare, and typically are species of
national conservation concern.
Northern Spotted Owl (WatchList Red): It comes as
no surprise that the Northern Spotted Owl has made the
2007 WatchList. The Northern Spotted Owl was listed
as “Threatened” under the Federal Endangered Species
Act in 1990 due to “loss and adverse modification” of
the old-growth habitat on which it depends. Despite
habitat protections in place since the Northwest Forest
Plan was adopted in 1994, the spotted owl has continued
to see population declines across its range. Despite this
situation, the current administration has attempted to
roll back protections for the old-growth habitat on which
spotted owls and hundreds of other species depend.
Audubon is actively opposing reductions in existing old-
growth protections that are currently proposed in the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service’s Draft Spotted Owl Recovery
Plan and the Bureau of Land Management’s Western
Oregon Plan Revisions.
Marbled Murrelet (WatchList Yellow): Currently listed
as “Threatened” under the Federal Endangered Species
Act, the Marbled Murrelet is a small seabird that nests
in natural mossy depressions of coastal old-growth trees.
Murrelet declines are directly connected to loss of old-
growth nesting habitat. However, the murrelet also faces
significant threats in its marine environment including
oil spills, declines in prey base, and gillnetting. Audubon
is working to restore Marbled Murrelet populations
through its efforts to protect old-growth habitat and
establish permanent Marine Protected
Areas, and by working to prevent rollbacks
of existing protections afforded under the
Endangered Species Act.
Lewis’s Woodpecker (WatchList Red): Once
considered “abundant” across Oregon, this
woodpecker has seen dramatic population
declines and has been nearly extirpated from
portions of its historic range, including the Lewis’s Woodpecker
Willamette Valley. Breeding Bird Surveys © Paul Buescher
indicate a 75% reduction in populations over the past 40
years. Causes for its decline include loss of lowland oak
habitat and competition for nest holes from introduced
European Starlings.
Snowy Plover
(WatchList Yellow):
The Snowy Plover is a
shorebird that has been
listed as “Threatened”
under the Federal
Endangered Species Act
since 1993. Historically Cougar call © VIC
found along the entire
Oregon Coast, this
species is now limited
Planning the Persistence
to just a handful of Snowy Plover © Portland Audubon of Large Carnivores
nesting sites. The main threats to the ground-nesting Tuesday, January 29, 7pm
Snowy Plover include habitat loss due to encroachment
of invasive European beach grass, predation by wild and
Oregon Zoo’s Banquet Center
domestic animals, and disturbance from human activity.
Lance Craighead of the Craighead Environmental
Research Institute will reveal how grizzly bears, wolves,
Olive-sided Flycatcher (WatchList Yellow): The Olive-
wolverines, and Canada lynxes need large landscapes
sided Flycatcher breeds in the coniferous forests of
to maintain stable populations. He will also highlight
Oregon. Breeding Bird Survey data shows a population
how cutting-edge technology, combined with grassroots
decline of more than 80% in Oregon over the past 40
community connections, has helped protect the last
years. Population declines are believed to be associated
remaining habitats of these powerful predators.
with habitat alteration due to clearcutting, fire
suppression, and loss of wintering grounds. Olive-sided
Lectures are held in the Oregon Zoo’s
Flycatchers can still be found breeding in the conifer
Banquet Center at 7pm.
forests around Portland.
Cost: $8 to members of host organizations, students,
and seniors; $10 to non-members.
Willow Flycatcher (WatchList Yellow): The Willow
Flycatcher breeds across Oregon and is most commonly
For more information, go to www.oregonzoo.org
associated with willow thickets bordering riparian areas,
and click on Conservation.
but can be found breeding at elevations up to 5,000
feet. Once considered “common” in Oregon, the Willow
Flycatcher is in decline due to loss of riparian habitat, Future Conservation Lectures
disturbance from grazing and human development, and
February 26
cowbird parasitism. Oregon Breeding Bird Survey data Dr. Marc P. Hays, Washington Department
shows an 88% population decline over the past 40 years. of Fish and Wildlife
Some nesting populations can still be found around “Climate Change, Disease, Exotics, and Humans: The
Portland at Smith & Bybee Lakes and at the Unique Case of the Oregon Spotted Frog”
Sandy River Delta, but Willow Flycatchers
have completely disappeared in other March 25
Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society of Portland
locations.
“Peregrines of Portland: Birds, Bridges, and Urban
Short-eared Owl (WatchList Yellow): Biodiversity”
The Short-eared Owl is a ground-nesting April 29
owl that is found in open country across Scott Black, Xerces Society
Oregon. Christmas Bird Counts indicate “What Good Are Bugs? The Case for Invertebrate
a 40% population decline in Oregon over Conservation”
the past 40 years. Causes of decline include
loss of native prairie habitat and wetlands. It has largely Wildlife Conservation
disappeared from significant portions of its historic Lectures Series sponsors:
breeding range, including the Klamath Basin and
Willamette Valley.

Greater Sage Grouse (WatchList
Yellow): Known for its elaborate
courtship displays, the Greater
Sage Grouse is found in shrub-
steppe habitat across much of
Eastern Oregon. The species
depends on large expanses of
its habitat for breeding, and
declines are associated with loss
of shrub-steppe habitat, habitat
fragmentation, and human
disturbance.
Sage Grouse © Don Baccus
Varied Thrush (WatchList Yellow): The Varied Thrush
was a surprise addition to the 2007 WatchList. This
familiar relative of the Robin breeds in conifer forests
of the Coast Range and Cascade Mountains, winters in
low-elevation woodlands and forests, and is a common
winter visitor to forested backyards in and around Western Bluebird Monitors Needed
Portland. Breeding Bird Surveys indicate a 24% decline in
breeding populations in Oregon during the past 40 years, Interested? Please attend the informational meeting:
believed to be associated with forest fragmentation. More February 9 (Saturday), 9am–Noon
significant declines are associated with habitat loss and Champoeg State Heritage Area’s
fragmentation in the Northern Boreal Forests of Canada. Visitor Center
Visit www.prescottbluebird.com or call 503-246-7920.

4 JANUARY 2008 www.audubonportland.org

 Sixth Annual
Urban Ecology and Conservation
Symposium:
Science in the City
Monday, February 4, 2008
9am – 4:30pm,
Evening Social until 6:30pm
Portland State University —
Smith Center Ballroom
1825 SW Broadway, Portland
Cost: $30 standard fee; $15 for students.
To register, go to www.uercportland.org
Keynote Speakers
• Roy Ellicker, Director of Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife
• Dr. Stan Gerht, Urban Coyote and Raccoon
Expert from Chicago
T he Urban Ecology and Conservation Symposium
provides a unique opportunity for people to share
information about environmentally focused
research, projects, and programs in the Portland-Vancouver
Metropolitan region. The day is packed with presentations,
posters, and keynote speakers. There is also plenty of time
to network. Join us to learn, share, and be inspired.
Pacific Northwest Peregrine Falcon Monitoring
Workshop with Dr. Joel (Jeep) Pagel
Saturday, February 16th, 10am–4pm
Location: Audubon Society of Portland • Cost: $50
To register, go to www.audubonportland.org.
T his intensive all-day workshop will provide a
comprehensive overview of Peregrine Falcon biology,
ecology, identification, recovery, management, and
monitoring. Dr. Joel (“Jeep”) Pagel is one of the foremost
experts on Peregrine Falcons in North America and has
studied Oregon’s peregrines for more than two decades.
His career has included service as the Northwest Peregrine
Falcon Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service, Endangered
Species work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and
employment as a Research Associate with the Santa Cruz
Predatory Bird Group.
The goal of this workshop is to prepare participants to take
part in Peregrine Falcon nest site surveys and education
outreach programs during the 2008 and 2009 nesting
seasons. Additional field training sessions at known
peregrine nest sites will be offered later in the spring.
Wildlife Care Center
Gunshot Victims in the
Wildlife Care Center
By Deb Sheaffer, Wildlife Care
Center Operations Manager
T
he December 11th release of Red-tailed Hawk
#1988 was thrilling for several reasons. He survived
being caught in a NW Portland chicken coop and
the several baths it took to clean off the mud and chicken
droppings. He survived shock and the medical treatment
for it. Most gratifying, though, is that Red-tailed Hawk
#1988 survived being gunshot and lives with five embedded
pellets.
Red-tailed Hawks #1905, #1975, and #2038, all delivered
to the Wildlife Care Center in the last five weeks, were not
so lucky. All three were illegally shot and suffered injuries
so severe they had to be euthanized. The four Red-tailed
Hawks were found in four different locations — NW
Portland, Hillsboro, Vancouver, Ridgefield — and were shot
by different types of guns. In the past two months we’ve
had nine birds presented with gunshot wounds. Irene
McIntosh, Wildlife Care Center Assistant, can’t think of
any reasonable excuses for shooting these birds. She notes,
“Red-tails can’t be mistaken for ducks or geese. They don’t
damage property or destroy crops. My only conclusion
is folks are shooting them out of plain cruelty and/or
ignorance.”
www.audubonportland.org
Portland Skyline from Oaks Bottom © Mike Houck
The Urban Ecology Research Consortium (UERC) is
a consortium of nonprofit organizations, agencies,
universities, businesses, and environmental professionals
interested in urban ecological research. The Audubon
Society of Portland is a founding member of UERC and
sits on its steering committee.
Peregrine Falcon © Jim Cruce
During 2008, Portland Audubon will conduct an intensive
survey of known and potential peregrine nest sites in the
Portland Metro region. During 2009, Portland Audubon
will participate in statewide peregrine surveys that are
required every three years under the Endangered Species
Act to ensure that the species continues its long-term
recovery. While participation in monitoring or educational
outreach activities is not required, priority will be given to
those willing to commit to participating in three 4-hour
monitoring sessions between March and July of 2008. No
prior experience is required.
Sponsored by the Audubon Society of Portland with
support from a Future for Wildlife Grant.
A Red-tail with such severe
gunshot wounds it had to be
Gunshot Red-tailed Hawk being euthanized © Portland Audubon
released © Portland Audubon
Killing of protected birds is a Federal crime and the Red-
tailed Hawk shootings are under investigation. Current
law makes these crimes simply a misdemeanor, however,
and convicted bird killers tend to escape with little more
than a slap on the wrist. Portland Audubon supports
legislation introduced by Representative Peter DeFazio to
amend legislation and make it a felony to intentionally kill
protected birds. For more information on this bill or to see
how you can help, go to www.audubonportland.org/
conservation_advocacy/mbta.
JANUARY 2008
FREE!
Coyote © Jim Cruce
Living with Urban Coyotes Presentation
National Expert
on Urban Coyotes to
Speak at Audubon
Sunday, February 3rd, 7pm
at Audubon Society of Portland
F ew wildlife sightings evoke stronger responses among
urban residents than that of a coyote roaming about
a greenspace, hunting mice at the edge of a yard,
or loping down a city street. There are many areas in the
region where residents are serenaded to sleep by the howls
and yips of the animal that Navajo sheep and goat herders
once referred to as “God’s Dog.” For many it is a reminder
of why they choose to live in Oregon. For some it simply
evokes fear. Local jurisdictions have struggled to determine
what, if any, response should be undertaken.
Dr. Stanley Gehrt recently completed a study of urban
coyotes in Chicago that has been described as “The most
ambitious work of its kind in the country.” Dr. Gehrt
tracked 220 radio-collared coyotes in Chicago over the
course of his six-year study. His work is fascinating and
will provide valuable insights for wildlife lovers, wildlife
professionals, and neighborhoods struggling to coexist with
urban coyotes.
Join us for a Living with Urban Coyotes Workshop to
develop a better understanding of the biology and ecology
of this adaptive wild dog. Help us develop effective
strategies to better coexist with our wild neighbors.
Sponsored by Portland Audubon and the Urban Ecology
Research Consortium.
Veterinarian to
Join Wildlife Care
Center Staff
by Deb Sheaffer,
WCC Operations Manager
W e are excited to welcome
Molly McAllister as
our new Wildlife Care
Center Assistant Manager. It’s
especially exciting because Molly
is a veterinarian. We now have a
veterinarian on staff 7 days a week,
365 days a year! Molly is no stranger
to Portland Audubon — many of
you will recognize her from her
© Portland Audubon
two years of volunteer work in the
Wildlife Care Center and as an environmental educator
for our education program.
As a child growing up on a Central Oregon ranch, Molly
was always interested in wild things. She says she was
“fascinated by how the natural world works, interested
in understanding the complexities of animal and habitat
interactions, and passionate about minimizing the
detrimental effects that humans have on those systems.”
Her interest in ecology and conservation led her to a
degree in biology with a focus on environmental and
organismal biology. She worked as a field biologist for the
USGS studying goose biology, where her responsibilities
included banding and using radiotelemetry in remote
areas of western Alaska. In veterinary school and then as
a practicing veterinarian, Molly learned the medical skills
necessary to treat the large variety of animals we see in
the Wildlife Care Center.
With Molly’s background in conservation, education,
research, and veterinary medicine, we know she’ll be a
great addition to the Wildlife Care Center.
5
Educational Trips & Tours
These trips are popular. We recommend that you book early.

Alaska!
June 7–14, 2008

J oin the Audubon Society of Portland on a journey to the Great Land this summer!
Alaska is a land of superlatives when it comes to wildlife and a must-visit destination
for anyone keen on the natural history of North America. This trip is designed to
introduce you to some of the best of Alaska at a fun and relaxed pace. On our boat trip in
Kenai Fjords National Park we will experience the rich marine ecosystem of south-central
Alaska. The Chiswell Islands are home to nesting seabirds such as Red-faced Cormorant,
Thick-billed Murre, and Tufted and Horned Puffin. The air will be alive with calls of
Black-legged Kittiwakes and there’s a chance to see Parakeet and Ancient Auklet. We’ll
also get close to tidewater glaciers where, with luck, we’ll spot the rare Kittlitz’s Murrelet.
Humpback Whale, Orca, and Dall’s Porpoise are likely to be seen from the boat and
Snow Geese © Don Baccus
Sea Otters are all but guaranteed. Our next stop is Denali National Park, the crown jewel
of our National Park System. We’ll explore deep into the park via shuttle bus, experiencing
many of its habitats that are home to Gray Wolf, Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Dall Sheep,
and Moose. The birdwatching can
Klamath Basin
include Rock Ptarmigan, Gyrfalcon,
Merlin, Long-tailed Jaeger, and
Birding Expedition
Northern Wheatear, to name a few.
Next we’ll spend two days traversing
March 13–16, 2008

E
the Denali Highway between Cantwell njoy some of the best birding in the west on this fantastic voyage with Bob Fields
and Paxson, taking our time as we and the Audubon Society of Portland. Widely hailed as the most important wetland
search for wildlife-viewing opportunities system in the west, the Klamath Basin is a haven for migratory birds and is one of
among the many wetlands, forests, Oregon’s 105 Important Bird Areas. We’ll search for large flocks of ducks and geese that
tundras, and mountain passes. Trip stop in the basin and the Bald Eagles that feed on them. The spectacular spring migration
leader is Audubon’s Adult Education of Snow, Ross’s, and Greater White-fronted Geese should be in full swing. Last year we
Coordinator, Steve Engel. He has spent enjoyed excellent looks at Barrow’s Goldeneye, Lewis’s Woodpecker, and Rough-legged
many summers traveling in Alaska and Hawk, among many other species. Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon are very likely, with
is eager to share with you the many good chances of other raptor species and a variety of shorebirds and songbirds as well.
wonderful sights that await us. Grizzly Bear, Denali National Park © Adrian Jones
This is a good time of year to be out in one of Oregon’s premier birding areas observing
Cost: $1,795 members / $1,835 non-members Group Size: 9 participants the transition from winter to spring. Bob Fields is a former manager of the Klamath Basin
Deposit: $1,000 required to secure your place Leader: Steve Engel National Wildlife Refuge system and an active member of Portland Audubon. Bob has
led this popular trip for many years, and his intimate knowledge of the wildlife and the
What is included: Ground transportation from Anchorage, 7 nights double-occupancy complex issues faced by the refuges makes this a trip not to be missed!
lodging, all park entry fees, boat and bus tour fees, breakfasts, lunches, and the services of
your leader. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society Cost: $470 members / $510 non-members Group Size: 14 participants
of Portland. Deposit: $250 required to secure your place Leader: Bob Fields
Contact: Steve Engel at sengel@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6119.
What is included: Transportation by van from Portland, 3 nights double-occupancy
lodging in Klamath Falls, all entry fees, breakfasts, lunches, and the services of your leaders.

CALIFORNIA CONDORS Contact: Steve Engel at sengel@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6119.

Big Sur, Pinnacles, and Point Reyes

April 7–13, 2008

J oin us as we again head south to view the largest bird in North America, the California
Condor! We’ll travel by van from San Francisco Bay to Condor strongholds such as the
Pinnacles National Monument and Big Sur, south of Monterey. At Pinnacles we will
Birds o f Pa n a m a
hike the rugged volcanic landscape with excellent chances of seeing Condors in flight or March 10–22,
at roost and perhaps Prairie Falcon and Golden Eagle as well. The wildflowers will also
be spectacular! Our two nights in Monterey will give us plenty of time to explore the Big
2008

Sur coast with its redwood forests, dramatic sea cliffs, and numerous parklands. Over two
dozen Condors are known to frequent this stretch of coastline. We’ll also have time to visit
the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium before we head north to Ano Nuevo State Park,
where Elephant Seals lounge on the beaches. Our final two days will be spent exploring
the wild and open spaces stretching from the Golden Gate to Point Reyes. We’ll use hostel-
style lodging inside national park lands for our last two nights. Spring wildflowers will be
blooming and migration time under way with songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors filling our
binoculars at many stops. Trip leader Steve Engel loves to visit old haunts along this stretch
of coast and delights in sharing all aspects of its natural history with others.
Cost: $795 members /
$835 non-members
Group Size: 8–9 participants
Deposit: $400 required to secure
your place
Leader: Steve Engel
What is included: Ground transportation
from Oakland, CA, 4 nights double-
occupancy lodging, 2 nights hostel-style
lodging, all entry fees, breakfasts, lunches,
and the services of your leaders. A portion
of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution
to the Audubon Society of Portland.
Contact: Steve Engel at
sengel@audubonportland.org or
971-222-6119.
J
oin Portland Audubon trip
leader Dan van den Broek
along with Scott Lukens,
owner of Backyard Bird Shops, on
a trip to central Panama. We will
visit the Canal region and eastern
foothills, exploring a variety of
tropical habitats. We’ll look for
flocks of birds that are attracted to Harpy Eagle © Dan van den Broek
army ant swarms such as the Bicolored Antbird, Ocellated Antbird, and Black-striped
Woodcreeper. The Panama forests are full of spectacular birds including such unusual
species as the Black-throated Mango and Blue-headed Parrot. We’ll visit an indigenous
village and Sierra Llorona, which is near the Caribbean and prime birding locations. We’ll
end at the Canopy Tower, a rainforest lodge where you can immerse yourself in the sounds
of the tropical forest as you sip your morning coffee high up in the trees. Nearby birding
locations such as Pipeline Road offer the opportunity to see five species of Trogon. Space is
still available but don’t wait — this will be a trip to remember!
Cost:* $2,975 members / $3,175 non-members Group Size: 12 participants
Deposit: $1,500 required Leaders: Dan van den Broek and Scott Lukens
*Trip begins at an airport hotel near Panama City. Airfare to Panama City is not included.
What is included: All ground transportation within Panama, 12 nights double-occupancy lodging, breakfasts,
lunches, some dinners, local guide fees, entrance fees, excursions, and services of your skilled leaders. A portion
of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland.
Contact: Steve Engel at sengel@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6119.

Big Sur Coast © David Moen

6 JANUARY 2008 www.audubonportland.org


HOW TO REGISTER
Adult Classes
1. Phone or email with your contact
information and the classes in which you wish
to reserve one or more spaces.
2. Mail in your payment right away. Make
checks payable to Audubon Society of Portland.
3. We’ll contact you with confirmation of
payment and class details.
Skagit Flats
and Falcons!
February 15–17, 2008
T
he Skagit and Samish River floodplain has an
abundance of wintering waterfowl, shorebirds,
sea ducks, and raptors. We have a chance of
seeing all five species of North American falcons:
American Kestrel, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine
Falcon, and Gyrfalcon! After visiting Nisqually
National Wildlife Refuge, our two nights in Mt. Vernon
will give easy access to great birding spots. Saturday
and Sunday we’ll explore sites such as Padilla Bay
Interpretive Center, Samish Island, and La Conner. Join
Steve Engel on this relaxed trip that will provide ample
opportunity for viewing and instruction on the area’s
birds and natural history. Group size is limited so most
rows in the van will have just two people.
Cost: $265 members / $290 non-members
Group Size: 8 participants
What is included: Transportation by 15-passenger van, 2 breakfasts,
1 lunch, 2 nights double-occupancy lodging, and leader’s services. A
portion of fee is a tax-deductible contribution to Portland Audubon.
Contact: Steve Engel at
sengel@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6119.
Photo © Mike Houck
FEBRUARY
Beginning
Field Birding
and Sauvie
Island
Exploration
February 2, March 1,
April 5
(Saturdays),
8am–Noon
Join Greg Baker, expert
birder and fiddler, and get
Northern Flicker © Paul Buescher
to know one of Oregon’s
most accessible Important Bird Areas — Sauvie Island
Wildlife Area — managed by Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife. Just 10 miles from downtown Portland,
Sauvie Island is rich with wildlife. Greg has offered this
class in the fall and spring for going on 16 years and it
always fills up! It’s perfect for those interested in developing
and sharpening their birding skills, meeting new birding
buddies, and exploring the different habitats on the island.
Learn bird calls, and search for waterfowl, songbirds, and
raptors. This workshop is limited to 15 people and signups
are for all three days.
Fee: $50 members / $60 non-members
Enrollment Limited: 15 participants
Pre-registration required — participants register for
all three days.
www.audubonportland.org
Trips & Classes
Educational Trips & Tours Contact: Steve Engel, Adult Mail: Audubon Society of Portland
1. Phone or email to request a registration Education Coordinator 5151 NW Cornell Rd.
packet for the trips of interest. Email: sengel@audubonportland.org Portland, OR 97210
2. Complete and sign the Registration / Waiver Phone: 971-222-6119
Form and return it with the required deposit.
3. We’ll contact you with confirmation of Credit Card Payment: We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. A 3%
payment and further details. processing fee is added to each transaction. Include card number, expiration
date, and billing zip code, or call Steve Engel and pay over the phone.
JANUARY
Gulls in Winter
January 16 (Wednesday), 7pm–9pm: Class
Trees in
Winter
January 19 (Saturday), 9am–Noon: Field Trip January 26
(Saturday),
Do you typically take a “pass” on identifying gulls when you 10am–3pm
are out birding? They can be difficult, and for good reasons!
For one, each species goes through several plumages before Are you feeling like a
they reach adulthood. Also, the Willamette Valley is the stranger amongst the
winter home of half a many tree species that
dozen or so different gulls. make up the Pacific
If you feel it is time to take Northwest’s world-
the plunge and learn some renowned forests?
Deciduous trees © Mike Calvin
tricks for figuring out what Then maybe it’s time
kind of gull that is, then join for you to be introduced! Spend a day learning fun facts
John Rakestraw, author about many of the common and not-so-common native
of Birding Oregon (Falcon Northwest trees. We’ll learn ways to identify tree species
Guide), for a Wednesday using many different clues, from their bark to their berries
evening class on gull and where they are growing. This class will focus on those
identification and natural species we can easily study in the field right here in our
history. On Saturday, join own Audubon Sanctuaries and the surrounding Forest
John and Steve Engel on Park. Knowing your trees is a great way to feel connected
a field trip to a local gull to where you live and, for birdwatchers, a very useful tool
hangout, where we will put for describing where a bird is to your companions. Imagine
Laughing Gull, winter plumage
our new-found knowledge © Don Baccus yourself saying: “There! It just landed halfway up that
to the test. Pacific Dogwood tree!” Instructor is Steve Engel, Adult
Education Coordinator.
Fee: $25 members / $35 non-members
Enrollment Limited: 15 participants Cost: $20 members / $25 non-members
Class-only option available; contact Steve Engel for details. Enrollment Limited: 12 participants
Pre-registration is required.
Introducing the Audubon
Society of Portland’s new Master Birder Program
Participation is limited to 12 people. The program will run 14 months, beginning Spring 2008 and ending Summer 2009.
Most months there will be two classes and two field trips as we follow Oregon birds through the seasons. Our primary
instructor will be Dan van den Broek, with additional guest presenters scheduled. For more information and to learn
how to register, contact Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator.
Beginning Birdwatching
February 11 (Monday), 7pm– 9pm: Class
February 17 and 24 (Sundays), 8am–11am:
Field Trips
If you’ve always wanted to give birding a try and would
like to learn some basics, this class is for you. Designed
especially for beginners, topics include finding birds, tips
for looking at birds, recognizing behavior and habitats, and
identifying bird sounds. Take concepts from the evening
program and apply them on two Portland-area field trips. White-crowned Sparrow © Don Baccus
Your instructor will be Laura Whittemore. She has Sparrows and Other “LBJs”
introduced scores of people to birding through this class
over the years. Here are some comments from her students:
in Winter
February 14 (Thursday), 7pm–9pm: Class
“Laura is an excellent teacher.” “She gave a great deal of February 16 (Saturday), 9am–Noon: Field Trip
information in a very accessible way.” No wonder her
classes fill up quickly! “LBJs” are those Little Brown Jobbers that abound in the
brush and fields during our Willamette Valley winter. Many
Fee: $35 members / of them are sparrows of one kind or another, some of
$45 non-members them are wrens, and some just can’t be identified! Or can
Enrollment Limited: they? John Rakestraw will help you tackle how to identify
12 participants the birds in that flitting flock in the field with a Thursday
evening class and a Saturday field trip. John is the author
Class-only option
available; contact Steve of Birding Oregon (Falcon Guide) and numerous articles on
Engel for details. birdwatching.
Fee: $25 members / $35 non-members
Enrollment Limited: 12 participants
Class-only option available; contact Steve Engel for details.
American Wigeon (female and male) © Paul Buescher
JANUARY 2008 7
Sanctuaries
Managing Nature – A Case for Stewardship
by Tom Costello, Sanctuaries Director
R
ecently I was contacted by a professor in the
Environmental Science and Management
Department at Portland State University who is
interested in doing field research in our sanctuaries with
one of her classes. Specifically the class wants to look at the
role of Bigleaf Maple in the succession of our coniferous
forests. This professor thought that as the Forest Manager
for Portland Audubon, I might have some insight into
why these maples appear to self-propagate and resist
competition from our resident conifer populations of
Douglas Fir, Western Redcedar, and Western Hemlock.
An interesting question, and I can certainly have my own
theories to explain the ‘mystery of the maples.’ What really
struck me from this inquiry, however, was being referred to
as the Forest Manager for Audubon’s sanctuaries. I suppose
it is an accurate label, but for some reason I found myself
resisting the idea that a forest could be, or should be,
managed.
As Sanctuaries Director I am far more comfortable thinking
of myself as a steward of the forest, rather than a manager.
I see it as my job to protect the forest while providing safe
access to those who want to visit and take a walk through
the woods. I try to keep the trails clear and the bridges in
good repair; at the same time, I put significant effort into
keeping the sanctuaries free of invasive plant species that
threaten native vegetation. The rest is up to the forest itself.
And it all comes back to the mystery of the maples. I believe
that the maples have such a strong presence in the Forest
Park ecosystem because of previous management strategies
that looked to develop the land for timber and housing
development. As areas were logged, the maples re-sprouted
Nature Store Highlights
by Sally Loomis & Nancy Mattson, Nature Store Staff
Hot off the Press!
On your next visit, please pick up a free copy of the latest
brochure in Portland Audubon’s Living with Urban
Wildlife series: “For the Birds: Protecting Birds
in Your Backyard and Beyond.” This
proactive guide for protecting birds in your
own backyard features a helpful checklist of
information, including:
Feed Birds Responsibly
The best way to help birds is to provide
them with natural habitat and food
sources. However, birdfeeders can add
additional nutrition to their diets and
provide you with better opportunities
to view the birds in your yard. Always
feed natural, fresh seeds, feed small amounts daily,
and clean feeders once a week with a 10% bleach
solution.
In addition to top-quality seed, the Nature Store
sells a variety of cleaning brushes, as well
as feeders like the Squirrel-Buster Plus,
that can be disassembled and sterilized in
a dishwasher. Aspects has just introduced
a new Quick-CleanTM tube feeder, which has a removable
base for easy access. These attractive feeders are available
in either a brass or brushed nickel finish. While cleaning
feeders isn’t a fun job, it is an important responsibility for
backyard birding enthusiasts.
Winter Book Roundup
January’s short days and long winter nights are a great time
for birders to catch up on the many fine
recently published books devoted to
birding and wildlife ecology.
Well-respected nature writer Scott
Weidensaul’s newest work, Of a
Feather: A Brief History of American
Birding, offers his personal and historical
exploration of the quirky characters and
8 JANUARY 2008
Woodcrafters Wanted
L ast month we received a very generous donation of
tools and supplies for our workshop. This month
Boy Scout Troop 606 will help us install new
shelving in the shop, set up our new tools, and organize
all of the nuts and bolts, so that we will be ready for any
and all maintenance and woodworking projects.
I am looking for experienced woodcrafters who are
interested in volunteering some time in the newly
outfitted shop. We have an immediate need to design
and build new tables for Heron Hall, and many of
our benches in the sanctuaries need to be repaired or
replaced. If you are interested in volunteering, please
contact me at tcostello@audubonportland.org or
503-292-6855 ext.106.
Audubon Society of Portland
gratefully acknowledges these
thoughtful gifts:
In Honor
Jonah Harris
Karen and Matthew Bissonette
Jim and Sandra Shimomaeda
Second-growth forest emerging along Balch Creek. © Portland David O’Donovan
Audubon
from the stumps, thrived in the clearings provided by the Ginnie Ross
logging cuts, and easily outcompeted the conifer saplings. Sue Wetzel
Efforts to manage the regeneration of coniferous forest by In Memory
selectively cutting these clonal maple colonies have been
Bruce Dobney
considered in this park, and are actually written into the Loren and Susan Lutzenhiser
Forest Park Natural Resource Management Plan. But such
management practices are costly and labor intensive, and John King
cause continued disruption to wildlife habitat. Fortunately, Janice and Richard Conklin
Forest Park’s maples have been spared the chainsaw and the
forest has been left to develop at its own pace. Yvonne Taylor
Dana Walker
Elizabeth Chiles
Kathryn E. Piorkowski
Lyle Gross
Michael Shinn and Ellen Lairson
You can honor a special person with a gift to Audubon
2008 Nature Society of Portland. Your gift will help fund a future
events that have shaped one of Calendars on
of inspiring people to love and protect nature.
America’s favorite activities. Sale Now!
The Great Naturalists, edited You can make an Honor or Memorial gift online
by Robert Huxley, is a beautifully at www.audubonportland.org or by calling
illustrated sweeping view of the men and 971-222-6129. A songbird card acknowledging your
women who helped create the field of natural history. thoughtful gift will be sent to the honoree or family.
Beginning birders can enjoy two
great titles: National Geographic’s Wish List & Thank you’s
Birding Essentials, and The Birder’s
Companion, by Stephen Moss. Both
provide lots of hints and tips on bird
Thank you to:
physiology and behavior, as well as an • Peter S. Armstrong for a selection of tools and
overview of optics, birding etiquette, equipment for our workshop.
and more. • Maushan Design, Inc. for 3 office chairs donated to
the Sanctuaries and Education Departments.
Gulls and owls, two of our most • Michael Taylor for a natural history library, including
charismatic bird groups, each contain bird and mammal reference books and monographs.
two Oregon species that appear in • Ann P. Littlewood for a 12-inch electric chainsaw
the recently released National Bird and a toolbox.
WatchList 2007 (see cover article). • Nancy P. Fraser for a digital scale for the Wildlife
This is an opportune time to learn more Care Center.
about these important birds. Gulls • Ginnie Ross for 2 bags Science Diet kitten food.
of the Americas by • NatureBake for 20 packages of cookies.
Howell and Dunn
exhaustively covers the myriad of gull Our Wish List:
ID issues at various maturities and For Education:
plumages. Owls of the United States Powerpoint projector • Flat screen monitor
and Canada: A Complete Guide to Laptop computer • Floorlamps
Their Biology and Behavior by Wayne
Lynch is just that, and with wonderful For Sanctuary:
photographs, too! Loppers • Hand saws • Work gloves
Long-necked stapler
Winners of our November reader’s poll Watering wand hose attachment
for the ultimate Birding Field Guide
For Wildlife Care Center:
were the National Geographic Field
Chicken baby food
Guide to the Birds of North America and
Science Diet kitten food
participant Grace De Lap, who takes
Bleach • Camper/trailer
home a $35 gift certificate.
If you can donate these items, please first
contact Audubon Society of Portland at
See the Nature Store ad on page 11 for 503-292-6855 ext.102, Mon–Fri, to arrange
more great book ideas. a time for delivery/pick-up.
www.audubonportland.org
Range of Blue Goose Expanding
Field Notes by Harry Nehls

W hile birding on Sauvie Island October 5, Chris

Warren spotted a Blue-phased Snow Goose
(Blue Goose). Shawneen Finnegan and Jeff
Gilligan found it again November 8. Perhaps it will spend
the winter allowing others to see this rare visitor to the
Portland area.
The Blue Goose has a very interesting history. Originally
it was considered a full species that wintered in large
numbers along the Louisiana Coast, then migrated along
the Mississippi Flyway to disappear in northern Canada.
Very few were reported away from this narrow flyway. It
was 1929 when the nesting grounds were first located on
Baffin Island, which lies between mainland Canada and
Greenland.
The next year another colony was found on Southampton
Island 600 miles farther west and overlapping a Snow
Goose colony. In this colony there were a number of
obvious hybrids. Not long after, the numbers of Snow
and Blue Geese began to increase and their nesting ranges
expanded with considerable overlapping.
Soon Blue Geese and hybrids
began showing up among
the East Coast flocks of Snow
Geese and more and more were
seen along the Central Flyway.
out the white geese. However, for some
reason there is some control and the
expansion is considerably slower than
would be expected. The white Snow
Geese greatly outnumber the Blue Geese
By 1950 Blue and Snow Geese at this time, but it will interesting to
along the Mississippi and Mid- watch what happens over the coming
continent Flyways were evenly years.
split. About the only Snow
Goose breeding colonies not One theory proposes that Blue Geese
containing Blue Geese were are much more successful on the nesting
the small Alaskan colonies and grounds during years of little snow, and
the large colony on Wrangle that Snow Geese do better when there
Island, the birds that winter is lots of snow around. If that is true,
west of the Cascades in Oregon the Blue Goose is going to have an edge
and Washington. Blue-phased Snow Goose © Angus Wilson/ during this warming period.
OceanWanderers.com
A few years ago a few Blue Geese began showing up on The closely related Ross’s Goose originally did not carry
Wrangle Island and among the wintering flocks. Though the Blue gene, with the population entirely white. When the
they are still very scarce, there appears to be a consistent Snow and Blue Geese began expanding their ranges, so did
presence that may increase in coming years. the Ross’s, and the breeding ranges began to merge. Many
hybrids began to be seen, many pairing with Blue Geese.
In 1960 the Blue and Snow Geese were combined into one Now the Ross’s Goose has the gene and Blue Ross’s Geese
species with the Blue considered a color phase of the Snow. are often seen. If the populations of these birds continue to

Sightings
The Blue gene is dominant and eventually could swamp expand, the white Ross’s Goose may disappear.

On November 11 Pamela Johnston saw a Black Phoebe
near McMinnville. Jan Cornelius and Jerry Martin found
one on Sauvie Island November 4. Al Ahlgrim reported
a Say’s Phoebe at Champoeg State Park November 5,
and Greg Gillson saw one at Roy
November 22. On November 5 Lars
Norgren saw two Black-crowned
Night-Herons on the small marsh
across from the Fernhill Wetlands
parking lot. They apparently did
not stay; hunting is taking place
there this year and the birds may
have been driven off.
Quite a few Great Egrets were
scattered around through
November, but the large flocks
appeared to be gone by the end
of October. The Sandhill Crane
survey in the Sauvie Island–
Ridgefield NWR area October 9
counted 4,046 birds. About 900 were still in the area into
December. Bill Clemons spotted a late White Pelican at
Ridgefield NWR November 11.
By mid-November close to
1,000 Snow Geese were in the
Portland area. Em Scattaregia
reported a Goldeneye
November 14 on one of the Mt.
Tabor reservoirs. Erik Knight
saw a Common Goldeneye
in Oaks Bottom November 19,
and Leslie Meserve saw one at
Fernhill Wetlands November
23. Chris Warren spotted a
flock of 20 Surf Scoters flying
past Kelley Point Park at the
mouth of the Willamette River
November 20.
Bill Clemons saw a Northern Shrike at Ridgefield NWR
November 8. Ron Escano and a birding crew from Portland
Audubon found one at Powell Butte Park November 3.
George Neavoll watched an adult Golden Eagle soaring
over downtown Portland November 5. On November 21
Dave Helzer watched an adult gray-phased Gyrfalcon
fly over the Portland Airport and cross the Columbia to
Government Island. It appeared to be carrying a pigeon.
Adrian Hinckle noted a female White-winged Crossbill
November 22 at Still Creek Campground south of Mt.
Hood. Considering reports from farther north, White-
winged might become regular this winter. Already good
numbers of Mountain Chickadees are being reported
from the Willamette Valley and Bohemian Waxwings are
being seen in far eastern Oregon.

Common Goldeneye. Credit: M. Fenner/USFWS

Families Can Volunteer of the Month:

Volunteer Together! Katy Erhlich
by Deanna Sawtelle,
Volunteer Coordinator by Meryl Redisch, Executive Director

W e get many requests for youth volunteer

opportunities, so we’re expanding our current
Audubon Docent volunteer program to include
youth and teens, ages 10–17, who are accompanied by
an adult. Audubon Docents are the “welcome wagon”
for Audubon. They welcome visitors to the Interpretive
Center on weekends during spring and summer, make
sure visitors know where the trails are, help them identify
the common birds at the feeders, answer their questions
about becoming a member and Audubon in general, and
just present a smiling face for our guests. The commitment
is a 3-hour weekend shift once a month, though you can
certainly do more if you like. A volunteer name badge and
t-shirt are required since you are representing Audubon.
If you are interested in becoming an Audubon Docent
or volunteering in other capacities, please plan on
coming to the next New Volunteer Orientation on
Wednesday, January 23, 6:00–7:30 p.m. in Heron Hall
to learn more. If you’re 18 or older, you can become an
Audubon Docent by yourself. If you’d like to get one of
your children (ages 10–17) involved, both you and your
child will need to come to orientation and an evening
training before participating on your shifts together. Our
children are our future! Think of terrific environmental
messages our young people can offer youthful visitors in
this volunteer position. If you would like to attend the
orientation on January 23, please email Deanna at
volunteercoordinator@audubonportland.org so we can
make sure we have enough materials for you.
P ortland Audubon welcomes members into the
society through many different portals. People can
enjoy our sanctuaries, expand their understanding
about birds through classes and field trips, and advocate
for greater species and habitat protection via activism at
the local, state, and federal levels.
Volunteers enter the organization in a similar manner.
They can participate in a one-time event such as the Wild
Arts Festival, commit to a weekly shift as a receptionist,
or serve on a long-term special events committee.
Portland Audubon is fortunate to have many volunteers
do a combination of things, contributing their talents
for the betterment of the organization’s mission. Katy
Erhlich is one of those people.
Katy arrived at Audubon about three years ago and
proceeded straight to the Wildlife Care Center. She
was strongly attracted to this volunteer opportunity,
regarding it a privilege to be part of a recovery team that
can give back to a bird its ability to fly. Katy acquired the
skills necessary to become an important asset to the Care
Center, and serves as a dependable and capable handler
of injured and orphaned animals.
What she gives to the entire organization are her
natural abilities and professional experience in the
areas of marketing, communications, and creative
thinking. I don’t recall my first conversation with Katy
about the organizational “big picture,” but her deep
appreciation and admiration for all we do were
immediately evident. She offered (and I jumped at the
chance) to help us market ourselves better by sharing
our stories in a more inclusive, focused, and action-
oriented way. Katy’s marketing and communications
expertise had been centered in the corporate world with
huge clients like Microsoft and Nike and in places like
China and California. How fortunate for the Audubon
Society of Portland and our membership to have
someone with that level of talent and dedication assist
us with the production of our annual reports, major
grant applications, and special event branding. Katy was
instrumental in helping me put together the program for
our first Sustenance and Sustainability Event held at Elk
Cove Vineyards last September. We spent considerable
time together working on the right stories to tell an
audience of 150 people.
Katy has devoted additional time to attend organizational
retreats and community workshops to become better
informed about the communications challenges we face
and the opportunities we have not yet realized. With
her assistance, Portland Audubon’s stories will be more
widely heard and shared in the future. Thank you, Katy!

www.audubonportland.org JANUARY 2008 9

Thank You, Volunteers! continued from cover
This list includes Portland Audubon’s key volunteers who dedicate a substantial amount of time, weekly or monthly, and was compiled from their Contact Information Forms.
We also appreciate the hundreds of volunteers who help out with annual events and one-time projects, though space limitations prohibit us from listing them here.

Diane Aaronson Sharon Coggswell Diane Field Kari Jones Paula Mishaga Teresa Schechtel Jennifer Taylor
Diane Adkin Daleesa Cole Shawneen Finnegan Robin Kadz Carol Mitchell Jean Schoonover Bob Thompson
Harriet Anderson Sherry Connolly Susan Flett-Pomeroy Kathryn Karas Tyrus Monson Marisa Scott Jenni Thurman
Lucia Appell Corinne Conway Scott Flor Lori Keesh Huntley Morrison Tricia Sears Julie Tillman
Guy Armitage Arielle Cooke Nancy Fraser Terry Kem Amiee Moyers Jan Secunda Sarah Tsalbins
Skye Armitage William Cox Alice Froehlich Leanne Kerner Stacey Mullins John Shaw Danielle Typinski
Ginnie Astrue Jocelyn Cox Tricia Fryer Tim Kimener Kerma Murphy Esther Shepsman Tess Urton
Charles Aubin Linda Craig Joe Fultz Linda Kirkpatrick Julie Mynhier Bonnie Shoffner Cecile Valastro
Katherine Averill Pat Crane Sara Ganas Roy Kitzmann Linda Needham Mandy Sims Tracey VanNevele
Cori Bacher Jose Cruz Martha Gannett Kristen Klever Marianne Nelson Tyler Sims Celeste Vaughters
Eloise Bacher Nancy Jane Cushing Hugh Gemmell Elizabeth Knake Jill Nelson-Debord Zac Sims Linda Vick
Joel Bader Ben Cutler Mary Gemmell David Koskamp Sarah Nolte Gail Sittser Alayna Vincent
Jean Baecher Brown Fran Daggett Kristina Gifford Lei Kotynski Simone Norman Diana Sizemore Sam Vogt
Sarah Bahan Dalin D’Alessandro Jenny Goetz Gala Krooss Ada Norris David Smith Cindy von Ofenheim
Elizabeth Bailey Brian Darby Carol Goldberg Mariha Kuechmann Jordan Nuccio Max Smith Jennifer Vourlas
Matthew Baird Zoe Dash Caitlin Goldie Michele Lafranchise Robert Oswald Jane Smith Kelli Walker
Emily Baldauf-Wagner Gary Davis Peg Goldie Susette Lane Peter Paquet Carolyn Snegoski Zach Wallace
Jeff Baxter Peggy Day Robbie Goldie Rebecca Lavelle Jennifer Parks Debbie Sparks Sally Walton
Lani Bennett Abby Deats Robert Goldie George Leavitt Sheryl Peil Jackie Sparks Ross Weinstein
Susan Bexton April DeBolt Eartha Goodman Carol Ledford Mike Peroni Kelsie Sparks Angela Wheeler
Janet Black Richard Demarest Jennnifer Greyerbiehl William Leler Wanda Peters Ron Spencer Debi Whitcomb
Camille Blakely John Deshler Enid Griffin Tara Lilley Candy Plant Ann Spencer Curtis White
Anya Blasser Jennifer Devlin Gary Gross Ann Littlewood Sue Poff Kyle Spinks Debby White
Robyn Bluemmel Meg Devoe Carol Gross Bob Lockett Joanna Ponce Dorothy Springer Hannah White
Lois Bode JP DeVries Wink Gross Alan Locklear Marie Elena Potter Paula Squire Laura Whittemore
Elisabeth Bowers Katharine Diack Kelly Hagen Janet Loughrey Tom Potts Micki Stauffer Gay Willard
Liz Brown Jerry Dickason Rosie Hamilton Glenn Luft Donna Prock Betty Stevens Rebecca Williams
Sheena Browning Mary Dickerson John Hammerstad Rie Luft Claire Puchy Leisl Stientjes Bob Wilson
Patrick Bunten Laura Dickinson Joyce Hamreus Katherine Lux Anny Radic Marilyn Stinnett Dean Wilson
Charlotte Burke Michele Dickson Dawn Handy Diane Lynch Sharon Ralston Trudi Stone Melissa Wolf
Luanne Bye Ann Dodds Alex Hansen Barbara Macomber Kristina Raun Casey Storey Nick Wolfe
Pat Campbell Tim Donner Beth Harding Jerome Magill Abby Reynolds Renee Storey Phyllis Wolfe
Sue Carr Danni Duggan Jane Hartline Becky Magnuson Josie Reznik Misty Stromme Adrienne Wolf-Lockett
Jan Carrier Christopher Duran James Hartmann Mark Magnuson Lloyd Rhoades Barbara Stuart Tom Wood
Louise Carroll Michael Dutton Eric Helmy Molly Marks Debi Rhoades Kathy Suitor Naomi Worcester
Laura Carson Katy Dwyer Dave Helzer Dawn Martinez Reuben Rich Cynthia Sulaski Bridget Yost
Claire Carter Anne Eakin Roxanna Hemmerlin Marcia Marvin Noel Riney Lynn Sweeney
Alice Cascorbi Kirk Ebensteiner Sara Henderson Monte Mattsson Karly Ritter
June Cassell John Edwards Barb Hill Rachel Maxey Suzie Roane We would also like to thank the
Tanya Cecka Katy Ehrlich Jenny Hull Whitney Maxwell Julia Roether following veterinary hospitals that
Nicholas Chew Katherine Eiting Sandra Hirotsu Molly McAllister Kathleen Root- volunteer their time and services:
Courtney Chun Dana Eldred Phil Hubert Carol McAllister Bunten
Myk Clark Ethan Equall Susan Hudson Sarah McCarty Ginnie Ross Avian Medical Center
Kelly Cline Carol Evans Laila Hungerford Maryann McCormick Mark Savage Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital
Krish Cline Gregg Everhart Marlene Huntsinger Alison Miller Deanna Sawtelle Gladstone Veterinary Clinic
Bea Close Kaye Exo Jill Innskeep Betsy Minthorn Barbara Schaffner Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital
Don Coggswell Pam Eyde Dawn Jansen JB Mire Cathy Schar Susan Kirschner, The Animal Eye Doctor

Audubon Birding Weekends 2008 — a portal to birding Oregon

T his popular program will What you can expect

continue for another year.
As before, it intends to bring
birders together from around the state
to enjoy birds, see new locations, and
maybe add to their lists. We aim to help
everyone see most of the birds. The
pace is moderate, and corny jokes may
happen from time to time. Paul Sullivan
I will again be organizing and leading these trips. It
continues to be a joy to share birding in Oregon with others.
— Paul T. Sullivan
About 10 days before each trip, I will provide a letter to registered participants that will give motel options, schedule,
possible birds, and the meeting place. I will also help with arranging carpooling. We meet for Saturday breakfast and
carpool from there. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, food, and lodging. Participants are also
responsible for their own comfort: snacks, warm clothing, rain gear, insect repellant, sunscreen, etc. Participants should get
gas and lunches ahead of time.
Registration
Registration for Audubon Birding Weekends is $35 per person for each weekend. Separate checks are preferred.
Please make your check payable to the Audubon Society of Portland.
You must register by the Tuesday before the weekend you plan to attend. Please send the registration to:
The following registration information is needed for each weekend Paul T. Sullivan
you wish to attend: • name • address • phone • email • trip you 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26
wish to join • number of attendees • amount enclosed. Beaverton OR 97005

Audubon Birding Weekends 2008

January 19–21 — Union County
We will look for the winter specialties of this beautiful
corner of Oregon: Bohemian Waxwings, Rosy Finches,
Redpolls, Snow Buntings, as well as the Gray Partridge,
raptors, and waterfowl. The Grande Ronde valley is
beautiful at this time of year. Base: LaGrande.
February 9–10 — Interior Valley Refuges
We will look for raptors, waterfowl, and wintering
passerines from the Tualatin River NWR to Baskett Slough,
Ankeny, and Finley NWRs, with E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area
thrown in. Base: Salem.
March 8–9 — Summer Lake
We will visit this staging area for large numbers of Snow
Geese and other waterfowl on their northward migration.
Base: Summer Lake.
April 26–27 — Jackson County
As spring comes to southern Oregon, we will visit this area
to catch the early migrants. Specialties of the area include
Oak Titmouse, Mockingbird, California Towhee, and Black
Phoebe. Base: Ashland.
May 24–26 — Grant County
We will look for spring migrants, especially the Upland
Sandpiper, and enjoy the beauty of the Strawberry
Mountains. Base: John Day.
June 14–15 — Klamath County
We will visit this county to look for Yellow Rails, White
Pelicans, Red-necked and Clark’s Grebes, Forster’s and
Black Terns, plus shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl on
Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes, as well as forest species.
Base: Klamath Falls.
July 4–6 — Wallowa County
We will look for nesting songbirds, migrant shorebirds,
and the raptors of the Zumwalt prairie while we enjoy the
beauty of the Wallowas. Base: Enterprise.
August 9–10 — Lake County
We will visit southern Lake County: Lake Abert, Hart
Mountain NWR, and the Warner Valley, to see the diverse
array of migrant shorebirds, as well as waterfowl and forest
birds. We may find the Juniper Titmouse. Base: Lakeview.
September (no trip)
This month is already full with the Oregon Shorebird
Festival, the North American Migration Count, and the
Oregon Field Ornithologists annual meeting.
October 11–12 — Crook County
We will visit the reservoirs and woods of this central
Oregon county to find migrant waterfowl and shorebirds.
Base: Prineville
November 8–9 — Central Cascades
We will spend our days at Haystack Reservoir, Hatfield
Lake, Wickiup Reservoir, and other high lakes of the
Cascades, looking for fall waterfowl. We will also look for
Black-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers in burns near
Bend. Base: Bend.
December (no trip)
Questions?
Contact Paul at ptsulliv@spiritone.com
or 503-646-7889.

10 JANUARY 2008 www.audubonportland.org


Golden-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia atricapilla
S ometime in mid to late fall you can expect to hear
the plaintive voice of the Golden-crowned Sparrow
in your backyard or coming from a nearby hedgerow
or field. You may or may not hear its full song of three
descending notes, but certainly you’ll hear something that
will make you gaze in that direction and think to yourself,
“The golden-crowns have arrived — winter is just around
the corner.” This clear-breasted sparrow breeds just to the
north of Oregon, in British Columbia and farther north to
the Alaskan tundra. It is a regular member of our winter
sparrow flocks and one worth watching for.
The mild winter climate of the Willamette Valley is
encouraging to sparrows of all stripes — the locals and
the migrants — and they band together in flocks for the
season’s duration. They spend their days spreading out
from some form of dense cover near open space to forage
on the ground, and whirl back to safety at the first sign of
danger. Winter is a lean time, a time when territoriality
among individuals is relinquished for safety in numbers,
and the many eyes of the flock help to keep watch out for
predators and locate good food sources.
The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a large (seven inches
in length) brown sparrow with twin white wing bars. Its
tan-brown breast is unstreaked. In breeding plumage it
sports a mustard-yellow crown bordered by gray in the
back and broad black stripes on either side of the head that
Birdathon 2008
is Open for Business
A wonderful opportunity for companies to show their
support for conservation, to protect our native
wildlife, and to have a good time doing it, Birdathon
2008 offers great visibility and employee engagement
opportunities!
Conservation is common vocabulary these days, and
everybody is rising to the “green” challenge! Portland
Audubon has held conservation at its core for over
100 years, promoting understanding, enjoyment, and
protection of our native birds and other wildlife and their
habitats, locally and regionally. Our most precious treasure
is this place we call home, Oregon.
Birdathon is the uniquely Audubon way to bring awareness
to and help protect Oregon’s natural resources. Our
signature fundraiser works like a walkathon: we invite
participants to build teams, but instead of counting miles,
they count birds! Bird enthusiasts and naturalists join the
fray — a competitive and educational event for anyone.
During Birdathon month, Birdathoners first gather
pledges, and then scout out as many species as possible
during periods from a half day up to 48 consecutive hours.
In 2007, nearly 400 Birdathoners participated and over
2,000 pledged and cheered from the sidelines, making
the Audubon Society of Portland’s Birdathon the most
successful of any Audubon chapter nationwide, and raising
over $115,000 for our conservation and education programs!
Join the Portland Audubon Legacy Club
Leave a legacy that will last for generations to come. A planned gift to the Audubon Society
of Portland will carry forward your compassion for birds and our natural spaces.
Gifts of stock or property, bequests in your will, gift annuities, or charitable remainder
trusts may help you achieve certain financial goals while providing substantial support for
Portland Audubon’s mission. We would be glad to discuss your giving options with you in
confidence and with no obligation.
Western Screech-Owlets
at the Wildlife Care Center.
Contact Ann Takamoto, Development Director, at 503-292-6855 ext.117
© Portland Audubon
www.audubonportland.org
Bird of the Month
by Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator
reach from the bill to the nape. The cheeks and throat are
gray and the overall effect of this head decoration is very
distinguishing. Many birds achieve this plumage in spring
before departing our area for their northern breeding
grounds. The winter plumage is a much diminished
version, with the yellow of the crown the one consistent
feature. The black stripes have faded to a dark scaly brown
and the gray on the head is gone altogether, replaced by tan
cheeks and a dusky white throat.
Golden-crowns range in winter from Vancouver Island to
northern Baja California, primarily west of the crest of
the Cascade–Sierra Mountains. They are not common east
of the mountains. Their winter habitat requirements are
a suitable combination of cover and open space to forage
in. This makes them fairly easy to locate in or near rural,
suburban, and even urban areas. As far as is known, seeds
and tender greens — such as buds, blossoms, and fresh
shoots — make up most of their diet.
Teaming with Birdathon is fun: 2007 Metrolarks team.
© Portland Audubon
Audubon Society of Portland has been protecting Oregon’s
wildlife and wild places for more than a century. We invite
businesses to partner with us in our 28th Annual Birdathon
and help Bird a Better Tomorrow!
Birdathon Month:
Saturday, April 19 – Monday, May 19, 2008
For more information about sponsoring Birdathon 2008,
contact:
Ann Takamoto Gary Slone
Development Director Birdathon Coordinator
atakamoto@ gary.audubon@gmail.com
audubonportland.org 503-235-2316
971-219-6117
JANUARY 2008
Winter Golden-crowned Sparrow © Jim Cruce
The numbers of Golden-crowned Sparrows wintering in
Oregon may fluctuate widely from year to year and location
to location. Overall, however, Christmas Bird Count data for
a 30-year period shows little or no change in their abundance.
This positive news stands out in contrast to the dozen
sparrow species on the recently released National Audubon
WatchList (see this issue’s cover article). The breeding range
of this species covers vast areas of undeveloped countryside
in Canada and Alaska, and its favored wintering habitat
requirements are still fairly easily met.
References
• Birds of Oregon: A General Reference (edited by Marshall, Hunter,
Contreras)
• Field Guide to Birds of North America (National Audubon
Society)
• National Audubon Society website, www.audubon.org
Members Receive
a Discount at the
Nature Store!
Audubon Society of Portland’s Nature Store is the
headquarters for naturalists in the Portland-Vancouver
metro area. We feature nature books and CDs for
adults and children, binoculars and spotting scopes,
birdfeeders and seed, and nature gifts and toys. Portland
Audubon members receive a discount on all purchases.
Thanks for a Great Year!
The staff of the Nature Store wants to start off the
year with a big thank you to all our shoppers who
supported Portland Audubon’s Wildlife Care Center,
sanctuaries, and programs throughout 2007 with
purchases at the Nature Store. And we send a special
thanks to the many volunteers who generously gave
their time helping those supporters find the perfect
books, binoculars, fresh-roasted shade-grown coffee,
and myriad other products that enrich and promote
connections to and protection of nature. We hope to see
you all again and again in 2008.
The Well-Traveled
Birder
We know that many of the friendly
faces we often see will disappear with
the chilly weather as folks head off on
winter vacations. Are you planning an
international birding trip? Consider
making a little pre-trip research with
Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You
Die, by Chris Santella, or listen to Bird Songs from
Around the World, by Les Beletsky. The well-traveled
birder will enjoy poring over The Clements Checklist of
Birds of the World, newly available in a sixth edition,
a definitive reference for bird taxonomy. Another
definitive work of note is Birds of Peru, by Thomas
Schulenberg et al. Over 30 years in the
making, this long-anticipated title is finally
available.
So whether you travel by plane, by train,
or merely in a home armchair, the Nature
Store has the perfect selection of books to
guide your voyage. Stop by often in 2008!
11
WILD ARTS FESTIVAL
Delightful, Fun, Successful, A wonderful mix,
Love the birds, Cool display!
T hese are just a few of the comments about Wild
Arts Festival 2007 held at Montgomery Park on
November 17th and 18th. A rich array of artists
and authors, a wonderful silent auction, the 6x6 Wild Art
Project, Sabin School Art, and of course great volunteers
— all made the Festival exciting and enjoyable. In terms
of the number of admissions, memberships, sales, and
auction bids, we exceeded all of our projections.
Thank you to all of our partners, artists, authors, donors,
sponsors, volunteers, Portland Audubon staff and board
members, and the Wild Arts Festival Planning Committee
for making this collaboration work so successfully. Our
event producer, Bob Gandolfi, was a new and invaluable
addition to WAF this year.
The Wild Arts Festival depends on the help of over 200
Portland Audubon volunteers, and we want to give them
our sincere thanks. We particularly want to acknowledge
the contributions of several key WAF volunteers: Sue Allen,
Robyn Blummel, Anne Eakin, Bob and June Fields, Martha
Gannett, Peg Goldie, Ann Littlewood, Barb Macomber,
Tom Potts, Emily Sullivan, Larry Whitson, Bob Wilson, and
Gary Wilson.
The 6x6 canvases were cleverly displayed on a series of
recycled doors. © Susan Bexton
Audubon Society
of Portland
Inspiring people to love and protect nature since 1902
Audubon Society of Portland promotes the enjoyment, understanding,
and protection of native birds and other wildlife and their habitats.
We focus on our local community and the Pacific Northwest.
ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
5151 NW Cornell Rd • Portland, OR 97210
503-292-6855 • Fax: 503-292-1021
9am to 5pm, Mon. - Fri.
SANCTUARIES
Dawn to dusk every day
NATURE STORE
503-292-9453
10am to 6pm, Mon. - Sat. • 10am to 5pm on Sunday
INTERPRETIVE CENTER & LIBRARY
Same hours as store
WILDLIFE CARE CENTER
503-292-0304
9am to 5pm every day
RARE BIRD ALERT
503-292-6855 • www.audubonportland.org
AUDUBON
Portland Audubon staff members we would like to
recognize for their help with WAF are Deanna Sawtelle,
Tammi Miller, Pamela Aldrich, Catherine Halpin, Tom
Costello, and Ann Takamoto.
Photographer Vernon DiPietro impressed visitors with his images.
Lastly, we want to acknowledge our event sponsors © Rusty Whitney
for their support:
Kingfisher Level: Backyard Bird Shop; Bill Naito Company
Swift Level: Paloma Clothing; Aurora Landscape
Community Supporter Level: Auctions Director; Bob
Gandolfi Event Production; Linda S. Craig, LLC; Marsha
Henry, Broker, Remax Equity Group, Inc.; Frame Central;
Studio Concepts, Inc.
The Wild Art Project sponsored by: Art Media; ReFind
Furniture, a service of the ReBuilding Center;
Urban Grind Coffee
Two days of author signings was a special treat for book lovers.
Thank you all for a great © Rusty Whitney
Wild Arts Festival 2007!
Martha Gannett, Wild Arts Festival
Committee Chair, provided this article.
Art by students from Sabin Elementary School, inspired
by our educational birds, was quickly sold out. A bird’s-eye view from the atrium sky bridge overlooking some of the artists’ booths.
© Rusty Whitney © Susan Bexton
BUSINESS MEMBERS
Board Officers Through their business practices and financial
President............................................................................ Peter Paquet
Vice President ....................................................Adrienne Wolf-Lockett
contributions, the following business members help
Audubon Society of Portland fulfill its mission. If you
Secretary ........................................................................... Jane Hartline would like to become a business member, please
Interim Treasurer ............................................................... Ron Spencer contact our Development Department
Past President ......................................................................Linda Craig at 971-222-6117.
Business Benefactor Business Supporters
Board Members Northwest Natural Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Pat Campbell Peg Goldie Terry Kem Portland Audubon
Business Guarantors Nature Store
Nancy Jane Cushing Wink Gross Kristina Gifford Backyard Bird Shop The Standard
Martha Gannett John Hammerstad Claire Puchy Portland General Electric
Barb Hill Business Friends
Business Partners Aurora Landscape
Board Member Emeritus - Dave Marshall David Evans & Associates Carton Service
Forest Park Federal Paloma Clothing
Credit Union ShoreBank Pacific
Committee Chairs Nike Vernier Software and Technology
Conservation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Herring Winter’s Hill Vineyard
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terry Kem
Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Paquet Everything for the
Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Spencer Wild Bird Enthusiast
Membership & Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Jane Cushing Seven locations in
Sanctuaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Littlewood Portland and Vancouver
Wildlife Care Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant 503-635-2044
www.backyardbirdshop.com
Staff
Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meryl Redisch
Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammi Miller
Development Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Takamoto
Birdathon Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Slone
Membership Development Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine Halpin
Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pamela Aldrich
Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Robertson
Adult Education Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Engel
Visit the Audubon Society of Portland
Camp Director/Onsite Programs Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Swanson
Environmental Educator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Abraham NATURE STORE
Environmental Educator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Kin Shady Trails
Nature Books
Urban Naturalist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Houck Hiking Guides
Conservation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Sallinger Birding Optics
Toys and Gifts
Urban Conservationist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Labbe
5151 NW Cornell Rd, Portland OR
Urban Wildlife Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Munday 503-292-9453 www.audubonportland.org
Minutes from downtown in Forest Park
Volunteer Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deanna Sawtelle
Wildlife Care Center Operations Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deb Sheaffer
Wildlife Care Center Assistant Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly McAllister
Nature Store Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Mattson
Nature Store Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marilyn O’Grady
Nature Store Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally Loomis
Sanctuaries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Costello
Sanctuaries Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Kurtz A world-class car rental company with homegrown roots.
www.enterprise.com