AUDUBON SOCIETY of PORTLAND
MARCH 2009
Volume 73 Number 3
In this issue...
Warbler
Oregon Conservation
Strategy
Metro and Counties to Determine Critical
Regional Growth Decisions in 2009
Please Attend Open Houses in March and April, and make
sure these decisions protect wildlife and their habitat!
by Jim Labbe, Urban Conservationist
I t is a little-known fact that State laws passed in the
1990s, at the behest of the Metropolitan Homebuilders
Association, actually require Metro to expand the
urban growth boundary (UGB). Every 5 years Metro
must analyze how much buildable land remains inside
the UGB and determine if there is enough to maintain a
20-year supply of land for residential and industrial uses.
If not, Metro has to expand the UGB. Hence, contrary to
popular perception, at least under existing State law, UGBs
expand; they are a tool to determine where — not if — land
is supplied to developers.
These same State laws, though, do not require Metro
to maintain a 20-year supply of clean water, wildlife
habitat, and parks and open space. This is just one
way Oregon’s statewide land-use planning system fails
to foster urban communities where people and wildlife
flourish together.
Provisions in State law also require Metro to avoid the
best farmland first when expanding the UGB, with no
comparable consideration of important wildlife habitat.
Consequently, requirements that Metro expand the UGB
and avoid farmland first unwittingly channel growth to
our highest-value habitat lands. However, this approach
could change under the new process by which Metro and
Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties will
determine where future UGB expansions will occur.
Last June, the Audubon Warbler described how pending
decisions to designate long-term rural and urban reserves.
These decisions will determine the future shape of our
metropolitan region — and the fate of some of the region’s
Birdathon is
Expanding
its Range!
Here are three quietly held misconceptions about Birdathon:
1 “Iknow
can’t join because I don’t
anything about birds.” 2 “I can’t go because I don’t know
anyone else that’s going.”
Well, for this year’s event (April 24–May 24), the
Birdathon Planning Committee is doing everything it can
to truly make Birdathon an event everyone can enjoy.
We’ll be setting up a series of public birding stations, each
staffed by expert Audubon naturalists, and each equipped
with binoculars and a spotting scope. These stations will
Audubon Society
of Portland
5151 NW Cornell Road
Portland, Oregon 97210
See page 5
Open Country
Birds Class
See page 7
Bull Mountain near Tigard. In the past, decisions to expand the
UGB have tended to urbanize prime wildlife habitat. © Mike Houck
highest-value habitat and other natural features critical
to water quality, scenic beauty, and sense of place. Key
questions Metro and the Counties will face in 2009 include:
• Should future expansions of the UGB occur south of
the Willamette River in Wilsonville, on the west flank of
Forest Park in Multnomah or Washington Counties, or on
ecologically rich bottomlands and high-value agricultural
areas in Washington County?
• Or, should these same natural and working landscapes be
put off-limits to new urban development for the next 40 to
50 years? continued on page 4
What sights will you behold during Birdathon?
© Cindy Pederson
3 “I can’t participate
because I don’t have binoculars.”
be located at prime birding sites around the Portland
Metro area, and all of them are easily accessible.
Now there’s no reason you can’t join in the fun! Look for
all the details at www.audubonportland.org or contact the
Birdathon Coordinator, Gary Slone, at 503-753-2747.
Backyard Birds
Family Workshop
See page 8
Adventures abound at Summer Camp! © Chris Edmonds
Summer Camp 2009
Registration Has
Begun!
Audubon Summer Camps are open to kids
in 1st grade through high school.
Call now to sign up. Please see the insert
for a complete camp calendar.
New Camps
This year we are offering some great new camps!
Tracking the Coastal Dunes will search the central
Oregon Coast for Black Bear, Bobcat, and Gray Fox.
Yellowstone or Bust! will travel to the famous national
park to look for Gray Wolf, Bison, and geysers. Nature
Photography will teach kids the tips and tricks for
capturing amazing images of nature. See Mt. St. Helens
from every angle as you travel to amazing locations like
Spirit Lake and Lava Canyon on the weeklong campout
that we like to call Fire and Ice: A Circumnavigation of
Mt. St. Helens.
Old Favorites
We start the summer off with one of our most popular
camps ever: Marine Biology 101. We are also bringing
back favorites like the San Juan Island Adventure, where
Orca Whales are around every corner, and you spend
your days tidepooling and kayaking in the Puget Sound.
Have fun exploring the forest with Gnome Homes for 1st
graders or Nature Detectives for 2nd–3rd graders. Make
the magical journey to the ancient forest and sparkling
streams of Opal Creek to find salamander and centuries-
old trees.
All About Animals
If you love animals, perhaps a birding camp like
Backyard Birds, Birdzilla, or Birding 101 would be a
great way to spend a week. If you like your animals slimy
or scaly, Herpetology camps travel to local amphibian
and reptile hotspots with 2nd–3rd and 4th–5th graders,
while the 6th–8th graders will camp in the Columbia
Gorge as they search the terrain for the coolest “herps.”
If you have any questions about Summer Camps or
would like to reserve a place for your child, call Sarah
Swanson, Camp Director, at 971-222-6120.
Inside this issue
Page 2 .From the Director & Free Trips
Page 3 ......................Calendar of Events
Page 4 & 5 ... Conservation & Care Center
Page 6 & 7 ................................. Trips & Tours
Page 8 ......Nature Store & Sanctuaries
Page 9 .......... Field Notes & Volunteers
Page 10 ........................Birding Weekends
Page 11 ........................ IBA of the Month
Page 12 ................. Map/Hours/Sponsors
From the Executive Director
Where is the Nonprofit Sector in the
Stimulus Package?
W hether you think the
multi-billion-dollar
Federal Stimulus Package
is a great plan, an awful plan, or
falls somewhere in between, it
certainly has promoted some very
Meryl Redisch stimulating conversation! It seems
like there is something for just about everyone — tax
cuts for businesses and the middle class, funding for gray
infrastructure and green development, aid for financial and
learning institutions, incentives for energy startups and
industry icons. I see the banking, academic, government,
and manufacturing sectors featured prominently and
getting a slice of the pie. That’s all fine, but something
is missing: Where is help for the nonprofit sector? What
about the lean, mean, creative, low-paid, bonus-free
workforce that contributes $322 billion in wages to this
great country’s economy and employs 9.4 million people?
Working in every community, the nonprofit workforce
— according to the Urban Institute, National Center for
Charitable Statistics, 2008 — outnumbers the combined
workforces of the utility, wholesale, and construction
industries.
Figures for the nonprofit sector nationwide reveal that
the majority operate with budgets of less than $1 million.
Oregon falls considerably short of this figure, with about 50%
of its nonprofits operating with a budget of $100,000 or less.
While nonprofits are especially vulnerable to the economic
landscape, these numbers signify that Oregon’s community
may be even more susceptible to a worsening economy.
According to Oregon Involved’s website, 65% of Oregonians
agree there is a greater need now for nonprofit organizations
in their communities than five years ago, and 71% believe
that this sector will positively impact the quality of their
lives over the next decade! It’s gratifying to know that the
nonprofit sector is highly regarded by Oregonians, but what
about at the national level, and how will any potential federal
support be funneled down to local groups?
The National Council of Nonprofits (www.
councilofnonprofits.org) was asked to submit their
recommendations to President Obama for action.
The Council’s 13-page letter began by acknowledging
that Barack Obama’s life’s work has been centered in
the nonprofit arena and he, more than any other U.S.
president, should know how important this sector is
to every American, in good and bad economic times.
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.
Sherwood Greenways
March 5 (Thurs.), 9am–Noon
Go birdwatching with the Magpies on the Sherwood
Greenways. The neighborhood Cedar Creek Trail winds
through preserved forested and open areas along ponds
and streams. Dress for the weather, no pets please. Meet
at 9am near the Sherwood YMCA driveway, but park
on the street only. The leader is Doug Robberson. For
information, call Noreen O’Connor at 503-925-9737.
Fernhill Wetlands
March 12 (Thurs.), 9am–11am
Join Sarah McCarty on an early spring walk around
Fernhill Wetlands outside Forest Grove. We expect to
find wintering waterfowl, gulls, sparrows, and raptors, as
well as some early migrants and perhaps some surprises.
Meet in the Fernhill parking lot at 9am and dress for the
weather. Call Sarah at 503-636-1288 with questions.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands
March 31 (Tues.),
9:30am–12:30pm
Join Sue Carr for a look at the Bald Eagles and waterfowl
at this 725-acre wetlands preserve near Hillsboro. Meet
in the parking lot, dress for the weather. For further
information, visit www.jacksonbottom.org or call Sue at
503-649-3360.
2 MARCH 2009
Following are a few of the high-level themes the National
Council recommended for consideration by the Obama
team.
• Create within the first 100 days the Social
Entrepreneurship Agency for Nonprofits to help
strengthen nonprofits, especially community-based
organizations, because the majority of all charitable
nonprofits have revenue under $1 million.
• Focus the economic recovery plan “first on maximizing
operating budget relief for state and local governments”
to prevent additional state operating budget reductions,
because “future cuts to state and local governments will
greatly exacerbate our nation’s current economic crisis.”
• Establish a new Community Services Protection Fund
to restore “the public/private covenant between
governments and nonprofits by investing in nonprofits
that perform work that traditionally has been performed
and/or funded by government, because past government
policies that shifted government human services to
nonprofits often did so without full payment to provide
those services.”
• Eliminate the distinction between the Standard Business
Mileage Rate (now 58.5 cents per mile) given to corporate
and federal employees and the substandard Charitable
Mileage Rate (now just 14 cents per mile) for volunteers.
One rate needs to be set and treated the same way for tax
purposes, so volunteer workers helping others are treated
the same as paid workers.
• Strengthen democracy by restoring the American people’s
ability to amplify their voices through nonprofits, so
that the people may participate meaningfully in their
government.
Some other recommendations from the Council’s letter that
are worth noting include:
• Reform the funding formula to increase federal funds to
states for services provided by nonprofits.
• Make it easier for all Americans to give, not just the
wealthy and upper-middle class.
• Any solution that encourages mass volunteerism should
provide funding so that organizations can build the
capacity to effectively and fully take advantage of these
increased human resources.
• To the extent possible, the new administration’s economic
stimulus plan proposals should treat nonprofits as small
businesses.
My hope is that Oregon’s leadership, knowing the valuable
role that the nonprofit sector plays here, will embrace
these recommendations and funnel funding into the
sector through whatever means possible. Now is the time
to spread any stimulus funding around and down, to the
nonprofits that have made and will continue to make an
enormous difference in the lives of so many people.
Connecting Green
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 is limited, so sign up soon at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic. If you don’t
have internet access, call 503-292-6855 ext.122 to register. For all bicycle and paddle trips, bring your own
equipment — helmets and life jackets are required. Kayak and canoe rentals can be arranged at Portland Kayak
Company (www.portlandrivercompany.com, 503-459-4050) or Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe (www.aldercreek.com,
503-285-0464). Directions will be sent to all registrants. Trip participants will be limited in number, so sign up early!
March
Sun., March 8th, Noon–3pm
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Join Mike Houck for a stroll around the 160-acre Oaks
Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Mike has been hiking in Oaks
Bottom for over 30 years and is intimately familiar with the
history and natural science of the Bottoms and its diverse
wildlife habitats. Oaks Bottom was Portland’s first formally
designated urban wildlife refuge and is also the City’s
Migratory Bird Refuge through an agreement with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition to enjoying some
winter birding, participants will learn what the Portland
Parks Department and Bureau of Environmental Services
are doing to improve habitat in the Bottoms. This two-
mile walk is mostly flat with one short uphill walk, and is
appropriate for families.
Great Blue Heron on Ross Island © Mike Houck
Field Trips
No registration required — show up at
time and place given. Call first if indicated.
March 8 (Sun.), 8am–11am
Wapato Greenway Access
State Park (Sauvie Island)
Join leader Laura Whittemore at Wapato Greenway
Access State Park on Sauvie Island for a leisurely walk
around the small lake. We’ll look for songbirds, sapsuckers,
and waterfowl. From Portland take Hwy 30 West toward St.
Helens. Take Sauvie Island Bridge onto the island and head
north. Stay left at the ‘Y’ with Reeder Rd and continue for
0.5 mile to Wapato parking lot on left. An island parking
permit is not needed at this site. Meet Laura (503-407-
6539) at 8am, bring binoculars, and dress for weather.
Beginners welcome!
March 14 (Sat.), 8am–11am
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Join us on this walk co-sponsored by Audubon Society
of Portland and Backyard Bird Shop. We’ll walk around
the lake and surrounding woodlands of the city’s first
wildlife refuge and scope for waterfowl, raptors, and
others. Bring binoculars, dress for weather. Call Backyard
Bird Shop (503-496-0908) for info and to reserve a spot.
Beginners welcome!
March 21 (Sat.), 8am–11am
Vancouver Lake Park
Join leader Ron Escano at Vancouver Lake Park. Scope the
lake for water birds then explore the riparian woodland
for wintering song birds. Good spot for White-throated
Sparrows. Meet at 8am at Vancouver Lake Park and we
should be done by 11am. Directions from I-5 north: take
Exit 1-D (4th Plain Blvd), go west on 4th Plain through
Vancouver onto SR-501 (Lower River Rd). After 3.5 miles
on SR-501, continue straight for 0.6 miles to Vancouver
Lake Park (possible $2 entrance fee). Dress for the weather;
beginners welcome!
Invite an Audubon
Representative to Visit You
Would you like to introduce your organization to the
Audubon Society of Portland? Our newly organized
Speaker’s Bureau is ready and waiting. A general
presentation includes basic information about
our organization; a review of the many education,
conservation, and community programs we offer; and a
presentation on local backyard birds. The presentation
lasts about one hour. You provide the meeting space, we
provide the information and newsletters for everyone.
To learn more, contact Steve Engel, Adult Education
Coordinator, at sengel@audubonportland.org or
971-222-6119.
Wild in the City Field Trips
Sat., March 14th, 9am–Noon
Big Four Corners Natural Area Paddle
Join Jim Labbe and Bob Sallinger from Portland
Audubon, and Dave Helzer from Portland’s Bureau of
Environmental Services, for a
morning paddle on the Columbia
Slough. We’ll visit the Ramsey
Refugia Restoration project and
several mitigation projects in the
lower Slough, discuss habitat
restoration and enhancement in
the urban environment, and do
some birding along the way.
You are responsible for bringing
and maintaining your own
kayak/canoe.
www.audubonportland.org
 march Calendar of Events
SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT
Dawson Creek Park Field 22 23 Magpies begin trip 24 25 26 27 Ridgefield NWR Field Trip, 28
Trip, 8am (Feb.Warbler) to Newport 8am (Feb.Warbler)

Beginning Birding I Field

(p.2, Feb.Warbler) General Volunteer Training,
9am–4:30pm
Trip, 8:30am (Feb.Warbler)
Conservation Lecture Birding Weekend
Wildlife Care Center at Oregon Zoo, 7pm (Feb.Warbler)
Open House, 1pm–4pm (p.12, Feb.Warbler) Photo Contest entries due
(Feb.Warbler) (p.5, Feb.Warbler)
Bluegrass Live 1 2 Birders’ Night 3 4 Magpies visit 5 6 Beginning Field 7
Music Jam 7:30pm Heron Hall Sherwood Birding with
12:30pm Heron Hall Greenways, Greg Baker, 8am
9am (p.2) (Feb.Warbler)
Birding Weekend
(Feb.Warbler)

Wapato Greenway 8 9 Nature Night: West 10 11 Magpies visit Fernhill 12 13 Oaks Bottom Wildlife 14
Access State Park, Hayden Island: Wetlands, 9am (p.2) Refuge Field Trip,
Sauvie Island, 8am Portland’s Forgotten 8am (p.2)
(p.2) Greenspace, 7pm Hummingbirds Class,
Heron Hall (p.3) 7pm (p.7) Big Four Corners Natural
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Area Paddle, 9am (p.2)
Refuge, Noon (p.2)

15 16 Open Country 17 18 Klamath Basin Birding 19 20 Vancouver Lake Park, 21

Birds Class, 7pm Expedition begins 8am (p.2)
(p.7) (see p.6, Feb.Warbler) East County Urban Green by
Bike, 9:30am (p.3)
Board Meeting 7pm Backyard Birds Family
Heron Hall Workshop, 11am (p.8)
Birding Weekend (p.10)

Paddle Around Ross 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Island, 8am (p.3)

Birding Weekend
(p.10) Spring Break Camps (p.7)

Beginning Birding II 29 30 Magpies visit Jackson 31 1 2 3 Beginning Field 4

Field Trip, 8am Bottom Wetlands, Birding with Greg
9:30am (p.2)
(see website) Baker, 8am
Author of Willamette River (Feb.Warbler)
Field Guide, 7pm (p.12)
Lower Johnson Creek
Conservation Lecture at Bike Ride, 9am (p.3)
Oregon Zoo, 7pm (p.12)

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

Sun., March 22nd, 8am–11am

Springwater on the Willamette Trail © Mike Houck
Sat., March 21st, 9:30am–Noon
Exploring East County’s Urban Green by Bike
Jim Labbe with Portland Audubon and Steve Fancher
with Gresham Environmental Services will lead this
morning bike tour of new and innovative green streets,
rain gardens, 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 urban East County. We’ll also ride the completed
section of the Gresham-Fairview Trail and learn about
pending trail segments. You are responsible for bringing
and maintaining your own bicycle.
Plan Ahead
See upcoming Warbler newsletters or visit www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic for details
about the following trips.
Thurs., May 28th, 7:30am–8:30am Thurs., June 4th, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Morning Walk at Nadaka Twilight Bike Ride Along the
Nature Park Columbia Slough
Paddle Around Ross Island
Join Mike Houck in watching Ross Island’s Great Blue
Herons “pitching woo” at their Ross Island nest site. This
is the time of year the herons return to their communal
nesting colony, refurbish their nests, and engage in
their ritualistic courtship behavior. This leisurely paddle
around Ross, Hardtack, East, and Toe Islands will acquaint
participants with the natural history of this four-island
archipelago and the issues concerning public ownership
and long-term management of the Islands. You are
responsible for bringing and maintaining your own kayak/
canoe. The trip is appropriate for beginning paddlers.
April
Sat., April 4th, 9am–12:30pm
Lower Johnson Creek Bike Ride
Join Jim Labbe, Urban Conservationist with Portland
Audubon, and Matt Clark, director of the Johnson
Creek Watershed Council, for a 21-mile bike ride out
the Springwater Corridor Trail to Gresham’s
Linneman Station and back. We’ll pedal our way
through the lower Johnson Creek Watershed, stop
at several urban natural areas along the way, and
learn about future opportunities to protect and
enhance the Johnson Creek Watershed. You are
responsible for bringing and maintaining your
own bicycle.
Sat., June 6th,
9am–Noon
Big Four Corners
Paddle
Nature Night
Second Tuesday of the month from September to May.
Free and open to the public. If you have a suggestion for
a Nature Night presentation, contact Catherine at
chalpin@audubonportland.org or 503-292-6855 ext.129.
West Hayden Island:
Portland’s Forgotten
Greenspace
With Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director
Tuesday, March 10th, 7pm
Heron Hall
W hen people think about Hayden Island, the
first things that tend to come to mind are
shopping malls, boat marinas, and bridge
controversies. However, the Island is also home to a
little-known and rarely visited 826-acre natural area
that is one of the largest and most
ecologically significant unprotected
natural areas left in the region. The
natural area has been the site of
a two-decade tug of war between
conservationists, who want to see
the area permanently protected, and
the Port of Portland, which wants
to convert it into marine terminal
© Jim Labbe facilities. In 1999 the Port of Portland
was forced to withdraw its development plans under
withering criticism not only from environmental
interests but also from more traditional business
interests such as the Business Journal of Portland. In 2009
the Port has reinitiated efforts to seek zoning changes
that will allow development to go forward. Come
learn about this amazing forgotten greenspace and the
ongoing efforts to see it permanently protected.

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2009 3

Protecting Birds & Other Wildlife in Backyards & Beyond
Audubon and Willamette Riverkeeper
Introduce Legislation to Ban PBDEs
by Travis Williams, Willamette Riverkeeper Executive Director
and Bob Sallinger, Audubon Conservation Director

I n recent days we’ve been reminded again of how our

world is affected by what we introduce into it. A new
Environmental Protection Agency report has compiled
existing data on toxic chemicals in the Columbia Basin. The
report clearly shows that even as long-recognized threats
such as DDT and PCBs are slowly declining, new and
potentially equally toxic threats are emerging.

One of the chemicals of greatest concern is Polybrominated

Diphenal Ether, or PBDE. This chemical, which was barely Tundra swans have shifted 129 miles northward. © Bill Hall
on the radar screen a decade ago, is becoming increasingly
pervasive in our waterways and is showing up in everything Audubon Releases Report
from fish and wildlife populations to human breast milk.
Nearly four decades after they were banned, PCBs and
on Climate Change
DDT still linger in our environment. We need to learn from Impacts on Birds

O
the lessons of the past and act now to address the rapidly
emerging threat posed by PBDEs. The Osprey is one of several species that may be affected by n February 10th, the National Audubon Society
PBDEs. © Bob Sallinger released a new report detailing range shifts
PBDE is a fire retardant — a chemical that is blended into occurring in North American bird species that
decaPBDE Remains in Use are likely associated with climate change. The report
many of our household products such as VCRs, TVs, and There are three forms of PBDEs: octa, penta. and deca.
many other items. PBDEs are found in furniture, curtains, analyzed 40 years of Christmas Bird Count data and
Octa and penta have already been discontinued from use found that 58% of 305 widespread species that winter
and some bedding. The problem is that PBDE easily leaches nationwide because of their toxic properties. However,
out of these products into the air we breathe and into the in North America have shifted north significantly since
decaPBDE remains in use in many states including Oregon. 1968, some by hundreds of miles. While population
creeks and rivers around us. Every day we are introducing more of this toxic chemical shifts among individual species are common, Audubon
into our environment. In recent years scientists say that the ongoing trend of northward
In the past few years a significant body
of data, including research done by Nearly four decades individual states have taken the lead to movement among 177 different species — closely
phase out products that contain decaPBDE. correlated to long-term winter temperature increases —
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on the after they were Just across the river, our neighbors in
Willamette and Columbia Rivers, has reveals a very strong link to our changing climate.
banned, PCBs and Washington have taken just such a step.
shown that PBDE may well be increasing Now it is time for Oregon to do the same.
in our rivers and other waterways at DDT still linger in To see the report and learn how you can help, please go
an unprecedented rate. The USGS our environment. to the Audubon website at www.audubonportland.org.
Willamette Riverkeeper and the Audubon
Biological Resources Division has done We need to learn Society of Portland are sponsoring
amazing work to chart the status of these legislation to ban products that contain
chemicals in our rivers and wildlife. from the lessons of
decaBDE for sale in the state of Oregon.
What is especially frightening in relation
to wildlife is that scientists believe
the past and act
Enough is known about this chemical, and Getting More Involved
now to address the its growing presence in our water and air,
that PBDE may well mimic how PCBs rapidly emerging to take this step now. We have learned To become more involved in Audubon’s efforts to
bioaccumulate and behave, and could enough from our mistakes with PCBs and protect birds and other wildlife, please join one of
result in significant consequences for threat posed by
DDT to understand the threat — and Audubon’s conservation action teams: FAUNA
wildlife — and for people. PBDEs. also to understand what we should do. (Friends and Advocates for Urban Natural Areas)
Alternatives to PBDEs exist, alternatives that focuses on urban conservation issues, while ACT
PBDEs are found in human breast milk, and thyroid pose much less risk of bioaccumulation and the potential (Audubon Conservation Team) focuses on state
disruption has been seen in laboratory studies. There are to cause harm. Discontinuing the use of this chemical is and national conservation issues.
other concerns related to brain development, and the EPA a sound, precautionary step that we can all embrace. For
considers decaBDE as a possible carcinogen. What is clear To join FAUNA, contact Jim Labbe at
our rivers, our kids, and wildlife, Oregon can and should jlabbe@urbanfauna.org.
is that decaBDE breaks down into more toxic compounds. exhibit leadership on this issue today. Find out more at
www.willamette-riverkeeper.org/WRK/documents/pbde_ To join ACT, contact Mary Coolidge at
factsheet.pdf. mcoolidge@audubonportland.org.

Metro and Counties to Washington County’s productive farmland and

rich bottomland forests. Both agricultural and
Determine Critical Regional natural landscapes are an integrated whole, being
equal parts of a landscape mosaic that define our
Growth Decisions in 2009 region’s economy and culture. © Mike Houck

continued from cover

Under a new State law, Metro and the Counties will
designate urban and rural reserves directing growth for
the next 40 to 50 years. Urban reserves will identify lands
where Metro will expand the UGB first when required
by State law to expand the UGB to maintain a 20-year
supply of land for residential housing and industrial uses.
The new urban reserves are meant to provide land for a 40-
to 50-year planning horizon. Rural reserves, conversely,
will designate lands off-limits to UGB expansion over
the same time period.
For the first time, decisions regarding where the region
expands the UGB must consider the value of rural lands
for fish, wildlife, clean water, and sense of place along with
— if not equally to — urbanization needs and goals for
protecting high-value farmland.
This March and April, Metro and the Counties will
be releasing ‘candidate urban and rural reserves’
for public review and input. This will afford citizens a
critical opportunity to have a say in these decisions.
Portland Audubon needs you to urge Metro and the
Counties to protect the best wildlife habitat and farmland.
Specifically, urge them to:
• Avoid significant natural features and farmland
important to wildlife that could be lost or irreparably
jeopardized by future UGB expansions.
• Designate rural reserves that include highest-value
habitat areas.
• Foster more compact, walkable neighborhoods in urban
centers and transit corridors that help reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
• Ensure natural areas brought into the UGB are adequately
protected, restored, and managed as part of new urban
communities.
Stay Tuned and Stay Involved
Learn about how you can give feedback on the candidate
urban and rural reserves by attending public open houses
in March and April. Check for updates and get more
background information on the urban conservation page at
http://tinyurl.com/urbancons.
Please make your voice heard on this critical issue. If
you live in the Portland metro area, send an email to your
local elected official supporting protection of high-value
natural resource lands in the process of designating urban
and rural reserves.
Metro Councilor
Kathryn Harrington...............harringtonk@metro.dst.or.us
Clackamas County Commissioner
Charlotte Lehan.............................. bcc@co.clackamas.or.us
Multnomah County Commissioner
Jeff Cogen........................... district2@co.multnomah.or.us
Washington County Commissioner
Tom Brian.........................tom_brian@co.washington.or.us

4 MARCH 2009 www.audubonportland.org

Birders Stepping Up Oregon’s Conservation Strategy in Action
to Protect Oregon’s by Bruce Campbell, Retired Restoration Ecologist
Wildlife
by Bob Sallinger,
Conservation Director
W ildlife watching has become a major leisure-time
activity. A new report recently released by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that wildlife
watching now far exceeds both hunting and fishing as the
The Oregon Conservation Strategy is a science-based overall
blueprint for the conservation of all of Oregon’s fish and
wildlife. Its big-picture perspective provides clear priorities
and a comprehensive approach to conservation. The Strategy

O regon bird lovers are stepping up to protect our
state’s non-game wildlife. Audubon, the Backyard
Bird Shop, and a coalition of conservation
organizations have introduced legislation that would place
a 10% tax on birdseed, with the revenue going to increasing
wildlife viewing opportunities and protecting native birds,
other wildlife, and their habitats. If the bill passes, bird
enthusiasts will be helping to support avian conservation
with every bag of birdseed that they buy.
Currently the vast majority of funding spent by the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife goes to promoting
species that are hunted and fished. In fact, although
non-game species (species that are not hunted or fished)
comprise 88% of the wildlife species found in Oregon,
they receive less than 2% of the current ODFW budget.
While there are a variety of political and historical reasons
for this overwhelming discrepancy, the primary reason is
that hunters and fishermen have long helped to pay for
conserving the species on which their sports depend. The
Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934, the Pittman-
Robinson Act of 1937, and the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950
all provide mechanisms by which sportsmen contribute
directly to the conservation of species. The Pittman-
Robertson Act places a 10% tax on guns and ammo, and
Dingell-Johnson places a tax on fishing gear. Efforts to
create a similar funding mechanism focused on recreational
users and wildlife watchers has been discussed at the
local and federal levels over the past few decades but have
sputtered out.
Birding is the fastest-growing pastime in the United States.
Oregonians currently spend more than $40 million each
year on birdseed. The Birdseed Tax would be a significant
first step toward ensuring that the State has adequate
resources to preserve native birds and their habitat. At a
time when nearly 25% of the avian species in Oregon are
experiencing long-term declines, creating a stable non-
game wildlife program is essential.
In 2006, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
published the Oregon Conservation Strategy. This
document provides a blueprint for conserving Oregon’s
most vulnerable wildlife species and habitats. The
document has been lauded as being among the best non-
game wildlife strategies in the nation — but today it sits
mostly unfunded and unimplemented (see related article
on Oregon Conservation Strategy).
The Birdseed Tax would catalyze a significant leap forward
on funding the strategy. The revenue would be focused on
number one fish and wildlife related activity. In 2006 over
$45 billion was spent by participants, equivalent to
the revenues generated from all spectator sports,
amusement parks and arcades, non-hotel casinos,
bowling centers, and skiing facilities combined.
Here in Oregon nearly 1.5 million people participate
in wildlife watching, spending an estimated $1.4
billion per year on the activity. Most of these people
participate in birdwatching, accounting for the
majority of the $1.4 billion.
The growth in wildlife watching comes with
challenges such as finding funding for habitat and Western Meadowlark © increasingly rare in the Willamette Valley.
species management and conservation. Unlike www.BjornFredrickson.com Changes in land use have reduced native prairie,
game species that benefit from revenues generated by
license and tag sales and federal fish and wildlife restoration recognized by the Conservation Strategy, which also lays out
funds, there is little funding available for conservation of
watchable wildlife. Our state now has an excellent and well-
recognized implementation strategy in place for all forms
of native wildlife and their habitats. Although this Oregon
Conservation Strategy does not directly provide funding, it
does establish a blueprint for the conservation of watchable
wildlife when funding is available, increasing the motivation
for developing funding and funding sources.
Learn How to Be a Bird Monitor!
Audubon to Offer Bird
Monitoring Training This Spring
Portland Audubon will offer a multi-day bird monitoring
class this spring. This class will be designed for
intermediate-level birders and will focus on identification
and basic monitoring and surveying techniques. It will
prepare participants to become involved in a variety
of really cool Audubon field monitoring programs,
ranging from point counts at local Important Bird Areas
to Raptor Surveys on Sauvie Island, and to Avian Use
Studies at ecoroofs located on downtown buildings. If
you love birding and you’re interested
in learning to conduct field surveys
on a multitude of avifauna in a variety
of habitats, contact Mary Coolidge at
mcoolidge@audubonportland.org or
503-292-6855 ext.111. Training will be
scheduled for late April or early May.
promotes voluntary, collaborative actions across agencies,
interest groups, and ownership boundaries.
A wide range of interests, including hunting,
fishing, environmental, agriculture, and forestry
organizations, have endorsed the Strategy.
The Oregon Conservation Strategy focuses on
specific habitats and species in greatest need of
conservation attention, including 62 birds such
as the White-headed Woodpecker, Western
Bluebird, and Western Meadowlark. The
Western Meadowlark, our state bird, is becoming
which is habitat crucial to the Meadowlark. This problem is
a blueprint to reverse this trend. This blueprint has already
been used to obtain funds for projects intended to benefit the
Meadowlark.
For more information on Oregon’s Conservation Strategy
or the Meadowlark Project, go to the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife website at www.dfw.state.or.us/
conservationstrategy/.
Peregrine Falcon
Monitors Needed
This spring, Audubon will
be working with Oregon
Department of Fish and
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, and other partners
on a statewide survey of
Peregrine Falcons. This is part
of a national survey that occurs Peregrine Falcon on St. Johns
every three years to ensure that Bridge © Bob Sallinger
Peregrine populations remain healthy. Audubon
will conduct a Peregrine Falcon Monitoring
Training in March. For more information, please
visit www.audubonportland.org or contact
Conservation Director Bob Sallinger at
bsallinger@audubonportland.org.
Raptor Migration Survey © Portland Audubon

Wildlife Care Center

the following:
• Creating new wildlife-watching opportunities on urban
and rural landscapes.
• Protecting native birds, other wildlife, and habitats
prioritized in the Oregon Conservation Strategy.
• Leveraging funds and promoting ecotourism and
Sick Merlin Recovers and is Released
nature-based economic development through
partnerships with nonprofit groups, businesses,
at Raptor Road Trip

A
and communities. very sick female Merlin was delivered to Audubon’s Wildlife Care Center on January 4. The bird was underweight
and had respiratory difficulties; a physical examination and X‑rays indicated pneumonia. After treatment with fluid
Audubon will be working throughout the legislative session
therapy, supportive care, and antibiotics, the bird fully recovered. The Merlin was released back to the wild at the
to move this bill forward. For more information contact
Raptor Road Trip on Sauvie Island on February 7, just one month after she was admitted into the Wildlife Care Center.
Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director, at bsallinger@
audubonportland.org.
Bob Sallinger, Audubon’s Conservation Director,
releases the Merlin. © Tom Schmid

Measure 26-80 Update:

Region has protected over
800 acres!

O
© Marilyn Stinnett

ver two years ago, Audubon members

helped convince regional voters to
pass Measure 26-80. The measure
raised $227.4 million to purchase and
protect the region’s best natural areas and
purchase land for trails and local parks. As of
November 2008 Metro and local governments
have already purchased and protected over
800 acres of regionally significant natural
areas, permanently protecting them for clean
water, wildlife, or public enjoyment.

Wetland near Grant Butte in Gresham. Gresham will complete a section

of the Gresham-Fairview Trail nearby with bond measure funds approved
by voters in 2006. Photo: Gresham Parks and Recreation More than 200 people watched the Merlin fly to freedom at the Raptor Road Trip. Portland Audubon’s Wildlife
Care Center has public releases throughout the year; check our website for future releases. © Tom Schmid

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2009 5

Educational Trips & Tours These trips are popular. We recommend
that you book early.

South Africa & Botswana

October 18–November 3, 2009
Africa… the word alone conjures up images of vast,
ancient landscapes teaming with wildlife. Join us on
a journey into the heart of South Africa where you’ll
experience several of the most amazing wildlife reserves on
Earth, and feel for yourself the raw sights and sounds of the
Dark Continent.
We’ll fly first to Cape Town, considered by many the most
beautiful city of Sub-Saharan Africa. As we adjust to the
new time zone, we’ll spend the first morning leisurely
birding the city’s famous Kirstenbocsh National
Botanical Gardens. In the afternoon we’ll take the cable
car to the top of majestic Table Mountain that overlooks
this grand city. After visiting the local market, we’ll dine
at one of the unique restaurants that Cape Town has to
offer. The next day we’ll head for the Cape of Good Hope,
visiting Table Mountain National Park and a colony of rare
African Penguins along the way. We’ll get a close look at
the unique flora of the Cape region, which is one of the
oldest bioregions in the world.
We then fly north through Johannesburg to Hoedspruit,
and from there into the Klaserie Reserve, famous for the
rich diversity of species that roam and/or fly within its
borders. Elephant, Buffalo, and Lion are all active here,
as well as the rare White Rhinoceros! Klaserie is also
home to literally hundreds of species of birds, and we’re
likely to encounter the Southern Carmine Bee-eater,
African Fish Eagle, Red and Yellow-billed Hornbills,
and the unique Hamerkop, to name just a few.
The best way to experience the African bush is on foot,
and we’ll have the opportunity to do just that when we go
on walking safari with some of the most knowledgeable
and experienced naturalists in South Africa. For five days
we’ll be based at a secluded tent-camp on the banks of the
Klaserie River, and from here you’ll experience Africa in
a way that few now get to do, with no fence between you
and the creatures that have roamed this land for millennia.
We’ll even go one step further and spend a night out far
from camp, bedding down under the African stars, where
each of us will take a turn, alone, at fire watch….
The next segment of the trip will take us into Kruger
National Park, one of the most famous wildlife parks
in the world. Staying in comfortable cottages in several
different bush camps, we’ll explore the far northern
regions of the park, home to many endemic species of
birds. Finally, we will spend our last 4 days in Mashatu
National Park in Botswana, where you will witness herds
of Elephant up-close
and personal, as well as
Giraffe, Zebra and many
other species of “mega
mammals” that can be
found only here.
If you’ve always dreamed White Rhino © Steve Robertson
of experiencing Africa, this trip will deliver. Group is
limited to 12 participants, plus leaders. A deposit of
$2,000 is required to secure your space. Deposits are fully
refundable (minus cost of internal air if purchased) up to
July 15, 2009. Please call Steve Robertson at 503-292-
6855 ext.118 for further information.
What is included: All lodging, land transportation, internal airfare
from Johannesburg to/from Hoedspruit, park fees, guide fees, and all
meals except some dinners in Africa. Fee does not include airfare
to/from Africa.
Fee: $4,985 members / $5,325 non-members
(does not include airfare to/from Africa)
Leaders: Steve Robertson, Education Director,
and local African guides

Alaska— to Nome and Back! Birding Southeastern

June 6–16, 2009
N ome, in far west Alaska, offers stunning scenery and incredible birding opportunities. Its
road system is great for accessing the diverse habitats where we’ll search for wildlife during
our first four days. Expect a mix of the exotic and the familiar, including Yellow Wagtails
(Asian songbirds of the brushy tundra) that breed next to White-crowned Sparrows. Harlequin
Ducks share their breeding grounds with Arctic Warblers (a thrush relative that winters in Africa).
Gyrfalcons compete with Peregrines for cliff nest sites. Waterfowl and shorebirds seen only in
migration farther south are devoted to full-time breeding activities. With Musk Ox on the tundra
and the possibility of Gray Whales in Norton Sound, there is indeed no place like Nome!
During our five days in southcentral Alaska we’ll travel by bus deep into Denali National Park
for excellent chances of viewing Grizzly Bear, Moose, Dall’s Sheep, Caribou, and possibly
even Wolf. We follow the Denali Highway across a landscape rich in bird life, including Boreal
Chickadee, Red-throated Loon, and Whimbrel, in its spruce forests and low tundra.
Our last three days we’ll experience the maritime ecosystem of Kenai Fjords National Park from our
base in Seward. A full-day boat trip will bring us close to Sea Otter, thousands of nesting seabirds,
the toes of tidewater glaciers, and maybe Humpback Whale and Orca. We’ll look for species such
as Red-faced Cormorant among the thousands of Black-legged Kittiwakes and Horned Puffins.
What is included: All ground transportation in Alaska, 10 nights lodging (based on double occupancy), 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 of Portland.
Fee: $2,895 members / $3,095 non-members Group Size: 9 maximum
Deposit: $1,400 required to secure your place Leader: Steve Engel
Contact Steve Engel at sengel@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6119.
Arizona
May 31–June 7, 2009
J oin Audubon on this trip to one of the birding capitals of the U.S.!
We’ll explore the Sonoran Desert and the “Sky Islands” of southeastern
Arizona. While in the Sonoran we’ll find birds such as Verdin, Cactus
Wren, and Gambel’s Quail. In the Madrean Pine-Oak Woodland we’ll seek
Bridled Titmouse. This area has the highest diversity of hummingbirds in
the U.S., and we have a chance to see up to 10 species. We’ll look for regional
specialties such as Magnificent and White-eared Hummingbird. In
Madera Canyon we’ll see the Painted Redstart, and here is our best chance
for the aptly named Elegant Trogon.
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek attracts many bird species, and we’ll watch
for Varied Bunting and Gray Hawk. Ramsey Canyon is famous for
the many hummingbirds that come to the feeders and the surrounding
pine-oak woodlands that host a variety of birds. Southeastern Arizona
is the northern limit for many bird species. We’ll stay at comfortable
accommodations along the way, strategically located to provide access to
these incredible places.
What is included: All lodging, ground transportation from Tucson, all meals except
dinners, park fees, and services of the trip leaders. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible
contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland. Fee does not include airfare to and
from Arizona.
Fee: $1,785 members / $1,950 non-members (based on double occupancy)
Deposit: $750 Group size: 14–16 participants
Leaders: Dan van den Broek, Master Birder Coordinator, and Kirk Hardy

Birding Northeast Oregon

Contact Dan van den Broek at dvandenbroek@audubonportland.org
or 971-222-6105.

June 21–26, 2009 Malheur

C ome with Portland Audubon on a trip to the wild and rugged
mountains of Northeastern Oregon. From Wallowa Lake Lodge we Avocets © Jim Cruce
will make excursions to explore the nearby mountain trails and grasslands. In the forests
we’ll search for Three-toed Woodpeckers, Gray Jays, and Townsend’s Solitaires, while in the
Foray
May 27–31, 2009

grasslands we’ll be on the lookout for Swainson’s and Ferruginous Hawks as well as Horned
Larks and Vesper Sparrows. A drive into Hell’s Canyon is a memorable experience, with
outstanding wildflowers at the viewpoint and Lazuli Buntings and Yellow-breasted Chats along
the Snake River. Next we’ll stay in La Grande, where we will search for NE Oregon specialties like
the Gray Catbird, Veery, and Bobolink. At Ladd Marsh, one of Oregon’s Important Bird Areas,
we’ll look for Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, and Black-crowned Night-Heron, along
with many species of waterfowl. As we drive through the Wallowas, Zumwalt Prairie, Ladd Marsh,
and along the Grande Ronde River, we will get to experience what this unique part of Oregon has to
offer. A deposit of $200 required to secure your place.
What is included: Transportation by van from Portland, 5 nights double-occupancy lodging, all meals except
dinners, and the services of your leaders. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon
Society of Portland.
Fee: $645 members / $670 non-members Group size: 14 maximum
Leaders: Dan van den Broek, Master Birder Coordinator, and
Scott Lukens, volunteer and owner of Backyard Bird Shops
Contact Dan van den Broek at dvandenbroek@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6105.
G
et on board with Adult Education
Coordinator Steve Engel and Ruddy Duck © Steve Berliner,
Audubon naturalists for a 5-day www.pbase.com/sberliner
birding excursion to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Nestled in Southeast
Oregon’s high desert, Malheur is a birder’s paradise. The area hosts a dazzling
array of breeding birds; we’ll look for Prairie Falcons, Ruddy Ducks, White
Pelicans, Black-necked Stilts, White-headed Woodpeckers, and Sage
Thrashers, and may find a rare eastern warbler if we’re lucky. We’ll stay two
nights in Burns and two nights at Frenchglen while exploring the region by van
and on foot. The itinerary includes a trip through the Alvord Basin along the
base of the imposing 5,000-foot escarpment of Steens Mountain.
What is included: Transportation from Portland, overnight lodging, and all meals except
dinners. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society of
Portland.
Fee: $595 members / $635 non-members Group size: 14 maximum
Contact Steve Engel at sengel@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6119.

6 MARCH 2009 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.
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 address, or call Steve Engel and pay over the phone.

Hummingbirds: Facts, Birding By Ear — Resident Birds Spring Shorebird Migration

Flowers & Feeders
March 12 (Thurs.), 7pm–8:30pm
in Heron Hall
Learn the most effective ways to attract
hummingbirds to your yard and garden. Local
hummingbird expert Abby Crouch will share
her tips on the best plants for hummers year
round and the easy and safe approaches to
feeding. Her bird-friendly yard has been profiled
in Sunset Magazine and featured on Metro’s
“Natural Gardens Tour.” Class includes a multi-
page handout on plants and feeders.
Fee: $10 members / $15 non-members
Funds raised by this class provide support
for the Wildlife Care Center!
Pre-registration is required;
free for volunteers.
Open Country Birds
March 17 (Tues.), 7pm–9pm
in Heron Hall
A great introduction to birds of open habitats
with Harry Nehls. Appropriate for nature lovers
and birders of all skill levels. Through lecture
and slides, Harry will cover Crows, Ravens, and
Blackbirds. Crows and Ravens are members of
that fascinating bird family, the Corvids, and
the Blackbird family is represented by a variety
of species in Oregon. Discover the unique
Tri-colored Blackbird, the Western Meadowlark
(our state bird), and many more!
Fee: $10 members / $15 non-members
Pre-registration is required;
free for volunteers.
April 6 & 20 (Mondays), 7pm–9pm: Classes in Heron Hall April 22 (Wed.), 7pm–9pm: Class in Heron Hall
April 12, 19, & 26 (Sundays), 7am–10am: Field Trips April 25 (Sat.), all day:
Field Trip to Grays Harbor, WA
Laura Whittemore offers her
popular Birding By Ear class in An evening class focusing on
two formats this year. The April shorebird identification and
class will focus on learning the ecology with John Rakestraw on
songs and vocalizations of our Wednesday is followed up with a
resident birds such as Song trip to the Grays Harbor National
Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Red- Wildlife Refuge near Hoquiam,
breasted Nuthatch, American Wash., for an all-day Saturday Black Oystercatcher
Robin, and others. This allows outing. The tides are particularly © Angus Wilson/
you to learn in a less “crowded” well timed this year, with the highest www.oceanwanderers.com
aural environment and should be tide of spring in mid-afternoon. This pushes the feeding
helpful for those just exploring Song Sparrow © Paul Buescher shorebirds as close as possible to boardwalk viewing areas.
birding by ear. A separate class in May will focus on all the migrants
who have arrived; see separate listing for that class. Fee: $65 members / $75 non-members
Class-Only option: $10 members / $15 non-members
Fee: $65 members / $75 non-members Field Trip limited to 12 participants (transportation is
Class Size limited to 14 participants provided).
Participants sign up for all classes and field trips. Pre-registration is required.
Pre-registration is required.
Birding By Ear — Migrant Birds
May 11 & 25 (Mondays), 7pm–9pm:
Classes in Heron Hall
Wood Warblers of Oregon May 17, 24, & 31 (Sundays), 7am–10am:
April 15 (Wed.), 7pm–9pm in Heron Hall
Field Trips
Join us for a multi-media presentation by Doug Robberson on the
This class in birding by ear, taught by Laura Whittemore,
wood warblers of Oregon. In addition to pictures and songs, there
will focus on the newly arrived and arriving migratory
will be video of birds in their natural surroundings. This is a good
species of songbirds such as Orange-crowned Warbler,
time to become familiar with Oregon warblers such as MacGillivray’s,
Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Swainson’s
Wilson’s, and Orange-crowned Warblers, as they have just begun
Thrush, Western Tanager, and others. A familiarity with
to arrive from their tropical wintering grounds. The common wood
the resident species of songbirds is required, as this class
warblers of Oregon will be the focus. with some not-so-common
will spend less time learning resident songs.
species included.
Fee: $65 members / $75 non-members
Fee: $10 members / $15 non-members Class Size limited to 14 participants
Pre-registration is required; free for volunteers. Participants sign up for all classes and field trips.
Pre-registration is required.

Register NOW
Spring Break Camps at the Audubon Society of Portland for Summer Camps!
To reserve your spot, To register: Call to reserve your spot, then download the registration All classes run 9am–4pm. See www.audubonportland.org
call Sarah Swanson at form from www.audubonportland.org and send it in with payment. Prices are listed for or call Sarah Swanson at
971-222-6120. Places can be saved for only 14 days without payment. members/non-members. 971-222-6120.

Monday, March 23 Tuesday, March 24 Wednesday, March 25 Thursday, March 26 Friday, March 27

Grades: 1st–2nd Would you like to search the forest, creek, and pond for amazing animals both big and small? During this weeklong
Fur, Fins, and Fee: $240 mem/$260 non camp, we’ll become experts on all the things with fur, fins, or feathers that can be found in Audubon’s Wildlife
Feathers Sanctuary.You’ll meet some of Audubon’s education birds, play games in the woods, and have fun making new friends.

Bird Art Forest Detectives Escape to Bird Island Map and Compass Wildlife Tracks and
Grades: 2nd–3rd Grades: 2nd–3rd Grades: 2nd–3rd Treasure Hunt Sign, Oh My!
Fee: $60 mem/$70 non Fee: $60 mem/$70 non Fee: $65 mem/$75 non Grades: 4th–5th Grades: 2nd–4th
Hike along forest trails winding Throw on your detective hat Escape to the birdiest island Fee: $65 mem/$75 non Fee: $65 mem/$75 non
through woodpecker, owl, and as you step into our wildlife around: Sauvie Island. Spring Spend the day at scenic Mt. Tabor Have you ever wondered what
songbird habitat. Use your sanctuary to explore and unlock brings a great mix of new birds Park and discover the art of field animals do when we’re not
observations of birds and their the secrets of the woods. Just like swallows, and wintering ones navigation! Your team will be given looking? Have you ever wandered
habitat to create boldly colorful, like Sherlock Holmes, you will including Sandhill Cranes. Search a treasure map with a compass through the woods looking
wildly imaginative drawings need a keen eye to look out for for the nests of Bald Eagles and course that will lead to clues and at tracks on the ground and
and sculptures using oil pastel, the tracks that show you where have a picnic with the birds! treasures on this extinct volcano. searching for their meaning?
graphite, colored pencils, and clay. the raccoons roam, and the holes Come along as we track the
in the tree that tell you which Jr. Wildlife Vet 102 Jr. Wildlife Vet 101 floodplains of the Sandy River at
woodpecker was where. Hands- Oxbow Regional Park. Through
Quest for the on games, stories, and crafts
(Wednesday) Grades: 4th–5th (Thursday) Grades: 2nd–3rd
detailed observation, we’ll unravel
Tailed Frog will help to hone your young
Fee: $60 mem/$70 non Fee: $60 mem/$70 non
the mysteries of wildlife tracking
(overnight Monday night) Join other animal lovers for a day devoted to learning about the care
detective skills. through basic track identification
Grades: 4th–5th of injured and orphaned wildlife. We’ll go behind the scenes with and sign interpretation.
Fee: $125 mem/$145 non wildlife rehabilitators and find out what this exciting field is all about.
What has a dual life, is unusually odd looking, and is incredibly
hard to find? If you guessed the Coastal Tailed Frog, you are right! Join Steve Robertson, Education Director, on this 3-day quest into the
Join instructors Tim Donner and Ian Abraham as we search in the Pirates of the Pacific mystery of the Neahkanie Treasure.You’ll hear the ancient legend and
Columbia River Gorge for this phenomenal amphibian.The night (overnight Wed.
visit a museum to examine a set of huge stones that may be the map
will be spent at Audubon’s Marmot Cabin with flashlights in hand as and Thurs. nights)
to the buried treasure! We’ll then head out to Neahkanie Mountain
we continue the search for amphibians. On Day Two we’ll get some Grades: 5th–8th
and learn the basics of map and compass use. Lodging is at a beachside
real-life experience surveying for amphibian egg masses! Fee: $165 mem/$185 non
cabin in Rockaway, owned by the Twin Rocks Friends Camp.

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2009 7

Nature Store Highlights Audubon Society of Portland
gratefully acknowledges these
by Sally Loomis and Nancy Mattson, Nature Store Staff
thoughtful gifts:
Kid’s Stuff nature facts he describes. Sisters and
Our toddler onesies & union suits have been so popular Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the In Honor
that we’ve added a new line of children’s clothes. Kid Tees Animal World, co-written with his wife,
by Stephen Joseph debuts with not just tees, but infant & Robin Page, tells us that armadillos are Lynn Herring Sarah Rolf Shelton
always born as identical quadruplets, Richard J. Herring Kathleen Belew
youth caps & hats. These colorful toppers sport creepy crawly Lawson Jenkins
bugs, frisky frogs, and lovely butterflies. Tees that young peregrines take turns pretending to be prey birds
Doug and Carol Burch
feature bears, raccoons, owls, and other so they can learn to hunt, and that wild turkey brothers Mimi Epstein Vicki Perrett
friendly forest critters. We also found a are lifelong companions. Birdsongs is a fun counting book Carol Herron
new kid’s tee in the popular “Advice” featuring the sounds of common birds. How Many Ways Mr. and Mrs. Timothy
series from Earth Sun Moon Trading Can You Catch a Fly?, also co-written with Page, tells about Raymond Merritt Keith and Family
Company. This one is a Panda who advises, “Be lovable… the different ways animals adapt to eat, find Mildred D. Donoghue Lisl Urban
Care for your habitat… Make a little panda-monium!” Stop in shelter, and survive. These books are aimed at an
to check out these comfy 100% cotton garments for spring. audience of 4- to 8-year-olds and would be great Ginnie Ross Janice Mercure
for parents to read aloud. Sue Wetzel Diana Deshler
Robert Erwin
Yes, Spring IS on the Way! Jeanne Beyer Marilyn Wood
The Nature Store has lots of great children’s books and Young Adult Fiction Jennifer Hidalgo
DVDs on hand, so stock up to keep your youngsters Carl Hiaasen may be a familiar name as a Sophie Durocher
busy during Spring Vacation. Our favorite DVD about journalist and author of novels for adults, but Laurie Todd Marie Richards
springtime is Lost in the Woods. When you buy a copy, he recently has had great success as a writer of Roman Jakien
you’ll get a free wall poster (while supplies last). young adult novels. His books are humorous Wendy and Robert Lee
mystery/adventure stories, with a strong Rhonnye Morton Cary Kinkead
Collin Baker
Young Readers environmental twist. Set in his native Florida,
Steve Jenkins is both an author and titles such as Hoot (winner of the Newberry Award), Flush,
illustrator, whose vivid paper collages and his latest, Scat, are fine reads for middle school and high In Memory
capture wildlife and nature with school–age youth. Adults can enjoy them too! Violet Mills Douglas Swanson
wonderful eye-popping texture and color. Helen and Gaylord Roberta Lampert and Jim
Parents may want to know that he is a Looking forward to April, please mark your calendars to Wayland Piper
past winner of the Caldecott Medal and save Thursday nights for our Spring Hiking Series. Four Darlene and Dale Badrick
the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, but children will mostly be different Northwest authors will be presenting books to get Fran Jensen John T. King
you outdoors this spring. Keep an eye out for next month’s A. D. Decker
delighted with the rich images he creates and the interesting
Warbler to get all the details. Betty M. Jorgensen
Diane Field and Richard Carol Kyle
Family Fun Workshop: Williams John Kyle

Attracting and Feeding Backyard Birds Kinuu King Steve Verwolf

Sat., March 21, 11am–Noon in Heron Hall Elsa Ostergaard Frances Titus

Join us for 45 minutes of hands-on activities related to feeding backyard birds including feeders for the Carol Hancock
most common types of birds, feeder placement, water for backyard birds, and making a bird journal. Cheryl McDowell and
We’ll save time to discuss your toughest birdfeeding problems. David Snyder

Carol Frischmann, local author of Attracting and Feeding Backyard Birds, most loves helping others You can honor a special person with a gift to Audubon
learn about birds and other wildlife in many venues including zoos, museums, and wildlife centers. Society of Portland. Your gift will help fund a future
of inspiring people to love and protect nature.

Sanctuaries
You can make an Honor or Memorial gift online
at www.audubonportland.org or by calling
971-222-6129. A songbird card acknowledging your
thoughtful gift will be sent to the honoree or family.
A Winter Wonderland, the Aftermath, The Audubon Society of Portland is a member of Earth Share
and Some Awesome Volunteers of Oregon. For more information, contact Earth Share
of Oregon at 503-223-9015 or on the web at
www.earthshare-oregon.org.
by Tom Costello, Sanctuaries Director

A month and a half ago I had an unusually quiet

moment to myself in front of the sanctuary
buildings. It was mid-afternoon, a Sunday, in the
middle of all the holiday hullabaloo. Normally our parking
lot would have been packed, and the visitor center filled with
holiday shoppers and winter walkers cozying up by the fire.
But there I stood in the middle of the parking lot, alone, not
a car in sight. Even my own car sat buried beneath the falling
snow, a large fluffy white lump across the street.
The quiet was almost eerie. Cornell Road was completely
untraveled, the snowplow coming by once the whole
afternoon. The skies, trees, and ground were an
indistinguishable haze of white. The occasional thunder
crack of a tree limb breaking under its frozen burden
punctuated the otherwise quiet afternoon, and for once I was
a little relieved to be standing in a parking lot rather than the
depths of the forest. Varied Thrush swarmed by the dozen to
the seed we threw down under the covered walkway, keeping
me company as I tried in vain to keep the parking lot clear. It
was so peaceful I almost forgot all the work to be done just to
keep walkways clear, buildings warm, and pipes unfrozen.
As Portland slowly got back to business as usual after the
storm, there was a bit of a mess to clean up. We’d lost some
gutters, and a feeder platform outside Heron Hall had
sheered off from the building, breaking a window below it.
We lost power and ran out of oil, and one of our furnaces
never quite recovered from the storm. At Marmot Cabin, a
pipe froze and burst and we lost most of our new gutters.
The snows melted and the ground thawed just in time for our
big TogetherGreen restoration planting on January 24th. The
week before the planting, as I walked over frozen ground,
visuals popped into my head of volunteers working in vain
Wish List & Thank you’s
Thank you to:
• Judy Bjorge for John L. Blackford photographs and
10 bird and nature books
• Lauren R. Wiener for Klipsch Pro Media Ultra 2.0
© Deanna Sawtelle computer speakers
to dig a planting hole in frozen clay. We had 1,300 plants on • Judie Hansen for wildlife art posters and back copies
hand, 40 willing volunteers signed up, and some bare spots (1977–1981) of Audubon Warbler newsletters
on the ground recently cleared of invasive plants. Surely the • Laurie B. Meyer for birdfeeders
ground wouldn’t still be frozen on Saturday! • Jim Cruce for three calendars, an album with 200
photographs, and two 8x10 unframed photographs
Indeed, it warmed up just enough that the ground was as • Kaya General Contractors for a washer, dryer, and
pliable as can be expected of wet, compacted clay. At least bathroom tile; Thank You to Greg Martin, President
30 volunteers braved the blustery day to plant native trees
and shrubs around Julio’s new Mew, on the recently closed Our Wish List:
section of the Creek Trail, and around the pond. Western For Education:
Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, and Grand Fir were planted in Laptop computer
the shady understory of the maples and firs. Douglas Spirea
and Swamp Rose were planted in some sunny spots around For Sanctuary:
the pond. And in areas of partial sun, we planted Hawthorn, Loppers • Hand saws • Work gloves
Snowberry, Twinberry, and Salal. Watering wand hose attachment
For Wildlife Care Center:
By the end of the day our intrepid volunteers got well over Science Diet Kitten Growth
900 plants in the ground, ate many tasty pizzas, and heard Aquariums • Kiddie Pools
a short talk about the variety of habitat restoration projects Dawn Dishwashing Detergent
happening at Audubon and around the region. The day Welding Gloves • Camper/Trailer
came to a fitting conclusion when snow began to fall as the Untreated Wood: 2x4, 4x4, 4x8
last shrubs and trees were planted. As our new plants sat
dormant under a few inches of fresh snow, I contemplated If you can donate these items, please first
the little window of nice weather that had opened up for contact Audubon Society of Portland at
503-292-6855 ext.102, Mon–Fri, to arrange
just a few hours and helped make this planting such a a time for delivery/pick-up.
wonderful success.

8 MARCH 2009 www.audubonportland.org

Lack of Good Optics & Field Guides Field Notes
Hindered Birders of Earlier Times by Harry Nehls

A lfred W. Anthony (1865–1939) was a successful
mining engineer who spent considerable time in the
gold fields of Eastern Oregon. The extinct mining
town of Anthony in Baker County was named for him. He
was, however, best known as an outstanding ornithologist.
Anthony collected birds mainly for the Cleveland Museum
and published many papers and notes on birds. He described
several new species and subspecies. From 1924 to 1928 he
worked with Ludlow Griscom studying mammals and birds
in Guatemala for the American Museum of Natural History
and helped write two major papers on their findings.
About 1883 Anthony moved to Beaverton and began
birding in Washington County. The journal of the
American Ornithologists’ Union, The Auk, published his
“Field Notes on the Birds of Washington County, Oregon”
in 1886. Although he was an excellent ornithologist he
apparently was only an average field birder. Most likely he
was hindered by the lack of good optics and, especially,
good field identification guides.
Although he knew that Black-headed Grosbeaks were
found in the foliage of tall trees, he considered them
rare in the County. He probably could not separate their
songs from Robins. Overall though his
sightings were reliable, but he did report
some unexpected species. He reported
Whooping Crane as “rare, seen once or
twice in fall flying over in company with
the Little Brown Cranes.” Possible, but
he most likely saw an albino Sandhill or
a Snow Goose. He mixed up some of the
names of the birds he saw, but that was
most likely for lack of a good field guide.
One interesting report though was that
Anthony considered the Black-billed
Magpie “a rare resident” in Washington
County. This probably would have been a
Black-throated Gray Warbler
rejected record but for O.B. Johnson, who
wrote, “Quite common in the vicinity of Forest Grove; it
probably breeds, though I have not found its nest.” Entirely
possible, as they were regularly seen in Northwestern
Anthony both reported Trumpeter Swans as common in
migration in Washington County.
The lack of good field guides and optics
was certainly a problem for the early
ornithologists. That is why they carried
guns; they were very good at identifying
birds in the hand. Today’s amateur birders
are far better field birders than even
the best ornithologists in earlier times.
Identification expertise and especially
great cameras have eliminated most
reasons for collecting birds.
One thing is certain: Improved optics,
detailed field guides, and the huge growth
of interest in birding — both nationally
and internationally — makes birding
© Richard B. Forbes today better than it has ever been.

Sightings Welcome,
Washington State during this period. O.B. Johnson and

New Members!

P
Unusual weather conditions this winter has affected bird What would be just as unusual, but has now become expected, ortland Audubon is a force in conservation thanks
movements. Usually during January and early February most were swallows in the winter. On January 17 Bill Clemons and to its strength in membership, standing together
birds tend to stay close to a good food supply and not move Sumner Sharp spotted three Tree Swallows over Ridgefield since 1902. We appreciate each and every one
around much. By mid-February hardier birds begin drifting NWR. With them were three Barn Swallows. Also on of our members and celebrate our membership by
northward and other birds move to new food locations. January 17 Luke Redmond saw a Barn Swallow on Sauvie welcoming our new members monthly. Thank you for
Island. Andy Frank saw a Tree Swallow at Smith & Bybee joining our vibrant and growing community!
The cold but calmer conditions this winter allowed more Lakes January 21.
movement and allowed birders to locate more unusual or rare Dian and John Adams Cynthia and Andre Marechal
birds than would be expected. Statewide, many rare sightings On January 7 Seth Reams reported a Black-throated Gray Karen Auborn Craig R. McLaren
have been reported, with several in the Portland Metro area. Warbler in Northeast Portland. Chris Blair reported a Black- Greg and Wendy Barnes Glenn D. McMath
and-white Warbler January 28 in Victoria Blackwell Micah Meskel
On January 24 Grant Canterbury identified Aloha. Jack Holley had an American Douglas Bloch Claudia Michael
a Slaty-backed Gull among a swarm of Tree Sparrow coming to his Southeast Justin Booth Patricia Millemann
gulls at Tom McCall Park in downtown Portland feeders January 25. There were Leroy and Cheryl Boyer Paul and Laura Milne
Portland. Later it was learned that it moved several reports of Eurasian Collared- Mark Brownfield Heather Moore
back and forth between that park and Doves in and about the city. A few Jennifer Burns Charles Moore
Westmoreland Park a few miles farther are now entering into the residential Leslie A. Cagle Gwendolyn Morgan and
south. It was easily approachable and neighborhoods. Jennifer Cairo Judy Rose
many photos were taken. Daniela B. Cargill Christopher and
There were a number of reports of Julie Chesley Rosie Payne
Also with this gull flock was a young Cinnamon Teal in the Portland area John and Debra Chin Russ and Patricia Perkins
Glaucous Gull. Shawneen Finnegan saw Baikal Teal. Photo: USFWS this winter. More and more seem to be
The Clevenger Family Karen M. Peters
two Glaucous Gulls at the Fernhill Wetlands January 23, and wintering each year. On January 9 Wink Gross encountered
Matthew and
Diane Collier
Ray Korpe saw one January 5 in Vancouver. On December 31 a a flock of 30 Purple Finches on Sauvie Island. This is the
Columbia Edgewater Rebecca Pigg Family
Brown Pelican was seen at the North Portland Harbor. With highest number reported in years. Craig Tumer found a
Country Club Mark Richardson and
all the trouble pelicans got into this winter, one would expect Yellow-headed Blackbird on Sauvie Island January 25, and
Philip Conti Janet Goldsmith
several in the Portland area. Wink, Andy Frank, and Jack Hurt saw a Harris’s Sparrow
Simone Cooper Dianne Rider
on the Island January 28.
Etta Cosey Henry and Gillian Rosicky
Perhaps the best bird of the season was the bright male Baikal
Teal Corrinne and Bryan Crawford found at Ridgefield NWR Nancy and Chris Crean Karen and Rick Rottman
January 31. Later that day several photos were taken, which Chris Thomas Delano Deirdre and Patrick Ruark
was good, as the bird could not be relocated after that day. Rick DeTroye Richard Rudzinski
Judy Dyer Donna and Daniel Ruth
Jeff Edwards Alexis Sadri
Volunteer of the Month: Chip Fitzpatrick Brandon J. Saggio

Reuben Rich Bob And Pam Flagella

Linda and Eldon Francis
Candice Sanders
Eileen Schill
by Deb Sheaffer, Wildlife Care Holly and Sabrina Freewynn Debra Seifert
Reuben and Ruby catch some rays.
Center Operations Manager © Marilyn Stinnett Brad Garber Robert Shanoski

R
Annmarie Geary and RaeLynn and Clayton Smith
euben Rich showed up for his first Wildlife was to leave on a month-
Darryl Landeen Catherine E. Stephens
Care Center shift five years ago. Friendly, witty, long international trip, he
Richard and Florence Goldsand John and
and enthusiastic, he fit right into the quirky thoughtfully called just to
Selma Grady Katie Stevens Family
Tuesday morning shift. Who could have guessed at see if there was anything
William Hunter Noelle Studer-Spevak and
that time how far-reaching Reuben’s involvement with he could do for us before Reuben helping with surgery on
Audubon would become? he left. As Karen Munday a Bald Eagle in the Wildlife Care Lisa Jester Eli Spevak
(Audubon’s Urban Wildlife Center. © Portland Audubon Frank Johnson Virginia B. Taylor
During his four-hour-per-week shift, Reuben cleaned Specialist) notes, “If you are in a pinch, need someone to Michael Kerezman Gordon Taylor
cages, did loads of laundry, medicated patients, and drive an hour to get mice, pick up a hawk in Wilsonville, Kay Koestler Simon Trinchero
talked to many concerned citizens about living with deliver sacks of pine shavings, or be on a fundraiser Adam Kuby Paula Tulpyn
wildlife. He was quick to volunteer for any task, no matter committee… then Reuben is there!” Phil Lange Marjorie Wazeka
how dirty or mundane. Once he was part of the Audubon Andrea Leal Colin Westerfield
community, Reuben branched out to other areas in Reuben has also spent a great deal of time helping with Michael Luperini and Nancy Whitson
Audubon. He recently retired from his Tuesday morning Audubon’s fundraising. He’s a constant at November’s Sarah Barsotti Christian Wilson
shift, but hasn’t by any means retired from Audubon. annual Wild Arts Festival and spent practically all weekend Cim MacDonald Brian Wilson
there this past year. Last spring he hosted a Birdathon team Robert MacDonald Ellie Wilson
Reuben is an education bird handler so can be found and opened his home to more than 40 WCC volunteers Rebecca MacGregor Leslie J. Worthen
many days hanging out with Julio the Great Horned Owl, for brunch before birding. In addition, he has generously Marcia Maffei Steve Zorb and Ann Gray
Finnegan the Peregrine Falcon, or Ruby the Turkey Vulture, contributed wine for many of our events.
and is always eager to educate kids and adults about the
If you would like to join us or have any questions about
birds and Audubon. Last summer, on the hottest day of the Reuben is a friend to Audubon and all the staff and
membership, please contact Catherine at
year, he hosted a berry-picking party when the WCC was volunteers. Thanks, Reuben, for all you do!
chalpin@audubonportland.org or 503-292-6855.
out of fruit for the songbirds. And two days before Reuben

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2009 9

2009 Board Elections candidates for 2009 board of directors
board officers
Peter Paquet, President
“As a fifth-generation Oregonian and a Portland native, my
contacts with Portland Audubon go back many years. I have
been involved with the Society for 30-plus years, serving as
a board member in the 1970s and 1980s. I have continued
to be active in the conservation community, serving
for 13 years on the boards of several local and national
environmental organizations. To me Portland Audubon
represents the environmental conscience of Portland and
adheres to an environmental ethic that I strongly support.
If elected, I believe that my skills as a professional wildlife
ecologist and educator can help ensure Portland Audubon’s
continuing leadership in environmental education and
scientifically based environmental planning.”
Pat Campbell, Vice President
“I am a fourth-generation Oregonian and a dedicated
environmentalist. In 1973, my husband Joe and I founded
Elk Cove Vineyards with the goal of sustainably farming
without insecticides. We now own 150 acres of wine
grapes and market our wines in 48 states. In 1998, during
a trial-by-fire experience, I went on a ‘Gonzo Birdathon’
trip with Portland Audubon. In 2001 Joe and I began our
semi-retirement. We spent the next four winters in Arizona,
where I honed my birding skills as an active member of
Tucson Audubon. We now live in Portland full time. It has
been a privilege to work as a board member with Portland
Audubon. It was exciting to put my business, promotion,
members at large
John Hammerstad
Presently, John is Professor Emeritus in Neurology at
Parkinson’s Center of Oregon (OHSU). He graduated from
Stanford University and received his Medical Degree from
the University of Chicago. He resides in Lake Oswego and has
three children: Gregory, Diane, and David. John was active as
a volunteer with the Stanford Alumni Association and served
on the Boards of Chamber Music Northwest, Portland
Baroque Orchestra, and Parkinson’s Resource Oregon. He
has participated in numerous Birdathons and Christmas
Bird Counts. He loves birding and has traveled extensively to
add species to his life list. John is interested in serving on our
Board because he recognizes and understands the important
conservation work we do and wants to be a part of that.
John brings strong nonprofit board experience, including
fundraising and development skills.
Tony DeFalco
The Sustainability Manager of the Tribal & Native Lands
Program for the Trust for Public Land, Tony brings to the
Board extensive campaign experience and knowledge of
Oregon state and federal natural resource issues. Tony
holds a Masters of Science in Natural Resources Planning
and Interpretation, and actively works to ethnically and
racially diversify the environmental movement in Portland
through The Center for Diversity and the Environment,
where he is a member of the Advisory Board. Tony states:
“I am heartened by Portland Audubon’s long history of
connecting people with nature and believe firmly that to
restore our earth and the mental and physical health of
humans, we need to restore a strong connection to nature,
be it parks, wild spaces, or simply the ability to breathe
clean air and drink clean water.”
2009 Board of Directors Election Ballot
If you are a current Audubon Society of Portland member,
you are eligible to vote for the organization’s officers
and directors. If you are an Individual Member, you are
entitled to one vote per candidate. If you have a Family
Membership or higher level, you are entitled to two votes
for each of the candidates.You must sign your ballot for it
to be counted. Write-in votes will be disregarded.
Members may vote by mail, but we must receive your
ballot by 6:30pm on April 16, 2009. Please mail to:
Board Nominations Committee
5151 NW Cornell Rd
Portland, OR 97210
Members may choose to vote in person at the March
and April Birders’ Nights or Nature Nights.
(a) term ends 2010 (b) term ends 2012
10
and leadership skills to work for this great organization. I
am a member of Portland, Tucson, and National Audubon,
The Nature Conservancy, 1000 Friends of Oregon, and
Friends of the Columbia Gorge.”
Wink Gross, Secretary
“I have been birding since I was a child, growing up literally
within sight of Massachusetts Audubon headquarters,
where I spent many hours learning to appreciate the natural
world. After graduating from Harvard and MIT, I pursued
a career in engineering management with Tektronix and
Maxim Integrated Products. Now retired, I go birding every
day, most often in my Portland neighborhood. I have been
a member of Portland Audubon for over 30 years, and am
currently the compiler for the Portland Christmas Bird
Count. I am also a member of The Nature Conservancy,
World Wildlife Fund, American Bird Conservancy, and
Oregon Field Ornithologists.”
Ken Ivey, Treasurer
Ken has served on Portland Audubon’s Finance Committee
for the past three years and welcomes the opportunity to
continue chairing the Committee and serving as Board
Treasurer. A CPA for over 20 years, Ken has helped
nonprofit organizations, including the Lake Oswego Rotary
and Foundation, Cat Adoption Team, and the Portland
Community College Foundation at the finance committee
and treasurer level. Ken’s practice (Ivy, Jacobson & Stone) is
located in Lake Oswego.
Bob Liddel
Bob brings to the Board experience in fundraising, facilities
management, and strategic resource planning. He has
served on the boards of the Girl Scouts-Columbia River,
The Morrison Center, Friends of Timberline, Rotary
International, and John Inskeep Environmental Learning
Center at Clackamas Community College. As Mayor of West
Linn, he provided guidance and leadership in a broad area
of expertise from policy development to implementation
and evaluation. Bob looks forward to putting these skills to
work to further Audubon’s long- and short-range goals in
fundraising and project and policy development.
Katy Ehrlich
An Audubon Wildlife Care Center volunteer since
2004, Katy brings public relations, strategic marketing,
messaging, and writing skills to the Board. Over the past
three years, she has helped the organization with messaging
development, and served on the Membership Development
committee. Katy looks forward to helping the organization
develop more effective outreach tools to “fuel growth for
excellent programs, draw in more new people, and raise
funds at a far more ambitious level.”
Lee Savinar
An educator for over 20 years, Lee’s strength is teaching
young children. She has volunteered in her children’s
schools for the last 15 years, and has been active in
the Junior League for 20 years. Lee looks forward to
contributing to Portland Audubon using her education and
volunteer backgrounds and learning new ways she can help
the organization.
Your Name (please print):
Your Signature:
Membership Level:
Individual (entitled to one vote per candidate)
Family or higher (entitled to two votes per candidate)
Position
President (a) Peter Paquet
Vice President (a) Patricia A. Campbell
Secretary (a) Wink Gross
Treasurer (a) Ken Ivey
Member (b) John Hammerstad
Member (b) Tony DeFalco
Member (b) Bob Liddel
Member (b) Katy Ehrlich
Member (b) Lee Savinar
MARCH 2009
Audubon Birding
Weekends 2009 –
A Portal to Birding Oregon
B
ecause these trips are so popular,
they fill early and there is often a
waiting list. At the same time, on
the 10 trips in 2008 there were over 60
cancellations. That was a lot of overhead
for me and for other participants. Please
think before registering, and carry out
Paul Sullivan the following for each trip:
• Please make your check payable to Audubon Society
of Portland.
• Please send separate checks for each trip
($70/couple, $35/individual).
• Please provide all of the information requested for
registration.
• Please come prepared with lunch, appropriate
clothing, insect repellant, sunscreen, etc.
• Please come, help me find birds, and enjoy the trip!
How an Audubon Birding
Weekend works
• You decide on the trip you want to attend, and send in
a registration, including payment. Checks are not
cashed until the trip happens. If you cancel, you get
your check back. However, those who cancel should let
me know well in advance so that someone on the
waiting list can participate.
• No-shows will forfeit their registration payment.
• Folks who inquire, but don’t send money, don’t get on
the list.
• About 10 days before the trip, I send a letter to
participants giving details like lodging options,
meeting place, schedule, possible birds, etc.
• Participants are responsible for their own
transportation, food, and lodging. I try to help arrange
carpooling.
• We travel to the location on Friday and stay in the
same lodging two nights. We meet for breakfast on
Saturday, then carpool and bird all day. We bird half
of Sunday, then separate and head home.
• We see new birds, explore new locations, and meet new
people. We have fun.
Carol Karlen will again help lead these trips. We
continue to enjoy sharing birding in Oregon with others.
— Paul T. Sullivan
How to Register for an
Audubon Birding Weekend
Registration for Audubon Birding Weekends is
$35 per person for each weekend. Please make your
separate checks payable to the Audubon Society of
Portland. Register by the Tuesday before the weekend
you plan to attend. The following information is needed
for each weekend you wish to attend:
• your name(s) • email • amount
• address • trip you wish to join enclosed.
• phone • number of attendees
Please send the Paul T. Sullivan,
registration to: 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26,
Beaverton, OR 97005
Questions? Email Paul at ptsulliv@spiritone.com or
call 503-646-7889. Weekday evenings are the best time
to reach me.
UPCOMING BIRDING WEEKENDS
A complete schedule of 2009 Birding Weekends is
available at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-
camps/adult/weekends.
March 21–22 — 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 25–26 — 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 23–25 — Malheur County
We will explore the birding haunts of this spectacular
county in another time zone to find spring migrants
and early summer nesters. We will look for shorebirds,
raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds too. Base: Ontario.
www.audubonportland.org
 Important Bird Area of the Month
by Mary Coolidge, Assistant Conservation Director

Ross Island IBA

“The island has given to the City. Now it is time to give back
to the island.”
— Ross Island Vision Document

Historical and Ecological Audubon Society of Portland, Urban

Significance
Among more than 100 internationally recognized
Important Bird Areas located in the State of Oregon,
404-acre Ross Island stands out because of its immediate
proximity to downtown Portland. It serves as a reminder
that our wildlife refuges can play a critical role in the
survival of migratory bird species. In October 2007, a
vision of public ownership, which was first laid out by
the Olmsted Brothers in their 1903 Report to the Park
Board, became a reality when 45 acres of Ross Island were
transferred by the Ross Island Sand and Gravel Company to
the City of Portland (see photo below).
Ross Island is actually a four-island complex (comprised of
Ross, Hardtack, East, and Toe Islands) separated from Oaks
Bottom Wildlife Refuge by the narrow Holgate Channel.
Portions are now owned by three entities: 45 acres in public
ownership, the North tip under Port of Portland ownership,
and the majority owned by the Ross Island Sand and Gravel
Company (R.I. Sand & Gravel Co.). Between 1926 and 2001,
R.I. Sand & Gravel Co. mined the Island Lagoon from an
original depth of approximately 20 feet to a current depth
of more than 120 feet. The raw materials used to construct
the downtown landscape came from this lagoon.
Today a new vision is at work on Ross Island. After nearly
a century of mining for raw materials, it is now time for
the City to give back to Ross Island. R.I. Sand & Gravel Co.
ceased mining operations on the island in 2001 (though
they still use the plant located on the island for processing
materials from sites located elsewhere in Oregon). The
company has also embarked
on a mandatory reclamation
project that will create shallow-
water habitat and emergent
wetlands at the north and south
ends of the lagoon. Along with
the transfer of 45 acres of
land to the City of Portland,
R.I. Sand & Gravel Co. also
provided $100,000 to support
restoration activities on this
parcel.
Greenspaces Institute, Willamette
Riverkeeper, GreenWorks, and a pair of
independent landscape designers (Melissa
Medeiros and Chris Frank) teamed up in
2004 to form the Ross Island Vision Team to
develop a long-term vision for the ecological
and recreational future of Ross Island. We
jointly formed the Friends of Ross Island
to provide the public with opportunities to
become directly involved. Today there are more than 350
Friends of Ross Island and we are working hand in hand
with the City, the Port of Portland, and R.I. Sand & Gravel
Co. to develop a unified vision for protecting the entire Ross
Island-Holgate Channel-Oaks Bottom Complex.
Species of Ornithological
Importance
More than 100 bird species use the Island along their
Pacific Flyway migratory path, and three listed fish species
(Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead) use shallow-water habitat
associated with the Island. A pair of Bald Eagles has nested
and raised young on the Island since the 1990s, and a heron
rookery that at one time housed as many as 66 heron nests
is located at the north end of the Island. A floating passerby
could hope to encounter eagles, herons, osprey, kingfishers,
beaver, river otter, and a wide array of songbirds,
shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl.
Access
There is currently no public access allowed on the Island,
but there are many ways for the public to enjoy this
gem by canoe and kayak,
on sternwheeler trips
sponsored by Audubon,
and from a variety of
vantage points located on
the east and west banks of
the Willamette. Audubon
leads dozens of trips by
canoe, kayak, bike, foot, and
sternwheeler each year that
feature Ross Island.
Mike Houck (Urban Greenspaces Institute), Travis Williams (Willamette Riverkeeper), and Bob Sallinger
(Portland Audubon) with Dr. Robert Pamplin (seated, Ross Island Sand and Gravel Company) at
Portland City Council’s Ross Island Donation Hearing in October 2007. © Veronica Valenzuela
Looking northward over Ross Island. © Mike Houck
A 330-foot no-entry area exists in the lagoon for motorized
and non-motorized boats during the spring and summer to
protect the nesting Bald Eagles.
Get Involved
The best way to stay up-to-date on Ross Island trips,
restoration activities, and policy decisions is to join
the Friends of Ross Island. Contact Mary Coolidge at
mcoolidge@audubonportland.org to join.
Among the upcoming activities that we will be working on
to promote protection, restoration, and enjoyment of Ross
Island are the following:
• Regular trips by boat, bike, and foot to Ross Island and
the surrounding environs.
• Creation of a no-wake zone in the Holgate Channel and a
non-motorized zone in the Ross Island lagoon
(commercial activity exempted) to provide a safe
environment for canoeists and kayakers and to protect
the fragile ecology of the Island.
• Restoration activities on the Island in conjunction with
Willamette Riverkeeper and Portland Parks during the
spring and summer (a rare opportunity to actually put
your feet on the Island).
• Continued development of the Ross Island Vision to
ensure protection, restoration, and enjoyment of the
Island into the future.
To learn more about the Ross Island IBA, go to www.
audubonportland.org/issues/metro/ross-island/friends.

Members Receive a Discount at the Nature Store!

A udubon Society of Portland’s Nature Store is the headquarters for naturalists in the Portland-Vancouver
metro area. We feature nature books, hiking & field guides, birding software, CDs, DVDs, binoculars and
spotting scopes, birdfeeders and seed, plus gifts & toys for adults & children, all with a nature theme. Portland
Audubon members receive a 10% discount off regular prices.

Walking Our Talk One Inspiring Example

Juvenile Pied-billed Grebe © Jim Cruce
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.
Contact Ann Takamoto, Development Director, at
503-292-6855 ext.117.
Careful thought is put into the selection of merchandise at
the Nature Store. We hold ourselves to the same values we
promote in our Audubon policies and programs. So, we’d
like to share with you our decision-making priorities. We
look for:
• Local or regional vendors;
• Use of natural, organic, or sustainably
harvested materials;
• Use of recycled or recyclable materials
in contents and/or packaging;
• Products with a long life and/or
replaceable parts; and
• Vendors who donate profits to Jenteal Soaps
wildlife and habitat preservation causes.
And, of course, everything we sell has a nature theme
to support our mission of “Inspiring people to love and
protect nature,” as we have been doing successfully since
1902.
Portland Audubon’s Nature Store
5151 NW Cornell Road • Portland, OR 97210
503-292-9453 • store@audubonportland.org
One of our favorite local vendors, who is able to meet
4 out of 5 of our selection goals, is Jenteal Soaps. Their
soaps use only the finest ingredients with no chemical
preservatives (which is often the cause of dry
skin) or animal products. Jenteal Soaps
focuses on natural products such as
essential oils, grains, and herbs. They
also use recycled paper for
wrapping. All of their soap
is cured 2–3 months; this
ensures a long-lasting bar of
luxurious soap. Each batch of
soap is hand-stirred, hand-cut,
and hand-wrapped right here in Portland. We
carry a dozen varieties including Blackberry, Red Currant,
Vanilla Pear, and Lavender with Rosemary. Once you’ve
tried them, you’ll agree that our discriminating selection
criteria have resulted in a great Nature Store product.
Open 10am–6pm Monday through Saturday
10am–5pm Sunday

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2009 11

I COUNT for the Audubon Society of Portland
by Ann Takamoto, Development Director
I COUNT. A multidimensional statement. As individuals,
we count because we each stand for something. We matter.
We perform numerous acts each day to make a difference
for someone or something.
BIRDS COUNT. Birds are essential parts of our ecosystem
— they spread seeds, they’re a part of nature’s checks and
balances in the food chain. If we pay attention, birds tell us
a lot — we learn about habitat health and environmental
changes. Birds even indicate a tsunami’s approach.
We count for data. We have just finished the season of
Thanksgiving Bird Counts, Christmas Bird Counts, Great
Backyard Bird Counts. These exercises in Citizen Science
produce a census that helps track the health and trends in
bird species populations across the country.
We count for bragging rights, for achievement (and to
raise funds). Our 29th annual Birdathon, the largest in
the country, is under way, with over 300 bird counters
supported by 3,000 pledgers — fun for the entire family,
friendly competition, or just friendly fun. How many of us
have life lists?
Author Presents
Willamette River Field Guide
March 31 (Tues.) at 7pm
in Heron Hall
T
he Nature Store invites you to join us in Heron Hall on March 31st at 7:00 pm to celebrate
the publication of a new book by Travis Williams, executive director of Willamette
Riverkeeper. The Willamette River Field Guide, due for release in mid-March by Timber
Press, is the first comprehensive guide to the river from its headwaters in the Cascades to its confluence with the
Columbia. Williams examines both the human and natural history of the river. Beautiful new color photographs
and rare historical photos help tell the story. Twelve detailed maps are included to cover all sections of the river, and
Williams recommends various trips to better explore its reaches.
Willamette Riverkeeper is a nonprofit organization that focuses on clean water, habitat restoration, and low-impact
river recreation, principally in canoes and kayaks. Travis Williams has headed the organization since 2000, and knows
the river intimately and cares about it passionately. We hope you can join us for what should be a very special evening.
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
Wildlife Conservation
Lecture Series at the
We count to monitor our surroundings. Peregrine Watch
is entering its 15th year of keeping track of Portland’s Oregon Zoo
growing Peregrine Falcon population.
T
he Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series, hosted by
I COUNT — a phrase with multiple meanings. It is an the Oregon Zoo, Audubon Society of Portland, and
affirmation, it is inclusive, and is a cause within itself — it World Forestry Center, endeavors to strengthen our
matters that we matter and we all count in countless ways. community knowledge base on ecological systems and
environmental issues. It is the hope of all partners that this
YOU COUNT. Each and every one of you, our Portland series will motivate our community to make a difference in
Audubon members, count! You do your part, supporting the environmental future of our region.
our work with your hard-earned funds, with your time, your
energy, and your passion for birds and the environmental
health of our region. EVERYONE COUNTS. What counts is
that we get the job done — that together, we are a powerful
voice that protects the things that count! (Watch for our
‘I Count’ campaign, coming soon.)
The Spotted Hyena:
Fact and Fiction
Tuesday, March 31, 7pm
Oregon Zoo’s Banquet Center
© Sandra Coveny Kay Holekamp, Professor of Zoology at Michigan
State University, sheds light on the African hyena, one
of the most misunderstood animals on earth. Kay
dispels myths about the hyena and explains why it is
one of the most fascinating animals on the planet.
Cost: $8 for members of Audubon Society of Portland,
Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, students, and
seniors; $10 for all others.
For more information, go to www.oregonzoo.org/
Education/adults/adults_lecture.htm.
Future Conservation Lecture
April 28
Russ Morgan, Wolf Coordinator
for the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
Business members
Board Officers Through their business practices and financial
President............................................................................. Peter Paquet
Vice President....................................................................Pat Campbell
contributions, the following business members help
Audubon Society of Portland fulfill its mission. If you
Secretary.............................................................................. Wink Gross would like to become a business member, please
Treasurer...................................................................................Ken Ivey contact our Development Department
Past President.......................................................................Linda Craig at 971-222-6117.
Board Members Business Benefactor
NW Natural
Business Friends
Aurora Landscape
Josh Cerra Kristina Gifford Karen O’Connor Bob’s Red Mill
Business Guarantors Carton Service, Inc.
Nancy Jane Cushing John Hammerstad Kruse Backyard Bird Shop Duggan, Schlotfeldt and
John Fitchen Barb Hill Claire Puchy Portland General Electric Welch PLLC
Martha Gannett Ron Spencer Business Partners HDR Engineering
Columbia Sportswear Kennedy /Jenks Consultants, Inc.
Board Member Emeritus - Dave Marshall David Evans & Associates McGee Financial Strategies, Inc.
Forest Park Federal Pastini Pastaria
Committee Chairs Credit Union ShoreBank Pacific
Vernier Software & Technology
Nike
Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Herring Washman LLC
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Business Supporters Winter’s Hill Vineyard
Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Paquet Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Ivey Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Membership & Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Jane Cushing Portland Audubon
Sanctuaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Littlewood Nature Store
Staff
Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meryl Redisch
Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammi Miller
Development Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Takamoto
Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jill Hartzell
Birdathon Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Slone
Membership Development Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine Halpin
Membership Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny Kincaid Everything for the
Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Robertson Wild Bird Enthusiast
Adult Education Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Engel Seven locations in
Camp Director/Onsite Programs Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Swanson Portland and Vancouver
Master Birder/Adult Trip Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan van den Broek 503-635-2044
Environmental Educator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Abraham www.backyardbirdshop.com
Environmental Educator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Donner
Urban Naturalist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Houck
Conservation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Sallinger
Assistant Conservation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Coolidge
Urban Conservationist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Labbe
Urban Wildlife Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Munday
Ten Mile Land Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Engelmeyer
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