Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 38 No.

9 November 2007

Another rare bird gone extinct

By Diane Yorgason-Quinn with many contributors

T
he heartstopping notice on the front page of
the last Towhee came as a “Stop-The-Presses”
event when we learned we lost Patrick Sullivan
in September. Since young Patrick Sullivan has flown
away with the Thunderbird, the Roc, and the Phoenix,
news in the birders’ world has grown sparse, simply
because he made so much of that news himself with his
discoveries and reports. Rare birds may now safely fly
over our state with no fear of being discovered and
gawked at. Patrick had a knack for finding the rare and
unusual, and they were as rare and unusual as he was.
The Tweeters internet community gave itself over
almost completely to reminiscences of Patrick with two
weeks of nonstop tributes in an outpouring such as had
never been seen before. It seems Patrick touched the
lives of almost every birder in this state. Ted Kenefick
wrote, “There appeared to be a magic ability Patrick had
to find great birds, but this happened because of out-
standing preparation and intense and tireless field obser-
vation. It always struck me that while a group of us
would be chatting; Patrick was constantly raising his
glasses to check another bird and seemed to find great
pleasure in calling out each species, no matter how com-
mon. He found all these great birds because, quite sim-
ply, he was an outstanding field observer... Your
advancement of the knowledge of the birds that you
loved so much and your impact on an entire communi-

See "Patrick" on page 7

Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Patrick birding in Tokeland, WA, March 2007

Marbled Godwit
By Paul Webster
Birders find shorebirds a difficult group
to learn, but this long-legged wader is a
shorebird you’ll recognize at once. It’s
crow-sized, has cinnamon-colored under-
wings, and a distinctive long, slightly
upturned bill. “Marbled” clearly refers to
our bird’s mottled dark brown and black
upperparts, but the curious word “god-
wit” is obscure. One suggestion derives
it from Old English: god = “good [tast-
ing]” and wit = “animal or bird” – and
this species was once severely depleted
by hunting – but probably “godwit” is
just an old description of the bird’s ger-
WHIT call.
The majority of Marbled Godwits
(Limosa fedoa) breed in the moist grass-
lands of the northern Great Plains, from
the Canadian Prairie Provinces south to
Montana and the Dakotas. There are
also small separate breeding populations
in tundra habitats along James Bay, and
on the Alaska Peninsula. Marbled Godwits
have a summer diet of insects, aquatic
plant tubers, leeches, and small fish. The
prairie birds avoid tilled cropland, but can
sometimes nest in grazed-over fields and
idle pastures which are free of tall veg-
etation that might obscure predators.
Most Marbled Godwits winter along
the southern coasts of North America
and Mexico, where they frequent beach-
es, mudflats, or wet meadows further
inland. These are fairly tame birds, espe-
cially on the beaches of Southern
California where they run about among
the bathers. The godwits’ winter diet
includes marine worms, small mollusks, CBC on December 15
and crabs, which they find by thrusting Christmas Bird Count: For over a century, volunteers have been
their long bills all the way into the sand collecting information on the birds in their communities, The CBC
or mud. When foraging in the shallows, database now contains more than a century of data on early-
they often submerge even their heads as winter bird populations across the Americas. This one-day an-
nual event is an opportunity to meet other local volunteers, hone
See "Marbled Godwit" on page 4 your birding skills, and take part in a seasonal tradition. Mark
your calendar for the December 15 Tahoma Audubon CBC.
 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S Corner
Honoring Patrick Sullivan
Many assume It shakes us out of our complacency, making us
that birding is realize that every day is a special opportunity. “In the field, Patrick
just about Tahoma Audubon is a community of people practiced his art with such
watching birds, who care about birds, the habitat they depend on, skill and dedication that it
knowing birds, and the natural environment that sustains all of us. made it a pleasure to be
counting birds, It is a hard working community that rolls up its on a field trip with him.” Patrick Sullivan

identifying sleeves. It is an active community that is always

birds.
They would
be wrong. It is
about the peo-
ple. The bird-
ing community and Tahoma Audubon have lost
one of its most important people: Patrick Sullivan.
The birding community has a gaping hole in it, left
by the loss of this young, bright and skilled bird-
er.
Our hearts and prayers are with Ruth Sullivan
and the people close to Patrick. For them the pro-
cess of healing has just begun. No words can
explain the inexplicable, sudden, and tragic loss.
Patrick’s passing is a reminder of how fragile life
is and how precious it is. It reminds us to cherish
the people we have in our lives every day. It
reminds us of how important our relationships are.
looking to be out in nature, experiencing nature.
Like any community that is thirty eight years old,
we have seen precious friends move on.
We carry the memory of those who have left us.
We cherish what they have given us and the legacy
that comes from their work. We draw strength
from their memory. We build from the foundation
they have left. We invite new friends in to make
the community their own and to help shape it
today and into the future.
As the community of Tahoma Audubon grows
and changes, we do not forget our old friends. In
fact our motivation draws from them. We honor
them by continuing the life and work of the orga-
nization, the community. Things change and we
change with it, but we do not forget.
We honor them by birding; by organizing field
trips to enjoy, learn and experience birds. We
honor them by educating future generations; con-
necting them to the wonders of nature. We honor
them by protecting wildlife habitat, fighting to
protect what precious native habitat remains in our
quickly urbanizing world.
Those who knew and birded with Patrick will
miss him in their own personal way. As a com-
munity we will support them in healing from the
loss. As a community we will continue to honor
his gift and expertise and what he brought to us. It
is pure joy to see a skilled person practice their art.
In the field, Patrick practiced his art with such skill
and dedication that it made it a pleasure to be on a
field trip with him. By opening up the world of
bird watching to more people, so that they can
experience the joy of identifying a bird species on
their own, seems a fitting way to honor Patrick
Sullivan.

Planned giving
There are many ways of giving to Tahoma Audubon
Gifts of Appreciated Assets
Cash or a check may not be the best way to make a charitable gift. You may
receive greater tax benefits on a gift of appreciated assets, such as stock. The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society
Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Name Tahoma Audubon as a beneficiary Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
Name Tahoma Audubon as a beneficiary in your will, your IRA or retire- e-mail: contact@TahomaAudubon.org

ment accounts, or to an insurance policy.

Tahoma Audubon Staff
Charitable Giving Through Individual Retirement Accounts
In order to help charities further their good work, Congress recently changed Flint, Bryan Executive Director
the rules for charitable gifts made from individual retirement accounts bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129
(IRAs). If you are over age 70 1/2, the Federal government now permits you Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator
to rollover amounts from your IRA to charity without claiming any increased
kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978
income or paying any additional tax. These tax-free rollover gifts could be
$1,000, $10,000 or any amount up to $100,000 in one year. But hurry, this Newton, Gabriel Education Coordinator
is currently only available through the end of 2007. gnewton@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-5479
Kerrigan, Julie Volunteer Coordinator
If you are interested in helping Tahoma Audubon continue its mission of
connecting people with Nature, please Call Bryan Flint at 253-565-9129, or
jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org
BryanFlint@TahomaAudubon.org.
Tahoma Audubon Board of Directors
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society. Brosius, Jane Membership
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS advocates Carkner, Dick
for the protection of wildlife and promotes conservation through education Garner, John
and activities that enrich its member’s experiences in and with the natural Gilmur, Thelma Membership
world.
Hukari, Molly Past President
The Towhee is published monthly, nine times a year, with a combined
Jordon, Al
Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issue. Submissions of articles and photographs of
birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, and environmental education Larson, Sally
are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor. Copy is due by Larson, Wayne
the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed. LeGreid, Kathleen Publication kaleditor@mindspring.com
Matthaei, Fred
Editor: Kathleen Ann LeGreid: phone 360-458-1483 McNair-Huff, Rob Conservation
E-mail:kaleditor@ mindspring.com Roening, Marcus
Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Sloat, Sally Administration (contact)
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: robert_kelton@mac.com
Shea, Margie Education
Printing: Consolidated Press
Printed on recycled newsprint Sullivan,Brian Volunteer bwsullivan@mindspring.com

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org November 2007

 ENVIRONMENT Matters
Interim geoduck aquaculture regulations passed!
On October 16, the Pierce County Council unani-
mously adopted new regulations to protect our saltwater
shorelines from environmentally harmful aquacultural
practices. Tahoma Audubon Society and Save Our
Shoreline! (SOS!) worked together closely for more than
a year in urging the county to develop interim regulations
pertaining to the operation and expansion of geoduck
aquaculture in the intertidal areas of Puget Sound and
Pierce County, in particular. Councilman Terry Lee (R.-
District 7) responded to the concerns of his constituents,
and took the lead in addressing this issue.
Last September, the council directed the County’s
Planning and Land Services staff to examine current
regulations and look for ways to improve on them ahead
of the Shoreline Master Program update, scheduled to be
completed in 2009. Farming geoducks is a relatively
new practice; consequently few regulations are in place.
Geoduck farming permit applications have increased
dramatically in Pierce County over the last couple of
years, and, coupled with the Department of Natural
Resources new program to lease state-owned lands to
geoduck farmers, it has brought beach use conflicts to
residential shoreline property owners, as well as concerns
from environmental groups about the environmental
effects of intensive geoduck aquaculture practices, preda-
tory control devices, debris, and harvesting methods.
We made significant progress throughout the spring,
and expected these regulations to be voted on earlier this
summer. However, when the ordinance reached the full
committee for a vote in August, they included interim
regulations for docks and piers, as well. Although there
had been very little testimony from citizens regarding the
docks and piers component up until that point, it proved
devastating when the final council meeting vote occurred,
Report on the Chambers-Clover Watershed conference
By Krystal Kyer
The portion of Pierce County east of Puget Sound
is home to three distinct watersheds: Puyallup,
Nisqually, and Chambers-Clover. In October, Pierce
County Public Works & Utilities and Pacific Lutheran
University sponsored a 1 ½ day conference on the
third, and smallest of these watersheds. Day one was
dedicated to technical presentations, while day two
looked into the future of the watershed and ways for
citizen’s to be engaged in watershed management
and restoration opportunities.
Some excellent presentations
were made, and they will be
posted online at: www.pierce-
countwa.org/pc/services/
home/environ/water/ps/ccwc/
main.htm
Overview of CCW
The Chambers-Clover
Watershed (a.k.a. Water
Resources Inventory Area 12)
is both the smallest and most
densely populated watershed
in Washington. Its size and
urban nature creates a whole
host of challenges. But that’s not all. The groundwa-
ter and soils found here also play a role. To under-
stand what’s happening in the watershed, it’s neces-
sary to go back 12,000 years to the last glaciation. A
series of ice ages led to numerous glaciers that grew
and carved a way through the Puget Trough as far
south as Thurston County. Over time, glaciers reced-
ed, melted, and left deposits behind. More glaciers
came, compacted past deposits, and left new ones.
Consequently, the ground we stand on today has
diverse qualities, depending on the underlying land
and the impacts from multiple glaciations. The soil
characteristics effect how water moves, in what direc-
tion, how fast, etc. That affects groundwater storage,
seepage, flooding, and water quality. The U.S.
Geologic Survey is currently working on surveying
and computer modeling to better understand the role
November 2007
and numerous people testified against the docks and
piers regulations.
Subsequently, the Pierce County Council voted against
the interim regulations. We were shocked, but quickly
relieved as Councilman Terry Lee assured us that he
would get this issue addressed. Sure enough, it was
reintroduced at the next meeting, where it was stripped
of the docks and piers language (to be resolved at a later
date). It was sent back to committee, and, in turn, back
to the full council for a final vote.
A Round of Thank You’s
That’s the short story on how we got to Ordinance No.
2007-34s2 being unanimously passed. But there’s
more… Public testimony and involvement throughout
the whole process of Council, Community Development
Committee, Peninsula Advisory Commission, and Pierce
County Planning Commission meetings was essential to
the successful passage of these regulations. Thank you
to all who wrote, called, or testified!
Two volunteers, SOS! President Laurie Brauneis, and
SOS! board member Kirk Kirkland played integral roles
in researching regulations in other Puget Sound counties,
providing language and recommendations to Planning
staff, organizing concerned citizens to contact their coun-
cil members, and testifying themselves. Thank you!
And let’s not forget to give our thanks to Council
Chairman Terry Lee and the entire county council for
working to protect Pierce County shorelines! Thank you!
What’s Next?
Before the regulations can be implemented, they must
be reviewed by the Department of Ecology to ensure that
they are in line with the Shoreline Master Program
guidelines. We eagerly await their response.
In the meantime, you can continue to provide input on
of groundwater in the Chambers-Clover Watershed.
The results will help us better manage our water
resources in the future, for people, plants, and wild-
life.
Facts about the CCW
• It’s estimated that between 15-16,000 million
gallons of water are used annually in the WRIA
12 basin (CCW).
• There is 453,000 acre feet/year of precipitation in
CCW, meaning that 77% of the watershed’s
water inflow comes from rain! Surface water
input is 8% and groundwater
inflow is 15%.
• CCW is the smallest and
most populated watershed in
Washington State, with an area
of 149 square miles, and a
population of over 300,000
residents.
• The watershed is home to
Chambers, Clover, Flett, Murray,
Sequalitchew, Spanaway, and
North Fork Clover Creeks.
• Watershed Councils
The Chambers-Clover Creek
Watershed Council (CCWC) is
an active group of citizens that work with Pierce
County to protect and enhance the watershed. Their
annual report is available online, as well as their
“Watershed Action Agenda: Priorities for Focus within
the Chambers-Clover Watershed.” During the confer-
ence, Al Schmauder, CCWC Chair, listed his top three
priorities for the watershed: 1) clean up polluted run-
off, 2) increase water re-use (i.e. “rain gardens”), and
3) increase stewardship and education.
Every one of us lives in a watershed. Do you know
which one you live in? The CCWC holds monthly
meetings on the second Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30
p.m. at the Lakewood City Hall. Contact Lorin Reinelt,
Pierce County Watershed Coordinator, at 253-798-3096
to find out how you can get involved in the Chambers-
Clover, Puyallup, or Nisqually watershed. Take the
time to know your watershed!
www.tahomaaudubon.org
this issue by par-
ticipating in the
state’s Shellfish
Aquaculture
Regulatory
Committee
(SARC), which
consists of stake-
holders throughout
the Puget Sound
region and coastal
communities,
including shellfish
growers, property owners, environmental groups, tribes,
counties, and state regulatory agencies.
Tahoma Aud-ubon and People for Puget Sound are the
two appointed committee members representing envi-
ronmental concerns. If you have questions or concerns
about the state regulatory process please contact Krystal
Kyer: kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org or 253-232-9978.
Meeting information, presentations, and notes can be
found online at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/
shellfishcommittee/index.html. Of course, the regulations
aren’t the end of the story. Scientific research is ongoing,
and largely funded through legislations passed last spring
(HB 2220), which was championed by Rep. Pat Lantz
(D-25th Legis. Dist.). Her efforts helped to create the
SARC, directed scientific research, and funded it!
Information on scientific knowledge, research and new
studies can be found at Washington Sea Grant: http://wsg.
washington.edu/research/geoduck/index.html.
The Conservation Committee meets on a regular basis.
Contact Krystal for details: 253-232-9978 or e-mail her
kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
Green
Drinks
Tacoma - Nov. 7
You are invited to the 2nd Green Drinks
Tacoma event. Tahoma Audubon is
proud to sponsor Green Drinks in
November, and thanks the Northwest
Earth Institute (www.nweipugetsound.
org) for kicking it off last month. This
month we will meet again at The Spar,
2123 N. 30th St, in Tacoma’s Old Town.
Green Drinks is a fun opportunity for
people working in the environmental
field (or want to!) to relax, socialize,
and network. October Green Drinks
was attended by over 40 people! State
agencies, city agencies, non-profits,
and private enterprises were all repre-
sented at the first meeting. We hope
you will join us on Wednesday,
November 7th from 6-8pm at The Spar.
In a rush? That’s okay, because dinner
is also served at The Spar!
Questions? Call Krystal at
253-232-9978. Check out Green Drinks
online at: www.greendrinks.org.
Page 3
 EDUCATION Page
For class times and dates, please check the Calendar listing on the back page of the Towhee or on our website, www.tahomaaudubon.com

2917 Morrison Road W., 1919 South Tyler Street,

University Pl. WA 98466 Tacoma WA 98338
253-565-9278 253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org
www.TahomaAudubon.org Open Tues. – Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open Mon – Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m. & Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CHRISTMAS CARD CLASSES CHALLENGE: See how your “flapping rate”compares with different birds.
Rosanne Becker Instructor
Cost: $10.00 (to be paid the night of the class) Count the number of times you can flap your arms in 10 seconds. Have someone with a
Both classes are limited to 12 participants. stop watch, or watch with a secondhand, tell you when to start and stop as you count
your flaps. Record the number of flaps.

Wing it!
Christmas Iris Folding
Tues., Dec. 4---6:30-9:00PM How do you compare?
BIRD WING BEATS/10 SECONDS
Use colorful folded strips of paper to fill in a design that spirals Tukey Vulture ……………………………0-5
toward the center (iris). Leave class with at least two cards and Crow………………………………………....20
patterns to make your own. Robin………………………………………...23
Pigeon ……………………………...……...30
More Christmas Iris Folding Peregrine Falcon ………………………...43
Black-capped Chickadee …………….270
Tues., Dec. 11---6:30-9:00PM
Rufous Hummingbird …………………700
This class will be similar to the one above, but with different
Christmas Iris folding patterns. The master flapper award goes to the Rufous Hummingbird
which is able to flap its wings 700 times in 10 seconds—that’s 70 times per second!
Supplies: Please bring a small craft scissors, Scotch “Magic”
tape (green plaid dispenser) and a craft mat (if you have one). SUPER CHALLENGE:
Age appropriate for young teens through adult. How long can you flap your “wings” before you start to become tired?
Reserve your spot at one or both of the classes by calling TAS A Blackpoll Warbler travels 2,000 miles, from New England to Venezuela, in three
at 253-565-9278 before Dec.1 (for Dec. 4 class), and before days! That’s equivalent to a person running 4-minute miles for 80 consecutive hours!
Dec. 8 (for Dec. 11 class).

The seeds of education

Gabriel Newton teaching “Scientific Method” to our Budding Scientists class.

The children were making a hypothesis as to whether there would be more
bird seed eaten in the forest or the wetland of Adriana Hess. Not feeling up to flying south for the winter,
donald instead attempts to “blend in.”

... Marbled Godwit

Continued from page 1
they probe for prey.
In the mid-19th century large numbers of
migrating Marbled Godwits stopped off on the
Washington coast, but by the early 20th century
they had all but disappeared. The cause was
market hunters who shot and shipped larger
shorebirds by the wagonload to meat dealers.
Shorebird hunting was mostly banned by 1920,
but the authors of “Birds of Washington State” in
1953 still listed the Marbled Godwit as a rare
coastal migrant, and worried that the species had
“fallen on evil times” and might never recover.
But over the last half-century the migrants have
resumed their stopovers, most at Willapa Bay
and Grays Harbor. And now there is even a win-
tering Marbled Godwit population of up to 800
birds at Tokeland – this species’ northernmost
wintering area. The total North American popula-
tion has returned to about 170,000 birds, though
continuing agricultural development in the Great
Plains makes further recovery seem unlikely.
The Tokeland godwits scatter in groups east-
ward along the north shore of Willapa Bay to
forage with the receding tide, and then return to
the marina to roost, where you can see them up
close. Sometimes birders spot the rare, smaller,
light-colored Bar-tailed Godwit – a few have been
seen in recent years – and the very rare
Hudsonian Godwit is a fall possibility, too. So
Tokeland is a fine destination for a late fall or
winter trip, to celebrate the successful return of
this striking shorebird to Washington – and as a
bonus there’s good food at the Tokeland Hotel! Photo/Tahoma Audubon Archives

Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org November 2007

 FIELD TRIPS and Events
Adriana Hess Wetland Park Activities
2917 Morrison Rd. W. in University Place
Bird Walk
Second Monday, November 12, 12-1 p.m.
Plant Walk
Third Monday, November 19, 12-1 p.m.
All Fridays: Come at 9 a.m. for a light
breakfast and stay to weed until 11 a.m.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Midweek Field Trips,
Thursdays 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Leader: Phil Kelley
Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
birds at Nisqually NWR. The group walks out to
MacAllister Creek and back to the visitor center; then
takes the boardwalk/trail loop out past the Twin Barns
to the Ring Dike, coming back along the Nisqually
River Trail. It is a distance of about 4 miles. Be sure
to wear good walking shoes or boots, bring rain gear,
water, snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a
pass. Scopes are welcome.
Call: Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm details at
1-360-459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com.
Meet: At the Visitor Center.
White-tailed Kites in the Fall
Sunday, Nov. 11. 7:30 a.m. to late afternoon
Leader: Roger Orness
White-tailed Kites are not known to migrate, but the
dispersal of the young and the possibility of late nesting
pairs can be found in fall. Our trip will take us through
several valleys where kites nested in the past. Our main
target bird will be a fresh plumaged juvenile. We also
should see good numbers of other raptors. This trip is
limited to seven people and two vehicles, so sign up
early to secure a spot.
Bring: Scopes, binos, lunch, and snacks. Be prepared
for a long drive, and a long day returning to Tacoma in
the late afternoon.
Meet: At the McDonald’s Restaurant at the Hwy 512
P&R at 7:30. Depart promptly.
Directions: Take I-5 to Hwy 512 south of Tacoma.
Turn right and take an immediate left on South Tacoma
Way. Travel south one block, and turn left into the
P&R. Meet near McDonalds.
Sign-Up: Call or email Roger Orness, 253-922-7516,
r.orness@comcast.net
East Lake Washington
(After-Thanksgiving “Walk-Off-the-Calories” Trip)
Saturday, November 24. 8:00 a.m. to mid-afternoon.
Leader: Carol Schulz.
BIRDSONGS
November 2007
RULES
1. Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips
are people limited out of necessity.
2. Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot
come. Field trip leaders put in a lot of time and
planning and no shows disrupt field trips. More
than three no shows a year can result in revok-
ing the opportunity to participate.
3. Arrive at the meeting place early.
4. No pets are allowed.
5. Be prepared for seasonal weather.
6. Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is
scheduled past mid-day.
7. All passengers divide total carpooling expens-
es. Current guidelines are 20 cents a mile per
car, not including driver.
8. Beginners are always welcome.
9. Have fun.
Join Carol the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a trip
north to points along East Lake Washington. We will
tour Newcastle Beach Park, Juanita Bay Park, and
Juanita Beach Park. Some folks have called field trips
on this weekend our “diet trips”. We will walk on
paved and unpaved trails, up to 2 1/2 miles. All of these
parks near Bellevue and Kirkland have excellent bird-
ing this time of year. We hope to see Wilson’s Snipe,
many water birds (including Wood Ducks), raptors,
woodpeckers, and songbirds. We may hear Virginia
Rails, and other birds. We could have a large trip-list.
Bring: Warm clothes, lunch (turkey sandwiches?), hot
drinks, snacks, and water. Scopes are welcome.
Meet: 8:00 a.m. at the Kent-Des Moines P&R.
Directions: Take I-5 to exit 149 and turn east toward
Kent on Kent-Des Moines Rd. Go1/2 block. Turn left
onto Military Rd. P&R is on the left.
Sign-up: Call TAS office at 253-565-9278 to register.
E-mail Carol Schulz, linusq@att.net for more informa-
tion if needed.
Fort Steilacoom Park
Saturday, November 24th
9:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Sue Summers
Join us for an after Thanksgiving stroll around Lake
Waughop and the surrounding area. We’ll be scop-
ing the ducks on the lake and checking the trees along
the path. There is always a wide variety of birds to
enjoy. This trip is great for all skill levels. Come and
burn off a few of those holiday calories and enjoy a
relaxed morning of birding!
Meet at the parking lot nearest the lake, next to the
old barns.
Call the TAS office to sign up.
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Kittitas County Birding in Winter
Sunday, December 9. 6:30 a.m. to evening.
Leader: Charlie Wright, Co-leader: Roger Orness
Come enjoy a day of winter-season birding in central
Washington. We will venture over Snoqualmie Pass
and visit areas including Swauk Prairie and South Cle
Elum along our route. Large numbers of raptors includ-
ing Rough-legged Hawks and Prairie Falcons are seen
wintering in the open, snow-covered fields of Kittitas.
Proceeding east we will reach the Columbia River at
Vantage, where waterfowl are sometimes present in
vast numbers. Some target species will include unusual
loons, ducks, American White Pelicans, and possibly
rare gulls. Chukar are occasionally seen in the basalt
outcroppings here.
Bring: Bring many layers of clothing for cold weather
conditions, a lunch, and snacks. Scopes are welcome.
Space is limited.
Meet: At 6:30am at Auburn Safeway at Auburn Way.
and Main St. Take Hwy. 18 to Auburn and exit at
Auburn Way. (Hwy 164). Turn north (right) on Auburn
Way and drive three blocks north. Safeway sign and
gas station will be on the left. Park in the Safeway lot
just beyond the gas station. We will meet and carpool
(promptly) from there.
Sign-up: Contact Charlie at 253-468-4146 or c.
wright7@comcast.net. E-mail is preferred.
Nature Walk at Point Defiance
Third Sundays, 18 Nov. 8:00 a.m...
Leader: Rob McNair-Huff (rob@whiterabbits.com).
The 4.5-mile walk starts at 8 a.m. in the back of the zoo
parking lot and takes about three hours, depending on
what we find to look at along the way.
There’s Fungus Among Us!
On Saturday November 10th from 1 P.M. to
3 P.M. we will have a mushroom walk at
Penrose Point State Park. We will meet at
the bulletin board at the big parking lot
near the main lawn area. We will walk
some of the trails and try to identify and
learn about the mushrooms we find. Ranger
Dan Christian will be leading the walk.
Wintering Water Bird Walks
On the Saturday the 24th of November and
on the 8th of December we will have bird
walks at Penrose Point State Park. At 10
A.M. we will meet at the bulletin board at
the big parking lot near the main lawn
area. Many of the water birds wintering at
Penrose will be here. We will use spotting
scopes to see what species we can identify
and learn about. Ranger Dan Christian will
be leading the walk.
by Phil Buly
Page 5
 LICENSE

!
to be

wild
Some are born to be wild;
others just buy a license.
Diane Kerlin and Faye
McAdams Hands, above,
Photos and story by
showing off three of the
Diane Yorgason-Quinn Willettemobiles in 2006.

Great news for those who ing event, and you will
flaunt their support of wildlife see many obvious fun
programs on their license plates with favorite birds and animals,
plates! You can now have and a few that make you stop and think.
BOTH your personal message and the new QUIZ! You really haven’t seen anything
wildlife backgrounds on your plates! You if you don’t know these three: TRAILS,
had to choose in the past either the Bald MDWLARK, GODWIT (answers below).
Eagle, Orca, etc. or a “vanity” plate with your Other great plates include Georgia Ramsey’s
own message. Both were ways to contribute AQUILA. Georgia and Bob previously had
to wildlife and show your support, but you DIPPER, as well. Other local plates include
couldn’t do both in one license plate. Now you can! As of TOWHEE (Helen Engle), CURLEW (Heather Ballash), WEBRDRS
October 1, there is a combo plate! (Lorraine and Wayne Jackson),
The standard personalized plates SCRBJAY (Phil Kelley), WETLAND
with the Mt. Rainier background, (Kate and John Comis), 22WPKRS
which cost $40 new and $30 to (Rolan Nelson, and yes, he does
renew (in addition to your regular have 22 woodpeckers!), and
annual registration), earmarks APRFOOL (Carole Breedlove). And
those extra fees to the Department my plate as well as my fellow
Even people in other states do it. of Fish and Wildlife for the manage- Willettes’ plates: WLETTE1 through
ment of non-game wildlife. The WLETTE4 (so far – more of those to come!).
Wildlife Background plates (same fee sched- Other area plates include TVULTUR,
ule) designates those funds according to the BIRDGUY, MEWGULL, BRDWCHR, CATBIRD,
plate. The Orca plate with license number HRNDOWL, MAGPIE, RAVEN, H2OUZEL,
beginning with EW (“Endangered Wildlife”) 4DBIRDS, MERLIN, and a new one spotted
fees go to recover Washington’s endangered recently on a hybrid Prius: HYBIRD.
and threatened species and to identify spe- CHALLENGE: Our executive director,
cies at risk. The Bald Eagle plates with num- Bryan Flint, is zooming around town in his
bers beginning with WW (“Wild on cute Mini, but has yet to pick a good license
Washington”) have their fees set aside for activities that benefit plate. Help him come up with suggestions (7 letters or less).
wildlife viewing activities in Washington. E-mail him at: bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org. The winner
For more details on how and where the will have the satisfaction of seeing his car sporting their idea!
money is spent, see http:// Or maybe he’ll appoint you to a really great post at
w d f w. wa . g o v / l i c e n s e _ Tahoma Audubon!
plates/wildlife.htm. Plates But the real smile comes when you see some-
with Elk, Deer, and Black body’s vanity plate saying BIGBOY or MYTREAT
Bear benefit game and know that these people have perhaps
management. For inadvertently
information on how to get your very own, contributed
see your local licensing agent or this to the non-
website: http://wdfw.wa.gov/ game wild-
license_plates/combo.htm. life fund!
These plates are for more than Go for it!
just fun, of course, but boy are Coexisting with hunters.
they fun! Just saunter through
the parking lot during a Tahoma
Audubon function or any bird- Quiz answers:
TRAILS - Thelma Gilmur,
John and Kate Comis show off MDWLARK - Rosanne Becker,
their license plate in 2006. GODWIT - Ruth Sullivan.

Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org November 2007