Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 39 No.

2 March 2008

A Groundhog Day birding pentathlon

Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
It looked pretty cloudy when we left Tacoma in the
dark on the morning of Groundhog Day, 2008, so
we were confident that no critters would see shad-
ows, and we would get relief from this miserable
winter. However, when leader Bruce LaBar met the
group up north, the sun was coming up and it looked
iffy on shadows. We were heading northwards for
the annual winter tradition of birding the Skagit!
Almost as soon as we passed over the Skagit
county line, we started seeing groups of swans in the
fields. Bruce didn’t stop for them, though, heading
over to Fir Island, a fabled area for Snow Geese. We
found a huge flock of them looking like a snow-
covered field in the distance. We strained our eyes
to get a better look through our optics when, all of a
sudden, the air was filled with a melodious roar. A
raptor had buzzed the flock and sent a contingent
right over to us. In spite of the extremely friendly
farm dog that had joined our group, about fifty Snow

Snow Geese highlight a landmark church in Skagit Valley. Below, a huge flock of Snow Geese fill the air. See "Groundhog Day” on page 6

Harlequin Duck
By Paul Webster
Where waves crash on Washington’s rocky shores or in fast-moving
mountain streams birders look for a bizarre little duck that thrives where it
might well be dashed to death. Beneath the water the Harlequin Duck finds
a varied diet of amphipods, snails, small crabs, barnacles, and other food
items. “Harlequin” derives from the clown of Italian street comedy,
Arlecchino, who wore a multicolored costume. From October to June the
male Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is slate-blue with chestnut
sides and sharply-defined white markings on face, back, and neck. The
female is gray-brown with white patches at the face and ear. In flight, gener-
ally low over the water, the Harlequins’ longish tail feathers and the male’s
white neck bars are helpful field marks.
Atlantic coast Harlequins winter from Newfoundland south to Cape Cod,
but number perhaps no more than 1500 birds. Most “Harleys” live around
Photo/Karl King See "Duck" on page 4

By Candi Ziegert credentialed, but few and far between, scientists.

Citizen science
Even with minimal scientific training, birders and
The Tahoma Audubon Society is changing gears to volunteers of all ages are absolutely able to effect
place extra focus on citizen science, a plan it hopes positive change and make a difference in the world

takes Audubon
to be the vessel that will carry the organization into around them when they participate in citizen sci-
a productive future. The TAS intends to play to one ence.Some examples of relevant citizen science
of its greatest strengths—our cadre of committed programs include the Puget Sound Seabird Survey,

to new heights
volunteers—to collect valuable information on local
birds. Citizen science programs enable the average
Jane and Joe to make observations, take measure-
ments, and perform other scientific tasks in lieu of
eBird, Nature Mapping, Bird-a-thon, and the
Christmas Bird Count. The Christmas Bird Count
See "Citizen science" on page 8
 executive Director’s Corner
The importance of Audubon participation
For more then
three decades,
Tahoma Audubon
members have been
counting birds and
keeping records.
Through weekend
field trips, Christmas
Bird Counts, and
Great Backyard Bird
Counts, we have
been recording the number and species of birds we
have seen through our scopes. During those years the
population of Pierce County has bal-
looned. Development on our shorelines and in our
rural areas has significantly reduced wildlife habitat
throughout the county. The staggering loss of farm
land has also reduced the habitat available to many bird
species. Year after year, new highways have helped
push development closer to Mt. Rainier; leaving forest
lands increasingly at risk of being lost forever.
Last year, the National Audubon Society released
Watchlist 2007. This list of 178 birds that are in need
of immediate conservation help includes forty-nine
species of birds found in Washington State. Included
in the Watchlist are the Snowy Plover, the Marbled
Murrelet, and the Rufous Hummingbird.
National Audubon also identified 20 birds on the
national ‘Common Birds in Decline’ list: species that
have lost at least half their populations in just four
decades. The Evening Grosbeak, the Purple Finch,
and the Western Meadowlark are species on this list
that are found in Pierce County.
The reality is we know very little about what is
happening to birds here at home in Pierce
County. Despite decades of data in our possession,
we have no way of seeing the trends. That is why our
conservation, education, field trip, and program com-
mittees are coming together to put our data together,
take a look at it, and use the results to plan our future
efforts to protect and restore Pierce County’s ecosys-
tem. Though the year look for updates on our prog-
ress and ways that you can participate.
Welcome new Education Coordinator
As soon as our education coordinator Gabriel
Newton announced that he was leaving us to pursue
his masters in education, we immediately felt the
loss. A dynamic and engaging educator, Gabriel is
well loved by parents, volunteers, and his fellow
staff. We knew it would be hard to replace him. He
was fun around the office, great with students, and
was instrumental in building our education program
to reach more people.
When it came time to interview to fill the position
of education coordinator it became clear that there
where many qualified individuals. The challenge
was making a tough choice among so many qualified
candidates.
We are very grateful to Anita Born and Renee
Wagener, two home school parents, for participating
in our hiring process. Not only did they participate
in interviewing candidates, but their children partici-
pated in 20 minute field trips that each of the finalist
conducted. These real life scenarios allowed us to see
each one of the candidates in action and under pres-
sure, a much better way to judge their skills then the
traditional interview.
If you have not gotten an opportunity to meet
Stephanie Swaim, who started as our new education
coordinator in mid January, I encourage you to take
the opportunity. She is a wonderful addition to our
team.
Stephanie received her Masters in Oceanography
with a focus in K-12 education. She has worked
almost exclusively in nature centers and zoos
and aquariums as a naturalist and educator. She was
a Naturalist at the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida. There she worked with 15 schools and 80
teachers to reach 5,800 students in an education pro-
gram called the JASON project.
Welcome Stephanie! We are glad you are with us
and look forward to working with you to education
the future generations.

The Endangered Species

Act: An essential safety net
The strongest federal safeguard against the extinction of bird species in
the United States is the Endangered Species Act. The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society
Enacted in 1973, the ESA has helped save some of America’s most criti- Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
cally imperiled birds and wildlife, including species like the Bald Eagle, the 2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Peregrine Falcon, the Gray Wolf, the Grizzly Bear, and the Whooping Crane.
Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
e-mail: contact@TahomaAudubon.org
Despite its success, Congress in recent years has seriously considered pro-
posals that would gut the fundamental protections this bedrock environmen-
tal law provides to America’s most endangered birds. The changes in Con- tahoma Audubon staff
gressional leadership that
resulted from the 2006 Flint, Bryan Executive Director
elections are expected bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129
to restore balance to the
debate about protect-
Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator
ing our endangered and kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978
threatened species. One Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator
very positive sign is that the Bush administration proposed early in 2007 to StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-5479
list the polar bear as ‘threatened’ under the ESA, as a result global warming.
Audubon’s Public Policy Office is working aggressively to educate key Kerrigan, Julie Volunteer Coordinator 253-565-1884
members of Congress, mobilize activists, and dispel Endangered Species jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org
Act myths in order to help ensure the survival of America’s most vulnerable
birds and wildlife. tahoma Audubon Board of Directors
Information from National Audubon’s Issues & Action > Endangered
Species Act (ESA) Brosius, Jane Secretary
http://www.audubon.org/campaign/esa/index.html Carkner, Dick
Garner, John
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society. Gilmur, Thelma Membership
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS advocates for the protection
of wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its mem- Jordon, Al
ber’s experiences in and with the natural world.
The Towhee is published monthly, nine times a year, with a combined Jul/Aug and Dec/
Larson, Sally
Jan issue. Submissions of articles and photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, con- Larson, Wayne President
servation, and environmental education are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the
editor. Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
LeGreid, Kathleen Publication kaleditor@mindspring.com
McNair-Huff, Rob Field Trip Chair
Editor: Kathleen Ann LeGreid: phone 360-458-1483
E-mail:kaleditor@ mindspring.com Roening, Marcus
Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings Shea, Margie Treasurer, Education
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: robert_kelton@mac.com
Printing: Consolidated Press Sullivan,Brian Volunteer bwsullivan@mindspring.com
Printed on recycled newsprint

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2008

 eNviroNMeNt Matters
TAS welcomes
talented interns
Candi
Greetings TAS members! My
name is Candi Ziegert and I am
the newly appointed Citizen
Science Intern for the Tahoma
Audubon Society. I am a senior
Environmental Studies major
and German minor at Pacific
Lutheran University. My hob- Candi Ziegert
bies include crafting and gardening, and my favor-
ite bird is the Runner Duck. I moved to Washington
State three years ago from the east coast, and I
hope to use my diverse past experiences to help
build a brighter future for the Audubon Society. I
look forward to meeting you over the course of the
next few months! (read Candi’s article on page 1)
Audubon joins suit challenging Chukchi Sea lease sale
From Audubon Alaska
Audubon Alaska joined with other conserva-
tion and Alaska Native groups to file a lawsuit
today in federal district court in Juneau to chal-
lenge an oil and gas lease sale in the Chukchi
Sea. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Min-
erals Management Service (MMS) has planned
the sale for February 6. Nearly 30 million acres
of essential Arctic marine and ice habitats for
polar bear, walrus, four species of seals (e.g.,
bearded, ringed), bowhead and beluga whales,
and millions of migratory birds are at stake.
“The Chukchi Sea is an ecologically rich fron-
tier environment, and it is changing rapidly due
to global warming,” said Stan Senner, Audubon
Alaska executive director. “We barely know this
changing seascape, and this is not the time to
move forward with a massive lease sale.”
According to Senner, much of the information
about wildlife populations in the Chukchi Sea is
decades out of date. The MMS should not sell
leases in the area without solid evidence about
The true story of a Washington lobbyist
By Greg Cook
As I waited at Senator Patty Murray’s office to meet
with one of her legislative staff, I wondered what in the
world I was doing. I was in D.C. this past January as
one of 15 people selected by National Audubon to
learn about threats to the Alaskan Arctic and then lobby
members of Congress. I reminded myself that I had a
mission to speak up on behalf of polar bears, caribou,
and millions of birds.
When I joined Audubon last fall, I had no inkling I
would be enlisted in a lobbying campaign. I simply
wanted to join a group that cared about wildlife and the
environment. I signed up for the e-mail alerts from
National Audubon and one of them mentioned an
opportunity to advocate on behalf of public lands in
Alaska. Although I thought I had only a slight chance
to be selected, I applied anyway. I was quite surprised
to get a call just after Christmas from Sean Saville at
Audubon’s D.C. office.
National Audubon paid our way there, put us up in a
hotel, and fed us. We paid $150 to help defray the costs
and to indicate we were serious about this project. My
roommate there was Matt Mega, Conservation Director
at Seattle Audubon. My co-participants were from
March 2008
Natalie
Hello Audubon Society! My
name is Natalie Fish and I am
the new Global Warming Intern.
I am a senior at the University
of Puget Sound, majoring in
International Political Economy.
Global Warming is a very seri-
ous issue facing the interna- Natalie Fish
tional community, yet it seems the path for change
is through local grassroots’ and states’ move-
ments.
I am very excited to be working with the Audubon
team on their environmental projects and coali-
tions, especially now at this exciting time when
many events are happening at once. Audubon is a
leader in local measures to combat the effects of
Global Warming; I hope I will be of use to this
dedicated and energetic team. I look forward to
meeting TAS members at events and in the
office!
the possible cost to wildlife, the
environment, and the people
who live there, he said.
“The MMS has an obligation
under law to fully assess and
disclose impacts to wildlife
and the human environment,
including cumulative effects,”
Senner said. “By presenting Stan Senner
outdated and conflicting infor-
mation, the agency fails that fundamental test
miserably.”
Audubon Alaska has identified 18 “Impor-
tant Bird Areas” (IBAs) on the U.S. side of the
Chukchi Sea, and six more IBAs on the Russian
side. Included among these are marine feed-
ing areas for Northern Fulmars and Short-tailed
Shearwaters, nesting and feeding areas for
huge nesting colonies of Common Murres and
Thick-billed Murres, and marine molting areas
for Spectacled Eiders, a threatened species. In
addition, at least 15 species of birds on Audu-
bon Alaska’s WatchList use marine and coastal
across the U.S., and many had lived or worked in
Alaska.
I believe we were all engrossed on the first day by
presentations from Taldi Walter, Audubon’s Alaska
Outreach Coordinator, and Pat Pourchot, Audubon’s
Senior Policy Representative for Alaska. We learned
about three critical areas in particular: the Chukchi Sea
Outer Continental Shelf (home of significant numbers
of polar bears), Teshekpuk Lake (major bird area), and
the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge (ANWR), an area
crucial to thousands of caribou. As an added
reinforcement to what we learned, we were treated to
the movie “Being Caribou,” a documentary by two
Canadian conservationists. The filmmakers followed
the herd on foot from the Yukon to the Arctic coastal
plain.
On Tuesday we were briefed on threats to the
Tongass Rain Forest. After that we got advice on the
nuts and bolts of lobbying, and got to practice our
responses to questions we might get from congressional
staffers. It was a good way to have a little fun before
heading out for the real thing!
Wednesday began with a constituent coffee at
Senator Murray’s office. Then I had appointments with
staff from the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Nicolette
My name is Nicolette Todd
and I’m a senior at The University
of Washington, Tacoma study-
ing communications. This win-
ter I have been doing a market-
ing internship through The
Tahoma Audubon Society for
The Green Tacoma Partnership. Nicolette Todd
I have always been passionate about animals and
their habitat. I volunteer as a foster parent with The
Seattle Animal Shelter along with being a full time
student and working two jobs. It’s wonderful to
have an internship with an organization full of
dedicated volunteers who I respect and admire.
After I graduate this spring, I plan to work in the
marketing field doing PR writing and/or advertis-
ing. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity The
Tahoma Audubon has given me. I feel that the
skills I have learned during my internship here will
help me to succeed in the professional world.
iden-
habitats in the Chukchi Sea. The WatchList iden
tifiesdeclining and vulnerable species and popu-
lations of birds. Besides the threatened Steller¹s
and Spectacled Eiders, WatchList species using
the Chukchi Sea include Yellow-billed Loons
and Red-throated Loons, both of which were
impacted by the recent oil spill off the coast of
South Korea. Audubon Alaska in Anchorage is
the Alaska State Office of the National Audubon
Society. Audubon has six chapters and about
2,400 members in Alaska.
In bringing this lawsuit, Native Village of
Point v. Kempthorne, Secretary of the Inte-
rior, the public-interest law firm Earthjustice
is representing Audubon and 13 other clients,
including: The Native Village Of Point Hope,
The City Of Point Hope, Inupiat Community Of
The Arctic Slope, Alaska Wilderness League,
Center For Biological Diversity, National Audu-
bon Society (Audubon Alaska), Natural Re-
sources Defense Council, Northern Alaska Envi-
ronmental Center, Oceana, Pacific Environment,
Redoil, Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society.
and Congressman Norm Dicks. All the staffers were
pleasant, and I had 15 minutes or so to present
Audubon’s message and leave them with a packet of
information. The whole process encouraged me.
There are many Audubon supporters spread across this
country, working to save birds, other wildlife, and
habitat. Congress does listen, though there are many
competing interests.
So the next time you hear the word “lobbyist,” don’t
forget that any of us can speak up on behalf of the
environment. It’s not all about shady deals and money
changing hands. It’s about standing up for what you
believe.
The Conservation Committee
meets on a regular basis.
Contact Krystal for details:
253-232-9978 or e-mail her
kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
Page 3

Hi! I’m your new Education Coordinator
I may not have
any sort of birding
“certifications”
but I assure you
it’s in my blood. I
grew up in Mas-
sachusetts in the
little coastal town
of Gloucester.
The winters there
are bitter and
wet, and they last
forever. But the summers are unbelievable: clear,
warm, blue and sandy is what I remember since
my brother and I spent most days at the beach cot-
tage that my grandparents owned and in which my
father grew up. Binoculars sat on the windowsill
of the front room of the cottage, in case anything
interesting should fly into view. You see, my grand-
mother was a Birder.
I grew up with the culture of birding in my ver-
nacular. Grandma went birding with a group of
women known to us as The Birders. While on a
birding excursion, my dad or grandpa would say
she was “out with The Birders.” Occasionally
they got together and didn’t bird, in which case
we were told she was “having lunch with The
Birders.” When we met her friends, they were as-
sumed to be The Birders.
I’m not sure when the binoculars appeared in
my parents house. My father always owned them
because my grandmother passed her interests on
eDucAtioN Page
to him. But at some point in
my teenage years a pair of
binoculars appeared on the
windowsill of my parent’s
house, just inside from where
our feeders were hung from a
decrepit pear tree. I saw ev-
ery bird that could possibly
come to feeder in New Eng-
land in winter. My favorites
were the Tufted Titmice and
the Evening Grosbeaks. The
seasons were defined by the
birds that arrived in our yard.
Spring arrived with the songs
of the Redwing Blackbirds
and the Woodcocks. Sum-
mer evenings were punctu- A variety of birds flocked to the feeders that hung from this decrepit pear tree.
ated by the call of the Whip-
poorwills and the bustle of the Black-Crowned Stephanie Swaim,
Night Herons. Tahoma Audubon Society Education Coordinator
I was overjoyed to hear the Redwing Blackbirds 253-565-5479 StephSwaim@TahomaAudubon.org
at Adriana Hess when I arrived my first few days.
It’s lovely to hear a familiar sound, and one with so Upcoming Education Events:
many meanings to me in a place that is so far away Discovery Walks 3/15 10:00 to 11:30 Lower
from where I grew up. I look forward to becom- White River
ing familiar with the seasonal changes around our Budding Scientists: 3/5 10:30 and 3/12 3:15
“Riding the Wave”
pond and in our neighborhood.
3/19 10:30 and 3/26 3:15 “Sea Monsters”
Thank you to all who have welcomed me into
Nature Storytime 3/28 “Big Blue Planet”
your organization. I look forward to building Puget Sound Seabird Workshop 3/22 and 3/29
our educational programs in the coming years. Slater Museum of Natural History at UPS
Cheers!

... Duck from page 1

the North Pacific, from Japan and Washington north to the Aleutians;
rough estimates for the Pacific population range from 150,000 to
300,000. Our Harlequins represent the “overflow” from the Strait of
Georgia, the winter home for some 12,000 to 15,000 Harleys. We think
of rocky ocean shorelines as classic Harlequin habitat, but many also
winter in the more protected waters of northern Puget Sound.
Photo/Karl King
Some Harlequins nest on islands in marine estuaries; others choose
fast-moving streams in the mountains – some as far away as Alberta
and Montana, though most find spots closer to the coast. Washington
Harlequins nest on more than 100 streams, mostly in the Olympics and
Cascades. After the nests are established and the eggs laid, the drakes
return to the coast to molt. Since females tend their five to seven eggs
alone, they cannot re-nest if martens or other predators drive them
away. The eggs hatch in about four weeks, and the ducklings can fly
when they’re about four weeks old.
Until recently not much was known about the natural history of
Harlequins, but research in the last decade has drawn an unsettling
picture. Harlequins share the tendency of other sea ducks to skip breed-
ing seasons, and males generally don’t breed until their third year – two
factors that limit the species’ ability to recover from disastrous events,
like the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill. Harleys’ irregular breeding also means
that hunting may have a disproportionate impact. Other concerns are
fishing nets, silt in streams due to logging, and polluting discharges from
ships. And Harleys show what science calls “site fidelity” – they return
to specific molting and nesting sites, even when these become degrad-
ed. This is a problem in the Strait of Georgia, for example, where recre-
ation and development pressures are strong. And, as if all that weren’t
enough, even the rough water Harlequins frequent is risky; studies have
shown that for all their swimming agility many have had broken
bones.
In most of North America the Harlequin Duck is a rare bird. We’re
fortunate to have these clowns of rough water nearby, in their winter
habitats of marine waters and their breeding space in fast-moving
streams. If these places remain more or less undisturbed we’ll be privi-
leged to enjoy the continuing presence of these beautiful little ducks.

For class times and dates, please check the Calendar listing on the back page of the Towhee or on our website, www.tahomaaudubon.org
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.

Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2008

 fielD trips and Events
Swan Creek Park and Chief Leschi
School walk with Ed Pullen
When: Sat, Mar 8, 8:30am – 12:00pm
Where: Swan Creek Park in Tacoma
Description: Join Ed and Kay Pullen for a hike
down the Swan Creek canyon and to explore the
Chief Leschi School grounds. We will meet at the
Swan Creek County Park lot near the Tacoma end
of Pioneer Way at 8:30 AM, and carpool to the
upper end of the creek canyon. Then we’ll hike
down the canyon, looking for American Dipper,
Belted Kingfisher, and winter passerines. The creek
is beautiful, and the hike mostly downhill. The
walk is slippery but not difficult. We will then car-
pool back to pick up the cars at the top of the can-
yon, and continue on to Chief Leschi school,
Where: we have a barn owl that is pretty depend-
able, and should see more birds of open areas. We
will be done before noon. Discover a place you
could return to for a great summer picnic hot-rock-
ing on the creek bed, or a nice spring walk to look
for migrants. I like it in the winter though, when the
Winter Wrens, kinglets, and creepers are usually
easier to see. To register for this free field trip, call
the Tahoma Audubon office at (253) 565-9278.
Titlow Park bird walk
When: Wed, Mar 12, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Where: Titlow Park in Tacoma
Description: Join Vera Cragin for a walk along the
shoreline and through the wooded portions of
Titlow Park. Birds you could see along the way
include cormorants, grebes, a variety of duck spe-
cies and woodland birds such as Pileated
Woodpecker. To register for the trip, call the
Tahoma Audubon office at (253) 565-9278.
Nature walk
at Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma
When: Sun, Mar 16, 8am – 11am
Where: Point Defiance Park in Tacoma
Description: Join author Rob McNair-Huff for a
5-mile walk through the forests at Point Defiance
Park. The trip starts at the back of the parking lot for
the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Come pre-
pared for a healthy walk through the park in change-
able weather conditions. Winter bird highlights can
include waterfowl, Bald Eagles and forest birds. For
more information, e-mail rob@whiterabbits.com.
Discovery walk
When: Sat, Mar 15, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where: Lower White River, Pacific
rules
Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are people
limited out of necessity.
Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come. Field trip lead-
ers put in a lot of time and planning and no-shows disrupt field trips.
More than three no-shows a year can result in revoking the oppor-
tunity to participate.
Arrive at the meeting place early.
No pets are allowed.
Be prepared for seasonal weather.
Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is scheduled past
mid-day.
All passengers divide total carpooling expenses. Current guide-
lines are 20 cents a mile per car, not including driver.
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
Key Peninsula with Rolan Nelson
When: Sat, Mar 22, 7:30am Limit: 11 birders.
Where: Secluded coves, open salt water, beaches
and more around Key Peninsula
Description: Meet at the Purdy Park and Ride at
7:30 AM Plan to be out all day. Bring lunch, cloth-
ing for the weather, and a scope if you have one.
We will explore the Key Peninsula and view
secluded coves, open salt water, rocky beaches,
woodlands and lakes. There may be some lingering
winter birds starting to show their breeding plum-
age as well as some early arriving migrants. Come
enjoy this close-to-home treasure. We often find
between 50 and 70 species at this time of year.
Discovery walk
When: Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where: Naches Trail, Frederickson
Description: Discovery walks are designed for
families and friends of all ages. Discover a new
location each month as you explore the site with
an experienced nature guide. Recommended for
families with children age 4 and up. Call (253)
591-6439 to register and get directions.
Free to members, $5/person for non-members.
Pre-registration is required.
Morse Preserve Open Trails
When: Sun, Apr 13, 12pm – 4pm
Where: Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham
Description: Explore this natural treasure located
in Graham during Open Trail days. Walk the trails
and discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in
the preserve. All ages. Free
Wildlife photographer and TAS member Nate Chappell and his Ecuadorian wife, Angie are
Trogon Tours
Tokeland bird trip
with Nate Chappell
When: Sat, Apr 19, 8am – 4pm
Where: To Tokeland back after meeting at the 512
Park & Ride at 8 a.m.
Description: Wildlife photographer and TAS
member Nate Chappell will lead a bird photogra-
phy field trip to Tokeland, WA. This is at the
height of shorebird migration and we should have
good opportunities to see and photograph many
species, including godwits and willets. If you want
to learn more about bird photography Nate will be
available to answer any of your questions and
explain some of his shooting techniques. Meet at
the 512 Park and Ride near the McDonalds at 8
am. Limit 10 participants. Call the Tahoma
Audubon office at (253) 565-9278 to register.
Morse bird walk
When: Apr 25, 10am – 12pm
Where: Morse Wildlife Preserve. Graham WA
Description: Field Trip leader Betty Jones will
lead a walk at Morse Wildlife Preserve. Call
253-565-9278 to register and for directions.
Tokeland birding trip
with Ruth Sullivan
When: Sat, Apr 26, 6am – 5pm
Where: Meet at Park and Ride lot near McDonald’s
at intersection of I-5 and Hwy. 512
Description: Join Ruth Sullivan for a coastal birding
trip with visits to Brady Loop and Tokeland, with a
side trip to Raymond to explore waterfowl and the
Raymond Airport for possible sightings of White-
tailed Kite. Up to seven birders can sign up for this
joint trip that will also include birders from the Black
Hills Audubon Society. The trip will include looking
at Bottle Beach for Red Knots, Golden Plovers,
Dunlin, Western and Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated
Plovers, Black-bellied Plovers, dowitchers, Ruddy
Turnstone, Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, Peregrine
Falcon and many duck species. You are advised to
bring rain gear and rubber boots. Call the Tahoma
Audubon office at (253) 565-9278 to sign up.
Field trip leaders;
To volunteer to lead a field trip contact Rob at e-mail
rob@whiterabbits.com. Or connect with him during
his monthly walk: Nature Walk at Pt. Defiance Park
in Tacoma, Sun, Mar 16, 8am – 11am.

Description: Discovery walks are designed for
families and friends of all ages. Discover a new
location each month as you explore the site with an
experienced nature guide. Recommended for fami-
lies with children age 4 and up. Call (253) 591-6439
to register and get directions. Free to members, $5/
person non-members. Pre-registration is required.
Birdathon birder kickoff
When: Mar 19, 7:00 to 8:30p.m..
Where: 4011 Alameda W, the
University Place home of Stan
and Helen Engle.
Description: You are important in
helping us ensure the best in conservation and
education programs for TAS. Say “Yes” to being
a birder and gathering pledges for the Birdathon.
Special trips will be offered to aid you. A BIRDER
DOES NOT NEED TO KNOW ANY BIRDS.
We have master birders to help you.
offering some exciting adventures, please check their website for details, www.trogontours.net
Eastern Ecuador November 10-22, 2008
Tour covers the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains and the Western edge of the Amazon lowland
forests. Spectacular species that we have a good chance of seeing and/or photographing include
Harpy Eagle, 3 species of Antpittas, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Crested Owl,
Torrent Duck Great, Andean and Rufous Potoos and dozens of species of beautiful tanagers and
dazzling hummingbirds.
Western Ecuador December 6-14, 2008
Tour of the Western slope of the Andes and some of the Western lowlands. Spectacular species that
we have a good chance of seeing and/or photographing include Andean Cock of the
Rock, Giant and Yellow-breasted Antpittas, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hum-
mingbird and many species of dazzling tanagers and beautiful hummingbirds.
Thailand, January 4-18, 2009
TAS members Nate and Angie Chappell will lead a wonderful trip
to Central and Northern Thailand next January. We will see
and photograph a wide variety of both birds and mammals
and experience Thai culture as well by visiting ruins and
temples. A variety of hornbills, sunbirds, trogons and
barbets are among the many species of birds that
we will see. Cost is $3,600 per person, single
supplement 500. See our website at
www.trogontours.net or call Nate at 253-512-1060.

March 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5


Top: A dark morph Rough-Legged Hawk on the
Sammish Flats. Above: a Snow Goose in flight.
Finally, a Trumpeter Swan shows off that famous “V”
between his eyes, one of the field marks never
illustrated in field guides.
The formally-dressed, resident muskrat at
Breazeale Interpretative Center on Padilla Bay came
out to have lunch with our group and check his shadow.
Page 6
Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
... Groundhog Day
Geese landed just on the other side of the narrow road we were
standing on. I’m guessing that dog had already learned not to mess
around with geese! Wayne Jackson, our assigned counter, estimated
30,000 geese. In the meantime, what should fly over our heads but a
Peregrine Falcon!!! Our first of several for the day!
As we drove on, getting closer to the geese, the day warmed up, coats came
off, shadows were cast, and we practically had to beat off the Bald Eagles. In
addition to the huge number of wintering eagles, there were the residents, who
stood out by “guarding” their nests from any interlopers. We saw these family
groups of eagles at two different huge nests. By the end of the day, everyone had
lost count of eagles, but there were dozens and dozens.
A female kestrel on a wire surprised us, as we were still in the Skagit Valley and
not northwards into the Samish Flats area where we would expect to see them.
Then just north of Highway 20, we were surprised to see a Merlin fly by! Excitement
was starting to mount because we had seen three different falcons now (Peregrine,
Kestrel, and Merlin), which would be a very good falcon count here or anywhere.
However, we were in Skagit County, perhaps the only spot in the country where five
species of falcons can possibly be seen on the same day (we still lacked Gyrfalcon
and Prairie Falcon). So pulses were building at the thought of a 4- or 5-falcon day!
After all, it was still before lunch. We had hours left!
Besides the obligatory Bald Eagles, many Red-tailed Hawks in several color
morphs and ages, all variations of Northern Harriers, and a stunning dark-morph
Rough-legged Hawk were easily seen as we continued up toward the Samish
Flats. We got to the famous “West 90” (named for the bend in the road where
Samish Island Road starts), but it was a bit early yet for our target species there,
the Short-eared Owls (they prefer to hunt at dawn and dusk on nice days like our
day had turned into). But on the way there, we spotted a distant raptor in a tree
and were arguing about what it could be while setting up scopes. Charlie Wright,
Our group at the famous “West 90:” Diane, Jean, Bruce LaBar (leader), Charlie, Wayne, Patti, Jean, Faye.
www.tahomaaudubon.org
from page 1
who is fast growing into The Guy to Pay Attention To, suddenly declared it was a
Gyrfalcon! It took some long scope looks for each of us to be convinced, but we
finally agreed just as the bird took off and showed the in-flight field marks to cinch
the deal! This is one stunning bird even if you’re not on a falcon quest. Washington
has been lucky enough to have a Gyr or two most winters come down, but not
every winter by any means. Tough tundra animals almost too massively built to
be falcons; they have no one to fear. We were thrilled with our 4-Falcon day!!!
No one had heard of a Prairie Falcon this winter, so we thought we had had the
peak experience for the day. But then, at the East 90, we ran into a group from
the Falcon Research Group (www.frg.org) led by Bud Anderson the famous falcon
guy. He told us that a Prairie had been seen in the Samish Island area, so natu-
rally that’s where we went! In the meantime, we were seeing lots of the more
usual raptors and even a few Meadowlarks! We came back from Samish Island
empty handed for falcons, but added lots of ducks. Upon arriving back at the West
90, the Short-eared Owls were flying! Between them and the dozen or more har-
Trumpeter Swans.
riers, low-flying craft were everywhere! But wait!!! What’s this?? A falcon!! And
it landed! Scopes never swiveled so fast! Yes! A Prairie!! We hit the jackpot!!
Won the pentathlon!! A Five-Falcon Day! For some of us, it was the first ever, Bald Eagles in the Skagit Valley seem
and the second for me and fellow Willette, Faye. It was also thrilling to see all the more numerous than Starlings!
birders out there enjoying this spectacle. Dennis Paulson brought a group of
Master Birders just as we were leaving. It’s a nice feeling to know everyone is a
birder, or so it seems.
I shall have to revise my ironclad Law of Birding: That the best bird days are the
worst weather days and vice versa. We had been shedding layers all day, enjoying
one of the most beautiful and warm days ever on the Skagit and Samish flats. Glad
to have such an exception to that rule, which I suspect will still work most of the
time. And if we have to pay for the nice weather by 6 more weeks of winter, that’s
a small price to pay for such a day. We had the last laugh on the groundhog!
March 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
 Just the other day... Here’s what TAS was doing in March, 1983
By Helen Engle
To add to the names of political
figures currently making the front
page every day, here are some
names of our elected officials holding
office in 1983.
United States (pop. 226 million)
President Ronald Reagan (R), 1981-85
Vice President George Bush (R),
1981-85
US Senators
Henry Jackson (D)
Slade Gorton (R)
US Representatives
Norm Dicks, 6th District (D),
Don Bonker, 3rd District (D),
Henry Jackson
Rod Chandler, 8th District (R).
Washington State (pop. 4,130,163)
Governor John Spellman (R)
Lt. Governor John Cherberg (D)
Secretary of State Ralph Munro (R)
Treasurer Robert O’Brian (D)
Attorney General Kenneth Eikenberry (R)
Commissioner Public Lands Brian Boyle (R)
Supt. Of Public Instruction Frank Brouillet (Non-
Partisan)
Insurance Comm. Richard Marquhardt (R)
The TAS Legislative Districts were represented in
Olympia by a State Senator (first of the three names
given in each district) and two Representatives:
2nd Dist.: Ted Bottiger(D), Wayne Ehlers(D),
Duane Kaiser(D). 25th Dist. Marc Gaspard(D),
Dan Grimm(D), George Walk(D). 26th Dist.
Barbara Granlund(D), Carolyn Powers(D), Bill
Smitherman(D). 27th Dist. Lorraine Wojahn(D),
Ruth Fisher(D), Art Wang(D). 28th Dist.
Ted Haley(R), Art Broback(R), Stan
Johnson(R). 29th Dist. A L
Rasmussen(D), Brian Ebersole(D),
P J Gallagher(D). 30th Dist. Pete
VonReichbauer(R), Dick
Schoon(R), Jean Marie Brough(R).
31st Dist. Frank Warnke(D), Mike
Todd(D), Ernest Crane(D).
There has been lots of evidence of birds and sev-
eral species of wildlife dying from consumption of
the deadly pesticide endrin in WA’s apple orchards.
An alternate safer pesticide is now available for con-
trolling rodents that damage orchard crops. This
issue is high on Audubon’s legislative agenda. Rep.
Art Wang and his staff worked many hours on a
bill for the session asking that endrin be banned in
Washington. Friendly sponsors were Reps. Nancy
Rust and Don Charnley in the House.
The March Membership Meeting was at PLU’s
Ingram Hall and we had a great turnout for WWU
Research Associate Terry Wahl’s presentation
“Sea Birds for the Landlubber.” Many of his amazing
photos were taken on his popular pelagic birding
trips 35-40 miles offshore from Westport over the
deep waters of Grays Canyon. Eleven trips are
scheduled for the remainder of 1983 and serious
birders from every Audubon chapter in the state
eventually pilgrimage out with Terry on the fishing
boat that searches out birds.
TOWHEE Editor Chuck Bergman wrote about
“Yesterday’s Caribou.” (It was hard to resist copying
the whole article of his excellent writing.)
“Country cousins to the Rockies, the Selkirk
Mountains are a western spur of the larger moun-
tain range, sharp peaks and high ridges that drop
out of British Columbia into
the Idaho panhandle and
northeastern Washington.
They support the last heard
of caribou in the contigu-
ous United States, the rar-
est large mammal in the
country.”
These Caribou live in
small groups and don’t Helen Engle from days
migrate long distances like of yore.
barren ground caribou.
They eat mostly lichens during winter when deep
snow is over the browse of the understory. Their
hair is hollow for better insulation. Estimates on
herd size puts it at around 100-150.
(Update: Selkirk Caribou were officially listed as
endangered by USF&WS in 1984. The 2005 popu-
lation of Selkirk Caribou was around 50.)
Thais Bock’s “Word on Birds”
reflected lots of happy birding.
Doris Erickson reported uniden-
tified Swallows in Fife on Jan. 8,
and Common Snipe near Fife
High School. Bob Morse saw
Snowy Owls at Ocean Shores,
Gene Hunn saw Oldsquaws
(now Long-tailed Ducks) at Thais Bock
Discovery Park in Seattle. Chris
& Nathan Chappell found a Long-eared Owl near
McAllister Creek at Nisqually NWR. Lots of Bald
Eagles were reported. They are so much more com-
mon than in the recent past.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences
welcome, 253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.

... Citizen science from page 1

proudly holds the title of the longest-running current citizen science project in the
United States—108 years and counting!
To encourage membership in citizen science and spark interest in future gen-
erations, the Tahoma Audubon Society has developed K-5 educational programs
and intermediate level after school opportunities, as well as adult education pro-
grams. Such programs are invaluable in that, they awaken a previously unknown
interest in birds and nature and perhaps open the eyes and hearts of tomorrow’s
leaders to the fragile beauty of birds, beasts, and the ecosystems in which they
live. Not only do citizen science programs offer a great time, education and sci-
entific experience to the public, but they are also tremendously beneficial to spe-
cies, ecosystems, and the scientists that study them.
In Western Washington, local bird populations are fluctuating and some species
are in steep decline due to unknown causes. Examples include the Yellow-headed
Blackbird (down 78%), the Evening Grosbeak (down 97%), and the Purple
Finch (down 87%). To get to the root of this fowl predicament, it will require a
virtual army of scientists and ornithologists to collect enough data. There are
simply not enough scientists to timely accomplish such a feat, but fortunately
Photo/Dave Menke
The population of the Evening Grosbeak and other local species is down dramatically.
there are a multitude of capable and caring birders and volunteers. Organized bird
counts, field trips, and user-friendly data entry programs are all ways in which the
Tahoma Audubon Society is encouraging citizens to become active in the
research and science that ultimately affect each of our lives, and the diverse
habitats that we all depend on. Would you like to see citizen science in action
and contribute to global sharing of information about our local bird populations?
Check out more information on the web at http://www.tahomaaudubon.org and
watch for upcoming citizen science events. Start today by recording and tracking
your personal bird lists online using the Cornell Lab or Ornithology’s eBird data-
base by visiting: www.ebird.org.

BIRDSONGS by Phil Buly

Please
consider
making a planned gift to
Tahoma Audubon society
in the form of a bequest, a
gift of appreciated stock,
or charitable gift annuities.
Ask us how.
(253) 565-9278
Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org
www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2008
 ANNouNceMeNts
Birdathon 2008
is coming soon!
April 25 - May 31
Please think about ways you can help
Birdathon is our largest, most
successful fundraiser and the
world’s biggest birdwatching
competition. Expenses are
around 1%. Sounds too good
to be true, doesn’t it?
Anyone can do a Birdathon.
And if you can’t tell a goose from a grouse, we can
teach you how, or simply sign you up as a sponsor.
Each year, participants nationwide gather pledges
from sponsors, helping to fund our mission of
environmental conservation, education, and advocacy.
It’s the most fun you’ll ever have saving the planet!
You are important in helping us ensure the best
in conservation and education programs for TAS.
Say “Yes” to being a birder and gathering pledges
for the Birdathon. Special trips will be offered to
aid you. A BIRDER DOES NOT NEED TO
KNOW ANY BIRDS. We have master birders
who will let you know what birds you are seeing
or hearing.
Many, many of you have helped by pledging in
other Birdathons. You can multiply that amount as
much as you’d like by deciding to gather pledges.
Remember, if you can’t take a trip, you can gather
sponsors for some of our other birders. It takes a
lot of us working together to keep all our
conservation and education programs going.
You can call for a packet or you can come to a
Birder kickoff on March 19, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at
4011 Alameda W, the University Place home of
Stan and Helen Engle. Another kickoff will be
offered in April. We’re just getting the trips lined
up; watch for the April Towhee for a fuller listing.
Ocean Shores to Tacoma, Pullens, April 25—
Nisqually River and Nisqually Land Trust Lands,
Robert Smith, April 26—
Nisqually and/or Ocean Shores, Your Choice,
Batkers, May 10—
Purdy to Paradise, Bruce LaBar, May 10---
Tacoma to Potholes (overnight), Marcus Roening
& Heather Ballash, May 10---
Fort Lewis, Jim Lynch, May 14—
Lake Waughop and Spanaway Marsh, Betty Jones,
May17—
Morse Preserve, Betty Jones, May 23—
Green River Watershed, Tyler Patterson and master
birder, May 24.
There will be others listed next month and all will
have full descriptions.
Iris folded Spring/
Easter card classes
Rosanne Becker, instructor
Tues., Mar. 4 & Wed., Mar. 12---6:30-9:00 p.m.
Adriana Hess Nature Center.
Cost: $10.00 (to be paid the night of each class)
Fill spring shapes with colorful strips of paper that
spiral to the center or iris. Leave class with at
least two cards and patterns to make your own.
Supplies: small craft scissors, Scotch magic tape
(green plaid dispenser), small craft mat (if you
have one).
March 2008
WE NEED YOU!
Please sign and return this coupon or call and say you will help,
Thelma Gilmur, 253-564-8210.
BIRDATHON 2008
Mail to Tahoma Audubon, 2917 Morrison Road West, University Place, WA 98466.
_______I will get at least 5 pledges and do a Birdathon for TAS.
_______I will make a donation.
NAME____________________________________PHONE____________________
ADDRESS___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________ZIP_______________________
ACOW conference
When: Fri Apr 11 – Sun Apr 13
Where: Sleeping Lady Resort, Leavenworth, WA
Bi-annual conference of the Audubon Council of Washington.
Audubon members from across the state are invited to attend and
participate in meetings, fieldtrips, birding, workshops, & socializing.
Photos/Sleeping Lady Resort
Sleeping Lady Mountain retreat, in the foothills of and breakouts on advocacy, leadership/board
the Cascades outside Leavenworth, Washington, development, and fundraising. Saturday evening
provides an environment that fosters creative will usher in our keynote speaker, Dr. Terry L. Root.
interaction in an atmosphere that blends seamlessly Dr. Root is a Senior Fellow and faculty member at
with nature and the surrounding natural landscape. the Woods Institute for the Environment and
This all-inclusive retreat is also an environmentally Professor-by-courtesy in Biological Sciences at
conscious leader in the hospitality industry.ACOW Stanford University. Dr. Root has worked extensively
will kick off Friday evening with a reception and art in the research of climate change, and he has won
show, featuring Wildlife Biologist and nature artist several honors, most recently lead authorship of
Heather A. Wallis Murphy, photographer Teri Pieper, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,
a book display by A Book for All Seasons and a which was co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace
book-signing by Brian Bell, author of Birds of Prize.Sunday will be devoted to field trips,
Washington State. Friday evening we will also conveniently leaving from Sleeping Lady. These
have our first guest speaker, Dr. Nalini M. trips will include a Chelan-Douglass Land
Nadkarni, a professor at Evergreen Trust trip, as well as Barn Beach
State. Dr. Nadkarni has made a name Reserve and Blackbird Island trips
for herself as “the Queen of the and a trip to Rocky Reach Dam and
Forest Canopy” through numerous Visitor Center.Stay tuned for more
scientific articles and documentary information on Spring ACOW 2008.
appearances, as well as two books. Visit the Audubon Washington
Saturday will be dedicated to workshops website at wa.audubon.org.
ChicoBags are Here!
Less waste, more green. Reusable bags made of strong, washable nylon that
open to 18” X 18” are now available at the Tahoma Audubon office!
Did you know the average American uses between 300 and 700 plastic bags
per year?
• If everyone in the United States tied their annual consumption of plastic
bags together in a giant chain, the chain would reach around the Earth not
once, but 760 times!
• According to the American Forest and Paper Association, in 1999 the U.S.
alone used 10 billion paper grocery bags, requiring 14 million trees to be cut
down.
• Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, they photo-degrade—breaking down into
small toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food-
chain when mistaken for zooplankton or jellyfish.
www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9
 Birding in Ecuador
With members of Tahoma Audubon
Story and photos by Nate Chappell
L ast month my wife Angie and I had the
privilege of leading TAS members John and
Kate Comis, Dennis and Melissa Sherwood
and Carole Breedlove on a weeklong birding and bird
photography tour of Ecuador. My friend and bird pho-
tographer John Maynard joined us as well. We saw and
photographed many beautiful and spectacular species.
After introductions at the Quito airport and a night in
the Akros Hotel, the birding started in earnest the next
morning. While I was still having breakfast Melissa
Sherwood informed me she had already been out birding
and that there was a hummingbird with a very long tail
in the garden next door, along with several other species.
I accompanied Carole and Melissa to the lot down the
street from the hotel where we viewed some of the com-
mon city birds of Quito, Great Thrush, Rufous-collared
Sparrow and Eared Dove. We didn’t get a good look at
the hummer, probably a Trainbearer. We had a lot of
birding to do on the way to Mindo and we needed to get
the show on the road. Our best stop on the way to Mindo
was at the LaPahuma Reserve. Highlights here included
views of a female Cock of the Rock on her nest and a
White-Tailed Hillstar hummingbird. Later that after-
noon, we stopped for lunch at Los Colibris and enjoyed
many species of hummingbirds including White-necked
Jacobins and White-whiskered Hermits whirling about
the feeders as we enjoyed our fresh trout and chicken.
We then went and settled into our hotel, Septimo Paraiso
for the night. At dinner, we did the daily bird list.
he next morning we had to be at breakfast at
T 4am because we were going to a Cock of the
Rock lek in the morning and we had to be in the blind by
dawn. Our early rise and hike through the darkness were
rewarded with several brilliant males displaying in the
forest below the blind. John Maynard managed some
excellent photos of them. After the males left the lek we
walked to a different spot in the forest and the guide and
owner of the property, Angel
Paz, began to call out venga,
venga (come, come) he had n a weeklong birding and bird photography
trained a female Giant Antpitta
to come for a meal of earth-
worms when called. This
O tour of Ecuador, we saw and photographed
many beautiful and spectacular species.
allowed us up close and personal
views and photos of this usually
secretive and elusive species. A troop of Dark-backed
Wood Quail another shy forest dweller also came in for
a feed from Angel. Later we trekked to a different part
of the forest and found the Yellow-breasted Antpitta.
After some tea and a snack we headed to another lodge
to view hummingbirds. At Sachatamia Lodge they had
the usual hummingbird feeders but they also had some
feeders stocked with bananas. We were excited to see
Golden and Golden-naped Tanagers and then thrilled
when a Toucan Barbet came in for a feed.
The next couple of days we birded Rio Silanche, a
lowland forest reserve and Rio Milpe, a foothills reserve
Bluewinged Mountain Tanager
Page 10
at about 4,000 feet. On the
entry road at Rio Silanche a
Laughing Falcon landed on a
limb right next to the van,
allowing me some close pho-
tos. We climbed the tower at
Silanche and were rewarded
with views of Guayaquil
Woodpecker, a large black,
white and red species and
Bronze-winged and Red-lored
Amazon parrots. Melissa
tried to convince the rest of us
that a pointy spike on a distant
tree was a potoo, but it was a
tough sell. The next day at
Rio Milpe we watched Club-
winged Manakins dancing on
their lek and there was a Buff-
fronted Foliage-Gleaner feed-
ing on the warden’s house.
fter 3 days of bird-
A ing the lowlands
and foothills of Mindo on the
fourth day we drove up to
Bellavista, a lodge at the top
of the Tandaypa Valley locat-
ed at 7,500 feet. That afternoon Carole, Melissa and I
birded the entrance road above the lodge and were
rewarded with many species including Grass-green
Tanager and the signature bird of Bellavista, Plate-billed
Mountain Toucan. Kate Comis was supposed to join us
but took a wrong turn and while birding on her own
managed to find an Occellated Tapaculo, a spectacular
and elusive species with white dots all over a chestnut
body. The rest of us went for a small walk into the forest
and found a group of 3 Andean Guans. These large,
turkey-like birds are becoming quite rare due to hunting
and the guide had only seen them 3 times in that area.
That evening a Common Potoo enchanted us by feeding
right next to the lodge on the insects that were attracted
to the floodlights.
he next morning the guide, Gabriel helped us
T find many species including the rare White-
faced Nunbird. He also helped John Comis identify
some of the spectacular cloud forest plants and flowers.
Back at the lodge later that day Kate had a Rufous
Antpitta walk up to her at the feeders. In 2 days she had
seen 2 rare species that had both eluded me. That eve-
ning we drove to Quito and got ready for some
higher altitude birding.
The Yanacocha Reserve on the flanks of the
Pichincha Volcano was our destination the next
morning. On the hike into the main humming-
bird feeders we had some nice birds including
the spectacular Hooded Mountain Tanager and
a very tame, wren-like White-browed Spinetail.
At the main group of feeders, we decided to
have lunch and wait to see what came in. A
brilliant blue Masked Flowerpiercer joined a
few of the more common hummingbird species
to start the show. A bit later the incredible
Sword-billed Hummingbird, its bill longer than
its body, showed itself to our delight. Soon after
that a small hummingbird caught my eye at the
feeder farthest from me. It had all the field
marks of the Black-breasted Puffleg, a rare
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Toucan Barbet
hummingbird that lives only on this one mountain in
Ecuador. It flew off quickly after I got a brief look at it.
I was quite sure of the ID but wanted to speak with Kate,
she of the great birding luck, who of course was right
next to the feeder. We looked at the field guide and
confirmed all the field marks together. She was certain
that was the species as well. After a hike back to the car
we drove back to Quito and did a bit of shopping in one
of the public markets.
Our last day of the tour we birded the Antisana
Volcano, a windswept landscape of
high elevation open grassland and lakes.
On the way up the mountain 2 large
birds of prey flew up from the roadside.
Black-chested Buzzard Eagle I yelled
out as I bolted from the car. We ran
across the road to get a view of the can-
yon below and were rewarded with a
nice flight view of one of the eagles soaring down the
canyon. We visited the shepherd’s house on top where
the Ecudorian Hillstar, a high altitude hummingbird
came to feeders. After about 30 minutes there I noticed
that Dennis, a veteran of 18 Mt. Rainier ascents and John
had climbed to the top of a nearby hill. I called to them
to return to the car before they decided to try and summit
the 19,000 foot volcano. We had more birds to find. We
did quite well on waterbirds at the large lake there, tally-
ing Silvery Grebe, Andean Ruddy Duck and Yellow-
billed Pintail among others. A couple of more hours of
searching in vain for the Andean Condors turned up a
nice Aplomado Falcon. Then it was time to return to
Quito for the final night of the tour.
t our final bird tally of the trip Melissa
A informed me that she had seen 195 lifers
while Carole, who has over 4,000 species on her
world list, told me she had seen about 120 new spe-
cies that trip. I had a great time leading the trip, we
saw a lot of great birds and it was an enthusiastic
group of birders and photographers. For Dennis and
Melissa and John and Kate it was on to the Galapagos,
while John and Carole returned home. I had another
2 weeks of birding, photography and holidays with
Angie’s family. All in all I had 52 lifers for my 4
weeks there. I had a great couple of days at Rio
Palenque, that included the rarely seen Lanceolated
Monklet, a small puffbird, and a beautiful Collared
Trogon that posed nicely for photos. I’m looking
forward to our next tour in Ecuador this November.
March 2008
 voluNteer Recognition
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Audubon
Photo/Julie Kerrigan
Joann Simms and Mary Siegenthaler helping out.
Joann Simms and Mary Siegenthaler are just a few of the amazing
people who help out at the front desk as office receptionists. They
help with answering phone calls, taking care of sales in the book-
store, collecting mail, signing people up for field trips and helping
with small jobs that need to get done. Some of our office reception-
ists also help with various data entry projects. We truly appreciate
their dedication, friendly faces and willingness to help out.
Here are a few questions with Joann Simms:
Julie: How did you get involved at the front desk?
Joann: Sally asked me to be second in command to help run the desk
and I was looking to move out of the Education Chair position.
Julie: How long have you been working at the desk?
Joann: About five years now
Julie: Why do you enjoy working at the front desk?
Joann: I like talking to people about questions. I love to help people with bird problems like how to
get flickers to stop pounding into houses and if I can’t answer a question I like hooking people up with
people who can.

Volunteer at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

2917 Morrison Rd.. W. in University Place
All Fridays. Come at 9:00 a.m. for a light breakfast and stay to weed until
11:00 a.m.
If you wish to help on your own time, we now have a book with entire
grounds marked off and pictured in small segments. You can choose your
portion of the grounds, and at your own convenience, keep it looking like
the picture. Thanks for considering this great way of helping out.

welcoMe to New and Returning Members

January 16, 2008 to February 15, 2008
Chapter New and Renewing:
Sally Boyle, Elaine Brown, Wynne Brown &
Peter Wimberger, Loretta Chivers, Patricia
Coolsen, Alyce & Bruce Demarais, Anne Ellison,
Adele & Mark Freeland, Bryan Hanson, Christine
Hoey, Frank Jacobs, Wayne & Sally Larson,
Rosemary Lenigan, Doreen Ligrano, Terrence
Mace & Anne Wood, Betty Main, Mary Manning,
Sally Nesheim, Jim & Jeanne O’Donnell, Terry
Puskas, Martha Robbins, David Schultz, Joe
TerLouw, Colleen Waterhouse, Denise Wilkes,
Marsha Williams, Nancy Wittenberg.
Joint Chapter and National:
Chuck Bergman, Peter Bartels, Mark Carlson, Jane
Davison, Anne Ellison, Craig Geyer, Bud & Dixie
Harris, Katharine Hemion, Penelope & Dave
Magelsson, Cecile & Guy Montgomery, Melissa &
Jamie Paulson, Edgar & Phyllis Potts, David &
Anne Seago, Julie Smith, Bonnie Stiff, Richard &
Eunice Werner, Dennis & Joy White.
Introductory:
(Recruited through TAS.)
Doug Abel, Martha Humphreys,
Aurora Lau, Brandi Manning,
Joyce & Bruce Murray, Robin Reich,
Kelli Stave. (Recruited through NAS, several
returning after a 6 month lapse, and our TAS
recruited members confirmed by NAS.) Walter
Adams, Andrea Alexander, Ramiro Alonso, Tim &
Pam Moon, C & C Tashi, Sherrie & Cindy, Jennifer
Andreas, Laurie Austin, Tom & Amy Bettesworth,
Anthony Blake, Karen & Stan Bloustine, Jay
Bollman, Mr & Mrs Brian Born, June Camp,
Robert Chamberlain, Valerie Chapin, Katherine
Chappell, Githens Chiropractic, Michael Cramer,
Heather Dumas, Jan Elliott, Lindsay Fuller, Laurel
Gorder, Pam Hicks, Barbetta Hofstedt, Katherine
Holloway, Mr & Ms Joe Schultz, Kelly Johnston,
Jerry Licari, Toni Magelssen, Douglas Mandt,
Mitzi Mc Cart, Bonnie Mc Donough, William Mc
Evoy, Colleen Mishier, Mike Mowat, Jack Osborn,
Stephen Page, Barbara Parsons, Renee Pelletier,
Sarah Spivey Family, Carmen Sterba, Joel Stumph,
Elaine Sumey,Marian Warner, Helen Willis.
We are so pleased to have you all be a part of
Tahoma Audubon. Hope to see you at some of
our events. Follow the news about our Birdathon
and come join us for a fun birding trip in late April
or May. Check the June Towhee to learn about our
annual picnic.

Please see the new board approved Chapter Membership Policy in the annual review, a separate PDF.
Checks payable to: Tahoma Audubon 2917 Morrison
Rd. W. University Place, 98466 Tahoma Audubon
Society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Membership Fee:
___ Introductory (first year) $20
___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50
organization. Donations are tax deductible.

Membership ___
___
Chapter member renewal
Other Contributions _____________
$30

Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As

an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National Member(s) Name: _______________________________________
Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing Address: _______________________________________________
your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in
Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub- City______________________________ Zip__________________
scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis- Phone: home ___________________business _________________
counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/
e-mail: ________________________________________________
National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National
membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of
Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas.

March 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11


MArch 2008
Fri, Mar (all) 9:00am, light breakfast, then volunteer
weeding at Adriana Hess Wetland Park until
11:00am. V
Sat, Mar 8, 8:30am – 5:00pm, Photo Fest, Tacoma
Nature Center, the photography of Tacoma
Photographic Society, first slide-digital show at
9:00am, $5 per person, $10 per family.
Sat, Mar 8, 8:30am – 12:00pm, Swan Creek Park &
Chief Leschi School walk with Ed Pullen. f home of Stan and Helen Engle. Say “Yes” to being a
Tue, Mar 11, 2pm – 4pm, Conservation Committee,
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. m Thu, Mar 20, 1pm – 3pm, Intermediate Home School
Wed, Mar 12, 9:30am – 12:00pm, Titlow Park Bird
Walk, join Vera Cragin for a walk along the shoreline
and through the wooded portions of Titlow Park.
Wed, Mar 12, 3:15pm – 4:45pm, Budding Scientists
- Riding the Wave, Adriana Hess Audubon Center,
ages 5-7.
Thu, Mar 13, 9:30am – 11:30am, Beginning Home
School Science - Surf’s Up, Tacoma Nature Center,
ages 8-10.
Thu, Mar 13, 1pm – 3pm Beginning Home School
Science - Surf’s Up, Tacoma Nature Center, ages
8-10.
Thu, Mar 13, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, Osprey Club at
NV, Narrows View.
Thu, Mar 13, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, TAS Board
Meeting, Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Guest
Welcome, please call ahead at (253) 565-9278.
Fri, Mar 14, 6pm – 9pm, NatureMapping Workshop,
Tacoma Nature Center.
Fri, Mar 14, 7pm – 9pm , Membership Program,
Tacoma Nature Center, Check web site for program.
Sat, Mar 15, 9am – 5pm, NatureMapping
Workshop, Tacoma Nature Center.
Sat, Mar 15, 10:00am – 11:30am, Discovery Walk,
Lower White River, for families with children age
4 and up. f
Sun, Mar 16, 8am – 11am Nature Walk at Pt.
Defiance Park in Tacoma. f Society member Nate Chappell will present an evening
Tue, Mar 18, 1:30pm – 2:30pm Nature Alphabet
- N is for Nuts, Tacoma Nature Center.
Wed, Mar 19, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Budding
Scientists - Sea Monsters!, Adriana Hess Audubon
Center.
For additional information on education programs contact Tahoma Audubon at 253-565-9278; on the web at www.tahomaaudubon.org
Or The Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439 or on the web at www.metroparkstacoma.org
Towhee The
Tahoma Audubon Society YO2
2917 Morrison Road West
University Place, WA 98466
Address service requested
Not applicable on the internets
Calendar
Key to letter symbols
f Field Trip Page
v Volunteer page
m Environment Matters Page
a Related article in The Towhee
E Education Page
Wed, Mar 19, 7:00 to 8:30pm, Birdathon Birder
Kickoff at 4011 Alameda W, the University Place
birder and gathering pledges for the Birdathon.
Science - Deep Waters.
Thu, Mar 20, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, Osprey Club at
NV, Narrows View.
f – 3pm Beginning Home School Science - Head in
Mar 22, 2008, Seabird Workshop, UPS - Slater
Natural History Museum.
Sat, Mar 22, 7:30am, Key Peninsula with Rolan
Nelson. Limit to 11 birders. f
Wed, Mar 26, 3:15pm – 4:45pm, Budding Scientists
- Sea Monsters, Adriana Hess Audubon Center, ages
5-7.
Thu, Mar 27, 1pm – 3pm, Advanced Home School
Science – Oceanography,
Tacoma Nature Center ages 12-15.
Thu, Mar 27, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, Osprey Club at
NV, Narrows View.
Fri, Mar 28, 10:30am – 11:30am, Nature Story
Time - Big Blue Planet, Adriana Hess Audubon
Center, good grandparent/grandchild activity.
Fri, Mar 28, 1pm – 4pm, Advanced Home School
tAhoMA AuDuBoN Programs
The public is invited to attend membership
meetings of Tahoma Audubon Society!
When: Friday, March 14th 2008
Where: Tacoma Nature Center, l9l9 South Tyler
Who: Photographer Nate Chappell
Time: Refreshments @ 7:00 p.m. Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.
Wildlife photographer and longtime Tahoma Audubon
of bird and wildlife photography from Ecuador, Argentina
and Malaysia. Nate and his wife Angie lead birdwatch-
ing and nature photography trips to Ecuador, Thailand
and other exotic locations. He is currently the avian
gallery moderator for Naturephotographers.net, one of
the top rated websites for nature photography. Images
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Tacoma, WA
Permit No. 177
Science Lab – Oceanography, Tacoma Nature
Center ages 12-15.
April 2008
Tue, Apr 1, 10:30am – 11:30am, Nature Alphabet -
O is for Owl, Tacoma Nature Center
children under four require an adult present.
Thu, Apr 3, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, Osprey Club at NV,
Narrows View.
f Tue, Apr 8, 2pm – 4pm, Conservation Committee,
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. m
Wed, Apr 9, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Budding Scientists
- Weather Report, Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Thu, Apr 10, 9:30am – 11:30am, Thu, Apr 10, 1pm
the Clouds, Tacoma Nature Center, ages 8-10.
Thu, Apr 10, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, Osprey Club at NV,
Narrows View.
Thu, Apr 10, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, TAS Board Meeting,
Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Guest Welcome, please call ahead at (253)
565-9278.
Fri, Apr 11, 7pm – 9pm, Membership Meeting,
Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street. Check
web site for program - www.TahomaAudubon.org or
call (253) 565-9278.
Apr 11 – 13 2008 ACOW Conference, Sleeping
Lady Resort, Leavenworth, WA. a
(page 8.)
Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am – 11:30am, Discovery Walk,
Naches Trail, Frederickson, for families with children
age 4 and up, register by calling 253-591-6439. f
will be shown from several trips to Ecuador. Many beau-
tiful species of hummingbirds and tangers will be dis-
played during this section. Additionally, he will show bird
and wildlife photos from a trip to Argentina which
included stops at Iguassu Falls and the Ibera Marshes
which is one of the 3 most important wetlands in South
America. Lastly he will present images from Malaysia
including birds, Orangutans and Probocis Monkeys. If
you would like to visit his website, it is www.trogontours.
net. Join us for an exciting evening.
Mark your calendars: April program April 11!
Recommendations for future programs can be sent to
Katrina Weihs at katweihs@earthlink.net, or
253-304-6422, include contacts, topics, and best time
to reach you.
March 2008
In this issue:
25 years ago page 8
Annual review separate PDF
Birding in Ecuador page 10
BirdSongs page 8
Bryan Flint column page 2
Environment matters
Field trips
page 3
page 5
New members page 11
Paul Webster page 1
Volunteer recognition page 11