Look for our

Annual Report
posted in a
separate PDF

Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 40 No. 2 March 2009

Diane yorgason-quinn’s orthward we went on Saturday, Feb. 7—definitely time for the tradi-
tional mid-winter Tahoma Audubon trek to the Skagit and Samish flats
for a bit of arctic wildlife! After all, there’s no way to feel warmer than
to return from an even colder clime. Bruce LaBar and Charlie Wright
served as co-leaders, and we couldn’t be luckier than that!
When we arrived in Skagit County though, fog was lying low upon the
land. Snow Geese were overhead, but they were more heard than seen. We
only got glimpses of white wraiths appearing and disappearing through layers
of equally white fog, quite the stuff of dreams. Even underneath the blanket,
the usual sparrows of the Skagit Wildlife Area were staying in bed, but we
skagit to anacortes
See "Skagit field trip" on page 6

Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn

Mountain Quail
By Paul Webster
In Our National Parks (1901) John Muir praised the Mountain
Quail as “the very handsomest and most interesting of all American
partridges.” It wasn’t better known, he wrote, because it was “a
lonely mountaineer.” And indeed, few birds are harder to find than
this largest American quail that typically inhabits slopes in heavy
undergrowth. It differs from other North American quail in using
high-elevation habitat, migrating considerable distances with the
seasons mostly on foot to higher or lower elevations, and eating
almost nothing but plants. Surprisingly fleet of foot, Mountain
Quail usually run away uphill if disturbed, it is said, at up to 12
mph. The bird’s secretive ways make it hard to study, so much
research on Mountain Quail behavior, population, and manage-
ment strategies remains undone; a recent account of the species is
replete with phrases like “little known,” “data sparse,” and repeat-
edly, “needs study.”
Larger than the familiar California Quail, Mountain Quail
(Oreortyx pictus) are striking and unmistakable, with a long,
straight black head-plume above a gray crown, a chestnut throat
outlined in white, and chestnut sides marked with bold white bars.
Washington birds live in mixed forest, regenerating clearcuts, and
on chaparral slopes, especially slopes with Scotch broom and
Pacific madrone. Their diet is berries, seeds, and leaves from a
wide variety of plants, including thistle, pine, fir and even night-
shade and poison oak; seeds of the often-reviled Scotch broom are
an especially important food for the western Washington birds.
Mountain Quail live from sea level to 10,000 feet throughout the
mountains of the far west, principally the Sierras, the Cascades, and
the Coast Range from Washington to Central California. In
Washington they live mostly near sea level in Kitsap, Mason, and
northeast Grays Harbor counties,
and a few still live in the Blue
Mountains in the state’s
southeast corner. Stable in
their principal range,
See "Quail"
on page 9

Photo/Peter Knapp

Be sure and In this issue:

check out 25 years ago page 8
the Youtube Announcements page 9
Annual Report center pullout
slideshow BirdSongs page 8
of our 40th Calendar page 12
Education page 3, 4
AnniversAry Environment matters page 3
banquet! Field trips page 5
New members page 10
(click on the pic!) Volunteer recognition page 10
 We say get to enjoy the anticipato-
rious time between going to
rect reporting, appealing anecdotes and material that
your readers love to get in their mailboxes.  You can

Thanks!
to long-time editor Kathleen
LeGreid as she steps down
By Helen Engle
Editors of Audubon newsletters have so many things
to feel good about as they create the vehicle of com-
munications for the club.   It’s an empowering thing!
You get to make so many choices. You work with cre-
ative desktop publishers to set up the style sheet the
copy-writers should use when they submit copy every
month.  You get to work with talented authors and ded-
icated staff to determine the formatting, the order of
presentations of the breaking news, the boiler plate, the
photos, right down to the font, abbreviations, titles and
the forbidding of certain words and phrases you don’t
like.  You get to edit final copy—deleting, re-arranging,
and showcasing some, burying other items. And you
the printer and picking up have anxious nerves about finding good fact-checkers
that warm first copy.  You and proof-readers.   Another anxiety-producer is the
are very important to the fear of using words that throw readers into a tizzy, or
entire club from the board cancels out all the good things in the rest of the issue,
down to the newest mem- offending in ways you never dreamed of doing.  You
ber!   You help win prizes get phone calls, e-mails, and angry letters telling you
for your organization; you
are consulted on many
all the ways you offended, got it wrong, goofed up
somehow…and you can’t lay the blame on your copy
things.  You get letters to
the editor from readers
submitters because you are the ultimate decider!
Tahoma Audubon has had great good fortune in its
who find something that lights them up for days! But if newsletter the past many years.  We’ve received ex-
you are prone to anxiety attacks you need not apply. ceptional products from the smiling, friendly, in-
No job has so many levels of anxiety. You are always telligent Kathleen LeGreid, Editor.  She has
under pressure—one of the first laws of journalism delivered to us an outstanding Towhee
is “You SHALL meet your deadline.” That means ten times each year for ten years.  That
you sweat out the arrival of copy from represents a lot of nervous en-
a wide variety of writers, illustrators, ergy; anxiety attacks we’ll never
photographers, etc.: easy-going know; and surely some wonder-
folks who may or may not live un- ful, confidence-building successes.
der that first rule.  You hate to nag Don’t let us miss you too long Kath-
them, you can’t coerce leen. Warm up your computer for
writers.   You are at us once in a while - we  love you.
their mercy further in
that you want excit-
ing stories, precisely cor- Bye bye, Kathleen!

Birdathon fundraiser is coming soon

On April 25 - May 31 Tahoma Audubon will be hosting the annual Birdathon
fundraiser. Birdathon is our largest, most successful fundraiser and the world’s biggest
birdwatching competition. Each year, participants nationwide gather pledges from
sponsors, helping to fund our mission of environmental education, conservation, and
advocacy. Anyone can participate in Birdathon. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have saving The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society
the planet! Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
You are important in helping us ensure the best in conservation and education programs 2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
for Tahoma Audubon. Say “Yes” to being a birder and gathering pledges for the
Birdathon. A birder does not need to know any birds: special trips will be offered to help
the novice birder. We have master birders who will help you know the birds you are Tahoma Audubon Staff
 
seeing and hearing. Flint, Bryan Executive Director                        
Many, many of you have helped in the past by pledging in the Birdathons. Take the bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129
next step and gather pledges, and you can multiply your contribution as much as you’d
like. Remember, if you can’t take a trip, you may wish to gather sponsors for some of our Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator
other birders—we’d love to have you choose to help in this way. kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978                    
Tahoma Audubon has done an exceptional job of keeping expenses low. We pride
Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator
ourselves on keeping expenses at about 1 to 1.5%. Makes you feel like contributing,
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-327-9480                      
doesn’t it?
You can call for a packet or you can come to a Birder kickoff on Tuesday, March 31, Taylor, Graham Volunteer 253-565-1884
7:00 to 8:30p.m. at the Tahoma Audubon office, 2917 Morrison Rd W, in University Kerrigan, Julie Coordinator 253-223-0039
Place. We are just getting the trips lined up; watch for the April Towhee for a fuller listing gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org
with complete descriptions.
Nisqually and/or Ocean Shores, your choice, Ken and Nell Batker, Sat, April 25.
              Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
Ocean Shores, Ed and Kay Pullen, Thurs, May 7. John Garner President
Purdy to Paradise, Bruce LaBar and Charlie Wright, Sat, May 9, 5:00 a.m. Marjorie Shea Vice President
Green River Watershed, Greg Volkhardt and a master birder, Sat, May 9, 8:00 a.m.
Wayne Larsen Past President
Morse Preserve, Betty Jones, Fri, May 15, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Tacoma to Potholes (overnight), Marcus Roening and Heather Ballash Sat, May 16. Jane Brosius Secretary
Lake Waughop, Betty Jones, Sat, May 23, 8:30-11:00 a.m. Kathleen Nelson Treasurer
Key Peninsula, Rolan Nelson, Sat, May 30.
Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008
We’re working on a trip to Fort Lewis
and possibly one to Land Conservancy Rob McNair-Huff Field Trip Chair
lands. There will also be a Big Day Thelma Gilmur Membership Co-chair
where groups, individuals, and Dick Carkner
members of the public can join Sally Larson
us. We will have the full array
Marcus Roening
and descriptions in the April
Towhee. Plan now to join us Peggy L. Kopf
and have a great time seeing Darby Veeck
birds with master birders and Ione Clagett
bringing in the dollars as has been Melissa Paulson
our reputation.
Loren Webster Calendar Editor loren@lorenwebster.net
See you at Birdathon!

The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS
advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conserva-
tion through education and activities that enrich its member’s
experiences in and with the natural world.
The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with a
combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issue. Submissions of articles and
photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, and
environmental education are reviewed and considered for inclu-
sion by the editor. Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may
be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
E-mail submissions to: editor@tahomaaudubon.org
Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com
Printing: Consolidated Press

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2009

 ENVIRONMENT Matters

Education Matters

Things
get
wild at
Nature
Day
Camps
in 2009!

March 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

 Education Matters
Give nature experiences to your favorite teacher or classroom
April, May and brings a wealth of knowledge about Pacific Northwest the Teen Zone and the SKIESUnlimited program at
June are prime wildlife and habitats to the program and leads or co-leads Fort Lewis. This program has been sponsored by the
months for field the Osprey Club at the Fife and Tacoma School districts. TogetherGreen.org collaboration between National
trips and classroom We are very lucky to have Brianna for this program! Audubon and Toyota.
presentations. We are able to continue to offer the Osprey Club to The staff at the base has been very supportive of the
Tahoma Audubon University Place, Tacoma and Fife through a generous Osprey Club, offering their help with marketing to the
and the Tacoma grant from the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation youth and families who live on post and providing us
Nature Center offer through the Hayes Family Fund and the Sue D. Nilsson the space and schedule to offer the program once per
an array of program- Endowment Fund. We are grateful for the support that week. We are extremely grateful to Cindy Arnold from
ming for classrooms the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation has given the SKIESUnlimited, Chris Withrow from Teen Zone
stephanieSWAIM and other education- to our programs. and Miriam Easley, the Sustainability Outreach
Education Coordinator al groups. We have a
…and again! Coordinator for Fort Lewis Public Works.

Call Steph @ 253-565-5479. Or

variety of in-class
and field trip pro- In mid-April we will again be expanding the Osprey Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org grams, from water Club to a new venue. We will launch the club through new group of Osprey Clubbers!
quality to wildlife
and bird identification. Unfortunately, school funding
often is too limited to allow teachers to bring our pro-
grams to students, or their students to our programs.
Sponsoring your favorite teacher or classroom is a
great way to ensure that the students take part in a high-
quality environmental education program and are
rewarded for a year of hard work. If you don’t have a
favorite classroom or teacher, we also have a scholarship
fund to support the schools that request programs, but
can’t cover the full cost. Please contact the Tacoma
Nature Center at (253) 591-6439 if you wish to sponsor
a classroom, or wish to donate to our scholarship fund.
The short months between the WASL tests and the end
of the school year are preferred by teachers. But they fill
up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. You may
view our menu of programs for classrooms online at
www.TahomaAudubon.org/EnvironmentalEducation.

Summer camp registration

begins mid-March
Believe it or not, summer camp registration is all
ready to launch in mid-March! This year, Tahoma
Audubon and the Tacoma Nature Center are keeping Photo/Margie Shea
Brianna Charbonnel shares her knowledge of Pacific Northwest wildlife and habitats.
their successful formula and offering
more opportunities for your children to
take part in the summer fun. Check out
the schedule on page 3; some weeks fill
fast, so make sure you register early to
get your first choice!

Osprey Club
expands again…
Osprey Club, an after-school program
that builds self-confidence in middle- and
high-school students through environ-
mental stewardship and community ser-
vice, has launched in the Fife school dis-
trict at Columbia Junior High (CJH). We
have partnered with Ms. Cindy Swenson,
who pioneered the Environmental Club at
the CJH, to offer support and instruction
to the club until the end of the school year.
Prior to our partnership, Ms. Swenson and
her Environmental Club became stewards
of Dacca Park across the street from the
school, taking inventory of the inverte-
brates in the retention pond and monitor-
ing the health of the habitats.
We welcome Brianna Charbonnel as our
Osprey Club Lead Educator. Brianna is an
exceptional naturalist and educator who
has been teaching at the Nature Center and Sponsoring your favorite teacher or classroom is a great way to ensure that the students take part in a high-quality environmental
Tahoma Audubon for over three years. She education program and are rewarded for a year of hard work.

1919 South Tyler Street, 2917 Morrison Road W.,

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

Check out our class listings on page 3!

Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2009
 field trips and Events
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Big changes are happening at Nisqually National
Wildlife Refuge!
Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the birds
at Nisqually NWR.
On the first Wednesday of the month, the group takes
a longer hike on the full loop, at least for awhile this
spring depending on construction.  The other weeks, the
trip is shorter, totaling about four miles.   On these
weeks, the group walks out to McAllister Creek via
the new cross dike trail.  Then it takes the boardwalk/
trail to the Twin Barns, the Nisqually overlook
area, and out past where the ring dike used to be.
Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear,
water, snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a
pass.  Scopes are welcome.
Meet: At the Visitor’s Center.
Directions:   Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exit to
Nisqually NWR at exit 114.  Take a right at the light.
Sign-up:  Call or email Phil Kelley for details during the
trail construction period, and the start time which may
change to 7:30am. Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360) 459-1499,
scrubjay323@aol.com.
During the 3-4 year estuary reconstruction project, go to
http://www.fws.gov/nisqually/ and click on Events and
News.  During the reconstruction, some trails may be
closed temporarily.
Point Defiance Nature Walk
Sunday, March 15, 8 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m.
Join Rob McNair-Huff for his monthly third-Sunday
nature walk at Point Defiance Park on March 15. The
walk starts at 8 a.m. at the back of the zoo parking lot
and will traverse roughly five miles of trails through the
mixed forest habitat. Come prepared for an energetic
Spring Class
The Art & Nature of Native Plants
This field-based class brings together the natural
world and the artist’s perspective. Native plant
specialist, Mary Sue Gee, will provide hands-on
instruction in identification and ecological relation-
ships during one classroom session and three field
trips. She will be joined by Monica Weidman,
watercolor artist and botanical illustrator, to engage
the students in a deeper appreciation and under-
standing of the native plant ecosystem of the
Fee: $75 member; $95 non-member includes
class instruction and three field trips. Optional
field trips may be scheduled with additional
fee.
Required Text: Plants of the Pacific Northwest
Coast, Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, 1994.
Book will be available at class for $19.95.
Discount for Tahoma Audubon members.
Suggested Text: Flora of the Pacific
Northwest, C.L. Hitchcock and A. Cronquist,
1973.
Other field guides are useful if students have
favorites.
March 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5
walk in changeable weather conditions. Birds we will see
along the way are likely to include Pileated Woodpecker
and other forest bird species.
Eatonville Bird Watching/Nature Walks
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Eatonville Outdoor at 101 Mashell Ave. S.
Join residents and visitors alike in a bird watching/nature
walk activity in Eatonville. The walk will cover a total
distance of 1.5 miles and go to Smallwood Park and Mill
Pond Park. Winter and early spring are excellent times
to see waterfowl in the old millpond. Plus, the resident
eagles are expected to be visible at Smallwood Park!
Bring your own snack, or plan to lunch at one of
Eatonville’s dining establishments afterward. Please visit
www.eatonvilleoutdoor.com for more information!
Key Peninsula Trip
Saturday, April 4, 7:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon
Leader: Rolan Nelson
The perfect time of year to be out birding!  We will be
checking out quiet saltwater coves, woodland lakes and
forests, and some of the open Sound as well.  We are
hoping for a good mixture of alcids, ducks and songbirds.  The field trips, lectures, and banquet served at the high
Bring some rain gear just in case, a lunch, and a scope if
you have one.  We will meet at the Purdy Park & Ride at
7:30 a.m. and carpool from there.
Call: The Tahoma Audubon office at 565-9278 to
reserve a spot.
 
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival
Friday - Sunday, March 20-22 Othello, Washington
Reported by Carol Schulz
The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is a wonderful
birding event in Eastern Washington.
South Puget Sound. Mary Sue has an MLA degree
in landscape architecture and extensive training
and experience in wildlife habitat restoration,
urban and wetlands ecology. She combines her
interest in art and nature in her presentations and
stories. Monica has a BA in Art Education and is
a certified Scientific Illustrator. She finds pleasure
in nature’s serene pace and its simple yet complex
beauty.
Suggested Tools: Any type of sketch book,
pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, watercolors,
magnifying glass/lens, binoculars, camera
Class Date: 7-9 pm, Wed. April 15, Adriana
Hess Audubon Center, University Place
Field Trips: 9am-3pm; Sat. April 18, Sat. May
2. Third date to be scheduled with class.
Scholarship assistance is available. Contact
the education committee chair, Margie Shea,
at 591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com
To Register: Call 591-6439 to register. Pre-
registration is required. Deadline to register is
April 8.
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 leaders put in a lot of time and planning and
no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 no-shows a
year can result in revoking opportunity 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 guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car, not
including driver.
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
school are famous now; and quite a few participants and
speakers come from out-of-state.  The field trips leave in
school buses, vans, and cars from the high school.
Registration information and tour info is available at
www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org or call 1-866-726-
3445 (toll free after 4 p.m.)
The most popular trips and accomodations fill early, so
register ASAP.
For more information about the festival, call or e-mail
Carol Schulz, linusq@att.net, 206-824-7618.  E-mail is
preferred.
Birdathon Birders Training Kickoff
Get ready to help Tahoma Audubon by hearing our
master birders share their Birdathon experiences.
Learn about all the fun and how it is done. March 31,
Tuesday evening, 7:00 to 8:30, at Adriana Hess.
You are important in helping us ensure the best in
conservation and education programs for Tahoma
Audubon. 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. Hope to see you
there!
Morse Preserve Open Trails
When: Sun. April 12, Easter Day, noon - 4:00pm
Where: Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham
Description: Explore this natural treasure located in
Graham during Open Trails Day. Patty Brabley will
introduce you to the self guiding trail guide with 13
stations. Great way to get outside a bit on Easter
afternoon. Call 253-565-9278, for directions.
Morse Preserve Open Trails
When: Sun. May 10, Mother’s Day, Noon - 4:00pm
Once again Patty Brabley, neighbor to the Preserve,
will help you enjoy the outdoors on a holiday. Call
253-565-9278, for directions.
Morse Wildlife Preserve Bird Walk
When: Friday, April 10, 10:00am - noon
Description: Field Trip leader Betty Jones will lead a
walk at the Preserve in Graham. Call 253-565-9278
to register and for directions.
Audubon Springs & Spanaway Marsh
(Hopefully, as we must still go through permitting.)
When: Saturday, April 18, 10:00 - 12noon
Description: Betty Jones will lead this trip. Boots are
necessary for the conditions we will encounter. Call
253-565-9278 to register and for directions.
...Skagit field trip
from page 1

did spot that Great Horned Owl already on her nest in February. As the fog lifted a little,
the sparrows came out, along with a lost Winter Wren and Purple Finches, blinking into
the light. The winter sun took over and warmed us in every sense of the word.
Swans—Trumpeters and Tundras—dotted the fields, and raptors topped every tenth tele-
phone pole. Although Rough-legged Hawks are reported to be in low numbers this year,
we saw seven or eight, in intermediate adult plumage, female adult plumage, and imma-
tures as well. Besides the usual light morph Red-tailed Hawks and the more colorful
rufous versions, we also got a good long look at a Harlan’s Hawk, an uncommon subspe-
cies of Red-tail, which struck a strange stance in the top of a little tree, looking all the
world like a giant Fox Sparrow on steroids. A stunning Peregrine Falcon happily let us
gaze long at her as she digested a meal.
And did I mention Eagles? At one point we looked up and saw at least fifteen soaring
above us at once. Lifting binoculars revealed more that were too high to see with the
naked eye. Well over half were immatures, proving the success of efforts to restore the
Bald Eagle. They were just everywhere. If you didn’t see at least one eagle at any stop we
made, you just hadn’t looked!
Rancho Valentine was up next, a new hot spot this year that has attracted every birder
who has ventured anywhere near La Conner. The artists who reside here have created a
wonderful fusion of bird feeders, gardens and yard art, and they’re friendly to birders
besides! Their yard has attracted a Blue Jay this season and a couple of White-throated
Sparrows! These birds from the eastern U.S. have found a home away from home in this
hospitable spot. Our large group managed to scare most of the birds away except for some
very friendly Downy Woodpeckers, but we waited and were rewarded with a great look at
a White-throated Sparrow for some of us, nicely photographed by Ruth Sullivan.
After lunching at Padilla Bay, we camped out for a while at the West Ninety, a legendary
birding spot named after the right angle the road takes before turning north to Samish
Island. The show was indeed on as we watched a dozen Northern Harriers, several Rough-
leggeds and Red-tails, and a couple of Short-eared Owls patrol the area.
Down the road, several Eurasian Collared Doves were seen as well, a real news story in Top left: Immature Bald Eagle, one of several dozen seen on field trip. (Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn) Above: The group looks down on the earth and the birds from Mt Erie.
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn

the birding world. If you read this article five years from now, you’ll probably wonder
what all the excitement was about. This was my first time to see them in Skagit County,
but they’ve been reported now in probably half the counties of the State. Stay tuned for
more news on these pioneers from Florida and the Old Country before that.
By late afternoon, instead of throwing in the towel, a groundswell of birding mania kept
the field trip going, and we headed west to twitch some rarities! Looking westward, we
saw Mt. Erie crowned by a tiara of communication towers way over by Anacortes, and we
wondered if we could get there by dark, since it was already 3 o’clock. Forty minutes later
we were on top of the mountain! A very nice paved road all the way, and what a view in
all directions, too! The target birds, White-Winged Crossbills, of course were not there,
being mythical beasts after all, but there were a few little birds including Red-breasted
Nuthatches happily going about their business. Once we got down off the mountain, it
was still light so we headed for Lake Erie (remember, we went west to get here, not east!),
where we succeeded in finding the recently reported Tufted Duck! It was not the gorgeous
male that would be unmistakable, but rather the drab female, which made it much more of
a challenge to identify. But having to work at it made the identification that much more of
an accomplishment. After all, the most maniacal birders in the world are specialists in little
brown birds because that is where the challenges really lie! This particular duck was
underwhelming in plumage, but thrilling in its own way.
We milked every last ounce of daylight out of that gorgeous day! Thanks, Bruce and Photo/Ruth Sullivan Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Charlie, for being so gung ho and ready for anything and everything! A rare White-Throated Sparrow at Rancho Valentine. Group photo at the West Ninety. From left: Diane, Jody, Mike, Carolyn, Noel, Charlie Wright (leader), Bruce LaBar (leader), Jim, Sam, Ruth, Faye, Wayne, Ken, Margie.

Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7

 Just the other day... Here’s what TAS was doing in February 1984
By Helen Engle President, Greg Sylvester; Secretary, Lake Tradition with Tom

25
We always had fun at our ban-
quets and the 15th annual banquet
was a good one for 172 of us at the
Sherwood Inn. Dr. Dennis
Years Ago
Paulson’s program on shorebirds and
their habits was the answer to birders’
prayers. His bird call imitations would have fooled
the birds themselves.
Tahoma Audubon President Walt Adams gave a
concise report on our accomplishments and unfin-
ished business for the year. Congressman Norm
Dicks was introduced by Helen Engle, member of
the National Audubon Board of Directors. The con-
gressman reconfirmed that he would champion the
Washington Wilderness Bill and would work to see
that the Clearwater, Pierce County’s backyard wil-
derness, would be one of the protected places by
official wilderness designation. Henry Kyle was
presented with the Tahoma Audubon Distinguished
Service Award for his vital role in saving McNeil
Island. Other awards for outstanding service were
presented to Leota Moore, John Whitmer,
Nancy Thomas, Ken Batker, and Mary
McKeever.
Our tickets were $10 for dinner, tips and tax.
The annual election was part of our banquet pro-
gram with Nominating Committee Chair Bea
Thompson’s slate unanimously elected. New offi-
cers were: President, Robert W Ramsey; Vice
Evelyn Patton; Treasurer, Pat Olson; Mechler; and turkey watch-
Past President, Walt Adams; Directors ing in Klickitat County with
at Large, Jean Gillmer, Cathy the Wild Turkey Federation
Jerbic, Dr. Henry Kyle, Cindy President Dennis Barci. A
McIntyre, Leota Moore, Annabelle special field trip, led by Cathy
Reed, Dr. Sally Sloat, Fred Stoermer, Jerbic and Eric Anderson
and Bea Thompson. (Yakima Firing Center Range
Helen Engle
Conservation Officer), went from days of yore.
Two things were new:
to the Yakima Firing Center
We were organizing the first Tahoma Audubon
to see the Sage Grouse strutting at sunrise on their
Birdathon. Kris Quinn was recruiting birders and
traditional leks (breeding grounds).
donors to raise money for Tahoma Audubon’s pro-
Tahoma Audubon’s Education Committee Chair
grams as well as those of National Audubon.
Thelma Gilmur was rounding up volunteers for
The second new thing was a book we had all
our booth at the Daffodil Festival Show; Conservation
been waiting to see: The “National Geographic
Committee member John McCann was recruiting
Field Guide to the Birds of North America 1983.”
volunteers for the mapping of the natural and criti-
Ralph Widrig reported to us in his review. He said
cal wildlife habitat areas of Pierce County to provide
the illustrations were mostly very good, but with 13
up-to-date information for future planning.
different artists there was bound to be some varia-
Tahoma Auduboners were urged to attend the
tions. He praised the inclusion of different races of
Audubon Council of Washington at Central
many problem species; and mentioned a couple of
Washington University’s conference center on the
errors with respect to the Pacific Northwest—Brown
theme of “Agriculture and Farmlands Preservation.”
Pelicans were shown to be north to British Columbia
The weekend program included field trips, reports
year-round; and Cassin’s Finches were shown to
from Western regional Audubon staff and lots of
breed and occur year-round throughout western
socializing with Auduboners from all of our state’s
Washington right to the coast.
chapters.
Field trips included Nisqually Wildlife Refuge cen-
sus with Ken Brown; Titlow Park for children,
Mildred Hoffman and Thelma Gilmur; Whidbey Feedback, comments and reminiscences
Island and Padilla Bay with Jim Scearce; Issaquah’s welcome, 253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.

the
quizzical 1. What small shorebird can be found throughout North and South America?

wl
2. Name an abundant seabird traveling nearly 40,000 miles each year during migration.

3. Formerly known as “Fish Hawk” what is its name today?

4. Known throughout its worldwide range as the Sand Martin, we call it the ___________.

5. Russia’s Kamchata Peninsula is home to what large eagle occasionally seen in Alaska?
By Thais Bock
(Answers below cartoon.)
by Phil Buly
BIRDSONGS

The Northern saw-whet owl got its wonderful name because early colonial settlers de- piece of construction equipment backing up. Perhaps if it were named more recently,
cided that its call sounded like a wood saw being sharpened on a whet-stone. I have it might be called the Northern fork-lift owl. I much prefer saw-whet!
only heard a real saw being “whetted” a couple of times, and it’s a very appropriate
comparison. The saw-whet’s song is much more commonly heard – a monotonous Wildlife Journal. January/February 2009.
series of one-note toots which sound remarkably like the warning sound of a large “Owls of New Hampshire” by Iain MacLeod
Answers: 1. Spotted Sandpiper 2. Sooty Shearwater 3. Osprey 4. Cliff Swallow 5. Steller’s Sea Eagle

Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2009

 announcements
Trogon Tours
Ecuador: Andes to Amazon
August 1-12, 2009
Tahoma Audubon Member Nate Chappell and
Ecuadorian birding guide William Perez will lead
this exciting birdwatching and nature photography
tour. We will start in Quito, drive up over Papallacta
Pass and stay at three lodges on the eastern slope
of the Andes Mountains, Guango Lodge, San
Isidro and Wild Sumaco Lodge.  After that we
will board a motorized canoe in Coca for the four
hour trip down the Napo River to the superb Sani
Lodge, which is located on an oxbow lake in the
heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon.  After spending
four nights there we will return by plane to Quito. 
Cost of the trip is $3,100, $400 single supplement. 
For more information and the complete itinerary
please see our website, www.trogontours.net or
call Nate Chappell at 253-512-1060.
Thelma says thanks On Feb. 15, Friends gathered at the
Mountaineers Clubhouse for an open
house celebrating Thelma Gilmur.
Thelma says:
“Sunday, February 15, was such a
wonderful day for me and my family.
It was good to see and visit with so
many of you long-time and newer friends.
I thought I was thanking everyone who
came until I got home and saw the notes
and cards and realized I had missed
some of you. So here’s a great big thank-
you to all!
And the group that dreamed, planned,
shopped, baked, cleaned-up, etc., please
accept my solid gratitude. It was a
special day.”

... quail from page 1

Mountain Quail have decreased in the western

Great Basin and east of the Cascades; in Idaho it
has declined 95% in the last thirty years, and the
small eastern Washington numbers also appear
threatened. Why the decline? Hunting is not to
blame, because Idaho has banned hunting them
since the 1980s. And logging, so often problematic
for wildlife, may actually help create good condi-
tions for the quail as trees and brush grow back.
As so often, the problem seems to be habitat loss.
Brush burning, clearing along streams, water
impoundments, heavy grazing by sheep and cattle,
intensive farming, and residential development –
taken together they eliminate the quail’s brushy

habitat. A Washington state management plan sug-
gests a combination of regulation, education, habi-
tat enhancement, and reintroduction to stabilize the
eastern population.
March and April are good months to look for
Mountain Quail as the males begin to crow, a loud
two-note whistle described as “queé-ark” or
“queerk.” A dawn stake-out at a Mason or Kitsap
County slope with madrone and Scotch broom
could just reward the visitor with a good look at
that “lonely mountaineer” so admired by John
Muir a century ago.
Nurture in Nature
PUGET SOUND
GULL WORKSHOP
At the Slater Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma
Dr. Dennis Paulson, Instructor. Saturday, March 28, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Did you know they are not all just “seagulls?” There Prerequisite: A real interest in learning about gulls.
are actually ten species of gulls that occur regularly in The cost of the workshop is $35.00 ($20.00 for
and around Puget Sound. The goal of this workshop students and seniors 65 or over).
is that you will come away with some knowledge To register, send your name(s), address, daytime
of the lives and times of these species and how to phone number, and email address with a check made
distinguish them from one another. These birds are
our constant companions at the waterside, and
out to Slater Museum to:
Carol Curtin

Preschool you owe it to yourself to know more about them.

The workshop will consist of a half-day classroom
University of Puget Sound
Biology Department
session discussing the identification and natural 1500 No. Warner #1088
at the Tacoma Nature Center history of the gulls that occur regularly in the Tacoma, WA  98416
Now enrolling Sound. We will look at both photos and Your enrollment will be confirmed by
students ages 3-6 specimens to learn how to identify email as soon as your check is received
them, and the lecture will fill you and will include driving directions to the
First session begins in on when and where to expect Museum. If the class is full when your
September 2009 to see them as well as interesting check arrives, you will be notified
Details at www.metroparkstacoma.org aspects of their natural history. and given the option of being put
The instructor will be Dr. Dennis on a waitlist (your check will be
Or call 253-591-6439
Paulson, Director Emeritus, Slater returned if you do not get into the

Partners in providing the best Museum, and teacher extraordinaire. workshop).  If there is enough interest

in nature programming
Dennis has been learning and we will hold a second workshop in April.
teaching about the birds of this   For more information, contact Carol
region for 40 years.  This is truly an Curtin at ccurtin@ups.edu or call her at
opportunity not to be missed. (253) 879-2855.

March 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9

 volunteer Recognition
Local university students find learning opportunities with Tahoma Audubon
Beth Graves
is all about con-
nections: in her
internship, she’s
helping Tahoma
Audubon and other
local environmental
organizations make
connections to
protect Tacoma’s
jillEIKENHORST green spaces.
Intern Editor
At school, she’s
interested in how
economic and community development connect
with environmental protection. Meanwhile, she’s
connecting her intellectual interests with her passion
to make a real change in the world. Beth, a senior
at University of Puget Sound, will work with Green
Tacoma Partnership this spring as a Community
Organizer Intern.
Green Tacoma Partnership is a public-private
partnership of several organizations, including Tahoma
Audubon, City of Tacoma, Metro parks, Cascade Land
Conservancy, and community groups from the area.
The partnership aims to steer policy affecting Tacoma’s
green places and to support groups who have already
taken stewardship of those places.
Beth will gain a variety of experiences from her
internship responsibilities, which very specifically
reflect her interests: Green Tacoma was looking help,
so “when I sat down with them, they basically said,
what do you want to do?” she said. She was excited for
the opportunity to choose how she could help and what
she would learn, she said.
“My big project is to develop content for a brochure
on the Green Tacoma Partnership” she said, an
welcome to New and Returning Members
January 16, 2008 to February 15, 2008
We are so pleased to welcome you to Tahoma
Audubon Society. Our mission is to conserve and
restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds,
other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of
humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
Chapter New and Renewing:
Wolfram and Edith Abicht, Arthur J Ando, Greg
and Rebecca Anglemyer, Vernon Baldwin, Janet
Bent, Nels and Winnie Bjarke, Sally Boyle,
Joyce Bramsche, Colin and Joyce Ehli, M Eleanor
Ficca, Joyce Greenfield, Bryan Hanson, Bud and
Dixie Harris, William Holt, Kent J Howard,
Marian Lauren, Scott Leek, Lin Livingston,
Larry and Patty Martin, Shawn Olsen, Lesley
Phillips, Georgia Ramsey, Ann Schut, Sally
Slater, Lorna and Elmer Smith, Richard Smith,
Kelly Stave, June Summerville, Fern Svendsen,
Dr Ronald G Taylor, Daniel Tompkins, Art Wang,
Marsha and Lloyd Williams.
Chapter Joint with National:
(Joint Fee Received at Tahoma Audubon)
Al Bednarczk, Joan Torfin and Rod Hanke, Ed
Burrough, Jody Hess, Diane Kerlin, Ken Luthey
and Sara Siemans Luthey, Judith Stephens, Verna
and Ed Warrick.
Introductory,
Recruited through Tahoma Audubon:
Cristina Amburgey, Sheldon and Patricia Arkin,
Helen Bean, Chris Lunn, Ted and Heather Ryan,
William White.
Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2009
informational brochure funded by a grant. She’ll also
promote Green Tacoma Partnership at events, like the
Sustainability Expo on Feb. 20, support events for
Earth Day in April, attend steering committee meetings
and help organize quarterly membership meetings.
“I hope to gain a greater understanding of Tacoma’s
green spaces,” she said, “and some of the restoration
practices.” She also wants to learn “what it takes to
organize and develop this sort of partnership,” she
said, and to participate in the collaborative work of
organizing events and promoting an organization.
Beth also hopes to gain experience in non-profit
organizations to prepare for her career. She’s considering
an AmeriCorps position after graduation, and she would
eventually “like to be involved with policy research”
she said. Her dream job is to work with a progressive
think tank, but short of that, she would like to work with
an environmental organization or agency, or one that
focuses of community and economic development.
In addition to her internship, Beth works at the Career
and Employment Services office at UPS, she tutors for
middle school and high school students through the
Access program, and she loves playing volleyball and
running.
Beth’s true goal for this internship is to make a
meaningful difference in protecting green spaces, “I
just want to help out” she said.
Hans Kvale was an Audubonner at heart, but he
didn’t even know it until he began shadowing Tahoma
Audubon board member Dick Carkner this semester
for class at UW Tacoma.
The new class, Non-profit Governance, pairs each
student with a board member of a local organization
for a quarter. Hans will collect information on
topics like finances and taxes and, “put it all in a
fancy notebook” he said. The next quarter, he’ll be
Introductory, Recruited through
National Audubon in January:
Glenora L Baumgart, Manfred
Buder, Christine Burke, Christian
Burrows, Andrew Canvasser, Al
& Donna Clark, Shirley Dotson,
Larry Downey, R Faller, Kerry
Fitzpatrick, Geo Frenier, Nancy
Gardner, Michael Greene, Tony Haftel, Dave
Hastings, Jean Hayes, Samantha Darnos, Joanne
Kempthorne, Cheryl Lauth, Charles Marthaler,
Novella Matteson, Robert Maxwell, Sharon
McMillen, Christine Meader, Ella Nayana, Janice
Pedersen, Jennifer Peters, Michelle Pribic, Don
& Jackie Rearden, Joseph Sam, Chuck Seifert,
Chuck & Sharon Reinking, Gladys Smith, Pat
Sobotka, Mary Sohn, Nancy Steele, Allen Warner,
A M Westgaard, Deb Woolard, Kenneth
Woolhouse, Pelli Zhang.
There were also some deleted members listed
whom we had never heard of. Hope you enjoy
the newsletter: Diane Dunham Joyce, Agnes
Nussie, Theresa Hiott Smith, Michael Bailey
Long, Bryan W Lapine.
Introductory, Recruited through National
Audubon in February:
Ray Belden, Larry Bell, Mortvedt Biology, Gary
Bodhaine, Pamela Boyles, Margery Carlson, Jill
Christen, Connie Clark, Rose Crist, Art Daniels,
Madeline Davidson, Pam & Don Sunderland,
Susan Ebi, Leslie Ellis, Elizaabeth Gallo, Dolores
Griffin, Debbis Harper, Claudia Hayden, Toni
in the classroom, learning about and analyzing his
experience with Tahoma Audubon. Essentially, “the
students learn how to become good board members”
he said. Hans took the class because he’s very
involved at his church, and he hopes the experience
will help him become a good board member for his
church someday.
Even though he didn’t choose Tahoma Audubon,
it turned out to be a happy pairing. Hans was
homeschooled until eighth grade, and his mom taught
him science units on birds. He was fascinated by birds
and learned a lot about them. After starting high school,
he said, “my friends made fun of me because I knew
what all the birds were. I just thought everyone did.”
Hans had heard of Tahoma Audubon, but he thought it
was just a small bird-watching club. “I didn’t know they
were interested in protecting the environment” he said,
or of the many education programs. He’s gained a new
appreciation and awareness of the effort to protect the
environment. Though he always loved being outside, he
didn’t think much about protecting what he was enjoying
until his experience with Tahoma Audubon.
Outside of being a full-time student in management,
Hans works 30 hours a week as a job-site supervisor for
a custom home builder. He’s going to school because
he hopes to run a small construction company that
concentrates on high-end woodwork. He’s also been
married for a year and a half, and hopes to buy his first
home soon. “With work and school, I don’t have time
for much else,” he said.
For Hans, the personal side of his experience with
Tahoma Audubon has been his favorite. “I like getting
to know the people on the board and understand what
makes them tick,” he said. He’s enjoyed watching the
decision-making process, he said, “I like being a fly on
the wall.”
Holden, Richard Homeyer, Patti Horn, Mark
Jacobson, Harry W Johnson II, Dorothy Kent,
Eve Leland, Evelyn Lessard, Robert Lindquist,
Lynn Lomax, Pichet Ploykhao, Richard Price,
Willa Price, Judy Rosekrans, Kazuyo Rymer,
Diane Sellers, Vivian Skagerberg, Mary Smith,
Kathy Spencer, Carl Stracener, Ela B Tertany-
Young, Tami Trinkle, Wayne & Kathi Wetterau,
Teri Wiseman-Kuhlman.
Remember; since January 2008, Towhees have
been sent only to those who renewed through
the local chapter because Tahoma Audubon
receives no share of the fees when members
renew through the national organization.
We hope to see you at some of our general
membership meetings, held on the second Friday
of the month at The Nature Center, 1919 S Tyler
St, 7:00 p.m. Field trips will be listed in the
Towhee. The biggest fun fundraiser is the
Birdathon, held between April 25 and May 31.
Watch the Towhee for news of ways to
participate. We’ll be counting birds for fun and
profit.
 scheduled events and classes
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wednesdays, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Join Phil on his
weekly bird walks as he counts the birds at Nisqually
National Wildlife Refuge. Meet: At the Visitor’s Center.
The group may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail
is open. Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the
Twin Barns, the Nisqually overlook area, and the riparian
area, totaling about three miles. Bring good walking shoes
or boots, raingear, water, snacks, and $3 for entry fee
unless you have a pass. Scopes are welcome. Sign-up:
Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm details (especially
during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley, Lacey,
(360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com.
Beginning Birdwatching - Backyard Basics
Curious about birds, but don’t know your crown from
your tail feather? All are welcome to this introduction to
the joy of identifying the birds that are all around us. You
will learn how to identify common birds, use field guides
and use binoculars. Learn, too, about some of the best
places to see birds and practice your new found stills.
Local field trip Saturday, Mar 21, 9am-1pm. $45.00 for
Tahoma Audubon Members, $55.00 for Non-Members.
Ages 18+. Call the Tacoma Nature Center to register,
253-591-6439.
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party
Fridays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess
Wetland Park. Help out with habitat restoration, such as
planting, invasive species removal, pruning.
Nature alphabet
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM to 2:30
PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Preschoolers
explore different nature topics through stories, hands-on
activities, nature walks, and crafts at the Tacoma Nature
Center. Adult participation is recommended, children
under four require and adult present. Please mote
alternating times. Register by the Saturday before the
program by calling 591-6439.
Homeschool Science Programs
Homeschool students explore science through hands-
on experiments, activities and inquiry-based learning.
Register early, these classes fill quickly! Call 591-6439.
Beginning: Thursdays, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM or 1:00
PM to 3:00 PM. Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 8-10, $10.
To participate in this class, students should be able to add
and subtract numbers.
Intermediate: Thursdays, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Tacoma
Nature Center. Ages 8-10, $10. To participate in this class,
students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Advanced: Thursdays, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Labs,
Fridays, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Tacoma Nature Center.
Ages 12-15, $12. Older homeschool students will
continue their science studies with challenging and
engaging experiments and activities. This expanded
science class for Advanced Homeschool Science
students includes an integrated laboratory session as an
extension of the two hour classroom session. Students
get greater in-depth investigation of the monthly topic,
practice in problem-solving and research skills and
hands-on experimentation. Attendance in the class
session is required for participation in a lab session.
Lab sessions are not required for participation in class
sessions. To participate in this class, students should be
able to calculate averages, percentages and solve simple
equations.

...calendar continued from back page.

TGIF Breakfast & Work Party. Fri, Apr 10, 10:00 AM
to 12:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Morse Wildlife Preserve Bird Walk. Fri, Apr 10, 10:00
AM to 12:00 PM. Field Trip leader Betty Jones will lead
a walk at the Preserve in Graham. Call 253-565-9278 to
register and for directions. A
Membership Meeting. Fri, Apr 10, 7:00 PM to 9:00
PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tylor
Street. Monthly membership meeting of Tahoma
Audubon. All welcome. Check web site for program -
www.TahomaAudubon.org. Call (253) 565-9278
Morse Preserve Open Trails. Sun, Apr 12, 12:00 PM
to 4:00 PM. A
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Mon, Apr
13, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy a guided bird walk
through the park!
Nature Alphabet: G is for Gardens. Tue, Apr 14, 10:30
AM to 11:30 AM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Conservation Committee. Tue, Apr 14, 4:00 PM to
5:30 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917
Morrison Road W, University Place, WA 98466
Nature Snapshots: Invertebrates. Tue, Apr 14, 6:30
PM to 8:30 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ages
12 and up, $15 per person or $30 per family (4 people
max) Join us for a “snapshot” of nature as we explore the
basics of identification and help families learn a few of
the local native wildlife. Call 591-6439 to register.
Art & Nature of Native Plants Class. Wed, Apr 15, 7:00
PM to 9:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
This field-based class brings together the natural world and
the artist’s perspective. Native plant specialist, Mary Sue
Gee, will provide hands-on instruction in identification and
ecological relationships during one classroom session and
four field trips. She will be joined by Monica Weidman,
watercolor artist and botanical illustrator, to engage the
students in a deeper appreciation and understanding of
the native plant ecosystem of the South Puget Sound. See
Field Trips page for more details. F
Intermediate Science: Under the Microscope. Thu,
Apr 16, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Tacoma Nature Center.
Education Committee Meeting. Thu, Apr 16, 5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Conference Room
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party. Fri, Apr 17, 10:00 AM
to 12:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Parks Appreciation Day—Tacoma. Sat, Apr 18, 9:00
AM to 12:00 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Help
out at the Tacoma Nature Center as a family or a group in
celebration of Earth Day. Pull invasive plants, maintain
the trails, and many other projects in support of this great
wildlife habitat in the heart of Tacoma. Pre-registration
required. Call 591 6439.
Parks Appreciation Day—University Place.
Sat, April 18, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Events at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park, Morrison Park Property and
Homestead Park.
trip where you must bring boots for the crossing on this
Fort Lewis area. Call 253-565-9278 to register and for
directions. A
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Mon, Apr
20, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy a guided bird walk
through the park!
Intermediate Birding. Tue, Apr 21, 7:00 PM to 9:00
PM. Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center. This class
is for those who have completed an introductory birder’s
class or have a good background in bird identification. In
addition to the scheduled class days, there are three field
study sessions. For more information and registration,
call 591-6439. Class meets at the Adriana Hess
Audubon Canter in University Place. Field Trips: 2-day
trip to Washington coast on May 2-3; 2-day trip to Wenas
on June 6-7; 3-day trip to Eastern Washington June 20-
22. Participants are responsible for trip transportation
and expenses. $55.00 for Tahoma Audubon Members.
$75.00 for Non-Members. Ages 18+.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually. Wed, Apr 22, 7:30
AM to 11:00 AM.
Budding Scientists “MicroWorld.” Wed, Apr 22,
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Budding Scientists “MicroWorld.” Wed, Apr 22, 3:15
PM to 4:45 PM.
Advanced Science: Bio-Science: Microbiology. Thu,
Apr 23, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature
Center.

Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually. Wed, Apr 15, 7:30
AM to 11:00 AM. F
Audubon Springs and Spanaway Marsh. Sat, April
18, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Betty Jones will lead this
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party. Fri, Apr 24, 10:00 AM
to 12:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
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 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11


March 2009
Beginning Birdwatching - Backyard Basics. Mon, Mar
2, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually Wed, Mar 4, 7:30 AM
to 11:00 AM. F
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party. Fri, Mar 6, 10:00 AM to
12:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Seabird Survey 6. Sat, Mar 7, 10:58 AM to 2:58 PM.
Location: assigned survey sites.
Snake Lake Science Fair. Sat, Mar 7, 1:30 PM to 3:00
PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Join us for the
Snake Lake Science Fair at the Tacoma Nature Center.
Students age 6-18 will be able to create their own science
projects and participate in this exciting community event.
Homeschool students and students from public and private
schools are welcome. $10 per student fee to participate,
scholarships available. For more information, visit us
online at www.metroparkstacoma.org or stop by for an
information packet.
Bird Walk at Hess. Mon, Mar 9, Noon to 1:00 PM.
Beginning Birdwatching - Backyard Basics. Mon, Mar
9, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Nature alphabet: E is for Extraordinary Egg. Tue, Mar
10, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Location: Tacoma Nature
Center.
Conservation Committee. Tue, Mar 10, 4:00 PM to
5:30 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917
Morrison Road W, University Place, WA 98466
Nature Snapshots: Herps (Reptiles and Amphibians).
Tue, Mar 10, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Location: Tacoma
Nature Center. Ages 12 and up, $15 per person or $30 per
family (4 people max). Join us for a “snapshot” of nature
as we explore the basics of identification and help families
learn a few of the local native wildlife. Call 591-6439 to
register.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually. Wed, Mar 11, 7:30
AM to 11:00 AM. F
Budding Scientists “The Greener the Better.” Wed,
Mar 11, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Budding Scientists “The Greener the Better.” Wed,
Mar 11, 3:15 to 4:45 PM.
Beginning Homeschool Science: It’s not Easy Being
Green. Thu, Mar 12, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Location:
Tacoma Nature Center.
Beginning Homeschool Science: It’s not Easy Being
Green. Thu, Mar 12. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Location:
Tacoma Nature Center.
Tahoma Audubon Board Meeting. Thu, Mar 12, 6:30
PM to 8:30 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon Board. Guest
Welcome, please call ahead at (253) 565-9278.
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party. Fri, Mar 13, 10:00 AM
to Noon. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Membership Meeting. Fri, Mar 13, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tylor Street.
Monthly membership meeting of Tahoma Audubon. All
welcome. Program: Namibia, Thailand and Ecuador.
Call (253) 565-9278. A
Self-guided Tour Workshop at the Tacoma Nature
Center. Sat, Mar 14, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Location:
Tacoma Nature Center. For the self-guided tours at the
Tacoma Nature Center at Snake Lake, specially trained
group leaders like you learn natural history and ecology
information and activities to share with your class on your
field trip. You will have access to your science lab and
equipment, our hands-on exhibit area, our 71-acre nature
preserve and our nature biofacts, field guides and more!
$50.00 per person. Ages 18+ Call the Tacoma Nature
Center to register, 253-591-6439.
Point Defiance Nature Walk. Sun, March 15, 8 AM to
11 AM. Leader: Rob McNair-Huff. F
Plant Walk at Hess. Mon, Mar 16, Noon to 1:00 PM.
Beginning Birdwatching - Backyard Basics. Mon,
Mar 16, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature
Center.
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Calendar
Tahoma audubon programs
Tahoma Audubon Programs –
FREE to members and non-members!
Topic:  Namibia, Thailand and
Ecuador…oh my!
When: Friday, Mar. 13, 2009
Where: Tacoma Nature Center,
1919 South Tyler.
Who: Nate and Angie Chappell,
Trogon Tours www.trogontours.
net
Time: Refreshments - 7:15P.M.
Meeting - 7:30 P.M.
Tahoma Audubon Members Nate
and Angie Chappell will present an
evening of wildlife photography
from their recent trips to Namibia,
Thailand and Ecuador.  The focus will be on the
beautiful birdlife of each of the three countries,
plus the Namibia section will also include some
images of the many big and small mammals that
Snake Lake Science Club: Data/Graphing Analysis &
Writing. Tue, Mar 17, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Location:
Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 10-14, no charge for club
meetings, $10 per student to join the club. Snake Lake
Science Club is for homeschool and other students age 10-
14 years old who want to learn more about science and the
natural world. Students pay a once-per-school-year fee of
$10 to join the Science Club and are then free to participate
in any program offerings, including the 2009 Snake Lake
Science Fair. The following programs are designed to
help students learn more about science and the scientific
process through hands-on discovery. Pre-registration for
each program is required as space is limited.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually. Wed, Mar 18, 7:30
AM to 11:00 AM. F
Intermediate Science: Plant Power. Thu, Mar 19, 1:00
PM to 3:00 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Education Committee Meeting. Thu, Mar 19, 5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Conference Room
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party. Fri, Mar 20, 10:00
AM to 12:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Habitat restoration (planting, invasive species removal,
pruning).
Nature Mapping - data collection & monitoring. Fri,
Mar 20, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sat Mar 21 9:00 AM
to 5:00 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 12
and up, $70 per person, no charge for additional family
members. This workshop is for citizens interested in using
the Nature Mapping process to keep track of wildlife in
their backyard, local parks and forests, or any other natural
area. This two-day hands-on environmental learning
workshop helps people take the next step after learning to
enjoy wildlife. Register by calling 591-6439.
Beginning Birdwatching - Backyard Basics. Mon, Mar
23, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Nature Alphabet: F is for Feathered Friends. Tue,
Mar 24, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature
Center.
Easter & Early Spring Card Class. Tue, Mar 24, 6:30
PM to 9:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Center. Early
Spring Card Crafting Class: Various techniques each
class! Bring a small scissors, scotch magic tape (green
dispenser), and a small cutting mat (if you have one).
Cost: $15.00 (to be paid at class). Call 565-9278 to reserve
your spot! Email: tatkimmah@aol.com or call 253-564-
7115 for questions.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually. Wed, Mar 25, 7:30
AM to 11:00 AM. F
Budding Scientists “An Array of Plants.” Wed, Mar
25, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Budding Scientists “An Array of Plants.” Wed, Mar
25, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM.
Advanced Science: Bio-Science: Botany. Fri, Mar 26,
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
live there.  Nate is the avian section moderator for
NaturePhotographers Online Magazine.  He and
Angie lead nature photo and bird-
watching tours to each of the
three countries being presented. 
Be sure to ask Nate about his
upcoming tour. “We have sched-
uled our next tour to Ecuador” he
said, “It will be from August 1-12
of this year.  I have titled the trip
Andes to Amazon.”
Upcoming presentation on
April 10th: Valerie Elliott will be
sharing her experience at the
Midway Atoll in December 2006,
Photo/Nate Chappell in her presentation titled Gone to
the Goonies: Midway Atoll. Valerie will talk
about species on and around Midway Atoll, includ-
ing the atoll’s albatrosses and threats to their con-
tinuing survival.
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party Fri, Mar 27, 10:00 AM
to 12:00 PM.. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Nature Storytime “Egg-stravaganza.” Fri, Mar 27,
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Location: Adriana Hess Audubon
Center. Join us as we explore the park at the Adriana Hess
Audubon Center in University Place with nature stories
basin-on the current theme. Adults are welcome with
the children. This is a wonderful grandparent/grandchild
activity! Space is limited to the first 20 registered guests
(adults and children!), so call early to sign up! 591-6439.
$6.00 per child non-member. $3.00 for Tahoma Audubon
Member. Adults and U.P. residents FREE (registration at
Tacoma Nature Center requested, 591-6439)
Advanced Science Lab: Botany. Fri, Mar 27, 1:00 PM to
4:00 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
april 2009
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually. Wed, Apr 1, 7:30 AM
to 11:00 AM. F
Project FeederWatch Ends for 2008-2009 Season. Fri,
Apr 3
TGIF Breakfast & Work Party. Fri, Apr 3, 10:00 AM to
12:00 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Seabird Survey 7. Sat, Apr 4, 10:47 AM to 2:47 PM.
Location: assigned survey sites
Key Peninsula Trip. Sat, Apr 4, 7:30 AM to mid-
afternoon. Meet at Purdy Park and Ride. F
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually. Wed, Apr 8, 7:30 AM
to 11:00 AM. F
Budding Scientists “The Tiniest Things.” Wed, Apr 8,
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Budding Scientists “The Tiniest Things.” Wed, Apr 8,
3:15 PM to 4:45 PM.
Beginning Homeschool Science: Too Little to be Seen.
Thu, Apr 9, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Tacoma Nature Center.
Beginning Homeschool Science: Too Little to be Seen.
Thu, Apr 9, 1:00 PM to 3:00 AM. Tacoma Nature Center.
Tahoma Audubon Board Meeting. Thu, Apr 9, 6:30
PM to 8:30 PM. Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon Board. Guest
Welcome, please call ahead at (253) 565-9278.
Calendar continued inside on page 11.
F Field Trip Page
V Volunteer page
M Environment Matters Page
A Related article in Towhee
E Education Page