Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969.
Vol. 40 No. 7 September 2009
Two Common Loons in paddling contest on Big Meadow Lake
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Flight of the
Merlins
Birding in Washington’s northeast corner
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn Northern Waterthrush and Black-Backed
Woodpeckers! Where Redstarts and Black-
F
our days of surprises were in store for Chinned Hummingbirds are thick, and the
the 20 members of the birding class easy-to-see sparrows are Clay-Colored and
who took their chances in northeast Grasshopper! A land where the baby ducklings
Washington with instructor Ken following their mom are Goldeneyes, not park
Brown Jun. 19-22. We all discovered hot new ducks! Where Snipe aren’t afraid to show
birding areas, even Ken, and entered a different themselves, where Curlews mob Redtails,
country, judging by the bird life. where Lazuli Buntings and Catbirds are more
Imagine a land where the “junk” birds are common than Robins! And what about that
Birdathon 2009 Report
Thank you fundraiser of the year, and we truly rely on these
everyone for donations to make what we do possible.  All the
contributing proceeds go toward our mission of connecting
to this year’s people with nature.  Jim Ullrich of Wildbirds
Birdathon! In summary, Bruce LaBar brought in the most
At this birds counted on his Purdy to Paradise trip with a
point, we are total of 130. Congratulations!  Following closely
a little short was Marcus Roening & Heather Ballash at 128,
of our $40,000 goal, but we are hoping our and Roseanne & Joann’s Meandering Meadowlark
generous donors, sponsors and birders that we team counted 124.  Although the final dollar
haven’t heard from yet will once again come amount is still being tallied, our current winner for
through for us! most money brought in is Marcus Roening! We
As you know, Birdathon is our biggest would also like to recognize Betty Jones who led
Sequim to the San Juans
3 day nature cruise
Birds, boats and friends
Join the Olympic Peninsula
Audubon Society this fall for
a three-day cruise through
the spectacular San Juan
Archipelago. Cruise to Roche
Harbor Resort and San Juan
Island. Picnic on Sucia Is-
land State Park, and cruise
home via dramatic Deception
Pass. Register at www.olym-
picpeninsulaaudubon.org.
Contact 360-681-4076, or
email rcoffice@olympus.net.
fence line decorated with a DOZEN Pewees?
Where Black Terns are more likely to be seen
than Gulls! A land where all that spray on the
lake (Big Meadow Lake in this case) is caused
by the original jet-skiers, two Common Loons
madly into their paddling competition! Then
imagine trying to sleep in your tent to the
music of yodeling Loons.
See "Flight of the Merlins” on page 6
several field trips this year! Good
job everyone!
A great big THANK YOU to
Unlimited for donating gift Cami Kesinger
certificates for our winners!
It is certainly not too late to get those pledges
in, so please send to Tahoma Audubon Society at
2917 Morrison Road West, University Place, WA
98466.
Thank you for making my first Birdathon an
enjoyable and fun learning experience!
– Cami Kesinger
In this issue:
25 years ago page 8
Announcements page 10
BirdSongs page 8
Calendar page 12
Education pages 4
Executive Director’s column page 2
Field trips page 5
New members page 2
Quizical Owl page 8
Volunteer recognition page 3
 executive director’s Corner
The importance of environmental activism
Often when a
bulldozer starts up
in a green space the
environment is the
loser. Many times
Tahoma Audubon
gets a call from a
frantic neighbor
concerned about
wildlife.
Recently the roar
of the diesel engine
was a sign of victory for the environment, and in the
center of the City no less. These engines where being
employed by the Washington State Department of
Transportation to restore a wetland that feeds Snake
Lake at the Tacoma Nature Center. As mitigation for
expansion of the highway to include high-occupancy
vehicle (HOV) lanes, WDOT is pulling fill material out
and re-establishing the historical wetland.
The opportunity for this mitigation was due to the
tenacious hard work of neighborhood activists. They
fought hard to preserve land next to Snake Lake when
a developer proposed building high-rise apartments.
Recently community activists filled the lobby of the
Sound Transit center at Freight House Square to advo-
cate for rail design that will actually improve the envi-
ronment. The proposed rail extension in the Tacoma
Dome district crossed a section of newly identified
“Open Space Corridor” in the City. Because of the
work of activists, Sound Transit has responded with
design proposals that will help enhance a heavily
impacted gulch.
When the Sound Transit bulldozers start it seems
likely that they will create better, more connected habi-
tat.
Thanks to decades of activism, diligence and foresight
we are seeing things change. The environment is now
on the agenda at the local, state and national level.
Success presents a challenge: How should grass-
roots activist operate when you are sitting at the table?
When your issue is on the fringe and you are being
ignored you have to raise your voice to be heard. But
when you are sitting down with policy makers from the
beginning of the process, is it appropriate or effective
to pound on the table and shout?
Being successful does not mean we rest on our lau-
rels. It does mean being more sophisticated, more
strategic and, frankly, more collaborative. It also
means being practiced in the art of compromise, being
able to give and take.
It also means that we must set our sights higher.
Instead of fighting over every tree cut down because it
is a symbol of habitat loss, we must focus on system-
atically protecting those habitats that have the most
impact. We must focus on engaging willing partners in
government, business, neighborhood and, yes, the
development community in that effort.
Case in point: the Open Space Plan that Sound
Transit is taking into account was developed in col-
laboration with the environmental community and the
City of Tacoma, and passed unanimously by the
Tacoma City Council. Business and neighborhood
interest have embraced the Open space Plan to make
their point to Sound Transit.
The role of environmental activists is changing. It is
no less urgent, but it is changing. As activists, we must
change in order to proactively protect what we hold
dear for decades to come.

welcome
to New and Returning Members
June 16, 2009 to August 15, 2009
Chapter New and Renewing:
Al H Allen, Hal & Kate Amundson, Peter
Bartels, Ruth Beck, Anna Marie Bergin,
Mary Blyton, Gail Bohannon, Charles &
Gail Bronson, June Brosius, Betty Bruce,
Mary Jane Cooper, Barbara Copley, Becci
Crowe, Felice Davis, Judith Davis, Karen
Fischer, Luverne & Art Foxford, Jean
Gillmer, Milton Guhr, LaVonne Holz-
born, Paula Hultgren-Ruff, Patti Hurlbut,
Stella Jones, Irene Korich, Chuck Klee-
berg, Bonnie Latham, Katie Lichten-
walter, Rebecca & Andrew Long, Mary
Manning, Florence March, Jean Milton,
Richard Myking, Martin Nelson, Michael
O’Donnell, Beulah Parsons, Richard Per-
due, Irene Potter, Thelma Sacklin, Kath-
erine Schimke, Al Schmauder, Kathryn
Sharp, Barbara Weikert.
Chapter Joint with National,
Recruited through Tahoma
Audubon Society:
Byron Blount, Mark Bubenik, June Col-
off, Wally Croshaw & Joanne Merrill, Al
Gray, Kathleen Hemion, Nancy & Bertil
Johnson, Martin & Sue Hines, Janis Jen-
sen & Harry Welling, Nancy Henderson,
Suzanne & Howard Leichman, Bill Lud-
wig, Bob Myrick, Charles & Mary Rance,
Karen Seinfeld, Monica Weidman.
Introductory, Recruited
through Tahoma
Audubon Society:
Jim & Annema-
rie Baldes, Linda
Barraza, Marie
Catt, JoAnn
Gilsdorf, Rylla
Goldberg,
Cami Kesinger, Jackson Mayes, William
Schumacher, Ainsley Seago, Barbara Sul-
livan, Hes Tallman, Fred Wegener & Paula
Hoyt.
Introductory, Recruited through
the National Audubon Society:
In July---Lee Corcoran, Daniel Karpinski,
Scott Bourne, Darlene Griffin, Sharone
Ketterman, J M Koon, George Tanbara,
Joanne Flom, Larry Kelly, Joshua Parkin-
son, Bonnie Veliat.
In August---Douglas Bankston, Ei-
leen Battle, Annette Burton, Virginia
Connors, Elaine & Roger Croteau,
Maria Fletter, Pamela Grant, Pa-
mela Griffin, Verna Hanrahan, John
Hibben, David Hill, Randy Jacox,
Madelene Kanarowski, Russell W
Kemp, Tracey Kidston, Verna Hanra-
han, Donald E Lowery, Mina Lucas,
H Martin, Pat McDermott, Kathleen
R Perez, Gaye Rebar, Dr. Terry L
Smith, June Summerville, Daniel
Tompkins, Richard Trampenau, Da-
vid Trowbridge, Yolanda Wells.
A hearty welcome to all of you. Hope
to see you at trips and events come this
Fall. Remember when renewal time
comes around, if you get a renewal form
from National before you get one from
TAS, please wait for ours which will come
one month before your
expire date. Renew-
ing through National
will not give you a
Towhee newsletter
from us because
National does not
share dues with us.
The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society
Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
Tahoma Audubon Staff
 
Flint, Bryan Executive Director                        
bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129
Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator
kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978                    
Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-327-9480
Kesinger, Cami Development Coordinator
ckesinger@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129                      
Taylor, Graham Volunteer 253-565-1884
Kerrigan, Julie Coordinator 253-223-0039
gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org
           Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
John Garner President
Marjorie Shea Vice President
Jane Brosius Secretary
Kathleen Nelson Treasurer
Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2009
Thelma Gilmur Ione Clagett
Dick Carkner
Melissa Paulson
Marcus Roening
Bill Smith
Peggy L. Kopf Tanja Scott
Darby Veeck Charles Griffin
Loren Webster

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 David Cohn: 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 September 2009

 volunteer Recognition
Ruth Sullivan leads the group for the walk.
The new Thelma Gilmur Education Shelter.
The placard at the foot of the pine tree planted in honor of Ruth’s son.
September 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3
The group descends upon the boardwalk overlook at water’s edge.
Busy times at Adriana Hess Park
Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
The place to be on July 13, 2009,
was the Adriana Hess
Wetlands Park, home of
Tahoma Audubon!
Enjoying a rare Monday off
work, my companion Adam
Trent and I wandered over to
House Finch the park to do the bird walk with
Ruth Sullivan, who conducts regular
Monday walks there, continuing the tradition that she and
her son Patrick started years ago. Expecting maybe a
handful of people, were we surprised to find the place
was packed, and over two-dozen were ready to walk out
with Ruth! These included every demographic from
families and small children to retired people, from tourists
to regulars. The word is out on these events!
What was just as amazing was to partake of the many
recent changes that have come to the park thanks to your
hard work, Tahoma Audubon. New additions have been
made honoring our favorite people, from the Thelma
Gilmur Education Shelter, to Keith’s Stream (for the late
Keith Schwyhart), to the pine tree planted in remem-
brance of Patrick Sullivan, birder extraordinaire (Ruth’s
son) — all sporting brand new identification placards to
tell the world. Going back to Dr. and Mrs. Hess, this
continues a cherished tradition of earned recognition.
When Tahoma Audubon first moved into this park
just a few years ago, our volunteers replaced the usual
yard plantings with native vegetation. For a couple of
years, it looked like a cyclone had been through, and it
was hard to picture what was coming, but luckily there
were visionaries among us. It has sprung up so
quickly and so completely you would never
recognize it as the same place today. In
fact, one can actually get lost in here
now! That actually happened as
Ruth’s large group that July day Goldfinch
Keith’s Stream, named in honor of the late Keith Schwyhart.
splintered in two, and each half lost contact with the rest
of the group for a while! This could never have hap-
pened just a few brief years ago before the plantings
matured, and it was breathtaking to realize what a trans-
formation has occurred!
As the group descended upon the roomy boardwalk
platform at water’s edge, the tallest among us were able
to see an almost grown family of Wood Ducks scooting
away, as well as the usual Mallards.
Robins kept company with us every-
where we went, and House Finches and
Goldfinches kept close track of the
humans.
Back near the center
building, the feeders
hosted Black-Capped
Chickadees, Red-
Breasted Nuthatches, Bandtailed Pigeon
and Hummingbirds.
Flickers, Bewick’s Wrens, and Towhees tried a little too
hard to be inconspicuous. Song Sparrows and Cedar
Waxwings showed up and allowed looks. Ruth apolo-
gized for the seasonal lack of birds, but the truth was that
there were more birds here than anywhere else in town.
Certainly, people were much in evidence. Besides
our large group and a number of other visitors, Stephanie
Swaim was conducting a children’s summer camp, and
our group almost lost a child to them as a boy strayed
from us, lured in by all of their laughter and games.
Just as we were parting, a huge Band-Tailed Pigeon
flew in and perched right over the building, leaving the
impression that the park and the Audubon Center
were being left in good hands.
The number of regularly scheduled walks of
all types and many other events have certainly
helped the Adriana Hess Park and Tahoma
Audubon Center become valued assets to
their community and to Pierce County.
And thank you, Ruth!
 Education Matters
Summer camp a “day at the park”
Little Explorers Camp
at Adriana Hess Wetland
Park drew to a close
Aug. 19 after five weeks
of exploration and
discovery with excited
4-6 year-olds. This year
the most popular camps
were “Explore Shores!”
about the freshwater and
stephanieSWAIM marine shorelines in our
Education Coordinator
area, and “Dipping,
Call Steph @ 253-327-9480. Or Diving, Skipping,
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org Sliding” about how all
sorts of animals move
around their habitats.
Our camps are designed to introduce young explorers to
the wonders of nature through playing games, creating
crafts, taking walks and discovering what lives under
rocks, in streams and around the trees and bushes in their
backyards. Our most exciting “find” during camp was
during our third week. We discovered that there are FIVE
goldfish living in the artificial pond next to the building!
We don’t know how long they have been living there, but
they must have everything they need in their small habitat Photos/Stephanie Swaim
because they are big (about 5 inches long)! Other exciting
discoveries that were made this summer by our campers designing education programs for Tahoma
are 1) the mealworms in the dry dirt, 2) tiny snails that live Audubon Society. When she wasn’t at
under pebbles and 3) green frogs that hide in culverts. Adriana Hess Park with us, she was helping
We were very lucky to have Amy Burig, an AmeriCorps at the Puget Creek Restoration Society. Her
volunteer from North Carolina, help teach our camps this passion for conservation and education
summer. Amy worked for the Washington Reading Corps work is wonderful and we hope that she can
at Central Ave School in the Franklin Pierce School District continue her work when she returns home
for the 2008-2009 year. To complete her term of service for to North Carolina in September. Thanks
AmeriCorps, she spent her time teaching camps, and Amy! 

Fall Birding classes for adults

We are now registering for our Fall Adult Birding classes
through the Tacoma Nature Center. If you are new to
Audubon, or if you want to brush up on your winter species,
these classes are for you!  This is a great way to meet folks
with an interest in our local birds, and learn about some of
the best places to go birding in our area. Beginning birders
have two fantastic class opportunities. Birding Basics,
taught by Rolan Nelson, begins Sept. 7 at the Tacoma
Nature Center. Learn about the tools of the birder – field
guides and binoculars, and be able to identify our most
common species of birds. In November, Marcus Roening will
be teaching “Beginning Birdwatching – Winter Birds” for
those who wish to focus on the most common winter
backyard and shoreline wintering birds. This class is great
for preparing to join in on a Christmas Bird Count!  Tacoma Nature Center. Adults 18+, $5 per household (limit
For folks who have been birding recently, or who have
taken the beginning classes, Intermediate Birding with Ken
Brown is for you. This popular class goes into greater depth
about the identification of the birds of the Pacific Northwest.
Register early for this class as it fills up quickly! Intermediate
Birding begins in October and runs for 10 weeks.
Each of these classes includes field trips, so check your
calendars to make sure you can join in on these helpful and
fun excursions. To register, call the Tacoma Nature Center
253-591-6439 or go online to www.metroparkstacoma.org.
Mon Sept 7, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Birding Basics.
Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 18+. $45 Audubon Member,
$55 non-member. Curious about birds but don’t know your
crown from your tailfeather? 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
a field guide and binoculars. Learn, too, about some of the
best places to see birds and practice your newfound birding
skills. There is one local field trip to Steilacoom Park on
Saturday, September 26, at 8:00 am. Call 253-591-6439 to
register.
Mon Sept 28, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Class for Adults:
Sing Pacific Northwest Native Plants in Home Landscaping.
3 people) fall is the best time to plant! Be prepared by
joining us for this interactive workshop. Experts from
Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery will give an overview of
how the homeowner should sketch out the existing layout
of their land and which native plants will work well in each
mocro-climate in the yard. Come prepared with a rough
sketch of your yard. call 253-591-6439 to register.
Tues Oct 6, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate
Birder’s Class. Tacoma Nature Center. Adults 18+. $55 for
Audubon Members, $75 for nonmembers. Join us for an
exploration of fall and wintering birds of Washington as well
as shorebirds. This class is for those who have a good
background in bird identification. In addition to the
scheduled class days, there are four field trips that are fast
paced and include travel and overnight stay (additional to
class fees). Two-day trip to the coast on October 10-11; one
day trips to Port Orchard area on Nov 14 and to Skagit on
Dec 5; and a three-day trip to eastern Washington on
January 16-18, 2010. CLASS MEETS AT THE TACOMA
NATURE CENTER!!! call 253-591-6439 to register.
Thu Oct 22, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tacoma Nature
Center Adult Education “Basics of Solar.” Ages 16+,
$5 per household (limit 3 people). What would it take to run
your house on environmentally friendly solar power? How
much does it cost and is it feasible here in Washington?
Attend this informational class on either date to find
answers to these questions and more about solar power. If
you have been wondering of solar could work at your home,
come to this class to find our from one of the leading
experts on the field. The class will be taught by Brad
Burkhartzmeyer, president of hte nonprofit Northwest Solar
Group and founder of Sun’s Eye Power. Call 591-6439 to
register.

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 our websites for latest class listings and times.

Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org September 2009
 field trips and Events
Celebrate the Vaux’s Swifts
southward migration through Monroe
When: Sat Sept 12, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Frank Wagner Elementary School 639 W.
Main Street, Monroe.
Representatives from the Monroe Swift Watch
Committee, Pilchuck , Seattle and Eastside Audubon
Societies, PAWS, Bats Northwest, and Animal Talk will
have educational booths set up. Festivities begin at 5:00
p.m. The program in the auditorium will begin at 6:00
with entertainment and a lecture by local swift expert
Larry Schwitters. Immediately following the lecture, we
will go outside and watch thousands of swifts descend
into the chimney. Docents will be on hand to answer
questions about the swift project and the swifts. Please
bring blankets, a picnic, and thoughts for good weather!
Last year we had about 800 participants, so please be
prepared for a crowd. Further questions? Contact
Pilchuck Audubon at www.pilchuckaudubon.org.
Swifts in Chimneys!  including driver.
When: September 12, 2009. 
Watch thousands of Vaux Swifts pour into a big chimney
for an unbelievable spectacle!   We will of course be stay-
ing out after dark until all the Swifts have gone to bed. 
Leader: Diane Yorgason-Quinn, Avosetta@hotmail.com
Birding Clover Creek:
Naches Trail Preserve to Schibig-Lakeview Preserve
When:  Saturday, October 3, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM  Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
Leader: Fred Tobiason.  Call 253-537-4464 or Cell
phone 253-686-6423 for information or directions.
Directions: 9:00 AM be at the parking area in the
Naches Trail Preserve just off Military Rd E, about 0.5
Miles west of Canyon Rd E.  Military Rd E is one stop-
light North of 176th St S & Canyon Rd E. (Also, 38th Ave
E and Military Rd E meet at corner of the preserve.)  pass.  Scopes are welcome.
Learn natural history, birding, and observing restora-
tion work as we walk trails in the Naches Trail
Preserve; then working our way down the creek, stop-
ping at the Clover Creek Preserve on Johns Rd and
the County’s restoration areas between 134th and 138th
St South.  The end of the tour will be the Schibig-
Lakeview Preserve on Spanaway Loop Rd.  Visit www.eBird.org to learn more.
Open Trails at Morse Wildlife Preserve
When: Sunday, September 13, noon until 4:00
p.m.  Wayne Cooke will be available to help visitors.
Birding trip at Adriana Hess
Wetland Park with Ruth Sullivan
When: Sep. 14, noon until 1:00 p.m.
Join Rob and Natalie McNair-Huff
birding at Point Defiance Park.   our sightings will be entered and shared by all after the
When: Sep. 20, 8:00 a.m. to noon
Meet in the parking lot above the Zoo.
Plant walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
When: Sep 21, noon until 1:00 p.m.
Birding trip to Morse Preserve
with Betty Jones.   people limited out of necessity.
When: Sep 26, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call TAS 253-
565-9278 for directions and to register.
Family Nature Walk, Sequalitchew Creek
When: Sep. 26, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Leader: Tanja Scott.  
For ages 4 plus.  Meet at Dupont city hall parking lot
between 9:45 and 10:00 am.   We will walk down a
gradual slope, snack, beachcomb then walk back up the
slope.  At least 5 people needed for the trip to go.
Call by 9/23/2009.  Trip cancelled if it rains.
Family Walk
When: Sunday, September 27, 4:00 to 5:15 at Adriana
Hess Wetland Park, Tahoma Audubon Center.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
When: Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Leader: Phil Kelley
Birdwalk hikes changed in spring, 2009.  The board-
walk loop, including the twin barns and riparian over-
look, are now the only areas open to the public due to
construction related to dike removal. Even so, bird
watching has been good.
birds at Nisqually NWR. The group takes the board-
walk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, the Nisqually
overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about 2
miles.
Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,
snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a
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, Lacey: (360) 459-
1499, or scrubjay323@aol.com.
eBird Field Trip: Foothills Trail
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 7:30 a.m. - early afternoon
Leader: Charlie Wright. Join Charlie to bird and collect
important data at the Foothills Trail and South Prairie,
near Orting in Pierce County. Late summer and fall is the
most productive season for birding the trail, which tra-
verses rich riparian habitat along South
Prairie Creek. This is a chance to ask questions and learn
about the online database, www.eBird.org. Species bar
charts for the trail made by eBird will be handed out and
trip. Migrant warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, wood-
peckers, raptors, and more may be found along this trail.
rules
Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are
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
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
We will also look for American Dippers and spawning
salmon along the creek and on the Carbon River.
Bring: Lunch, water, and snacks. We may walk up to
a couple of miles on level, paved trails. There is a road
which runs near the trail, for folks who can’t walk far.
If it rains, dress for the weather.
Meet: 7:30 AM at Jack-in-the-Box on Ellingson Rd in
Algona-Pacific. You may bring your car on the trip,
and leave early if you wish.  
Directions:  From the intersection of I-167 and Hwy
18 in Auburn, travel south on I-167 1.8 miles.   Exit
onto Ellingson Rd, and travel east 0.2 miles toward
Algona and Pacific. Go through the 4-way stop.  Jack-
in-the-Box is on the left.
Sign Up: E-mail or call Charlie Wright, c.wright7@
comcast.net, 253-468-4146.  Sign up early as this trip
may fill. Participants should sign up for eBird, a free
service, before or shortly after the trip.
Ohop Wildlife Survey and field trip
Sun Oct 18, 2009. Ohop Widlife Survey & field trip.
Location: Ohop Valley, near Eatonville. Call 565-9278
to register and for directions. Help scientists collect
data on birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and
insects! No experience necessary, only willingness to
explore. Wear sturdy shoes.
Directions and information are also available on our
website. Please go to: www.tahomaaudubon.org/cs,
then click ‘ohop wildlife monitoring’ tab.

Spreading the gospel of composting

Julie Kerrigan, Left, and Dixie Harris stand in front of the newly
minted Compost Demonstration Area at the Adriana Hess Audubon
Center. The area will be used to educate about the importance and
techniques of composting. Signs were made possible from a grant
from the Tacoma Garden Club.

September 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5

 ... Flight of the merlins
from page 1

Areas covered includ-

ed Little Pend Orielle
NWR, Big Meadow
Lake, Amazon Marsh,
Reardon Ponds, and
Sherman Pass, and every
likely spot in between.
The weather was inter-
mittently cool inter-
spersed with cold and
wet, with temperatures
into the 30s on Sherman
Pass. That particular
night sent us from our
tents to motels!
As many of you readers know, Ken present will never forget, nor do I believe
Brown’s class is where my birding buddies anyone else present will.
all met each other years ago and became Thanks, Ryan Wiese, Rolan Nelson, Bryan
known as the Willettes (for our beloved Hanson, and Mike Barry (going by the num-
Willet!), growing from the original four to bering on the backs of their shirts!). My
eleven now! On this trip, there were three of sides are still aching from terminal giggling!
us, and boy did we have a surprise in store I will admit, however, that these particular
for us! Jealous of our perceived favored Merlins are well named, as Merlins are fal-
position in the class, a new group has sprung cons who really know how to find their
up to give us a run for the money — the avian prey — and these guys can find
Merlins! Named for the sneakiest of all birds!
Falcons, these four guys even challenged us Ken tells us we had 154 species on this
in our most beloved tradition, wearing trek, but our car picked up another couple on
matching birding T-shirts! When they trotted the way home, not to mention those four
out at our lunch picnic spot on day number new Merlins. Many people got life birds on
three wearing their Merlin shirts, history was this trip, and all of us got “life” birding spots
made! It was a moment that those Willettes to mark on our personal maps.

From top, clockwise: Family of Common Goldeneyes on Big Meadow Lake; Trading tall tales around the
campfire (The bird that got away!); Rear view of the Merlins (front view on cover) advertising their pecking order,
Mike, Bryan, Rolan, and Ryan; The Merlins mingle with the Willettes - Ryan Wiese, Diane Yorgason-Quinn,
Rolan Nelson, Faye McAdams Hands, Bryan Hanson, Carol Smith, Mike Barry; Twenty of us before the rains came
on June 20th near Little Pend Orielle; Black-Backed Woodpecker at nest hole near Big Meadow Lake.
All photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn, except lower right as noted. Photo/Pat Damron

Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org September 2009

 The
Mountain
Beckons

Our intrepid group braves a snowfield. Photo/Carol Smith

By field trip participants
On July 25, 2009, Ken Brown and eight others
headed up to Paradise. Ken reported,“On the
Tahoma Audubon field trip we were able to find a
female White-Tailed Ptarmigan with four young,
thanks to the sharp eyes of Jeff Cohen. Located at
the traditional spot about halfway across the trail
linking Panorama Point and the Golden trail above
Myrtle Falls in the only green area with several
streams. Wildflowers were blooming profusely, at
their peak, but butterflies were scarce, with a few
Mountain Parnassians, Sara Orangetips, several
small Blues, and a couple of fast-flying oranges,
possibly Field Crescents.”
Jody Hess reported the ptarmigan were seen at
about 6700 feet. “Also saw Hoary Marmots and
Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels.”
Carol Smith compiled a list of wildflowers:
“Wildflowers at Paradise Park included: pink
mountain-heather, avalanche lilies, a few glacier
lilies, bear grass, green false hellebore not yet in
bloom, thread-leaved sandwort, rusty saxifrage,
western anemone (both in bloom and with seed
heads), alpine white marsh-marigold, red colum-
bine, partridgefoot, fan-leaved cinquefoil, subal-
pine lupine, dwarf lupine (above Panorama Point),
cow parsnip, phlox, elegant Jacob’s ladder, sickle-
top lousewort, bird’s-beak lousewort, elephant’s
head, scarlet paintbrush, magenta paintbrush,
Cusick’s speedwell, pink monkeyflower, small-
flowered penstemon, shrubby penstemon, orange
agoseris, golden daisy, sweet coltsfoot (a patch
seen just before the ptarmigan area), broadleaf
arnica, wooly pussytoes, pearly everlasting,
Jeffrey’s shooting star, and Sitka valerian.”
Carol also rounded out the bird list: “We took the
trail around the Longmire Meadow and saw some
Evening Grosbeaks, Barn and Violet-Green
Swallows. We saw a Dipper at Narada Falls. Then
we saw Pine Siskins, Pipits, Horned Larks, and the
Ptarmigan family on our Paradise hike.”

Photo/Jeff Cohen Photo/Jody Hess Photo/Jody Hess

Up close and personal with Mt. Tahoma Ice Cave makes a dandy hobbit home Golden-Mantled Groundsquirrel.

Photo/Carol Smith
Some of our hardy group on Mt Rainier. Sharon Hayden, Chris Quinn, Kay
Photo/Jeff Cohen Pullen, Jeff Cohen, Ken Brown (leader), Ed Pullen, with Jody Hess in the
Hoary Marmots wrestling! background and Kathy Cooper in the foreground.
September 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
 Just the other day... Tahoma Audubon in September 1984
By Helen Engle
25
Tahoma Audubon President
Robert W Ramsey described
the long, involved process of pre- Years Ago
serving the property of Francis
and Ilene Marckx on West
Hylebos Creek. He started working with
the Marckx family in 1978 to help them with
their vision -- to keep this important wetland
and riparian zone natural in perpetuity. Their
hope of creating an important nature center,
an urban greenbelt, a productive lake, a
restored orchard, and developing Ilene’s col-
lection of native conifers was an ambitious
plan. For directions to 68-acre, day use West
Hylebos State Park, go to: http://www.daffo-
dilvalleytimes.com/parks/state/west_hylebos.
html. When you visit in person you could see
over 100 species of birds and over 60 species
of plants among the ponds and sinkholes as
you walk the boardwalk. This Audubon cou-
ple’s dream came true!!!
Paul Webster described the aftermath of
the 1983 SS Mobiloil grounding in the Columbia
River near St. Helens Oregon. 197,000 gallons
of spilled oil left major pollution along the river, effective in the control against attack of herds
through the river mouth and onto Washington
shores from Long Beach to the mouth of the
Queets River, nearly 200 miles north of the
grounding at Warrior Rock. The ship carried
several different types of oil: heavy residual
which sank to the river bottom, low-sulfur fuel
the
quizzical
wl
By Thais Bock
by Phil Buly
BIRDSONGS
Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org September 2009
oil about the same weight as water, Hylebos waterway, and at Fort Lewis 15 pairs
and light oil which rose to the sur- nested at Johnson Marsh and a smaller neigh-
face. 500 oiled birds received boring lake.
treatment, and state biologists There were 120 fledgling Western Bluebirds at
worried about the effect on the Fort Lewis according to George Walter, whose
river bottom, the tidal marshes, Bluebird Trail is a great success. There are 40
and the rare fresh-water marshes at pairs in his bird boxes compared to 23 in 1983.
Grays Bay and Cathlamet Bay. Dead There were adult Bald Eagles around
sturgeon don’t float – how many died? Commencement Bay from March through the
We served non-toxic refreshments at a summer. (That sounds pretty ho-hum now in
meeting where we learned about the poison 2009, but it was great news in 1984.)
1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) which is being Rummage Sale Chair Nell Batker thanked
used by the Fish & Wildlife Service Animal everyone who helped work the sale, and who
Damage Control to rid the country of coyotes. donated items and services. She reported net
This deadly product looks like powdered sugar, proceeds of $2,360 for the Audubon treasury.
is tasteless, odorless, colorless, and water-sol- Our field trips were Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
uble! The poison is placed in the carcass of a with George Kelpman; Fort Canby bus trip
small animal to lure the coyotes. When they with Elmer Price; WA State Game Farm &
get a bite of it they die – and then their carcass Fish Hatchery on Chambers Creek with Thelma
is secondarily deadly poison to scavenging Gilmur and Bud Angerman, Director of the
birds and other animals. Audubon’s state lob- Game Farm; Eunice Lake,
byist Pam Crocker-Davis briefed us on alter- Mt. Rainier National Park
natives to poisons. We heard Jay Lorenz, with Mary Jane
Oregon State Extension Specialist tell of that Cooper; and a visit to
state’s pilot program where special breeds of the State Capitol Museum
guard dogs are very successful and highly cost- to see a Native Plant
Society program on our
of livestock. And we heard Sara Polenick state’s shrub steppe and
Vickerman of Defenders of Wildlife speak on grasslands, organized by Helen Engle
the “taste aversion project,” another alterna- Mary Fries. from days of yore.
tive to poisoning coyotes with 1080.
Purple Martins successfully nested in their Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome,
three new “condos” on an old piling in the 253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.
1. What family of finches nests in the mountains above timberline?
2. At times seen in pure flocks, what adult gull shows bright pink legs?
3. Old English word, “start”, as in American Redstart, refers to a bird’s _______.
4. Is it the adult male or female Bushtit with yellow eyes?
5. “Fly up the creek” is a folkname for this heron species.
(Answers below.)
As with downed wood, snags may
appear untidy to humans, but wildlife
(birds, mammals, insects, inverte-
brates) see them as a localized Shan-
gri-La! Snags of all species, heights,
diameters, and states of decomposi-
tion are of value. Before you “rev up”
the chainsaw, consider that unless
a snag poses a safety hazard, it is a
great idea to retain it for the many
benefits it can provide. These include:
cavity nest sites, nesting platforms,
feeding substrates, plucking posts,
singing or drumming sites, food cach-
es or granaries, courtship locations,
overwintering sites, roosts, lookout
posts, hunting and hawking perches,
fledging sites, dwellings or dens, loaf-
ing sites, nesting under bark, com-
munal nesting or nursery colonies,
nutcracking anvil sites, thermally
regulated habitat to escape excessive
heat or cold, and substrate for plants
and fungi. No wonder snags are often
called wildlife condominiums!
– United States
Environmental Protection Agency
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ECOCOMM.NSF/webpage/Beneficial+Landscaping+-+Land+Clearing
1. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch 2. Thayer’s Gull 3. tail 4. female 5. Green Heron
 White man’s
H
By Ann Lee

oney bees pollinate over 90 com-

mercial crops, from nuts to berries, from
fruits to vegetables. When you look
down on your dinner plate
flies
soning, and immune-suppressing stress. The collapse of the honey bees’ colo-
nies was called Colony Collapse Disorder. Statistics show that colony loss
continues, but the Sep. 2008 to Aug. 2009 statistics show a 29% loss, down
from the previous year. Research from Washington State University has been
tonight, imagine those untangling the factors related to Colony Collapse Disorder. They have identi-
crops not being there. fied two major contributors; a microscopic pathogen and pesticides embedded
Honey bees did not in old honeycombs.
exist in North Pesticides in honeycombs immediately brought me back to Silent Spring.
American before This Rachel Carson book published by Houghton Mifflin in 1962 created a
the 1600s. The Spanish firestorm. More than forty years have passed since the book was published and
imported honey bees to Mexico industry and agribusiness advocates continue to criticize Silent Spring.
in the 16th century and Virginia HUMAN EVENTS in their article “Ten Most Harmful Books of the 19th and
colonists from England intro- 20th Centuries” written 05/31/2005 gave Silent Spring honorable mention.
duced them between 1621 and 1638. Bee immigrants, called White (http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=7591).
Man’s Flies by Native Americans, colonized new territories at a rate of I see Rachael Carson as an advocate for responsible and carefully managed
50 miles a year. Thomas Jefferson’s records show that the bee front use of pesticides; not the fringe lunatic that she was portrayed as. Using hon-
was often 100 to 200 miles ahead of civilized outposts. Today, these eycombs contributed by US Department of Agriculture, Sheppard (Washington
pollinators are trucked by highway throughout the United States to pol- State University) found “fairly high levels of pesticide residue.” Date: Wed 29
linate vegetable and orchard crops. Jul 2009, Source: Environment News Service (ENS) http://www.ens-news-
Honey bees collect pollen from flowers to take back to the hive to store and wire.com/ens/jul2009/2009-07-29-094.asp Part of the proposed solution is for
feed other bees. However, plants also benefit and are able to produce fruit, with the U.S. to change the combs more often, in Europe it is done every three years.
seeds that can grow into new plants. In the 1800s, beekeeping grew from a Simple solution to begin to address a complex problem.
cottage industry to a larger one, employing the use of several hundred opera- Changing honeycombs out just seems like good practice. I saw little concern
tional hives. Bees are now managed in large, factory farm about pesticide residue in hives when I was reading the newsletters of
environments and one-third of our diet comes from insect- organizations of individual beekeepers. The loss of the family farm to big
pollinated plants. business impacts us all. When beekeeping evolved from a cottage
And with eighty percent of insect-pollinat- industry to factory farming, we lost our connection
ed crops being pollinated by the honey bee, to our food source. Farming has become an
the 2007 statistics on their sudden disappear- Agribusiness. It is about the bottom
ance became headline news. The line, it is about money.
USDA says that there is $15 bil- I know that there will be other
lion dollars in added crop value impacts on our environment
from pollination, and the U.S. from pesticides. Some pesti-
agriculture got attention from cides are necessary. However,
Washington D.C. With money came if the honey bees are impacted,
motivation and research dollars. what about us? The collapse of
Theories emerged: mites, the colonies of the honey bees
new diseases, pesticide poi- isn’t just about honey.

mt.rainier puts on a show

Lenticular clouds are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes, normally
aligned perpendicular to the wind direction. Lenticular clouds can be separated into al-
tocumulus standing lenticularis (ACSL), stratocumulus standing lenticular (SCSL), and
cirrocumulus standing lenticular (CCSL)
Where stable moist air flows over a mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-
scale standing waves may form on the downwind side. If the temperature at the crest of the
wave drops to or below the dewpoint, moisture in the air may condense to form lenticular
clouds. As the moist air moves back down into the trough of the wave, the cloud may
evaporate back into vapor. Under certain conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can
form near the crest of each successive wave, creating a formation known as a ‘wave cloud’.
The wave systems cause large vertical air movements and so enough water vapor may
condense to produce precipitation. The clouds have been mistaken for UFOs (or “visual
cover” for UFOs) because these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and smooth
saucer-like shape. Bright colors (called Irisation) are sometimes seen along the edge of
lenticular clouds. – Wikipedia Photo/David Embrey

Calling all shutterbugs!

Snapped a shot you can’t wait
to share? Send your photos to
editor@tahomaaudubon.org
with your name, date and
short description.

Photo/Peter Murray

September 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9

 The boys (and girls) of summer
The summer Teen Internship is funded through donations from Tahoma
Audubon members and parents of campers. This is the second year of the
program and allows our experienced volunteer teen staff an opportunity to
gain greater leadership skills, job training, and be a mentor to other young
volunteers. The stipend allows them to earn income over the summer to
help with school and other expenses.
Those wishing to support this valuable program with a donation can
contact Cami Kesinger, Development Coordinator, at Tahoma Audubon.
E-mail her at ckesinger@tahomaaudubon.org, or call 253-565-9129.

Thoughts from Daisy Garcia, summer Teen Intern:

I have been spending my summer learning how to communicate with my
peers and children in a way that makes the experience valuable. Sharing stories
and games allows me to bring out my own enthusiasm along with the campers Photos/Margie Shea
Hanging out with the kids in camp. Daisy was this summer’s Teen Intern for Nature Day
of the Tacoma Nature Center. I have volunteered with youth
Camps at Tacoma Nature Center and Tahoma Audubon.
and family education programs for four years which allows me
to apply previous skills to the camp activities. The internship new friends but I get to watch children smile all day with the creative ideas and
has defined my speaking skills, strengthened my leadership subjects they explore at the camps.
abilities, and created new friendships. I find it fun to work with my peers and with the soul of summer, our camp-
My personal thoughts of the internship are that it allows me ers, their joy is mine. In the fall I will be a Senior at Curtis Senior High School in
to get to an idea of what I want to do after high school as well University Place. After high school I plan to enroll in a four year college in Wash-
Daisy Garcia as have fun in a great environment. Not only do I get to make ington and gradually work towards being a pediatrician.

announcements
Green Tacoma Day 2009 Free Habitat Steward training
September 26th, 9:00am-12:00pm Have you ever walked by or driven past an
Come celebrate Green Tacoma Partnership’s 2nd annual Green Tacoma Day! area that is over grown with weeds and
And take part in National Public Lands Day with thousands of other looks unkempt? By becoming a Habitat
Americans across the country. Discover Tacoma’s Natural Treasures - get Steward you can do something to help
outside, explore, learn, volunteer! Locations: Tacoma Nature Center, Point take care of these kinds of places in your
Defiance Park, Titlow Park, Puget Creek, “Kia Kaha” restoration site at TCC, neighborhood. At this FREE one day
University of Puget Sound, and more! Sponsored by: Green Tacoma training you will learn how to get started,
Partnership and co-sponsored by partners groups - Metro Parks Tacoma, City how to organize volunteer events and
of Tacoma, Tacoma Community College, University of Puget Sound,Tahoma ways to track how well the clean-up pro-
Audubon Society, Cascade Land Conservancy, Puget Creek Restoration cess is going. After the training you will
Society, Tatoosh Group Sierra Club Ivy League, People for Puget Sound, be able to borrow tools, receive publicity for events and get help with volunteer
Wheelman’s Club, Cascade Bicycle Club. recruitment provided by Green Tacoma Partnership.
 Choose from a variety of activities from 9am-noon throughout the city: When: Saturday October 10th, 2009 or Saturday February 6th, 2010
• Help restore the health of a local park, gulch, or shoreline, Where: Location to be announced at later date
• Learn more about your favorite natura l areas with experienced GTP Time: 9:30am-3:00pm
Partners, OR Contact: To register, e-mail Julie Kerrigan at jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org
• Discover something new by taking a walking, biking, or birding tour. or give her a call at (253) 223-0039.
 Come learn how Tahoma Audubon is saving urban green spaces through the
Green Tacoma Partnership. For a complete list of activities and how to RSVP,
please visit www.greentacoma.org
Part-time volunteer receptionist needed
Tahoma Audubon is looking for a fabulous receptionist that can con-
tribute three hours, one day a month. The hours are 10:00a.m. until
1:00p.m. To find out more about this a fun opportunity, contact Sally
Sloat at 253-564-0655 or call our main number 253-565-9278 and leave
a message for either Sally or Graham Taylor.
Thank you for your interest.

Wanted: Flat Screen Monitors

Have you upgraded your LCD monitor lately? Here at the Tahoma
Audubon office we are crowded with old school computer moni-
tors. If you have a used LCD monitor please consider donating it to
Tahoma Audubon. Contact Bryan flint at (253) 565-9129 or Bryan-
Flint@TahomaAudubon.org.
Thank you.
Saturday, September 12th - 10 am to 3 pm
Admission $1 or new toiletries l school supplies to benefit young adults
transitioning out of foster care via Pierce County Alliance.
Arts and Crafts - Fun Activities - Face Painting and More
Help your child discover the gardener inside that’s just waiting to blossom. Kids Day is all
about showing kids how much fun gardening can be. And how getting your hands dirty is
a great way to reinforce our connection to the earth. Lakewold is a perfect place to get
them started. It’s fun for everyone. Your donation will benefit the Pierce County Alliance.
Call 253-584-4106 or simply show up at 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood, WA. 98499

Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org September 2009

 Beatrice Thompson
January 5, 1926 to August 10, 2009
The beautiful life of Beatrice Thompson ended August 10, 2009. Beatrice was born in Albany,
OR on January 5, 1926 and attended school in Southern California and Albany, Graduating from
Albany High School in 1944. She graduated from Oregon State College (now University) in
1948 with a major in Human Biology and minors in Physical Education and Camping Education.
She taught physical education at San Diego High School for three years and at the American
College for Girls in Istanbul, Turkey for three years.
In 1954, she entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in order to attend the physical therapy
course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She remained in the Army for almost 25 years attaining the
rank of Colonel. She worked in vari-
“Beatrice was a true friend of the environment,” ous Army hospitals in the United
remembers long time friend Nell Batker. “She was States, Germany, Japan and Vietnam.
the most generous person ever known.” She loved She received a MA in Physical Beatrice Thompson and George A. Doolittle
birding. She and fellow Audubon member Cecile Therapy from Stanford University in
Montgomery met in 1967 and have enjoyed bird- 1962 and taught in the Army Physical early members of Tahoma Audubon Society where she has
ing trips together to Belize, Africa, Brazil, Australia Therapy program for three years. She been an active member and supporter for almost 40 years.
and Yugoslavia, just to name a few. A true friend received a Bronze Star for her work at In March 1991, she married George A. Doolittle. He is a
and active member of Audubon, Beatrice’s gener- the field hospital in Nha Trang, Canadian who retired as a Wing Commander in the Royal
osity will survive for decades to come. Having Vietnam and a Legion of Merit medal Canadian Air Force. They met while on a bird watching trip
made a generous gift in her estate plans she will
upon her retirement in April, 1979. in Chile.
While in Japan Beatrice became an Beatrice was remarkably kind and sensitive to other people
be helping to build a strong endowment for
avid bird watcher and upon her arrival and their needs. She gave generously to many charities for
Tahoma Audubon’s future.
in Tacoma in 1970, she was one of the women’s and children’s causes and for the environment.

... Calendar
continued from back page
Fri Oct 9, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF
Restoration Activity. Adriana Hess
Wetland Park. Come enjoy the outdoors and
help beautify the grounds at Adriana Hess
Wetland Park!
Fri Oct 9, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Nature
Alphabet “M is for Maple Tree” Tacoma
Nature Center. Ages 3-6, $6 per child.
Preschoolers explore different nature topics
through stories, hands-on activities, nature
walks and crafts at hte Tacoma Nature
Center. Adult participation is recommended,
children under four require an adult present.
Please note alternating times. Register by the
Saturday before the program. Call 591-6439
to register.
Fri Oct 9, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Membership
Meeting. 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
Mon Oct 12, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird
Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Enjoy a guided bird walk through the park!
Tues Oct 13, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Snake
Lake Science Club. Tacoma Nature Center.
Ages 10-14, no charge for club meetings,
$10 per student to join the club. Snake Lake
Science Club 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 club and are then free WHO Birdwatchers like you!
to participate in any program offerings,
WHAT A shore-based survey that captures the densities of our
including the 2010 Snake Lake Science
Fair. The following programs are designed wintering ducks, geese, loons, grebes, gulls and alcids.
to help students learn more about science WHEN Survey times are synchronized to the first Saturday of ev-
and the scientific process through hands-on ery month (October 2009 - April 2010) within two hours on either
discovery. Pre-registration for each program side of high tide.
is required as space is limited. Call The
Survey time: 15-30 min/site. Data are entered online.
Nature Center to register 591-6439.
Training Session scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17 (6 - 7:30pm)
Tues Oct 13, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. WHERE Numerous survey sites along the coastline of King, Pierce,
Conservation Committee. Adriana Hess Thurston, and Snohomish Counties.
Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Road W, WHY The Puget Sound Seabird Survey is the ONLY land-based,
University Place, WA 98466
multi-month seabird survey in central or south Puget Sound: your
Tues Oct 13, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. efforts will address a known gap in our understanding of our win-
Intermediate Birder’s Class continuation. tering seabird populations.
Wed Oct 14, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly LEARN more at www.seattleaudubon.org. Want to volunteer?
Bird Walks at Nisqually. Contact Krystal Kyer kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978.
Wed Oct 14, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding
Scientists “Birds in our Backyard.” Adriana
Hess Audubon Center. Ages 5-7, $9.00 per
student. Young homeschoolers and other
children begin science and nature exploration
through games, walks, and crafts. Register at
least two days prior to the session by calling
253-591-6439.
Wed Oct 14, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding
Scientists “Birds in our Backyard” See
above.
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
C9ZY020Z

membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of

Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas.

September 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11


september 2009
Wed Sept 2, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks
at Nisqually.
Fri Sept 4, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Mon Sept 7, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Adriana Hess Park
Photography class. An adult program encouraging people
to appreciate nature and how they can incorporate it into
their photography. Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.
Mon Sept 7, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Birding Basics. Tacoma
Nature Center. Ages 18+. $45 Audubon Member, $55 non-
member. Curious about birds but don’t know your crown
from your tailfeather? 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 a field guide
and binoculars. Learn, too, about some of the best places
to see birds and practice your newfound birding skills.
There is one local field trip to Steilacoom Park on Saturday,
September 26, at 8:00 am. Call 253-591-6439 to register.
Tues Sept 8, 2009 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Conservation
Committee. Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison
Road W, University Place, WA 98466
Wed Sept 9, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks
at Nisqually.
Wed Sept 9, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding Scientists
“I am a Scientist.” Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Ages
5-7, $9.00 per student. Young homeschoolers and other
children begin science and nature exploration through
games, walks, and crafts. Register at least two days prior
to the session by calling 253-591-6439.
Wed Sept 9, 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding Scientists “I
am a Scientist.” See previous entry for details.
Thu Sept 10, 2009 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Beginning
Homeschool Science “Let’s Talk Science.” Tacoma
Nature Center. Ages 8-10, $12 per student. Homeschool
students explore science through hands-on experiments
and activities. Register Early - these classes fill quickly!
Note - topics are repeated during the month, so select class
appropriate for your child’s knowledge and abilities. Contact
Margie with questions or for more information at 591-
6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com. Beginning science
students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Thu Sept 10, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. TAS Board Meeting
at Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Monthly Meeting of
the Tahoma Audubon Board. Guests Welcome, please call
ahead at (253) 565-9278.
Fri Sept 11, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party
at Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Fri Sept 11, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Nature Alphabet
“K is for Krazy Kritters.” Tacoma Nature Center. Ages
3-6, $6 per child. Preschoolers explore different nature
topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks
and crafts at hte Tacoma Nature Center. Adult participation
is recommended, children under four require an adult
present. Please note alternating times. Register by the
Saturday before the program. Call 591-6439 to register.
Fri Sept 11, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Membership Meeting
at 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
Mon Sept 14, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird Walk at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park.
Wed Sept 16, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks
at Nisqually.
Thu Sept 17, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Intermediate
Homeschool Science “Lab Investigations.” Tacoma
Nature Center. Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and activities. Register
Early - these classes fill quickly! Note - topics are
repeated during the month, so select class appropriate
for your child’s knowledge and abilities. Contact Margie
with questions or for more information at 591-6439
or marjories@tacomaparks.com. Ages 10-12, $12 per
student. Intermediate Science Students should be able to
multiply and divide numbers, add and subtract fractions.
Thu Sept 17, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Seabird Survey
Volunteer Training. Location: TBD, Tacoma. Become
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
a Citizen Scientist. Discover what’s happening to our
wintering seabird populations. Spend cool winter mornings
on the shorelines of Puget Sound. Attend free training to
become a Puget Sound Seabird Survey Volunteer for the
2009-10 season. Contact Krystal for more information at
253-232-9978
Fri Sept 18, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Restoration
Activity. Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Come enjoy the
outdoors and help beautify the grounds at Adriana Hess
Wetland Park!
Mon Sept 21, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plant Walk at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Enjoy a guided plant walk
through the park!
Tue Sept 22, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tacoma Nature Center
Adult Education “Basics of Solar.” Tacoma Nature
Center. Ages 16+, $5 per household (limit 3 people). What
would it take to run your house on environmentally friendly
solar power? How much does it cost and is it feasible here
in Washington? Attend this informational class on either
date to find answers to these questions and more about
solar power. If you have been wondering of solar could
work at your home, come to this class to find our from
one of the leading experts on the field. The class will be
taught by Brad Burkhartzmeyer, president of hte nonprofit
Northwest Solar Group and founder of Sun’s Eye Power.
Call 591-6439 to register.
Wed Sept 23, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks
at Nisqually.
Thu September 24, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Homeschool
Advanced Science “Scientific Method and Inquiry.”
Tacoma Nature Center. Homeschool students explore
science through hands-on experiments and activities.
Register Early - these classes fill quickly! Note - topics
are repeated during the month, so select class appropriate
for your child’s knowledge and abilities. Contact Margie
with questions or for more information at 591-6439 or
marjories@tacomaparks.com.Ages 12-15, $15 per student.
Older homeschool students will continue their science
studies with challenging and engaging experiments and
activities. To participate in this class, students should be
able to calculate avereages, percentages, and solve simple
equations.
Fri Sept 25, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Restoration
Activity. Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Come enjoy the
outdoors and help beautify the grounds at Adriana Hess
Wetland Park!
Fri Sept 25, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Nature Storytime
“Bug Life.” Adriana Hess Center. Ages 2-6, $6 per child,
$3 Audubon member, free to adults and U.P residents. Join
us as we explore the park at the Adriana Hess Audubon
center in University Place with naure stories based on
the current theme. Adults are welcome with the children.
This a wonderful grandparent/ grandchild activity! Space
is limited to the first 20 registered guests (adults and
children). call 253-591-6439 to register.
Fri Sept 25, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Homeschool Advanced
Science LAB “Scientific Method and Inquiry.” Tacoma
Nature Center. Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and activities. Register
Early - these classes fill quickly! Note - topics are repeated
during the month, so select class appropriate for your child’s
knowledge and abilities. Contact Margie with questions or for
more information at 591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.
com. Ages 12-15, $15 per student. Older homeschool
students will continue their science studies with challenging
and engaging experiments and activities. To participate in
this class, students should be able to calculate avereages,
percentages, and solve simple equations.
Fri Sept 25, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Nature Alphabet “L
is for Look-alikes.” Tacoma Nature Center. Ages 3-6,
$6 per child. Preschoolers explore different nature topics
through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and
crafts at hte Tacoma Nature Center. Adult participation
is recommended, children under four require an adult
present. Please note alternating times. Register by the
Saturday before the program. Call 591-6439 to register.
Sat Sept 26, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Green Tacoma Day /
National Public Lands Day. Discover Tacoma’s Natural
Treasures - get outside, explore, learn, volunteer! Locations:
Tacoma Nature Center, Point Defiance Park, Titlow Park,
Puget Creek, “Kia Kaha” restoration site at TCC, University
of Puget Sound, and more! Sponsored by: Green Tacoma
Partnership and co-sponsored by partners groups - Metro
september program
Fri Sept. 11, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Membership Meeting.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tylor St.
Julie Kerrigan will be speaking about the Green Tacoma Part-
nership, presenting general information about what the Green
Tacoma Partnership is as well as highlighting some of our upcom-
ing activities that include Habitat Steward Trainings and Green
Tacoma Day (tour of Tacoma’s open spaces).
Check web site for updates -
www.TahomaAudubon.org. Call (253) 565-9278
Parks Tacoma, City of Tacoma, Tacoma Community College,
University of Puget Sound,Tahoma Audubon Society,
Cascade Land Conservancy, Puget Creek Restoration
Society, Tatoosh Group Sierra Club Ivy League, People for
Puget Sound, Wheelman’s Club, Cascade Bicycle Club. For
more information, including site descriptions and activities,
maps, bicycle tour routes and treasure maps, visit: www.
greentacoma.org. Contact: Julie Kerrigan, GTP Volunteer
Coordinator to volunteer or participate at 253-223-0039 or
jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org.
Sun Sept 27, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Family Walk at
Adriana Hess Park. Adriana Hess Park. A family program
to encourage families to appreciate the park by providing
information and opportunities with a guided walking tour.
Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373
Mon Sept 28, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Class for Adults: Sing
Pacific Northwest Native Plants in Home Landscaping.
Tacoma Nature Center. Adults 18+, $5 per household
(limit 3 people) fall is the best time to plant! Be prepared
by joining us for this interactive workshop. Experts from
Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery will give an overview of
how the homeowner should sketch out the existing layout
of their land and which native plants will work well in each
mocro-climate in the yard. Come prepared with a rough
sketch of your yard. call 253-591-6439 to register.
Wed Sept 30, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks
at Nisqually.
october 2009
Fri Oct 2, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Restoration
Activity. Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Come enjoy the
outdoors and help beautify the grounds at Adriana Hess
Wetland Park!
Sat Oct 3, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Native Plant Sale at
TNC. Landscape your yard with plants that are native
to our area. Planting natives insures the conservation of
our precious water resources and provides habitat for local
birds, mammals and insects. A list of available plants will
be posted on the website by 10:00 am of Friday October 2.
www.metroparkstacoma.org. COME EARLY FOR THE
BEST SELECTION.
Tues Oct 6, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Intermediate Birder’s
Class. Tacoma Nature Center. Adults 18+. $55 for
Audubon Members, $75 for nonmembers. Join us for
an exploration of fall and wintering birds of Washington
as well as shorebirds. This class is for those who have a
good background in bird identification. In addition to the
scheduled class days, there are four field trips that are fast
paced and include travel and overnight stay (additional to
class fees). Two-day trip to the coast on October 10-11;
one day trips to Port Orchard area on Nov 14 and to Skagit
on Dec 5; and a three-day trip to eastern Washington on
January 16-18, 2010. CLASS MEETS AT THE TACOMA
NATURE CENTER!!! call 253-591-6439 to register.
Wed Oct, 6 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks
at Nisqually.
Thu Oct 8, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Beginning Homeschool
Science “Backyard Habitats” Tacoma Nature Center.
Homeschool students explore science through hands-on
experiments and activities. Register Early - these classes fill
quickly! Note - topics are repeated during the month, so select
class appropriate for your child’s knowledge and abilities.
Contact Margie with questions or for more information
at 591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com. Beginning
science students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Thu Oct, 8 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. TAS Board Meeting.
Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Monthly Meeting of the
Tahoma Audubon Board. Guest Welcome, please call
ahead at (253) 565-9278.
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