Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969.

Vol. 41 No. 5 May 2010

Like Pacific salmon, sage grouse were once so abundant that they seemed indestructible. Early settlers dubbed
them "sage chickens" and ate them like domestic fowl. No more. In the past few decades,
populations of sage grouse have declined 30 percent across their
range and as much as 80 percent in some places.
Dance -Susan J. Tweit, Audubon Magazine

Sage
of the

Grouse John James Audubon

Yakima Army Training Center harbors popular Sage Grouse lek

By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
When Ryan Wiese lusts after a new life bird,
he doesn’t just sit around hoping for it to show
up. In the case of the Sage Grouse, he sprang
into action and set up a field trip to the Yakima
Firing Range, the most famous Sage Grouse
lek in the state. (A lek is the stomping ground
for all the local males to strut their stuff for
consideration by an audience of critical
females.)
The Sage Grouse has been big news this
spring, as it was turned down for listing as
Endangered, but with the caveat that it was
indeed qualified to be on the list, but needed to
get in line and wait its turn. Definitely not a
species you want to put off seeing if you can
help it.
For a short time each spring, the male Sage
Grouse becomes a completely different ani-
mal. You would not recognize him as the
well-camouflaged chicken-type grouse seen
the rest of the year. He becomes the most
flamboyant and outré creature on earth, just
long enough to lead on the females whom he
hopes will become his harem. This is the
behavior we were hoping to see. The Sage
Grouse is the second-largest gallinaceous
game bird (after Wild Turkey).
Since the famous dance takes place only at
dawn, we drove over the night before, Saturday
April 10, with the big show scheduled for 5:30
a.m. on Sunday morning. The drive over was
a little disheartening, as a chilly wind was
gusting badly. We all brought clothes for the
Siberian tundra. After dinner Saturday night,
Ryan took us owling to a known spot between
Ellensburg and Yakima, and suddenly the
wind stopped and the temperature seemed 20
degrees warmer! As we listened to the distant
thunder-like artillery fire in the night (recog-
nized by anyone from Pierce County within
range of Fort Lewis), we even saw an Owl! It
See "Sage Grouse” on page 6

Can’t you feel the excitement in the air? It’s Birdathon!

By Cami Kesinger
May is Birdathon month! It is a time
when the birds become more active and
when beginning and expert birders go
out and gather pledges from family,
friends, neighbors and co-workers!
Birders go out and enjoy a fun and
exciting field trip (see list of all trips in
this issue) and count bird species. Then
they send their reports to their sponsors
and collect the pledges.
All money collected by our generous
birders and sponsors goes toward help-
ing Tahoma Audubon and supporting
our education and conservation pro-
grams! Without Birdathon, many of the
programs our members enjoy would be
cut. Even the printing of The Towhee is
supported by Birdathon.
Being a Birdathon participant is
EASY, and you don’t need to know a
thing about birds. Just a desire to get
outside and have fun with fun people
to support YOUR Audubon!
See "Birdathon” on page 9

Gulf Coast oil disaster: How you can help

Audubon is inspired by the many people who have
contacted us to find out how they can help the birds
and other wildlife threatened by the Gulf oil spill. Your
commitment to their health and safety during this
crisis is greatly appreciated – and it underscores how
much you value the natural world.
Audubon is working with many other public and
private conservation organizations to coordinate
volunteers and connect them with oiled-wildlife re-
sponse leaders to help in the recovery effort, in the
event that the oil spill reaches the gulf coast marsh-
es, beaches, barrier islands and other ecologically
sensitive areas. Hands-on work to protect and save
birds and other wildlife will be a complex and poten-
tially dangerous process, and first and foremost it is
important that only trained volunteers participate on
the front lines. Untrained volunteers can pose a risk
not only to themselves, but to the birds and wild-
life they are trying to save. We can use volunteers
with many different skill levels, so please fill out the
registration form so that we can help find the best
volunteer job for you. Just click here.
In this issue:
25 Years Ago page 8
Birdathon field trips page 9
BirdSongs page 8
Calendar page 12
Education page 4
Environment Matters page 3, 11
Executive Director's corner page 2
Field trips page 5
New Members page 11
 executive director’s Corner ENVIRONMENT Matters
Your membership: Valuable, sometimes confusing Habitat stewards make a difference birds are chirping,
and flowers are
blooming, more and
The question Audubon. That is no longer the case. benefit of humanity and earth’s biological diversity. Making your backyard wildlife-friendly is one way more volunteer events
most often asked by In December 2008, the Tahoma Audubon Board With your support we are able to host weekday after- you can help birds and wildlife survive in a rapidly are occurring. It is as
our membership is adopted a new chapter membership policy. Renewing school programs in collaboration with the Tacoma changing world. Taking care of our local parks and if Mother Nature is
“How do I renew your membership with National Audubon Society no Nature Center. Our education programs connect young natural areas presents a bigger challenge. If you are telling us to get out-
my membership?” longer comes with an automatic membership in the and old alike with nature in ways that are harder to find familiar with common invasive plants like Himalayan side and take care of
While membership local chapter. You can renew your chapter and National in our rapidly developing society. blackberry, English ivy, and Scotch broom, a walk in her.
in Audubon can Membership through us. Please note that you will no Among other things, your membership contribution the woods can be an eye opener. Suddenly you will see Become a Habitat
sometimes be a lit- longer receive the Towhee if you only renew with has helped us work with the Green Tacoma Partnership invasive plants almost everywhere, especially in dense- Steward!
tle confusing, it National Audubon. If you send your membership to sponsor habitat steward training; a program that has ly populated urban areas. Even our most prized parks, We are offering our
should not be hard renewal to Tahoma Audubon you will continue to a direct impact on local urban open space. Additionally, like Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, are home to inva- expand community capacity for stewarding urban nat- final Habitat Steward
to renew your mem- receive the Towhee. we will be working hard to address the loss of habitat sive plants. Left unchecked, they will outcompete and ural areas in Tacoma. training of the year on Contact Krystal at 253-232-9978.
bership in a grass- National Audubon will send several renewals notices and impacts on Puget Sound shorelines that have led to outgrow native plants. This loss of plant diversity leads We’ve offered many free trainings, networking and Saturday, June 5, Or kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
roots organization that you support. in the mail. By responding to these you will only the startling decline of so many bird species. There is social events, and volunteer work parties and
2010 from 9:30 a.m.
The reality is you are supporting two Audubons. The renew your National membership. much more work to do and your continued support is celebrations like Green Tacoma Day. On Aprilto 3:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Nature Center. Volunteers
National Audubon Society and Tahoma Audubon At the Chapter level we will only send you a letter on essential. 17, 2010 we co-sponsored Citizens for a will learn how to distinguish common invasive plants
Society are two independent organizations with their the month of your membership renewal. If you Your membership and participation in Tahoma Healthy Bay’s Earth Day on the Bay. More from easily confused native plants, how to evaluate a site
own non-profit tax status, incorporation and board of respond to this letter you will have the opportunity to Audubon is what makes us the successful organization than 100 amazing volunteers participated in and decide a course of action, how to track your progress
directors. As the Pierce County Chapter, we are one of renew both your National and Chapter membership at that we are. You can renew your Chapter membership the event planting pickleweed, dune grass, and
and much more. Volunteers will receive a free Habitat
26 Chapters in the State and 500 in the country. We the same time. with a donation of $30 or more, or you can renew your sedges on the shoreline of the Middle Steward Field Guide that includes practical guidance on
share the same mission. We also share membership. Your membership with Tahoma Audubon is tremen- Chapter and National membership with a donation of Waterway in Commencement Bay. Volunteers how to properly remove invasive plants.
For many years, a membership in National Audubon dously appreciated. Our membership plays a vital role, $50 or more. We will send the $20 for your National from Boeing, Simpson, and Tacoma Urban Anyone interested in learning how to steward a natu-
automatically gave you a membership in Tahoma enabling us to conserve and restore ecosystems for the membership onto National Audubon. League came out in force in honor of Earth ral area in Tacoma is welcome to attend. Teens wel-
Day, and made it a fun group project. come. Those interested in volunteering outside of
GTP began a coordinated volunteer training
Tacoma are welcome on a space-available basis. Lunch
Tahoma Audubon Society's program called Habitat Stewards in 2009. So is provided. To attend this free training, please RSVP

Feathered Nest Circle

far 22 volunteers have attended a six-hour to Krystal Kyer by June 1 by calling 253-232-9978 or
training followed by ongoing support and email kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org.
access to resources like tools, advertising, and
Learn more about the Green Tacoma Partnership,
restoration guidance. On April 17, another including partners and sites, upcoming volunteer work
We are pleased to honor our visionaries who have named Tahoma Audubon
to a lower quality of habitat that is less suitable for the event was organized by Habitat Stewards Rob Girvin parties and trainings, and how to get involved by visit-
in their estate plans making them members of the Feathered Nest Circle. The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society survival of birds and wildlife. and Wally Croshaw at Garfield Gulch, adjacent to ing www.greentacoma.org or contact Krystal, above.
Thank you current members as of April 15, 2010: Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park What can you do? Garfield Park and Annie
Anonymous (3) John & Pat Lantz 2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466 Volunteers can find solace in adopting a local park or Wright School. Volunteers
Jane Brosius Diane J. Malone Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278 natural area to help fight the invasion by removing or helped keep invasive plants
Helen Engle Jean McCord controlling invasives and planting native plants in their from returning by spreading a
Bryan Flint Guy and Cecile Montgomery Tahoma Audubon Staff place. There is a plethora of ‘Friends of Parks’ groups thick carpet of wood chips on
Thomas Galdabini Gary and Sharon Nestegard  
in every city. However, many of these groups often part of the restoration site.
John Garner & Caroline Harris Melissa and Jamie Paulson Bryan Flint Executive Director                         lack the support, tools, money, knowledge and training On April 24, thousands of
Thelma and Chuck Gilmur Donna Cooper Pepos* bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129 needed to do the best job for the least cost (not just in volunteers turned out for the
Marjorie Griffin* Barbara Petersen terms of money, but also physical labor and time). 9thAnnual ParksAppreciation
Noel & Bill Hagens Sarah C. Sloat Krystal Kyer Conservation Coordinator Cities and parks departments will never have enough Day across Tacoma and
Frances Heidner* Beatrice E. Thompson* kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978                     financial and labor resources to beat the invasion alone, Pierce County. Many of the
David R. Hirst Darby Veeck & Kristin Lynett so volunteers are crucial to winning the battle. sites in Tacoma were spon-
Cami Kesinger Stephanie Swaim Education Coordinator Since 2005, the Green Tacoma Partnership (GTP), a sored by Green Tacoma
Peggy Kopf & Pat Mail *Deceased StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-327-9480 coalition made up of citizens, ‘friends of’ groups, City Partnership groups and stew-
of Tacoma, Metro Parks Tacoma, civic groups, colleges ards, including Habitat

Join the Feathered Nest Circle
Barbara Petersen read about the
Feathered Nest Circle in the Dec/Jan
issue of the Towhee. A rather new
member of Tahoma Audubon, and a
of an original painting of a Towhee by
Dale Thompson and helped to support
Tahoma Audubon in connecting people
with nature.
Cami Kesinger Development Coordinator and non-profits like Cascade Land Conservancy and Steward Dan Fear at First
Tahoma Audubon has been working to build the infra- Creek on Tacoma’s Eastside. Photos from the Garfield Gulch work party on April 17th, volunteers
ckesinger@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129                      
structure, develop good environmental policies, and Now that the sun is out, spreading wood chips to control invasive plants.
Graham Taylor Volunteer Coordinator 253-565-1884
gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org

WANTED: Habitat Stewards

long time member of Rainier Audubon, Thank you Barbara. Ken Benton Education Intern
Barbara contacted us to let us kbenton@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-1884
know she had included
Tahoma Audubon in her will Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
in 2006. It was at the sugges-
John Garner President
tion of her dear friend Thais
Bock. Thais, who recently Marjorie Shea Vice President Help take care of Tacoma’s natural areas by fighting invasive plants, and protecting our urban forests.
passed away, suggested Jane Brosius Secretary
that Tahoma was a wor-
thy recipient for a
planned gift included in
Kathleen Nelson Treasurer
Become a Volunteer Today!
her will. By contacting Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2010 To attend a free training on JUNE 5, please contact
our office and provid- Thelma Gilmur Ione Clagett the GTP Volunteer Coordinator at 253-232-9978
ing written confirmation
of her generous commit- Dick Carkner
Melissa Paulson or email kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
ment Barbara Petersen Dan Sherman
Bill Smith
became a member of the
Feathered Nest Circle. She
Peggy L. Kopf Tanja Scott Visit www.greentacoma.org to find
has received a beautiful print Darby Veeck Charles Griffin upcoming volunteer opportunities near you.

The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS advo-
cates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conservation 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 combined
Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issues. Submissions of articles and photographs
of birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, and environmental
education are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor.
Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail,
disk, or typed. E-mail submissions to editor@tahomaaudubon.org.
Editors: David Cohn, David Lev
Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com
Printing: Consolidated Press

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2010 May 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

 Education Matters
} Susan E. Goering, 1944-2010 }
Memorial
Volunteer Naturalists spread their wings
On April 3, we Lake and Morse Wildlife Preserve, and shared their Society; Gabriel Newton, naturalist and science
celebrated the grad- knowledge about mammals, birds, plankton, forests teacher at Charles Wright Academy; Rolan Nelson, On April 25th, 2010 the Tahoma Audubon family lost Audubon. Growing up in Tacoma, she felt deeply con-
uation of our first and wetlands. Without question, our volunteer natu- expert birder and birding instructor; Jennifer Tkaczyk, one of its own. Sue Goering passed away at Tacoma’s nected to the ecology of the Pacific Northwest. The
cohort of Volunteer ralists are vital to our education programs and we science teacher and wildlife biologist; Kathy Sutalo, Weatherly Inn from complications from Lung Cancer. familiar view of Puget Sound from her home must
Naturalists who thank them for their passion for youth and nature Urban Forester for MetroParks Tacoma; Jayme She will be thoroughly missed. have served as a constant reminder of the natural
have been learning education. With their help, we will be able to expand Gordon, Pierce Conservation District Stream Team, Sue illustrated great compassion toward both people beauty ever present in our region.
about the wildlife our programming to many more schools and adult and David Behrens, professor of marine biology and and animals during her life. Her 20-year career as a After Sue retired she became an active volunteer.
and habitats of groups throughout the South Puget Sound region. oceanography, Pierce College and TCC. nurse in the Army Air Force earned her the rank of One of her most significant volunteer contributions to
South Puget Sound Congratulations to the Volunteer Naturalists who Many of our Volunteer Naturalists were unable to Major and demonstrated her deep interest in tending to Audubon involved her work with the Tahoma Audubon
stephanieSWAIM since January.
Twenty-one new
completed the 18-hour training program: Connie
Baum, Nataly Brockwell, Karen Brown, Sue Cousins,
come to all 18 hours of training, but continue to be
valuable volunteers in our education programs. Thank
the sick and restoring the health of others. She trea-
sured cats and birds and was an active donor and vol-
Society’s annual silent-auction. Working closely with
her dear friend Pat Olson, Sue insured that all of the umes about the authenticity of their followers.
Education Coordinator
volunteers and two Alison Darley, Marilyn Denney, Michael Jarnagin, you to everyone who has and will be volunteering unteer for the Tahoma Audubon Society and the donated items were collected, priced and displayed to Sue is survived by her brother Tony, her friend
Call Steph @ 253-327-9480. Or veteran volunteers Deb Kiesig, Alysen Laakso, Rosemary Lenigan, Ann with us! Humane Society. the liking of potential buyers. The funds raised went Sydney from nursing school, Carol Wilson, Priscilla
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org completed the train- Martin, Rachel Minnitti, Michael Minor, Shelley Our next Volunteer Naturalist Training will be Sue was truly a member of the Audubon family, straight to Audubon’s endowment, securing Audubon’s Huber, Jennie Sheridan, and her family here at Tahoma
ing and were award- Parker, Charles Pregaldin, Bob Riley, Kathy Riley, scheduled for Fall 2010. The Tacoma Nature Center honoring and continuing a rich family history of envi- lasting presence in Pierce County. Audubon.
ed certificates from Tahoma Audubon and Tacoma Carole Ritzow, Sue Ross, Ed Schlich, Martha Scoville, is maintaining a waitlist for this training and we will ronmental activism. Her Mother, a past Mayor of Sue was also a spiritual person and member of the
Nature Center. Diana Wells, and Larry Wells. begin announcements in The Towhee in early sum- Tacoma and Master Gardener taught Sue to value the Church of the Devine Man. Representatives of her At the time of publication a memorial is tentatively
As of mid-April, our Volunteer Naturalists have We would also like to thank the wonderful expert mer. If interested in participating, please call the flora and fauna of our region. Following in her moth- church visited her regularly when she was sick. Their planned for May 15t. Please call our office for addi-
donated over 63 hours to our education programs as volunteers who helped teach the Volunteer Naturalist Nature Center at (253) 591-6439 to put your name on er’s footsteps, Sue was a life long member of Tahoma kindness and tender attention to her affairs speak vol- tional information about the event: (253) 565 9278.
observers, science fair judges, hosts at booth events training by providing their expertise: Thelma Gilmur, the waitlist and to assure that you will be contacted

field trips and Events

and as lead naturalists. They have led hikes at Snake naturalist and co-founder of Tahoma Audubon when registration opens.

Thor Hanson lecture at Tacoma Art Museum

Gorillas of the Impenetrable Forest - Sunday, May 16, 2 pm
correction May
rules
A family program to encourage families to appreciate the
park by providing information and opportunities with a
International Migratory Bird Day Count guided walking tour. Call Dixie Harris 259-564-6373.
Join biologist and Correction to the 11th Annual Bird Drawing Contest Sat May 8, 10:00 AM to noon. Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are people limited out
of necessity.
author Dr. Thor Hanson Announcement Last Month Location: Crescent Valley, Gig Harbor. Join Audubon mem- June
bers and Crescent Valley Alliance members on a spring bird
for pictures, music, and The 11th Annual Bird Drawing Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come. Field trip leaders put in
walk in the 100 acre woods near Crescent Creek. a lot of time and planning and no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
stories about his work Contest was announced in last no-shows a year can result in revoking opportunity to participate. Wed June 2, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM 
with the mountain month’s Towhee newsletter. Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually Arrive at the meeting place early. Wed June 9 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
gorillas of Uganda Youth are invited to draw, paint, Wed May 12, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM Wed June 16 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Wed May 19, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM No pets are allowed. Wed June 23 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
and other rare African sketch or otherwise create Red-Necked American Clark’s Wed May 26, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM Meet: At the Visitor’s Center Pond Overlook. See earlier
species. Hanson will 2-dimensional media highlight- Grebe Kestrel Nutcracker
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Be prepared for seasonal weather.
description.   Call or email Phil Kelley for details at (360)
Thor Hanson read from his award- ing one of THREE common birds you might see in three parks in Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water, snacks, Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is scheduled past mid-day. 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com. 
winning book, The Impenetrable Forest: My and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass.  Scopes are All passengers divide total carpooling expenses. Current guidelines are
Pierce County. These birds are Clark’s Nutcracker, American Kestrel, welcome. Meet: The Visitor’s Center Pond Overlook. Birdwalk Homestead Park Gig Harbor
Gorilla Years in Africa. 20 cents a mile per car, not including driver.
Thu June 9, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
and Red-Necked Grebe only. The Evening Grosbeak was erro- Directions:  Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exit to
A book signing will follow. Cost: $15; $5 Nisqually NWR at exit 114.  Take a right at the light. Sign- Beginners are always welcome. Location: Homestead Park Gig Harbor
neously included in last month’s issue.
for Tacoma Art Museum members; $10 for up:  Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm details.  Phil Kelley, Have fun. Call TAS to sign up, 565-9278. See earlier for details.
For more information about the Bird Drawing Contest please go to Lacey, (360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com. 
Tahoma Audubon members. Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails
the website: www.tahomaaudubon.org/drawingcontest
Pre-registration is recommended, space is Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails Birdwalk Homestead Park Gig Harbor Sun June 13, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
limited. Sun May 9, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Wed May 19, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Location: Morse Wildlife Preserve
Location: Morse Wildlife Preserve Join Melissa Sherwood as she leads an evening monthly Explore this natural treasure as you walk the trails and

Recurring class Schedule

Budding Scientists
Ages 5-7, $9.00 per student. Young
homeschoolers and other children begin
science and nature exploration through
games, hikes, and crafts.
 
Beginning Homeschool Science
Ages 8-10, $12 per student. Homeschool
students explore science through hands-
on experiments and activities. Register
activities. Register Early - these classes
fill quickly! Note - topics are repeated
during the month, so select class appro-
priate for your child’s knowledge and
abilities. Intermediate Science Students
should be able to multiply and divide
numbers, add and subtract fractions.
 
Advanced Homeschool Science
Ages 12-15, $15 per student.
late averages, percentages, and solve
simple equations.
 
Advanced Homeschool Science Lab
Ages 12-15, $15 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 appro-
member, free to adults and U.P resi-
dents. Join us as we explore the park at
the Adriana Hess Audubon center in
University Place with nature stories
based on the current theme.
Adults are welcome with the children.
This a wonderful grandparent/ grand-
child activity! Space is limited to the
first 20 registered guests (adults and
children).
Explore this natural treasure as you walk the trails and birdwalk through the new Homestead Park in Gig Harbor. discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in the preserve.
discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in the preserve. Wear appropriate clothing and waterproof shoes or boots as Located in Graham, the preserve has the following special
Located in Graham, the preserve has the following special you may cross creeks. Maybe you will spot some owls! open dates. Call 253-591-6439 for more information.  
open dates. Call 253-591-6439 for more information.   Directions: Off Hwy in Gig Harbor take Burnham Drive
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Exit heading West until you get to a "T" which is Sehnel
Mon June 14 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Adriana Hess, University Place Drive continue straight until you get to 78th Ave and turn
Enjoy a guided bird walk through the park! 
Mon May 10, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. left, you will come to the park. Go in and toward the back/
Leader: Ruth Sullivan. Join Ruth as she leads her monthly southside of the park. Meet in the Meadow area. Call Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
walks at Adriana Hess Wetland Park, home to dozens of bird Melissa if you have questions 851-7230. Call Tahoma Mon June 21, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
species! 2917 Morrison Road West in University Place. Audubon for more details and to sign up, 565-9278 Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Call TAS for more details and to sign up, 565-9278. Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park! 
Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Mon May 17, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park!  Sun May 23, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. at Adriana Hess Park. Sun June 27, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. See earlier for details.

Big backyard potluck picnic

Early - these classes fill quickly! Note -
topics are repeated during the month, so
select class appropriate for your child’s
knowledge and abilities. Beginning sci-
ence students should be able to add and
subtract numbers.
 
Intermediate Homeschool Science
Ages 10-12, $12 per student.
Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and
253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org
Check our websites for the latest updates on classes and schedules.
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 appro-
priate for your child’s knowledge and
abilities. 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 calcu-
1919 South Tyler Street,
Tacoma WA 98338
Open Tues. – Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
& Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
priate for your child’s knowledge and
abilities. 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 calcu-
late averages, percentages, and solve
simple equations.
 
Nature Storytime
Ages 2-6, $6 per child, $3 Audubon
Nature Alphabet
Ages 3-6, $6 per child. 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 an adult
present. Please note alternating times.
Register by the Saturday before the pro-
gram.
2917 Morrison Road W.,
University Pl. WA 98466
253-565-9278
www.TahomaAudubon.org
Open Mon – Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.
You are invited to the Wenas Campout
From May 28th to the 31st
For decades Audubon families have been camp-
ing over Memorial Day weekend at the Wenas
Creek Campground.
Officially named the Hazel Wolf Wenas Creek
Bird Sanctuary, it’s located SW of Ellensburg, in an
“Important Bird Area” and has been assured of pro-
tective status. The free, “primitive” campground
along the north fork of Wenas Creek has exception-
al opportunities for birding, botanizing and enjoying
spring in the eastern foothills of the Cascades.
There are wonderful field trips scheduled, and
there will be an old-fashioned campfire in our “ap-
proved” fire-pit device each evening. We have a
program item or two, singing, story telling and re-
capping the sightings of the day.
Summer Solstice Time - Thurs, June 24, 6-9 p.m.
Displays by Pierce County outdoor and environmental allies:
Audubon, Mountaineers, Foothills Trail, Native Plant Society,
Please visit the Wenas Website, beautifully done Cascade Land Conservancy, Sierra Club, Citizens for A Healthy
by Webmaster Michael Hobbs. You’ll see Hazel Bay, Carbon River Corridor, Chambers-Clover Watershed
Wolf’s familiar smiling face and get lots of down-
Council, Puget Creek Restoration Society, Student Conserva-
loadable information about our campout: http://
tion Association and more.
www.wenasaudubon.org.
At the Engle Garden, 4011 Alameda Avenue, University
There're checklists of birds, and wildflowers,
Place, south of Fircrest.
outline of field trips and program, directions to the
Featuring: The displays by our friendly groups plus, licensed
campground, and lots of photos.
falconers with their live birds, native plants for sale, Entertain-
For people who don’t “do websites,” contact me
ing program, music and Earth-friendly ideas for kids of all ages.
and I’ll send you printed information.
Children and grandchildren are MOST welcome. And don't
Bring friends & family, and join us at Wenas
forget how great the food is at these events!
Memorial Day Weekend for as many days and/or
We Furnish: Coffee & punch. Beer & wine is BYO.
nights as you want to stay - May 28-31, 2010.
You Bring: A hot or cold entree, PLUS a salad or dessert;
See you there, Helen Engle, hengle@iinet.com,
PLUS your own TABLE SERVICE and a ‘situpon.’
253-564-3112.
No RSVP necessary. Rain does not cancel.

Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2010 May 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5

 ... Sage Grouse
from page 1
flew overhead in the deep dusk, just a silhou-
ette, but a very large silhouette. The feeling
was that it was a Long-Eared Owl as
opposed to an anorexic Great Horned Owl,
as the body was slender.
Next morning, no wind! We headed for
the Yakima Army Training Center and met
our guide, Colin Leingang, Army biologist,
and spent some time going through Security.
Then off to the lek! Miles of dusty wash-
board roads later, we stopped in the middle
of sagebrush as far as the eye could see, stud-
ded with sparkles of Army machinery as the
rising sun warmed us up. It took awhile, but
a dozen scopes were checking the area as the
sky lightened, and suddenly they were spot-
ted! The big furry white balloons front and
center of each prancing male gave us some-
thing to latch onto with the optics. No pho-
tographs were allowed on base, but they
were really a bit far away anyway. After
watching several males prance
around, a couple of females
were spotted judging the
show.
Sage Sparrows sang with
the first light, then quieted
as the Meadowlarks and
Vesper Sparrows tuned up. Swainson's Hawk just in
After that, Sage Thrashers from the south!
and Horned Larks took over
the musical duties of the morn-
Still on base looking into Selah Canyon.
Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org May
Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
ing.
After some discussion about
how hard it was to find Sage
Sparrows and then hear-
ing the Sage Thrashers,
Ed Pullen remarked
while watching the Sage
Grouse that any bird
with the name “Sage” is
bound to be getting more Noisy courtship by Prairie
rare. And it’s true. Very Falcons.
little sagebrush is left in this
state, and even here where
farming hasn’t decimated the sage,
fire frequently happens as a side product of
the mission of the firing range, and sage
really burns. In the Puget Sound where we
live, “impact area” and “old-growth” mean
something different than here, where
“impact” is a literal description and where
“old growth” means sagebrush older than 40
years, a rarity.
Above it all, raptors became airborne
as the temperature increased.
The first Swainson’s Hawk of
the year was seen chasing a
Golden Eagle low over the
grouse, and the last
Rough-legged Hawk of
the season landed briefly
before thinking about
heading northward. A was thought to be the center of the universe
coyote found himself
between two displaying grouse
and nonchalantly sauntered away.
Too many witnesses at the
lek! And those grouse just
kept on dancing even as
the sun got higher.
Must have been some
pretty good audience
response to keep them
going so long.
Washington’s Sage
Grouse continue to
decline, but the U.S. Army
is doing what they can to save
our birds. Not only are they pro-
viding this habitat protected from the outside
world, but other birds have been brought in
from Idaho and Nevada to enhance the gene
pool of this dangerously small population.
As we took our last looks at these crazy crea-
tures that serve as a keystone species, Colin
passed around nuggets of grouse wisdom as
well as cookies that his wife had made.
Couldn’t have a better host than that.
We drove on and stopped outside of the
built-up area of the base for a last great bird-
ing stop before entering the civilian world
again. Colin said we could now take pic-
tures if we wanted to, and what scenery there
was! A natural (I think) pyramid anchored
the landscape next to Selah Canyon and the
chasm of the Yakima River. This pyramid
by the Yakama Tribe, and they could be right
about that. Early wildflowers bloomed
Alas - no actual Sage Grouse photos
- cameras are not allowed on base.
beneath our feet, and Chukars flew up in
front of us. More Vesper Sparrows sang
their hearts out in farewell as we took our
leave of the U.S. Army.
Along the way, we saw Jackrabbits on
base, which aren’t common in this state, as
well as Townsend’s Ground Squirrels and
Yellow Pine Chipmunks. Later we saw two
herds of Elk and lots of Beaver evidence.
It’s not all birds out there!
Later, we had lunch at
Wenas, only to find the gate
hadn’t been opened yet
for the season in spite of
the early spring. It was
still a magical place,
though, but let’s hope
they get the road graded Prairie Falcon patrolling
before the big Audubon
campout!
As we drove to several other
spots, Western Bluebirds and a
few Mountains were already out and
about and cleaning their houses. Says
Phoebes, Townsend’s Solitaires, and both late
Northern Shrikes and early Loggerhead
Shrikes kept us busy. But we were about to
have an unforgettable experience. Suddenly
as were stopped to check out a Phoebe, a
Prairie Falcon zoomed overhead like she had
a reason, and then a second Prairie! Those
two Falcons, obviously female and male by
the size difference, starting screaming at each
other and dancing in the sky, sometimes close
How did the Townsend's Ground Squirrel cross
the road without being run over by a tank?
Biologist Colin Leingang leading our group
to the precipice.
2010
Male Western Bluebird. Female Western Bluebird.
dancing, sometimes not. The
noisy display went on for what
seemed like an hour, but
was at least 20 minutes.
The sound effects were The Yellow Pine Chipmunks are up
as good as the visual from their hibernation!
display! This was a
once-in-a-lifetime peek
at the secret lives of
the skies. Prairie Falcons!
The Umtanum Falls trail
was stuffed with Siskins,
House Finches, Yellow-rumped
Warblers, and House Finches. Even
more surprising was how the butterfly list for
the day was growing. Earlier we saw a
Mourning Cloak just waking up from hiber-
nation, and now Sara Orange-Tips were
everywhere! California Tortoiseshell and
Milbert’s Tortoiseshell gave us some good
entertainment. All of this was happening in
places where remnants of snow still remained!
Ryan, what life bird do you need next? A
dozen or so of your new best friends are Beavers have been busy trying to change the Butterflies newly out!! Milbert's Tor-
ready to go with you when you get ready! water route at Umtanum Falls. toiseshell at Umptanum Falls
Pyramid marking the center of the universe for the Yakama Nation.
www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
 Just the other day...
By Helen Engle
25
In 1985 the US Fish & Wildlife
Service reported an estimate of a
minimum of eleven California Years Ago
Condors in the wild. In spite of an
intensive management program the
numbers of breeding pairs in the major
habitat areas have gone down.  Nine of the remain-
ing birds were fitted with radio transmitters to track
their movements.   Two have died and autopsies
show lead poisoning to be the cause of death.  They
consume bullet fragments in carcasses of animals
they eat.
There is intense controversy over various schemes
to save the condors.  Some ornithologists say to let
them go extinct  because the habitat that supported
the populations is gone now. Some rehabilitation
professionals claim they can bring the birds back if
allowed to capture them and protect them in safe
enclosures, “double-clutching” them to re-build the
populations. National Audubon’s position is to cap-
ture and preserve the birds, and is being criticized
by some.  NAS would work to pass laws to stop the
sale of lead bullets, the major cause of the demise
of the condors.
In the 31st year of giving annual awards to honor
Americans who have made outstanding contribu-
tions to the preservation of renewable natural
resources, the Gulf Oil Corporation announced the
1985 winners.   The list included two western
Washington Auduboners –  Lorna
Campion  and  Eleanor Stopps.   They received
the recognition and $500 each at an awards ban-
quet in Washington DC.
BIRDSONGS by Phil Buly
Mother's Day is fast approaching, and many people
are wondering what they can get their mom this year.
A lot of moms enjoy bird watching, and a Mother's Day
gift that encourages this hobby (which an estimated
75 million people enjoy) can be both unique and one
that mom will actually use and appreciate. It may
prove better than giving her that goofy greeting card
with the syrupy sing-song prose that you would never
utter in a million years.
In order to determine the right Mother's Day gift,
you need to know how serious your mom is already in
bird watching. If your mom just likes to feed the birds
Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2010
Tahoma Audubon in May 1985
Lorna served as Conservation Committee
chair of Seattle Audubon and had a
leadership role in the Coalition of
Washington Fish & Wildlife, lobbying
for Bowerman Basin to be protected
as an official wildlife sanctuary.   She
also led Audubon’s participation in the
successful campaign for the 1984 Washington
Wilderness Bill.
Eleanor  was active in Seattle Audubon.   She
moved to Port Ludlow and formed the Admiralty
Audubon chapter while continuing her interest
in Zella Schultz’s banding of the colonial nesting
birds of Protection Island.  We were all working for
the creation of a National Wildlife Refuge there.
Lorna and Eleanor are joining  our state’s hon-
orees of past years – an inspirational list includ-
ing  Burton Lockhart  (1954),  Howard
Nelson  (1961),  Marvin Durning  (1965),  Jim
Ellis  (1968),  Washington Environmental
Council(1972),  John Hendee  (1974),  Joan
Thomas  (1975),  John Biggs  (1977),  Helen
Engle (1977),  Joe & Margaret Miller(1978), Milt
Martin (1983) and Susan Saul (1983).
National Audubon ventured into television with
NAS Vice President  Chris Palmer  producing four
programs entitled “The World of Audubon.”   The
airing was during prime time on Station WTBS.  It
was estimated that about four million people
watched the program and looked forward to the
remainder of the series.
The May membership meeting was at Puget Sound
Thompson Hall and featured  Chris Servheen,
Coordinator of the Interagency Grizzly Bear
Committee.  He talked about the Recovery Program
in the back yard, you'll focus on a different gift than if
mom belongs to the Audubon Society and is head of
the local bird watching chapter.
If your mom is a backyard bird watcher, the ideal
Mother's Day gift would be basic supplies. The cost of
bird seed has skyrocketed in recent years and a large
bag of seed so that mom can feed the cardinals, blue
jays and yes, squirrels and chipmunks, in the yard
would be a great gift. You can pick up a package of
five 7-pound bags of Morning Song Songbird Garden
seed at Sam's Club for $19.36 or you can go to an
online site, such as Flat Patio and have a 50-pound bag
as provided by the Endangered Species Act.
Field trips included a Pelagic trip out of Westport,
coordinated by  Marjorie Brazier; Nisqually bird
count,  Wally Wilkins; and Swan Creek
Park, Thelma Gilmur.  Ken Brown’s spring bird-
ing class was in full swing, and Tahoma Audubon
was sponsoring Art Wolfe’s multi-image presenta-
tion on Antarctica.
The Pan American Shorebird Program was into its
third season of tracking migrations of shorebirds
along our coasts. Local birders on both the Atlantic
and Pacific coasts are asked to report birds with
brightly colored dye markings and colored tabs on
their bands.  
Tahoma Audubon’s
Membership Chair  Leota
Moore is collecting Audubon
magazines to distribute to
nursing homes, offices, and
to give away to the public.
Our native plant watch-
er,  Mary Fries, advises us
to watch out for gorse, which Helen Engle
has been nominated as a from days of yore.
“pernicious” weed in
Washington.  Thought to have been introduced to
Oysterville about 1870, gorse is now threatening to
take over the Long Beach peninsula. Apparently it
likes salt air and sandy soil.  Its worst infestations
are along the Oregon coast where it has crowded
out native plants valuable to birds and other wildlife,
and where it is a serious fire hazard.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome,
253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.
of top-rate seed which leaves no husks for mom to
clean up for a total of $95.28 delivered.
Perhaps you would like to give a gift that will last
awhile longer than seed. Then bird house feeders and
water fountains would make an excellent Mother's Day
gift. Bird house feeders come in all shapes and sizes.
If mom is open to unusual looking gifts, this is a great
place to start. One idea is to look for feeders made
from gourds, which give a distinct shape. You can find
local places, even roadhouse stands, that sell these or
you can try an online seller. Amish Gourds has a variety
for sale and some as cheap as $20.
From http://www.associatedcontent.com/
May 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9
... Birdathon
It’s certainly NOT TOO late to sign up to be a birder
and go on a field trip. Or, you can sponsor a birder.
Here are the ways you can get more information and
to register:
✔ Call Cami Kesinger at 253-565-9129
✔ Email ckesinger@tahomaaudubon.org
✔ Visit our website at
www.tahomaaudubon.org
✔ Or, fill out this form and return it
to Tahoma Audubon Society.
Happy Birding!
Birdathon field trips
Birdathon Field Trip to Foulweather Bluff
Sat May 1, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Leader: Rolan Nelson
We’ll visit Foulweather Bluff, Point-No-Point and the
Hansville Greenway.  Join us for this Birdathon event
to check out the west sound migrants that should be
passing through.  We’ll see wetlands, saltwater, forest
glades and meadows.  We hope to identify over 65
species.  Bring rain gear and lunch or you can buy
supplies at the Hansville Store.  Take a look at the pond in the marsh and the forested
Meet at the Purdy Park and Ride off Highway 16 at
7:00a.m.  Take Hwy 16 across Narrows Bridge from
Tacoma.  Exit at SR302/Purdy off ramp and drive
straight through Purdy (three stoplights) to 144th.  the Zoo parking lot and walk through the forested
The Park and Rid is located just past the Chevron
Station. Call TAS 565-9278 to sign up for this
Birdathon fundraising field trip! 
Titlow Park Birdathon Field Trip
Tue May 4, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Leaders:  Rosanne Becker and Joann Sims
Enjoy both water and songbirds at this Tacoma Park.  2:45. Several stops on the way back to Tacoma. Then
A variety of bird habitats will be explored including
salt water, pond and forest.
Meet in the parking lot by the pond at Titlow Park
Call to sign up for this Birdathon Field Trip 565-9278.  Saturday, or go to the coast to a hotel or campsite for
Purdy To Paradise
(Pierce County Big Day) Birdathon Field Trip
Sat May 8, 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Purdy Spit to Paradise
Pierce County Big Day “Purdy to Paradise”  on
International Migratory Bird Day
Leader: Bruce LaBar
Starting at Purdy Spit, the trip visits Point Defiance,
McChord and other points of interest along the way
to the Mountain.  We aim each year to show you that
you can find 100 species just by birding in Pierce
County.  One year we identified 124!
Meet at the far end of Purdy Spit at 5:15 AM.
Call TAS 565-9129 to sign up for this Birdathon
Fundraising Field Trip  favorite bird areas on Sunday.   Please provide email
Nisqually and/or Ocean Shores
Birdathon Field Trip
Sat May 8, from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Leaders:  Ken & Nell Batker
The trip will begin by walking the Nisqually trail on
the refuge followed by a sack lunch (bring your own).
The Nisqually portion is usually done by around
11:00a.m. Following the Nisqually walk, we will
carpool to Gray’s Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
and from there to Ocean Shores.  The day ends with
dinner in Aberdeen to recap the day’s counts and
activities. Participants are welcome to come for the
entire day, or just Nisqually, or just Ocean Shores.  If
you choose to do just Ocean Shores, you should plan
on meeting at Nisqually at 11:00a.m.so  we can
carpool down to Gray’s Harbor.
Meet at the Flagpole by the visitor’s center at
from page 1 Yes, I will be a birder for Birdathon 2010!!!
Name__________________________________________
Phone_________________________________________
Email__________________________________________
I can’t be a birder, but I will pledge $ ___________ for
Birdathon 2010!!!
Return this form to TAS, 2917 Morrison Road West, Universtiy Place, WA 98466
Birdathon Field Trips 2010
Nisqually NWR.
Call 565-9278 to sign up for this Birdathon Field Trip! 
Call to sign-up 253-565-9278
Morse Wildlife Preserve Birdathon Trip Thank you to our Field Trip Leaders!
Fri May, 14 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM We could not do this without you!
Location: Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham
Leader: Betty Jones
Walk the trails and check out the marsh, dry Douglas Pt. Defiance Birdathon Field Trip
fir forest, moist lowland forest, prairie and meadows.  Sun May 16, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Leaders: Rob and Natalie McNair-Huff
wetland from the bird tower.  Join Rob and Natalie for the Birdathon version of
Ask for directions when you sign up and call TAS to their monthly nature walk at Point Defiance on May
register, 565-9129.  16th.  They will set out on the walk at 8:00a.m.from
trails along Five Mile Drive.  The walk will be a little
Birdathon Field Trip Summit to Shore over four miles.  This trip will end with birding along
Fri for May 14, 1:30 PM to May 15, 2010 at 5:00 PM the ponds near the entrance and with a drive down to
Location: Summit to Shore Owen’s Beach.
Join Ryan Wiese and Ed Pullen on a summit to shore Meet at Pt. Defiance Zoo Parking Lot at 8:00a.m. Call
two half-day Birdathon. Meet at the I-5 and Hwy 512
TAS at 565-9278 to sign up. 
Park & Ride Friday May 14 at 1:30 PM. We’ll drive
to Snoqualmie Summit and begin counting about
Ft. Lewis Birdathon Field Trip
Wed May 19, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
depending on the group we will retire to home and get
up very early to go to Ocean Shores to finish our
Birdathon there and at stops on the way home by 2:45
Leader: Charles Griffin
Join Tahoma Audubon Society Board Member
Charles Griffin as he leads the group to see an open
Friday night and start again in the AM.  The choice oak woodland area and riparian habitats found among
the prairies of the Fort Lewis Training Grounds.
depends on the vigor of the group. Expect 100 +
species.  Expect to identify 55-60 species.
Meet at the Roy Y Park and Ride at 8:00 AM to
carpool to location.  Call TAS 565-9278 to sign up. . 
Overnight Birdathon Trip to Moses Lake
Sat May 15, 5:30 AM to Sun May 16 5:00 PM
Tacoma to Moses Lake Overnight GreenRiver Watershed Birdathon Trip
Marcus Roening and Heather Ballash lead an exciting Sat May 22, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
trip from Tacoma to the Potholes in Moses Lake.  The Leader: Greg Volkhardt and a Master Birder
trip will cover 15 habitat zones, with special emphasis This is a rare opportunity to see the protected
on migratory birds in the Columbia Basin sage, watershed managed by Tacoma Water. We’ll bird in
pinelands and wetlands.  Expect to see at least 120 forests and fields around Howard Hanson Lake
species in one fast-paced day.  Meet at 5:30am and (elevation 1200 feet) then visit Eagle Lake (elevation
arrive in Moses Lake at 8:30pm, where we will stay 2200 feet). Space is limited to the first 12 people. 
overnight.  We’ll take a leisurely return through Bring picture Identification as this is a restricted
access area. Bring a lunch and appropriate clothing. 
address and phone number when you sign up in order Be prepared to do some walking on uneven ground.
to coordinate lodging details and meeting place.  Meet at Tacoma Public Utilities, 3628 South 35th
Email Marcus.d.roening@gsk.com for details.  Street lot A1, on the Westside of the Administration
Building at 8:00a.m. You will travel in one or two
McCormick Forest Birdathon Field Trip vans will brought back to the parking lot at about
Sat May 15, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM 3:00pm.   Space is limited. Call to sign up at TAS
Location: McCormick Forest, Gig Harbor 565-9278, 
Leader: Melissa Sherwood
Explore McCormick Forest, the old growth preserve Waughop Lake at Ft. Steilacoom
off Bujacich Drive near Gig Harbor.  Melissa Birdathon Field Trip
Sherwood will help you identify birds by their songs Sun May 23, 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
and calls.  We’ll walk through forest and up some Leader: Betty Jones
steep hills so wear comfortable clothes and walking Identify birds in the oak woodlands, grasslands and
shoes, and be prepared for all weather.  Waughop Lake.  This is a very fun trip where you
Meet at Swede Hill Fire Station just off Hwy 16 at may see up to 50 bird species.
Burnham Drive Exit. Meet at the barn at Ft. Steilacoom Park, in
Call TAS to sign up for this Birdathon Field Trip 565- Lakewood.
9278.  Call TAS 565-9278 to sign up.
 Environment Matters
Project FeederWatch: 2009-2010 Report
While April gener-
ally marks the begin-
ning of the spring, for
the Tahoma Audubon
Society it also signals
a close to our second
year of participation
in Project
F e e d e r Wa t c h .
Inspired by Cornell
University’s
gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org Ornithology lab,
or (253) 565-1884 Project FeederWatch
calls citizen scientists
to action by encouraging them to pay close attention to
their feeders, keeping track of the birds they see during
the five winter months of November through the end of
March. All of the information collected at our site,
Adriana Hess Wetland Park, is sent to Cornell’s
Ornithology lab to be entered into national database,
allowing other scientists to track general trends in bird
activity. Thus, national volunteer power assists scien-
tists, giving them massive amounts of data they would
not be able to obtain on their own. Perhaps more
importantly, citizen science projects like Project
FeederWatch help Tahoma Audubon reach its goal to
connect people to nature.
Our sightings were impressive, offering both staff and
volunteers great opportunities to observe nature and
bond with each other. Altogether, birdwatchers saw 29
different species! While Adriana Hess hosts much biodi-
versity, not all of the birds are regulars at the feeder.
Unfortunately, this is less diversity than in years past,
since we did not see a Coopers Hawk or Band Tailed
Pigeon this time around. However, we did have some
great sightings that will forever live in our memories.
Our newest Tahoma Audubon staff member and
AmeriCorps educator Ken Benton had the first excit-
ing sighting of the season, observing a Sharp Shinned
Hawk that had apparently just eaten another bird.
Needless to say, the other birds had evacuated the site.
volunteer Recognition
Save the date!
July 13th from 6pm-8pm
Event: Summer Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
When: 7/13/2010 6pm-8pm
Where: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
What: Potluck & Socializing
Who: ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Why: Because we love you!
All Tahoma Audubon volunteers are invited to come celebrate their
service at our Summer Volunteer Appreciation Potluck. Whether
you are a receptionist, a field trip leader, a Towhee writer, editor, a
restoration volunteer or a data enterer, you are invited to come join
us for an evening of food and socializing! Please bring at least 1
entrée, or dessert to share with the group! See you there!
Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2010
was impacted by the time of year. However, our winter
was far milder (since we did not have to cope with any
snow storms), so we’ve seen biodiversity wax and
wane over the entire five months. We saw the greatest
numbers in early January, when we saw 21 different
bird species and up to 64 different individuals!
Volunteers and staff alike agreed that the hawk was so Additionally, we saw a little more biodiversity during
full of food that it could probably not fly until it had the months of January, February, and March, and less
done a little digesting! during November and December.
Some of our more common bird sightings were The onset of
equally impressive, as they illustrated the biological Spring-like weath-
variation between members of the same species. For er seemed to foster
example, a peculiar Dark-eyed Junco surprised volun- a slight increase in
teers and staff, having white cheeks instead of the almost biodiversity at the
trademark black head that helps birders identify the feeder. While we
Junco. Luckily we have captured this little oddball on only saw about 18
film, and have his picture hanging up at Adriana Hess. different species at
Unlike last year, it was not clear that bird biodiversity the end of
December, we saw
Birds Seen for Project FeederWatch 21 different species
during mid-March.
at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
These numbers reflected the new species coming into
for the 2009-2010 Winter: the area for the spring time. This included the Rufous
Sharp Shinned Hawk Hummingbird, as well as the American Robins many
Anna’s Hummingbird of us started to see in our neighborhoods during
Rufous Hummingbird
Red-breasted Sapsucker
February. Moreover, our winter sightings of the Anna’s
Hummingbird illustrated their continued presence in
the area, even during the especially cold months of
Downy Woodpecker November, December and January.
Northern Flicker Feeder regulars, such as the Black-capped Chickadee,
Steller’s Jay Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch,
Pine Siskin and Spotted Towhee, along with the many
American Crow
different finches and sparrows illustrated their estab-
Black-capped Chickadee
lished winter presence at our feeders. Their eating
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
habits forced volunteers to restock our bird feeders
Bushtit almost daily to keep up with the voracious appetites of
Red-breasted Nuthatch these birds. Altogether Project FeederWatch brought
Bewik’s Wren the Tahoma Audubon community together around our
Golden-crowned Kinglet birdfeeders, offering us a terrific opportunity to experi-
ence the wildlife around our own offices. The activity
American Robin
reminded us why we choose to work for improving our
Varied Thrush already biologically diverse environment.
European Starling Without the consistent dedication of our volunteers
Townsend’s Warbler and staff we would not have been able to participate in
this excellent citizen science project. Tahoma Audubon
Spotted Towhee
would like to offer a special thanks to those volunteers
Fox Sparrow
who helped with the project, recording their weekly
Song Sparrow sightings, and helping novice birdwatchers identify the
Golden-crowned Sparrow splendid display of wildlife at our feeders. We are espe-
White-crowned Sparrow cially thankful to volunteer Dolly Monahan who pro-
Dark-eyed Junco cessed all the data for this year’s FeederWatch. Thank
Red-winged Blackbird
you Dolly!
If you would like to participate in our future Project
American Goldfinch
FeederWatch exploits, please email Graham Taylor at
House Sparrow gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org, or give him a call at
Pine Siskin (253)565-1884.
University Place Volunteer Center needs your help!
The Volunteer Center has ap-
plied for the $25,000 community
grant being offered by the Pepsi
Corporation through their Pepsi
Refresh Project. Pepsi will be
http://www.refresheverything.com/universityplacevolunteersnow
providing millions of dollars to
support communities and projects like ours throughout ground by the Sound.
the United States. In order to win, we must be in the How Do I Vote?
top ten voted ideas in the country. • Go to www.refresheverything.com and create a Pep-
The University Place Volunteer Center matches com- si refresh account with login information (you do not
munity members with local projects. By promoting
have to receive promotional materials from Pepsi)
volunteerism and non-profit groups that need resourc- • Find us on the site. Our project is named Empower
es, we are creating partnerships that build area assets 1,000 Volunteers to Take Action in University Place.
and a strong sense of community. In future months Additionally you can search of the following keywords
you will also have the opportunity to support other pro- University Place, Volunteers
grams such as the University Place Library and Play- With your help we can all win.
Don't miss the May membership meeting! A Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Our next membership meeting, Friday, May eagles and golden eagles. They have hawked in
14, from 7:30pm – 9:00pm at the Tacoma most of the western states including WA, OR,
Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street, will fea- ID, WY, UT, CO, CA, and KS while attending
ture Brian Kellong, Falconer. Brian will have different state and national falconry meets.
live birds on hand and a slide show with wild Brian was the founding and former President
and captive Falcons and raptors followed by a of the WA Falconers Association, Pacific NW
Q&A period. regional director of the North American
Brian and Linda Kellogg are licensed master Falconers Assoc. (NAFA) and the International
falconers. Brian has been a practicing falconer Eagle Austringers Assoc. (IEAA) He is cur-
for over 40 years and Linda for over 30. rently the Chair of the NAFA Eagle Committee
Between them they have flown many species of and on the board of the IEAA. Linda has served
raptors including: kestrel, merlin, and prairie as Sec/Treas of both the WFA and the IEAA.
falcons, redtails, Harris hawks, Coopers and She is the current Sec/Treas of the IEAA.
goshawks as well as a south The Kellogg's have spoken to many Audubon
American Bat Falcon, chapters, schools, scouts, gun clubs and WDFW
Changeable, African seminars about falconry over the years.
and Bonelli's Hawk Brian is currently flying a 13
year old female Harris
hawk as well as a young
female golden eagle.
Linda also flies a 4 year Photo/Vicki Biltz
old female Harris. ... a spectacular Eastern bird species, made a wrong turn and ended
Their falconry up in Pierce County this Spring. Vicki and Mark Biltz entertained this
also employs beautiful male for several weeks over March and April 2010. A hun-
a brace of dred birders from all over the west trekked to their place in Bonney
eagles. Lake and enjoyed this bird and signed their guestbook. Their hospital-
ity and wonderful native gardening were commented on by many.
Brian Kellogg, Falconer.
welcome to New and Returning Members
March 16, 2010 to April 15, 2010
Chapter New & Returning: Tahoma Audubon Society:
Shana Osmer, Monica Weidman, Suzanne Sharon L Selden, Pam Norris-Taylor, Amanda
Cousins, Michael Jarnagin, Alison Darley, Bob & Flynn-Stach
Kathy Riley, Clement V. & Stephanie Paulson, Introductory, Recruited through National
Allen E. Smith, G. Miller, Tara Mattina, Charles Audubon Society
& Maggie Ulrich, Diane Reineman & Daniel Cecil Biaz, Cindi Bailey, Christian Ball, Donna
Rosner, Arthur J. Ando, Laure Bayer, Jeanne & Boatman, Becky Box, Elaine Brock, Merle
Rick Apffel, Ellen McKinney, JoAnne Gallwas, Bush, Nathaniel Bushley, Sally Candiotti, Margery Judy Wood, Canon Backus, John Backus, Melba
Micki Boyle, Patricia Damron, Berta Thompson, Carlson, Nell Chaussee, Karen Clenin, Lorinda Conrad, Charmaine Deen, Robert Ells, Nannette
Paula Meyer, Bill & Gerrie Butman, Ryan Wiese, M. Cox, Margaret Cox, Jeanete Crippen, Twila Gile, John Maxwell, Marcia Schmitt, Dixie
Barbara Petersen, Hazel Robinson, Nancy White, Cysensky, Dick Dorsett, Cheryl Fallon, Doris Thomas, Sidnee Wheelwright.
Tom Bull, Mark & Christine Rice, Dana Burt & Farrell, Beulah Fitzer, Teresa Fortino, Dale Golden, When renewal time comes: A month before your
Connie Baum, Jacquelyn Coben, Ann & John Leslie Harnish, Stella Jones, Gladys Kepner, membership expires we will send you a reminder
Martin, Carole Ritzow, Lisa Roberton, Karen David Larson, J.A. Matson, Modean Hill, Lavone to renew. Please renew through us, not through
Brown, Rachel Minnitti, Ray & Rebecca Shjerven, Marie Holzbom, Rodney Houser, Peg Jaskar, National Audubon. They do not give us a share of
Larry & Diana Wells, Michael Minor, Charles Cheryl Morris, Vicki Nelson, John Nelson, Evelyn renewal dues; hence we are unable to support a
Pregaldin & Marilyn Denney, Martha Scoville, Stellers, Debra Matthies, G. May, Marjorie membership that includes providing you with a
Tom Hulst, Pamela Sinclair, Suzanne Cousins, McGlenn, M. Mitchell, Donna Siegfried, Larry copy of our newsletter, the Towhee. You will not
Alysen Laakso, Karen & Bill Smitherman and Simpson, Mark Smith, Terry Smith, Ralph Smith, get a Towhee Newsletter if you renew through the
Jim & Lari Ryan. Mable Stern, Dorothy Wallace, Susan Waters, National Audubon Society. National will send you
Chapter & Joint Renewals with National, Walt Burdsall, Andrea Corwin, Carole Crowley, packs of renewal notices—ignore them! We ask
Recruited through Tahoma Audubon Society: Mike Forseth, Dave Watton, Cathy Wissmer, you to renew here through us for a Chapter Only
Susan Dawson, Linda Krutenat, Lucia Harrison, Laura & Jeff Barber, Anthony Blake, Luretta membership or a Joint membership which includes
Cara Borre, Sue Summers & Al Ferguson, Ed Lucien, Anne McGinn, Theresa Moody, Col. a Chapter Membership and a National Audubon
Pullen, Janet Stirling, Nora Miller. Joanne Moran, Marvel-Walter Nelson, Alan Park, Membership. If you have questions, call Thelma
Introductory, Recruited through Ann Schut, Lois Sloan, Elizabeth Steenbeeke, Gilmur, Membership Chair, 253-564-8210.
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.
May 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11

Unless otherwise stated -
To register for field trips, call (253)
565-9278 To register for education
classes, call (253) 591-6439
See further descriptions inside.
Check out our calendar online at
http://www.TahomaAudubon.org
for more information and updates
may 2010
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri May 7, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  Sat May 15, 5:30 AM to Sun May 16 5:00 PM
Purdy To Paradise (Pierce County Big Day)
Birdathon Field Trip
Sat May 8, 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Purdy Spit to Paradise
Meet at the far end of Purdy Spit. Call 565-
9129 to sign up for this Birdathon Field Trip  Leader: Melissa Sherwood
Nisqually and/or Ocean Shores
Birdathon Field Trip
Sat May 8, from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Meet at the Flagpole by the visitor’s center at
Nisqually NWR. Call TAS 565-9278 to sign up
for this Birdathon Field Trip! 
International Migratory Bird Day Count
Sat May 8, 10:00 AM to noon.
Location: Crescent Valley, Gig Harbor
Join Audubon members and Crescent Valley
Alliance members on a spring bird walk in the
100 acre woods near Crescent Creek.  Tue May 18, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails
Sun May 9, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Morse Wildlife Preserve
Explore this natural treasure as you walk the
trails and discover the beauty of the five habitat
zones in the preserve. Located in Graham, the
preserve has the following special open dates.
Call 253-591-6439 for more information.   Mon June 21 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess
Wetland Park-For Birdathon!
Mon May 10, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Enjoy a guided bird walk through the park! We
will use this walk as a fundraising bird count
for Birdathon.  Please make a donation, or you
can use as part of your birdathon count!  Wed May 19, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Advanced Birder’s Class
Tue May 11, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed May 12, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.  Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Budding Scientists “Yard Guardians”
Wed May 12 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Register at least two days prior to the session
by calling 253-591-6439.  Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Budding Scientists “Yard Guardians”
Wed May 12 3:15AM to 4:45 PM. See above.  Call for details and to sign up, 565-9278.
Beginning Homeschool Science
“City Critters”
Thu May 13, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, or 1:00
PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Margie with questions or for more information
at 591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com.
TAS Board Meeting
Thu May 13 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board.  Guests welcome, please call ahead at
(253) 565-9278.  A family program to encourage families to
Morse Wildlife Preserve
Birdathon Field Trip
Fri May 14 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham
Ask for directions when you sign up and call
TAS to register, 565-9129.  (253) 565-9278  refundable deposit). Register by calling the
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri May 14, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  See earlier description.  trails and discover the beauty of the five habitat
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Nature Alphabet
Calendar
“A is for Amazing Animals”
Fri May 14, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Register by
the Saturday before class. 253-591-6439.  Call 253-591-6439 to register.
Birdathon Field Trip Summit to Shore
Fri for May 14, 1:30 PM to May 15, 2010 at
5:00 PM. Location: Summit to Shore
Membership Meeting
Fri May 14, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler
Street. Monthly membership meeting of
Tahoma Audubon.  All welcome.  Check web
site for program - www.TahomaAudubon.org.  Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Call (253) 565-9278  Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
Overnight Birdathon Trip to Moses Lake
Tacoma to Moses Lake Overnight
Email Marcus.d.roening@gsk.com for details.  Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Register by
McCormick Forest Birdathon Field Trip
Sat May 15, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: McCormick Forest, Gig Harbor
Call TAS to sign up for this Birdathon Field
Trip 253-565-9278.  Contact Margie with questions or for more
Pt. Defiance Birdathon Field Trip
Sun May 16, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Meet at Pt. Defiance Zoo Parking Lot at
8:00a.m. Call TAS at 565-9278 to sign up. 
Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Mon May 17, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park!  Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Advanced Birder’s Class
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Ken Brown, Instructor  TGIF Restoration Activity
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed May 19, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley.
See earlier description.  Little Explorers Camp: Fantastic Forests
Ft. Lewis Birdathon Field Trip
Wed May 19, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
NOTE:  Date may change depending on Ft.
Lewis clearance permission!
Meet at the Roy Y Park and Ride at 8:00 AM to
carpool to location. Call 565-9278 to sign up.  Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park!
Birdwalk Homestead Park Gig Harbor
Call Tahoma Audubon for more details and to
sign up, 565-9278.  Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.  Advanced Birder’s Class
Intermediate Homeschool Science
“Living in the City”
Thu May 20, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, or 1:00
PM to 3:00 PM
Contact Margie for more information at 591-
6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com.  Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri May 21, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
GreenRiver Watershed
Birdathon Field Trip
Sat May 22, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Call to sign up at TAS 259-565-9278. 
Waughop Lake at Ft. Steilacoom
Birdathon Field Trip
Sun May 23, 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Meet at the barn at Ft. Steilacoom Park, in
Lakewood. Call TAS 565-9278 to sign up.
Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Sun May 23, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Park
appreciate the park by providing information
and opportunities with a guided walking tour.
Call Dixie Harris for details 259-564-6373  1919 S. Tyler St.
Advanced Birder’s Class
Tue May 25, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Ken Brown, Instructor 
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed May 26, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley.
Nature Storytime
“Between the Sidewalk and the Porch”
Thu May 27, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Adriana Hess Center, U.P.
Homeschool Advanced Science
“Urban Ecosystems”
Thu May 27, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Contact Margie for more information at 591-
6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com.  raptors followed by a Q&A period. (See
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri May 28, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
Nature alphabet “B is for Butterflies”
Fri May 28, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
the Saturday before class. 253-591-6439. 
Homeschool Advanced Science LAB
“Urban Ecosystems”
Fri May 28, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
information at 591-6439 or  marjories@
tacomaparks.com. 
June 2010
Advanced Birder’s Class
Tue June 1, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Ken Brown, Instructor .
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed June 2, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM 
Meet: At the Visitor’s Center Pond Overlook.
See earlier description.  
Call or email Phil Kelley for details at (360)
459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com. 
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri June 4, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  Mon June 21, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Adriana Hess Park Photography Class
Mon June 7, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
An adult program encouraging people to
appreciate nature and how they can incorporate
it into their photography.
Advanced Birder’s Class
Tue June 8, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ken Brown,
Instructor  Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed June 9 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.  Little Explorers Camp: Fantastic Forests
Birdwalk Homestead Park Gig Harbor
Thu June 9, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Homestead Park Gig Harbor
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri June 11, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Conservation Committee
Fri June 11, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Help Audubon achieve our 5 year goals for
conserving, protecting, and restoring habitats in
Pierce County.  A family program to encourage families to
Membership Meeting
Fri June 11, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center,
Monthly membership meeting of Tahoma
Audubon.  All welcome.  Check web site for
program -  www.TahomaAudubon.org.  Call
Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails
Sun June 13, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Morse Wildlife Preserve
Explore this natural treasure as you walk the
May program
Regular membership meeting on
Friday, May 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
at Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S.
Tyler Street.
Brian Kellogg, Falconer. Brian will
have live birds on hand and a slide
show with wild and captive Falcons and
more details on page 11).
All welcome. Check web site for
program - www.TahomaAudubon.org.
Call (253) 565-9278
zones in the preserve. Located in Graham, the
preserve has the following special open dates.
Call 253-591-6439 for more information.  
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Mon June 14 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Enjoy a guided bird walk through the park! 
Titlow Beach Tour for Homeschoolers
Tue June 15, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
PRE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call
253-591-6439 
Advanced Birder’s Class
Tue June 15 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ken Brown,
Instructor 
Wed June 16 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description. 
Fri June 18 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
Register with Nature Center, 253-591-6439.
Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Little Explorers Camp: Fantastic Forests
Tue June 22, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Hess. See earlier description. 
Tue June 22, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Ken Brown,
Instructor 
Wed June 23 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Wed  June 23  9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Hess  See earlier description.
Nature Storytime “Bug Life”
Thu June 24 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Adriana Hess Center, U.P.
Call 253-591-6439 to register. 
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri June 25, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Sun June 27, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Park
appreciate the park by providing information
and opportunities with a guided walking tour.
Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373 
9-1 Little Explorers Camp: Hoo Lives Here?
Mon June 28, Tuesday June 29, or Wed June 30
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Location: Hess. Ages
4-6. $90 per camper (includes $30 non-
Nature Center, 253-591-6439.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed June 30 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley.
See earlier description.