THE GU X 05 i o M&O QL671 * .G84 S E 3 z o 0) E a ■© S ‘S La .2 u 5>^ PQ 1 C/J o £ 3 ■3 3 O) « o 3 ii 2 2 O GOLDEN GATE RAPTOR OBSERVATORY: The First Five Years Ten thousand hawks flew overhead this year. Where did they come from? Where are they going? Not too many years ago this annual raptor migration at the Marin Headlands occurred with little attention. Con- sider what has happened since then and be amazed: hundreds of people gather on Hawk Hill to witness the passage of Red-tails, Coopers, Sharp-shinned, and other species across the Golden Gate; an effective volunteer program observes and counts the raptors, cat- ching and banding them, compiling vital data; Carter Faust has become a local legend. It’s time for GGAS to catch up on all the latest information regarding this phenomenon. Alan Fish, coordinator of Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, has agree to give us a progress report for our January 14 meeting, Thursday at 7:30, to be held at the Josephine Randall Junior Museum in San Francisco. Alan, a zoologist who has had ex- perience in raptor rehabilitation at UC Davis and in raptor conservation with the BLM, promises slides and a discussion of the number and species of raptors, the timing of their migration patterns, and the percentage of band recoveries. Specifically, he will deal with such puzzling matters as the high number (over 100 this year) of Broad-winged Hawks that migrate down the coast. * For our February 14 program, we have button-holed George Peyton to regale us with news of his Scandana- vian trip. VINTAGE BIRDS (A Field Trip Tastefully Done) November 21 was the inauguration of a tradition: birding in the morning and wine tasting in the after- noon. George Peyton, the leader, host, and purveyor, was generous in sharing his knowledge of both birds and wine, and assured the enthusiastic group that similar outings would be repeated throughout the year. The day started with observations of dabbling ducks in the ponds at the south end of Bolinas Lagoon and continued up the shoreline where we were treated to excellent views of the male Harlequin Duck that seems to have taken up residence offshore between mileposts 15.21 and 15.32. After a sojourn into Volunteer Canyon, and more birding along the Lagoon, we settled in at the picnic 1 2 THE GULL area of the Audubon Canyon Ranch for the second feature: “Vintage.” George opened an impressive selection of champagnes, wines, and cheese, and participants opened their potluck con- tributions that ranged from quiche to cake. No one left hungry or thirsty, and a good time was had by all! Our thanks to George Peyton for put- ting it together and providing a new way of raising funds for our Chapter. -RUSS WILSON AN EVENING WITH WILLIAM S. CLARK William S. Clark, author of the new “Peterson Field Guide to Hawks” will discuss the “State of the Art in Raptor Field Identification” on Tuesday, January 12, 1988 at 7:30 p.m. at the California Academy of Sciences. Clark is the former director of the Raptor In- formation Center for the National Wildlife Federation and has guided the raptor banding program at Cape May Bird Observatory for the last twenty years. Clark is currently studying the hawk migration through Eilet, Israel, site of the largest raptor flight in the world. Co-sponsored by the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory and Cal Academy and GGAS, the evening will include time for questions and booksigning of this newest of the Peterson series, which may be purchased at the lecture. Tickets are available at the door for $2.00 for members of the sponsoring organizations or $3.00 for non- members. For information call (415) 557-2236. NEW YEAR BARGAINS While the supply lasts prices are slashed to $5.00 for Audubon’s beautiful Wild Bird and Nature calen- dars. Now you can have one in every room of the house. FIELD TRIPS CALENDAR Saturday, January 9— Stockton, Lodi and Thornton. See December Gull for details. Sunday, January 10 — DiUon Beach. See December Gull for details. Wednesday, January 13— Mini-trip to Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the marsh. Take Hwy. 880 (Nimitz) to the Hegenberger Rd. exit, proceed to Doolittle and turn right. Go a short distance and turn right onto Swan. Turn left after about a block and follow the signs to the marsh. Park in the second parking lot on the left. We will look for burrowing owls and water- fowl. Rain cancels trip. Leader: Anna Wilcox (351-9301). Saturday, January 16— Palo Alto Baylands. Take Hwy. 101 south to Palo Alto. Exit at Embarcadero and drive east toward the yacht harbor and the Baylands Refuge until you reach the duck pond on the left (just beyond the Palo Alto Airport). Meet at the east end of the pond at 9:00 a.m. Bring lunch, scope, and clothes appropriate for rain and mud. We should see waterfowl, rails and shorebirds. Leader: Dan Mur- phy (564-0074). Saturday, January 16— Carrizo Plain. Meet at 8:30 a.m. in the town of Cholame, on Hwy. 46. (Midway be- tween Kettleman City and Paso Robles. Lodging is available in both cities.) Published each month except August by the Golden Gate Audubon Society, office address, 1550 Shattuck Avenue, §204, Berkeley, CA 94709. Second class postage paid in Berkeley, CA. (THE GULL -ISSN 0164-971X) JANUARY 1988 3 From the Bay Area drive south on 1-5 to Kettleman City, then west on Hwy. 41 for 28 miles to the intersection of Hwy. 46. Continue west 2 miles on 46 to Cholame. Or, from the Bay Area drive south on Hwy. 101 to Paso Robles, then east on Hwy. 46 24 miles to Cholame. Driving time is four and one-half to five hours, so we suggest you plan to arrive Friday evening. We will bird all day, so you may choose to stay in the area Saturday night. Bring lunch, liquids, warm clothes, and perhaps a scope. This area is ex- cellent for Sandhill Cranes, a wide variety of Raptors, Mountain Plover and Longspurs. Not only will we see birds, but we will also discuss the geology of the area. The San Andreas Fault is an outstanding feature here. The Nature Conservancy is studying this area for a possible refuge. Considering the length of the drive and the possibility of adverse weather conditions, it is possible that this trip will be cancelled at the last minute. It also will be called off if there is an in- sufficient number of participants. It is therefore important that you notify Russ Wilson (524-2399) if you plan to attend. Leave your name, number in your party, and a phone number where you can be reached if the trip is cancelled. Leader: Eben McMillan. Sunday, January 17— Grizzley and Joice Islands Wildlife Area. Take 1-80 north to Fairfield. Take the Fair- field/Rio Vista (Hwy. 12 east) exit and go east (right) on West Texas St. for about one-half mile to the City Park. Meet at the parking lot near the entrance at 8:30 a.m. We will caravan from there to the refuge. We should see a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and marshbirds. Bring lunch and scopes. Leader: Peter Allen (892-8063). Saturday, January 23 — Panoche Valley. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the reser- voir on Hwy. 25 one-quarter mile south of the intersection of Hwy. 25 and J-1 in Paicines, 12.5 miles south of Los Banos. Bring lunch and warm clothes. In the past we have seen Mountain Plover, Mountain Bluebird, Fer- ruginous and Roughlegged Hawks, Vesper Sparrow and Lewis Woodpecker. Considering the distance involved in this trip be sure to fill your gas tank before starting, and carpool from the Bay Area if possible. For reservations call Russ Wilson (523-2399) if you plan to attend. Leave your name, phone number, and number in party. Assume your reservation is ac- cepted unless you hear otherwise. Leader: Chris Carpenter (874-6097). Sunday, January 24— Los Banos State Re^ge. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the refuge headquarters located 3 miles north of Los Banos on Henry Miller Rd. Allow two and one-half to three hours driving time from the Bay Area. Considering the distance involved in this trip, be sure to fill your gas tank before leaving, and carpool from the Bay Area if possible. Bring lunch and warm clothes. We will look for White- faced Ibis, Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles and assorted waterfowl. Call Russ Wilson for reservations if you plan to attend this trip (524-2399). Leave your name, phone number, and number in party. Assume your reservation is ac- cepted unless you hear otherwise. Leaders: Peter and Dolores White (229-1714). Sunday, February 7— San Leandro Bay Regional Shoreline. Meet at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot at the north end of the Shoreline refuge for a morning of leisurely birding. This trip is good for beginners. From Hwy. 880 (Nimitz) take the Hegenberger Rd. exit, go right (north) on Edgewater Dr. for about one mile to San Leandro Bay Regional Shoreline. Bring a scope if you have one. Lunch is optional. We should see 4 THE GULL a variety of waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds. This trip is wheelchair ac- cessible. Heavy rain cancels. Leader: Dave Comman (825-2106). Wednesday, February 10— Mini- trip to Lafayette Reservoir. Take Hwy. 24 beyond Orinda to the Acalanes exit, and follow the sign on the right to the reservoir. Meet at 9:00 a.m. There is a $1.00 fee for day parking. We will see song and winter birds. Lunch op- tional. Rain cancels, leader: Anna WUcox (351-9301). FIELD TRIPS COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS October 27 through November 24 As you read this column, the new year is upon us and the landbird migra- tion of last fall a thing of the past. Returning ducks and geese, wintering sparrows, warblers and mountain in- vaders made up the bulk of the reports for the period. Tallies through November from Hawk Hill in Marin County produced the highest counts ever for many species (information from Golden Gate Raptor Observatory thanks to Carter L. Faust). Waterbirds Albatrosses were represented by three Black-footed and three Laysan out of Monterey Nov. 15 (JM, et ^.), and one Laysan off Cordell Bank Nov. 3 (DWo). Lower than usual numbers of Northern Fulmars were as follows: one Nov. 2 and ten Nov. 8 during whale trips to the Farallon Islands (ToJ), and forty on a trip out of Monterey No v'. 15 (JM). Single Flesh-footed Shearwaters were found on Whale trips to the Farallones Nov. 1 and 8 (ToJ). A Little Blue Heron/Snowy Egret hybrid-type bird appeared in Charleston Slough Nov. 7-8 and was puzzled over by various observers through Nov. 21 (RoM, JMS, PMB). The largest group of Cattle Egret was nine at Seadrift sandspit, Stinson Beach Nov. 19 (DWm). Four Blue- winged Teal and nine Eurasian Wigeon found their way to local marshes during the period (mob). A female Harlequin Duck was seen off the Farallones Nov. 1 (ToJ); a male Harlequin was at Moss Landing Nov. 7 (DSS); and another male Harle- quin settled in at mile post 15.21 in Bolinas Lagoon Nov. 16-17 (RMS, AG, fide RS). Three were at Ano Nuevo State Reserve Nov. 20 (GJS, fide PJM). An Oldsquaw was found in Princeton Harbor Nov. 8 and remained throughout the period (JMD, AaC). Another was in Bolinas Lagoon at least through Nov. 17 (fide RS). Single Black Scoters at Foster City Nov. 1 (MDa), and Berkeley Aquatic Park Nov. 11 (AWi) were unusual at those locations. Eleven Barrow’s Goldeneye were found in the area during November (mob). Many hours of observation at Hawk HiU 129 in the Marin Headlands (513.1 hours) produced a total of 10,057 hawk sightings during migration, with new high counts of some species. More Sharp-shinned Hawks were seen than any other species (3407— a new high count), with Red-tailed Hawks not far behind (3171). Other species which achieved new highs in numbers if not in thermal updrafts were: Osprey, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Swain- son’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, and Prairie Falcon. A Sandhill Crane found its way to Hayward Shoreline Nov. 18 (RJR). A Rock Sandpiper at Pebble Beach first found Nov. 8 remained through the period (JM, DWm), and another arrived at Princeton Harbor Nov. 13, with two there Nov. 22 (AaC). A Ruff was at an Ecological Preserve along Woodbridge Road Nov. 6-11 (DGY, WEH,fide SeH). One South Polar Skua was seen on a Monterey pelagic trip Nov. 15 (JM, et al.). Two immature JANUARY 1988 5 Franklin’s Gulls were found at Stockton Sewage ponds Nov. 3, with one still present to Nov. 9 (DGY). A juvenal Sabine’s Gull patrolled Stockton Sewage Ponds Oct. 29-Nov. 10 (DGY, Dwh), and another Sabine’s was in Foster City Nov. 1 (MDa). One Xan- tus’ Murrelet was found on a Monterey pelagic trip Nov. 15 (JM, et al.). Landbirds A White-winged Dove visited a San Francisco residence in the Sunset District Oct. 31 -Nov. 5 (DPM). Short- eared Owls were found at several seasonal wetland areas: one near Robert’s Landing Nov. 12 (HG), and two at Hayward Shoreline Park Nov. 21 (NS). A Costa’s Hummingbird was at the Tiburon Baptist Church Nov. 19-21 (DAH). Two Tropical Kingbirds found the coast: one near Sunset Beach, Santa Cruz Co. Oct. 28-31 (RAF), and another at Bodega Bay rail pond Nov. 3 (JR). A Black-billed Magpie was found near Jewel Lake, Tilden Park Nov. 1 (DB). A Mountain Chickadee at Hayward Shoreline Park Nov. 21 added to that location’s amazing fall bird list (RJR). A Bendire’s Thrasher took up residence on Jahant Road in San Joaquin Co. from Oct. 31 at least through Nov. 21 (GEw, et al.). A Phainopepla was seen near Lake Solano Nov. 15 (PEG). One last Chestnut-sided Warbler was near the Pajaro River Oct. 28 (RAE), bringing the fall total to 24, and a Blackburnian Warbler was at Sunset Beach parking lot Oct. 28-31 (RAE) for a fall total of six. A Prairie Warbler was near San Andreas Rd. north of the Pa- jaro River Oct. 27-28 (RAE). Another at Princeton Nov. 8 through the period (AME, mob) may be the same bird that wintered there last year (fall total: 7). Nine additional Palm Warblers were found Oct. 27-Nov. 7 (mob) bringing those totals to 133 for fall. The Bay Breasted Warbler at Bolinas was last reported Oct. 30 (KH). Two additional Black-and-white Warblers arrived (fall total 27): North Lake, Golden Gate Park Nov. 8-21 (SEF, MFe, KS), and Half Moon Bay Nov. 15 (RSTh). A Worm-eating Warbler lurked about the Carmel River Mouth Oct. 25-Nov. 3 (fide RER) (fall total; 3). A Wilson’s Warbler visited at a Berkeley residence Nov. 20 (RM). An immature male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was across from the Bolinas school Nov. 7 (RMS). Two Clay-colored Sparrows were seen at Princeton Marsh Oct. 31 (JMD, JMa). Three Sharp-tailed Sparrows were found at Pine Gulch Creek mouth Nov. 7 (RS, et al.) Swamp Sparrows moved back into the area in good numbers at scattered locations coastally. The McCown’s Longspur at Spaletta Plateau lingered to Oct. 28 (mob). One McCown’s was present at Hayward Shoreline Park Oct. 28-Nov. 5 which could have represented two different birds (RJR). L^apland Longspurs con- tinued to use the Hayward Shoreline Park area through the period with up to fifteen on Nov. 14 (ALE). The Spalet- ta Plateau flock of Laplands increased to eight Nov. 3 (mob). Chestnut- collared Longspurs at Spaletta Plateau dwindled in numbers from a high of eighteen last month to two on Nov. 9 (ICB). Up to four were found at Hayward Shoreline Park Oct. 31 (RJR), with at least one remaining to Nov. 7 (fide AWi). A Rusty Blackbird was found at Half Moon Bay Nov. 18 (BS, fide PJM). A Great-tailed Grackle ap- pieared at Los Banos WMA Nov. 16-21 (Fish & Game personnel, fide BED, PhR, EHa). The San Francisco Aquatic Park Great-tailed Grackle was still hanging about Nov. 17 (MMe). An 6 THE GULL Orchard Oriole was near Pajaro River Oct. 27-28 (RAE). Red Crossbills were widely reported all along the coast and in Napa and Alameda Cos. as well. Hawk Hill in Marin Co. had a high count of 568 on Nov. 7 (CLF). Seventy-five Evening Grosbeaks were in Bolinas Oct. 31 (KH). [Monterey Area birds used in this column are only a fraction of the birds seen there and mostly represent reports which come to us from our local birders who visit that area. For more complete information on Monterey birds phone their Rare Bird Alert (408) 375-9122, or subscribe to The Sanderling, Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society, P.O. Box 5656, Carmel, CA 93921-$5.00/year.] Oberservers: Dudley Baines, George Baldwin, Dennis Beall (DnB), Phillip Bellamy, Phyllis M. Browning, Mark Butler, Andy Cratter, Aaron Cutler (AaC), Maryann Danielson (MDa), J. Mike Danzenbaker, Bruce E. Deuel, Joe Eaton, Art L. Edwards, A1 M. Eisner, Richard A. Erickson, Gil Ewing (GEw), Carter L. Faust, Marc Fenner (MFe), Shawneen E. Finnegan, Alexander Gaguine (AGa), A1 Ghior- so, Philip E. Gordon, Helen Green, Keith Hansen, W. Edward Harper, Ed Hase (EHa), Sean Hayes (SeH), Mark Holmrighausen (MHo), David A. Hoi way, Tom Johnson (ToJ), Bill Lenarz, Mike Maloser, John Mariani (JMa), Roger Marlowe (RoM), Robin May, John McConnell, Mary Merackle (MMe), Peter J. Metropulos, Joseph Morlan, Daniel P. Murphy, Jean Rich- mond, Robert J. Richmond, Robin E. Roberson, Phil Rostron (PhR), Norman Sanker, Kevin Sea, Jean Marie Spoelman, Rich Stallcup, Donald S. Starks, Robert M. Stewart, Gary J. Strachan, Ron S. Thom (RSTh), David Wharton (DWh), Anna Wilcox (AWi), David Wimpfheimer (DWm), David Woodbury, David G. Yee. Please report observations to Nor- thern California Rare Bird Alert: 528-0288 or 524-5592. -HELEN GREEN Observations Editor 2001 Yolo Ave. Berkeley, CA 94707 BACK YARD BIRDER A few years ago, my group of Christmas counters was most fortunate to spot a Dipper. For years we had dutifully looked for one in prime Dip- per habitat: a hallow but swiftly mov- ing stream. We had a prime viewing spot on a bridge from which to scan the stream side. Suddenly, there it was! With enormous restraint we didn’t leap and shout, but watched its unique behavior. We were especially gleeful when we found it was the only one on the Oakland count. Dippers are not visually exciting, be- ing brown or grey, rather stocky birds. Their short wings give them a quail-like flight as they fly low, following a stream’s winding path. They sport stub- by, squared off tails. Their beaks are rather long, pointed and slightly notch- ed at the tip. Long legs support their compact body and their rather large feet have strong claws. All these physical features serve purposes in the Dippers’ daily life. Because of its unique habit of swim- ming (somewhat awkwardly) and walk- ing under water in search of food, the Dipper has a well-developed nictitating membrane which protects its eyes. Soft plumage covers a thick under- coat of down for warmth in chilly waters. And the preen gland, which provides oil for water-proofing the feathers, is 10 times larger than in any other songbird. It IS a songbird, with JANUARY 1988 7 a loud, bubbly voice which can be heard above the sound of rushing water. A Dipper can easily dive to a depth of 20 feet in search of food: snails, trout fry or aquatic insects and their larvae. The bird then will pop bouyantly to the sur- face, float to a nearby rock and begin to preen. Perhaps the habit of con- tinuous bobbing, somewhat aking to a debutante’s curtsy, accounts for the bird’s name. Dipper. There are only 4 species of Dipper worldwide and North America has just one. They are mainly solitary birds ex- cept during breeding and nesting times. Each individual or pair remains within a '/2 to 1 mile streamside territory. The nest is domed and made of mosses and other plants, is lined with leaves and is tucked in streamside crevices, under a waterfall or on a rock mid-stream. The nest’s entrance is always aimed toward the water, perhaps for fast escape from intruders. More often you will find the Dipper in the mountains, but in wintertime they may move to lower altitudes, especially if their home territory freezes, making food difficult to come by. Whether “our” bird was a native or a wintering visitor, we were thrilled that he ap- peared just in time to stand up and be counted. -MEG PAULETICH SUNFLOWER SEED LEFTOVERS Hard-to-find premium black oil sunflower seed in 10 lb. and 25 lb. bags has been languishing in the GGAS of- fice waiting for hungry birds. Please come by or call if you need more now. The next full scale seed sale will be mid-March. ARCTIC REFUGE THREATENED In the extreme northeast corner of Alaska lies the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), an outstanding exam- ple of a pure, untouched wild ecosystem that once covered a great portion of North America. The area was establish- ed in 1960 as an 8.9 million-acre Wildlife Range in recognition of its uni- que wildlife, wilderness, and recreation values. In 1980, under the Alaska Na- tional Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), it acquired its current name and was expanded to 19 million acres. Of all this great wilderness, it is the relatively small (about two million acres) coastal plain that is the most im- portant for wildlife. It is in this narrow strip between mountains and sea, that caribou, following their ancient migra- tion routes, give birth to their young. Here also are found Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears, Muskoxen, Wolves, Loons, Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, Golden Eagles, and a host of other migratory birds that travel to five continents. Unfortunately, in 1980 Congress did not give complete protection to the plain, despite the best efforts of Audubon and others. Under oil industry pressure, it ordered (in section 1002 of ANILCA) the Department of Interior (DOI) to “study” the plain and “recommend” whether it should be opened up for oil development or be further protected. Earlier this year, the long-awaited “1002 Report” was released. Secretary of Interior Donald Hodel urged Congress to open up the entire area— despite many conclusions in his own draft report that the area’s wildlife and wilderness would be severely harmed. The coastal plain (referred to sim- ply as the 1002 area) is allegedly the last great chance to find a super-giant oil 8 THE GULL field onshore in the U.S. Oil companies and certainly the Reagan Administra- tion hope to find in the 1002 area an equivalent amount of oil as exists in Prudhoe Bay. However, whereas Prudhoe Bay’s original estimated reserve is 10 billion barrels of oil, the mean estimate of conditional economically recoverable resources in the 1002 area is only about 3.2 billion barrels of oil. And according to the DOI report, there is only a 7 percent chance of finding this amount of recoverable oU in ANWR! There is a less than a one in five chance of finding even 440 million barrels — the minimum estimated amount necessary to make oil field development economically feasible. National Audubon opposes the open- ing of the Arctic National Wildlife Refiige for oil development for two pressing reasons. First, ANWR must be preserved because of its internationally significant wildlife and wilderness qualities, which would be irreparably harmed if such a major industrial opera- tion as oil field development were allowed in the area. Second, there are a host of better, cheaper, and faster alter- natives to supply significant quantities of energy to meet our nation’s needs. Among our concerns for wildlife is the International Porcupine Caribou herd, which uses the 1002 area as its core calving area each spring. This herd numbers about 180,000 to 200,000, and is the largest international herd in North America. Any industrial activity in the narrow coastal plain will overcrowd and upset normal calving behavior for the caribou, and interfere with their move- ment patterns within the area. Accord- ing to the Department of Interior’s draft report, the herd may decline by as many as 72,000 animals due to oil production activities. Additionally, the report states that the herd of 500 Muskoxen, recently reintroduced to the area in 1969 after being hunted to extinction there in the 1800s, could be “displaced from a significant portion (7 1 percent) of high- use habitats used year-round.’’ Also, Snow Geese would directly lose a great deal of their staging habitat that they have used for centuries. Of the 105,000 to 325,000 Snow Geese that congregate and feed in the 1002 area, “maximum displacement . . . could be as much as 45 percent.’’ With such severe habitat loss and displacement to these species and subsequent damage to Wolves, Wolverines, Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears, as well as many predatory birds, oil production in the 1002 area is sure to disrupt the natural, wild ecosystem as we Imow it today. Many other areas in Alaska are already open to oil and gas develop- ment. In fact, 90 percent of Alaska’s arctic coast, on and offshore, is now open to the oil industry. This last, and indeed unique and spectacular, two million acres of the ANWR coastal plain is virtually all that is left of near pristine wilderness on Alaska’s North Slope. Why should we allow giant in- dustrial operations on the coastal plain, which are sure to harm the area, in the hopes of finding what might be a 200-day supply of oil to the U.S. (assuming, even the highest projec- tions?) Such activities are totally incom- patible with the purposes for which the refuge was established. The United States desperately needs a responsible energy plan for the future. We are currently faced with an Ad- ministration which has rolled back gas mileage standards for automobiles, abolished incentives for renewable energy development, and cut the amount of money spent on energy con- servation. Their idea of an energy plan is to push for a “drain America first’’ approach to the nation’s rapidly dwin- dling oil reserves at the insistence of the oil industry. JANUARY 1988 9 There are, however, some much simpler and cheaper answers to our energy needs. If we increased the effi- ciency of our total car fleet by just one mile per gallon, we could save 130 million barrels of oil annually. And, if we extended that effort over the next 30 years, which is the estimated time span ANWR oil would flow, we would save more oil through better mileage stan- dards than we could ever recover from ANWR (a 3.9 billion barrel savings versus a hopeful 3.2 billion barrel re- covery). By the same token we should seriously explore many alternative fuels now coming on the market. Methanol, for example, bums cleaner than gasoline and has proven to be a well-performing, cost effective, automobile ftiel. Currently, there are three bills before Congress which address the ANWR issue. HR 39, a bill introduced by House Interior Committee Chairman Morris Udall (D) of Arizona, and co- sponsored by 85 other members, would designate the entire 1002 area as wilder- ness. At the same time. Congressman Don Young (R) of Alaska has introduced HR 1082, which would allow ex- ploratory well drilling and full oil well development in the 1002 area. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate by Alaskan senators Frank Murkowski (R) and Ted Stevens (R). We have already begun what guar- antees to be along battle. ANWR will continue to be a priority issue for legis- lators and for the National Audubon Society. We encourage concerned persons to write or visit their representative and senators. Ask that all of the magnificent Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to be managed and protected as wilderness, and express your opposition to any bills that would permit oil exploration or development. —MARK MILLER NAS, Washington CARRIZO PLAIN SPECIAL The mid- January field trip to the Car- rizo Plain (see page 2 for date and details) is a very special one. Last year it was cancelled because the last free flying California Condor had been cap- tured, but the trip really involves much more than the once-hoped for glimpse of that magnificent bird. It is led by Eben McMillan, “Mr. Carrizo Plain,” a life long resident ran- cher, this recently-turned octogenerian will lead you on a tour of a part of California which is little known to most of us. There is certainly ample bird life to see, but Eben puts that in the pro- spective of past history including some Chumash Indian petroglyphs and his in- sights about white settlers’ impact on the area. He’ll walk you up a hill and let you stand with one foot on either side of the San Andreas fault. He’ll tell you about the California chapter of the Nature Conservancy’s efforts to save native grassland habitat. Good reading about the Plain, Eben and Ian, as well as the hotly disputed “saving” of the California Condor can be had in David Darlington’s recent book “In Condor Country,” publish- ed in 1986 by Houghton— Mifflin. This is, indeed, a very special trip with a very special leader! 10 THE GULL WATERCOLOR SHOW A showing of watercolors of birds, featuring the artwork of Debby Cotter and Kathy Golden, will be at Elkhom Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Center, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville from December 5, 1987 through February 6, 1988. Many of you are familiar with Debby ’s con- tributions to Golden Gate Audubon Society, Point Reyes Bird Observatory Newsletter, the Oakland Museum California Species Show, Spring 1987, and, of course, the 1987 CBC T-Shirt (see this issue). Kathy is an artist at Steinhart Aquarium whose work was also featured at the Oakland Museum Species Show. SPRING BIRDING CLASSES IN SAN FRANCISCO Evening bird classes again will be of- fered by the San Francisco Commun- ity College District. Fees are $40 per seven week class and $45 per eight week class. Eight- week classes run from Jan. 19, 20 and 21 through March 8, 9 and 10. Seven week classes con- tinue from March 15, 16 and 17 through May 3, 4 and 5. Pre- registration is highly recommended. For information, call the Community Services Office at 776-8247. All classes will be held in room 222, Marina Middle School at the corner of Bay and Filmore Sts. Free parking is available in the school lot off Bay St. on the east side of the building. Each class stresses identification, status and habits of North American birds in two-and-a-half hour weekly slide lectures. The text for all classes is Field Guide to the Birds of North America by the National Geographic Society, available from the GGAS of- fice (832-2222). The instructor is Joe Morlan, co author of Birds of Northern California and compiler of our weekly recorded “Northern California Rare Bird Alert,” 528-0288. Ornithology / is an introduction to avian biology. It stresses concepts in modern ornithology including systematics, evolution, behavior and population ecology illustrated by ex- amples from North American bird families, especially common California birds. It meets Tuesdays starting Jan. 19 from 7-9:30 p.m. JANUARY 1988 11 CLASSES (continued) Ornithology II is an in-depth systematic study of identification and status of waterbirds including seabirds, wading birds and waterfowl. It meets Wednesdays starting Jan. 20 from 7-9:30 p.m. Ornithology III will cover landbirds in- cluding hawks, gamebirds, owls, swifts and hummingbirds. It meets Thursdays starting Jan. 21 from 7-9:30 p.m. These classes are recommended by GGAS. Optional field trips may be ar- ranged on weekends. Please bring binoculars and field guides to class if you have them. ATTENTION: TEACHERS 4TH AND 5TH GRADES Audubon Canyon Ranch on Bolinas Lagoon in Marin County, now in its 26th year, has just completed its fall school program. Volunteers from around the Bay Area go into school rooms to give an over- view of animals, their environment and their way of “getting ready for winter.” The children have a follow- up visit at the Ranch where the volunteers lead a nature hike to forest, meadow, pond and stream. ACR volunteers enjoy a close rela- tionship with nature. Sharing the wonderful rewards of teaching the children and making new friends is real- ly one of the many benefits of being a volunteer at the Ranch. For classroom teachers of 4th and 5th grades interested in a spring field trip and for those interested in being a volunteer with the program, please call 868-9244. Our new volunteer training begins September, 1988. Also available are weekend volunteer opportunities. Training begins February 1988. FREMONT BIRDING CLASSES Field Trip to the Delta Saturday, Jan. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required by Jan. 19 in person or by mail at the Fremont Adult School, 4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont, CA 94538. Include fee of $17.50 and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Meet at the flagpole, bring snacks, lunch, beverage and binoculars. Tuesday Birding Field Trips Class In this class students will observe and learn about field identification, life styles and ecology of local birds. Each Tuesday morning the class will visit a different birding spot with Alice Hoch, instructor. The class will meet on six Tuesdays from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., starting Jan. 5. Registration will be at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 5 in Room 1 of the Fremont Adult School. For more infor- mation phone the school at 791-5841. MONO LAKE TO BHUTAN Since the announcement of Mono Lake Committee’s Antarctic Antics for January 1989, a very different trip— a tour and trek in Bhutan— has been organized for late October 1988, by popular request. Bhutan is a small, sparsely-populated country in the Himalaya east of Nepal. It is a land of scenic splendor with its high, snowy mountains and deep fertile valleys. Everyday life is governed by the teachings of Buddha, and tourism is limited to less than 3,000 people a year to preserve the land and its culture. The 21 -day trip will be part-tour by minibus 12 THE GULL and part-hiking on trails at moderate elevations through forest and alpine meadows between villages. It will be a wonderful walking and cultural experience — seeing flora and bird and animal life, as well as friendly people along the way. Visiting markets, possibly a festival, and the opportunity of buying superbly-done local han- dicrafts also will be in the offing. The all-inclusive cost per person in Bhutan is $3,200, of which $300 is tax- deductible. Round-trip airfare from Oakland is additional and is about $1,270. For brochures for Bhutan or Antarctica trips, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (4*4x9*/2) to: M. Bennett, 2719 Marin Ave., Berkeley, CA 94708. MASTER PARK PLAN REVIEW The East Bay Regional Park District has revised its Master Plan, a District- wide policy document concerning resources, recreation and interpretation, planning, development, management and acquisition of parklands and trails. The Board of Directors invites all members of the public to comment on the Draft Master Plan by attending one of the following public hearings: Wednesday— Jan. 13, 1988 7 p.m.-lO p.m. Walnut Creek City Council Chambers 1666 No. Main St. Tuesday— Jan. 26, 1988 1 p.m. -4 p.m. ABAC Bldg. Auditorium 101 8th St., Oakland Copies of the Master Plan can be found in the reference section of all main libraries throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. A limited number of copies of the 60 page draft report are available on request. For a copy you may phone 530-9300, ext. 340. Marian Craig, GGAS member and park activist can give you current infor- mation. Her phone number is 845-5036. A copy of the report is available for review at the GGAS office. ENDANGERED SONG SPARROWS There is currently a campaign under way to obtain Endangered Species status for three subspecies of Song Sparrow which inhabit the salt marshes surrounding San Francisco Bay. They are known as the South Bay, the San Pablo and the Suisun Song Sparrow. Each of the three has its own distinct range, roughly defined by its common name. All of them are in trouble because of continuing loss of habitat. To aid in this effort, several good col- or slides are needed for each subspecies. If you already have such slides or are willing to go out to shoot some, either of the following can give you further information about each subspecies, areas in which it can be found, access information and directions: H. Thomas Harvey, Harvey and Stanley Associates (408) 263-1814 Kent Dedrick State Lands Commission (916) 445-2682 JANUARY 1988 13 ACTIVISTS AND ORGANIZERS All of us care deeply about an unspoiled environment, that is one reason we belong to the Audubon Society. It is no secret that if we are go- ing to have to fight for it. The Reagan and Dukemejian Administrations have seriously misunderstood the relation- ship between environmental protection and a healthy economy and society. Keeping our natural resource, pollution and energy policies on the right track requires continued, well-reasoned opi- nions expressed to our representatives in government. Effectively organized, the power of our opinion and our votes can counteract the money power of other interests. We need activists and organizers. Activists are people who are willing to write letters to their senators and representatives. This is a very impor- tant job, and can mean much in counter- ing the big money interests. Are you willing to do this when called upon to do so? Organizers are people who are will- ing to organize others to write, to meet with their legislators, to present testimony at hearings, or to work with the media on behalf of our environmen- tal concerns. Obviously, this is more work and demands more of you. It also gives a higher level of satisfaction. Could you do it? National Audubon has several tools to enable you to become even more in- formed if you would like. Audubon Ac- tivist is published for this purpose. You can sign up to receive Action Alerts if you are willing to act on the informa- tion when received. Phone GGAS of- fice (843-2222) or write NAS, 95U Third Ave., New York, NY 10022. GGAS also has Conservation Com- mittees meeting monthly in the East Bay and in San Francisco. Come to a meeting and learn how you can help. CLEAN AIR UPDATE: BILL GOES TO SENATE FLOOR The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee scored a hit in late October when it reported out a good clean air bill that contains provisions on acid rain, air toxics, and urban smog — the three key pieces that environmen- talists are fighting for. As the legisla- tion goes to the Senate floor, all chapters and activists can join the ballgame by asking their senators to cosponsor the bill. The bill is generally referred to at the Environment and Public Works Clean Air Bill; it has not been assigned a number yet. Your senators should also be en- couraged to speak to Majority Leader Robert Byrd about speedy consideration of this important legislation. Byrd, a senator from West Virginia, which pro- duces polluting high-sulfur coal, is likely to try and stop the bill short. Strong pressure from his colleagues is needed to persuade him to take the broader view and bring the bill up for a vote. Meanwhle, in the House, the Energy and Commerce Committee is looking for a middle ground on its acid rain and urban smog proposals. The stalemate that has been blocking action in that committee continues, but the moderates are looking for a way to make both Chairman John Dingell and Subcom- mittee Chairman Henry Waxman happy. It is not easy, but some progress has been made. It is important to keep the pressure on the members of this committee. You 14 THE GULL CLEAN AIR (continued) can help by asking your representative to join the more than 170 signers of the Vento-Green letter, which calls for clean air legislation to pass in this Con- gress. For more information, contact Connie Mahan in Audubon’s Capitol Hill office, 801 Pennyslvania Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003; 202-547-9009. NEWS FROM THE RANCH Audubon Canyon Ranch Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach (415) 868-9244 Wildlife Sanctuaries & Centers for Nature Education Under Joint Sponsorship of Golden Gate, Madrone, Marin and Sequoia Audubon Societies Rick Baird, Chairman Audubon Canyon Ranch and Marin county have purchased for open space the last 15 acres of Kent Island under private ownership. The partially submerged land was bought in November from Dorothy Reinhardt of Santa Barbara with the help of the Bolinas Community Land Trust. ACR’s funding for this acquisition was donated by the Golden Gate Audubon Society, one of ACR’s founding organizations. During the Sixties the Bolinas Lagoon island was slated to become the center of a large marina. Instead most of the island became the county’s first nature preserve through the generosity of Alice Kent and others. Beginning this month John Kelly will take up residence at Cypress Grove as a part time biologist. He holds a Masters degree in Wildlife from Hum- boldt State University where he has also been an instructor. In addition, he has undergraduate degrees in Environmen- tal Studies and Field and Marine Biology and also a California teaching credential. Prior to coming to ACR he was the Science Program Coordinator for Point Reyes Bird Observatory and has worked as an ornithologist for the Na- tional Audubon Society at its Ecology Camp in West Dubois, Wyoming. He will provide a focus for the work of the Research Associates at Tomales Bay as well as assess all of ACR’s Tomales Bay properties. This project will lay the ground work for future education pro- grams at Cypress Grove. A Ranch Guides training program will begin February 20 and continue every Saturday all day through March 26. This program begun last year has proved very successful and more guides are needed. After receiving training, guides will work eight weekend days during the spring season for a period of two years. They are on hand to help visitors to the ranch understand the ecology of the land and enrich their visits to the heronry and pond. Anyone interested in more informa- tion should call Anne Monk at (415) 868-0611 by January 31. There is a small fee for materials. The Bouverie Preserve Community Hikes for February are on Saturday the 13th and 27th. The hikes in March are on the 12th and 26th from 9:30 a. m. to 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Space is limited, so call early. (707) 938-4554. JANUARY 1988 15 GIFTS and BEQUESTS FOR GGAS Gift of Steve & Renee Margolin Anthony F. Willard In Memory of Hazel Bearss Bertha S. Underhill Elizabeth Benton Robert Hoffman Marcia L. Fromm John Lazynsky Gayle H. Partmann Mezy & Gary Lee Robert D. Palmer, M.D. Demetri J. Polites, M.D. Mrs. Laura Rawlings Gloria L. Copeland The Society welcomes gifts in general or gifts in honor of or in memory of relatives and friends. Such gifts will be used as specified by the donor or, if unspecified, at the discretion of the GGAS Board of Directors. This includes their use for general GGAS activities or for special programs of the Society including Audubon Canyon Ranch of which GGAS is a sponsor. Please send your gift in the form of a check made out to Golden Gate Audubon Society, 1550 Shattuck Ave., fflQA, Berkeley, CA 94709. All gifts are tax deductible. The Society is also appreciative of any bequests. Such bequests should specify as recipient the Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. All gifts, donations and be- quests will be acknowledged in The Gull as well as personally on behalf of the Society by the Secretary. SECOND CLASS MATTER Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. Office: 843-2222 1550 Shattuck Avenue #204 Berkeley, California 94709 Return Postage Guaranteed CAL ACAOEi-iY uE SCIENCES GOLDEN G.ATE PARK SAN FRANCISCO, C;-. 94113 16 THE GULL GGAS ROSTER OF OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN OFFICERS STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN President, Arthur Feinstein (282-5937)* — 88 Conservation, Arthur Feinstein (282-5937)* First Vice President, Tom White (821-6933) — 90 Education, Second Vice President, Lina Jane Prairie Field Trips, Russ Wilson (524-2399)* (549-3187)* - 88 Finance, Woody Kuehn (239-7914)* Recording Secretary, Leslie Lethridge (655-0418)* — 88 Hospitality, Corresponding Secretary, Ruth Dement (527-7923)* - 88 Treasurer, Nicola Selph (526-6631)* — 88 DIRECTORS West Bay: Woody Kuehn (239-7914)* — 89 Paul Comiskey (824-7080)* — 88 Janice Andersen (922-5866)* — 90 East Bay: John Nutt (654-3336)* - 89 Leora Feeney (522-8525)* — 88 David Rice (527-7210)* - 90 At Large: Peter Watkins (763-4831)* - 88 Membership, Leora Feeney (522-8525)* Program, Tom White (821-7347)* Publicity GULL Editor, Don Sanford (527-6017)* Observations: Helen Green (526-5943) and Joseph Morlan (524-7421) Extended Field Trips Co-ordinator, Chris Carpenter (376-6341) Librarian, Minnie Groshong (843-2222) Office Manager, Barbara Rivenes (843-2222) GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVES ON THE AUDUBON CANYON RANCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Arthur Feinstein, ex officio Bruce Howard Nicki Spillane Dan Murphy NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RARE BIRD ALERT (recorded) (415) 528-0288 Mail for all individuals listed above should be sent to GGAS office. Send address changes to office promptly; Post office does not forward THE GULL. Monthly meetings: second Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Joint membership — local and national $30 per year (individual); $38 (family); includes AUDUBON Magazine and THE GUI I - to join, make checks payable to National Audubon Society and send to GGAS office to avoid delay in receiving THE GULL. Membership renewals should be sent directly to the National Audubon office. Subscriptions to THE GULL separately $8 per year; single issues $1. High school and college student membership $18 per year. Senior citizen individual $21, senior citizen family $23. Associate Membership in Golden Gate Audubon Society, $10 per year. The Golden Gate Audubon Society, Inc. was established January 25, 1917, and became a chapter of National Audubon In 1948. The Gull deadline is the first of the month for the following month, and July 15th for September issue.