erials 
L 
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY founded 1917 
Bird Flu and You: 
Quick Facts 
UVsteni Culls pair bonding on Alcatraz. 
The Birds of Alcatraz 
O n March 9th, bad weather briefly gave way to perfect clear skies for the spe- 
cial Golden Gate Audubon members-only monthly birding expedition to 
legendary Alcatraz Island. 
National Park Service biologist Christian Hellwig served as our guide for the 
two-hour tour of this remarkable environment, which, beyond its status as a tourist 
destination, surprisingly also serves as an important Bay Area bird refuge. 
“Alcatraz is not well known as a place to watch birds," said Christian, "but it is a 
great place to watch birds." 
In fact, considering the barrenness of Alcatraz s original environment and the sub- 
sequent impact of human civilization on the island, the variety of bird species that 
nest there is cause for amazement. 
Approximately 1,000 pairs of Western Gulls nest on Alcatraz. Despite the gulls' 
penchant for dominating whatever territory they occupy, about 800 pairs of Brandts 
Cormorants, one of only two estuarine populations on the West Coast, have estab- 
lished a foothold. Pelagic Cormorants also nest there, though their population 
currently stands at only around six pairs. Thirteen pairs of California Gulls and, 
at times, up to 40 pairs of Pigeon Guillemots share- the island, along with Black 
Phoebes, Black Oystercatchers and Black-crowned Night Herons. 
Not only seabirds call .Alcatraz home: House Finches, White-crowned Sparrows 
and Song Sparrows nest in their niches; .Anna's Hummingbirds breed and raise 
THE BIRDS OF ALCATRAZ continued on page 12 
n December 200.C a highh pathogenic 
lorm ol influen/a .A, the IIS.NI strain, uas 
reported in Southeast .Asia. Because it was first 
discovered in domestic poultry, it has since 
been commonly referred to as "avian influenza. 
So far the virus has not evolved to spread easilv 
between humans. But il it does, the virus could 
reach pandemic proportions. 
At the time this article went to press, avian 
llu had been recorded in .Asia. T.urope and 
Africa, but had still not reached .Australia, 
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES America or South .America, lixperts 
f elieve, however, that the H5N1 virus could 
t jach North America by fall 2006, il migrating 
birds from Asia transfer the disease across the 
Bering Strait and infect North .American birds. 
- Among the growing concerns over this poten- 
tial pandemic are how it affects wild birds and 
whether transmission between wild native birds 
and humans is possible. Some countries have 
proposed draining wetland habitat or killing off 
wild populations of those species most likely 
to commingle in ponds with domestic species, 
such as waterfowl and shorebirds, in order to 
curb the spread of the H5iNI virus. Such a tech- 
nique would not only be destructive to vital bird 
populations, however, but counterproductive: It 
could cause further dispersal and more concen- 
trated populations of stressed birds that would 
be even more prone to infection, 
BIRD FLU continued on page 11 
APR 2 8 2006 
LIBRARY 
Eco-Oakland Volunteers 
Conservation Corner 
Summer Birding Classes 
Far Afield Field Trips 

ROSTER 
ELECTED DIRECTORS 
Marjorie Blackwell (’07) President 
Jacqui Smalley ('06) Vice-President 
Al Peters (’07) Treasurer 
Bob Bennett ('06) San Francisco Conservation 
Kevin Consey (’07) Finance 
Judith Dunham ('08) Publications 
Leora Feeney ('08) FAWR 
Elizabeth Yates McNamee ('08) Development 
DESIGNATED DIRECTORS ( 06) 
Berry Brosi 
Bob Lewis Education 
Miles McKey Latin America liaison 
Sylvia Stone Human Resources 
Noreen Weeden Secretary 
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BIRD BOX 
415.681.7422 
GULL EDITORS 
Marjorie Blackwell marjb@sbcglobal.net 
Judith Dunham 510.841.8149 
OBSERVATIONS 
Bruce Mast observe@goldengateaudubon.org 
WEB EDITOR 
webeditor@goldengateaudubon.org 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
Elizabeth Murdock 510.843.9912 
CONSERVATION DIRECTOR 
Samantha Murray 510.843.6551 
VOLUNTEER AND MEMBERSHIP 
COORDINATOR 
Jacob Winiecki 510 843.7295 
ECO-OAKLAND PROGRAM MANAGER 
Amiko Mayeno 510.635.5533 
ECO-OAKLAND YOUTH COORDINATOR 
Aida Villa avilla@goldengateaudubon.org 
OFFICE MANAGER 
Tara Zuardo 510.843.2222 
FIELD TRIPS COORDINATOR 
Susan Groves 510.654.5954 
HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR 
Susanne Shields 415.810 4900 
TheGoldenGate Audubon Society was founded January 
15, 1917, and became a chapter of National Audubon 
in 1948. Golden Gate Audubon Society Supporting 
Membership is $25 per year Renewals should be sent 
to the Golden Gate Audubon office. The board of direc- 
tors meets the last Monday of every month (except 
August and December) at 7:30 p.m. in the chapter office 
in Berkeley. 
The Cull is published nine times per year by the Golden 
Gate Audubon Society. The deadline for submissions 
is five weeks prior to the month of publication. Special 
third-class postage paid in Oakland, CA, Send address 
changes to office promptly The post office does not 
forward The Cull. 
1 The Gu//- ISSN 0164-971X 
I Golden Gate Audubon Society 
2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G 
Berkeley. CA 94702 
TEL 510 843.2222 fax 510.843.5351 
WWW goldengateaudubon.org 
ggas@goldengateaudubon.org 
I Nature Store hours' Monday - Friday. 9-12, 1-5 
i 0*iign and layout a g communications 
Golden Gate Audubon Connects with 
Other Audubon Chapters 
A t the fourth annual Audubon Urban Chapters Network (AUCN) meeting, hosted 
by Audubon Society of Portland in March, 1 joined representatives from 10 urban 
Audubon chapters around the country to share information on conservation issues, learn 
about opportunities to build and strengthen our chapters, and discuss our common chal- 
lenges. Among topics vve discussed were fee-based environmental education programs for 
children and adults, summer camps, travel programs, urban conservation initiatives, and 
Important Bird Areas. 
Since Golden Gate Audubon hosted the first AUCN meeting in Berkeley in 2003, the 
network has grown, drawing chapters from New York City, Atlanta, Tucson, Seattle, western 
Pennsylvania and others. The network has become a critical way to help urban chapters grow 
and strengthen their programs. We are excited to share best practices to make Audubon’s 
larger, urban chapters more successful, and we plan to invite more chapters that share our 
commitment to growth and excellence to join us. 
by Elizabeth MurcJock, Executive Director 
More than 200 representatives of Audubon chapters from throughout California gathered 
for the Audubon California 2006 Assembly at Asilomar conference grounds in mid-March. 
During two-and-a-half rain-soaked days, we learned about and discussed topics ranging 
from the current threats to the Endangered Species Act to the coming threat of avian flu 
(see page 1); from the projected population growth of California (50 million by 2040) to the 
impacts of wind turbines on birds. We shared fundraising and event ideas, such as Morro 
Bay's unique way to reach non-Audubon members by hosting DJ parties (called “Loons and 
Tunes") that attract 200 young people. 
Brock Evans, chair of the Endangered Species Coalition, a former vice president of 
National Audubon and life-long environmentalist, inspired us with his knowledge and opti- 
mism about the future of the environmental movement. Evans, who survived life-threatening 
bone marrow cancer, knows Hrst-hand about overcoming obstacles. (He told bis phvsician, 
‘Tm used to lighting hopeless causes. Tm an environmentalist.”) Steve Blank, the energetic, 
newly elected chair of Audubon California’s board of directors and member of the National 
Audubon Society (NAS) board, assured us that NAS supports chapters and is eager to help 
us. And w'e met members of other chapters, many too small to have a staff or even an office 
and yet still successfully run programs, produce newsletters, raise funds and host events, 
entirely with volunteers. 
Regardless of chapter size, it’s clear that California’s Audubon community is made up of 
savvy, hard working people who are determined to protect and revitalize the wildlife and 
grandeur of our state. It's also clear that California needs every one of us! (Eor more informa- 
tion about Audubon's state office, visit www.ca.audubon.org.) 
by Marjorie Blackwell, President 
Remember to Vote for Golden Gate Audubon Board Members! 
The 2006 annual election of Golden Gate Audubon Board Directors will be held by 
written ballots due on May 16, 2006. The three candidates for elected directors this 
year are Bob Bennett, Bob Lewis, and Sylvia Stone. See the April Gull or visit our 
website (www.goldengateaudubon.org) for more information on the candidates and 
a ballot form. The online ballot must be printed out and sent by mail. Mail ballots to: 
Golden Gate Audubon, 2530 San Pablo Ave., Suite G, Berkeley, CA 94702. 
2 . THE GULL MAY 2006 

Why Eco-Oakland Volunteers Love Their Work 
G olden Cliiu- Auiliihon's I'.eoO.ikl.md volimlct-is .iiv tin- lile 
blood ol oiir environiiKMiul eiloe.ition pto^r.im. Here's ub.il 
a lew ol ibese derlieateil imliv iikials bavi' to say about their expert 
enees. 
SUSAN GROVES 
111 tell yon bow it feels... to wateb a 
ebilil burst into exeiteinent upon lind- 
ing a biiininingbiril in a seboolyarri bush 
on Intertiational boulevard; to statid 
on the .Arrowhead Marsh [her, sharitig 
wonder with a child as the silenee is 
shredded by the raueous raeket of the 
C la|iper bails; to listen to an enthusias- 
tie leaeherand his fast-tnolion students 
describe the sea urchins they saw at an 
ocean lidepool. hor me it leels, Wow! iNlow tiu'ivs otie thing right 
in this world! " 
1 low will there be anythitig left of this planet if we don't teach 
our children to love it and walk in its meadows with knowledge and 
awe? 1 have been a teacher all my [professional life, so I feel right at 
home working with kids and in classrooms. But this is the first time 
I ve worked in science education. And it just makes sense — for me 
as a citizen, and lor CCA as an environmental organization. If vou 
care about the future, this is where you have to he! 
Susan Groves is also the volunteer GGA Field Trip Coordinator 
BEN GREENFIELD 
For my '-J-to-S job, I am a scientist studv- 
ing San Francisco Bay, .Although the 
results ol my studies are used by other 
scientists and environmental regulators, 
it's olten difficult to see tangible impacts 
on the community. CC.A bridges this 
gap by proxiding scientifically tocused 
educational programs to students and 
educators in local schools. 
1 was particularly interested in Eco- 
Oakland because it links environmental and social justice issues 
and it focuses on poorly funded. East Oakland schools that serve 
predominantly Alrican American and Latin .American students. 
Eco-Oakland is mindlul ol the greater cultural needs of these com- 
munities; at the after-school and weekend environmental biology 
programs, all family members are encouraged to attend and par- 
ticipate, and all programs have a bilingual component. I ve had the 
opportunity to share my knowledge of marine and estuarine ecology 
with students and their families, and have also learned more about 
the local culture and communities from them. Some of my loudest 
memories are working and learning with the families in the tide 
pools and river channels of Marin beaches, fhe excitement of the 
school kids and their younger siblings is infectious as they get their 
O 
c 
>s 
ro 
O 
£ 
< 
h'cl wet xiossing llu- cool i reeks ,md check out the sea anemones, 
c rabs, barnac les, and olhei inletlid.il launa It s Inn to sc-c- the par- 
ents get invoKc’d, t.dkmg .ihtnit the kinds ol se.dood thc-y would 
find .mcl haru'st in Mc-xico or C entral America I think learning the 
amazing naturiil ollerings ol the region is so imjrorl.ml . <md these 
programs lea\ e me leeling Impel ul that the sense ol lamily connec t- 
edness and natural stewardshiji will go hand in hand 
Ben Greenfield is an environmental scientist who has worked at the 
San Francisco Estuary Institute 
JESUS LARA 
I was interested in getting imoKed with 
the l'.co-( )akkincl [Program because 
most <p| the [Part ici[pants are minority 
lamilies who do not hax'e the o[P[Portu- 
nity to go out regularly and learn about 
nature. Being an en\ ironmenial science 
major at UC' Berkeley and a S[Panish 
speaker. 1 ielt that my skills ccpuld add 
to the success ol the [prcpgram. I have 
been on tri[Ps to Muir Beacb where I 
have learned about the [plants and the animals in the area. I have 
also re-learned how to enjoy nature as a kid. A memtprable experi- 
ence 1 have is racing w ith kids to the lop of a hill and watching the 
ocean. I heir excitement kp interact w ith nature is contagious and 
makes volunteering a rewarding experience, fhe best part about the 
program is that it brings lamilies closer icpgelher and makes them 
envircpnmentally conscious through fun acti\ ities. 
Jesus Lara is a junior at UC Berkeley 
MAYRA VENEGAS 
1 was able to become a \olunleer a year 
ago through a held trip that we went cpn 
with my sister to Muir Beach. I really 
enjoyed that day because 1 also learned 
new things. I also like the idea that they 
olfer the held trip to the family. Vou 
arc able to explore the beautiful things 
this world has. I started \ cplunteering by 
going to meetings alter school and to 
the held trips they had on Saturdays. 1 
needed to do my community service and they offer it. I realiv liked it 
when we went to clean up the park. I think it helped me value more 
the environment around us. I think more people should volunteer 
so that they could help the community and keep the environment 
clean. 
It helped me because I was able to gel distracted from the usual 
routine I had. '\'ou are also able to get to know different people. You 
interact with them and learn things from them. 1 also like being 
arcpund kids and helping them learn new things. 
Mayra Venegas is a 12th grade student at Skyline High School in Oakland 
MAY 2006 THE GULL 3 
Amiko Mayeno 

CONSERVATION CORNER 
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK 
DISTRICT UPDATE 
l.i)n»- i orm Piolcction tor lirciincr Marsh: 
The East Bay Regional Park District 
(EBRPD) board of directors voted unani- 
mously in early March to condemn 218 
acres of the Breuner Property in favor of 
integrating the marsh into EBRPD park 
lands. "This has been 56 years in the mak- 
ing," said Parchester Village Neighborhood 
Council President Whitney Dotson, whose 
family has been advocating for a park since 
Parchester was Hrst developed alter World 
War 11. "It’s hard to believe it's finally true.” 
The wetlands, adjacent to EBRPD’s Point 
Pinole Regional Shoreline Park, attract 
innumerable species of birds and other 
wildlife, including such special-status spe- 
cies as the California Clapper Rail, Black 
Rail, and Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse. 
New Ward 1 Board .Member: On March 
17th, the Board unanimously elected Nancy 
Skinner as the new Ward 1 member of the 
EBRPD Board. Eollow'ing in the footsteps 
of the late jean Siri, Nancy represents 
Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, El Cerrito, 
El Sobrante, Kensington, a portion ol 
Oakland, a small part of Pinole, Richmond 
and San Pablo. Nancy is also a member of 
Golden Gate Audubon. 
DOGS AND WILDLIFE 
IN THE GGNRA 
For years, debate has raged in San Francisco 
about whether dogs should he allowed to 
romp off-leash in the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area (GGNRA). Though it 
adjoins a major urban area, the GGNRA 
protects more federally listed species than 
any other unit of the National Park System 
in the continental U.S. Federal law gener- 
ally recjuires that |)cts in national [larks he 
leashed or otherwise confined at all times. 
But a history ol non-enforcement in the 
GGNRA has weakened the Park Service's 
ability to enlorce the leash law — and thus 
to protect the many sensitive bird, plant and 
other wildlife species, including the feder- 
ally protected Western Snowy Plover — that 
rely upon the GCiNRA as habitat. C.olden 
Gate Audubon currently is participating 
in a negotiated rulemaking committee, 
convened by the Department of Interior, 
to work with the National Park Service to 
develop regulations regarding dogs in the 
GGNRA. Wdiile we recognize the diverse 
demands on the GGNRA by its many users, 
we are committed to ensuring that the Park 
Service upholds its responsibility to protect 
wildlife in the park. 
BURROWING OWL HABITAT 
AT THE ALBANY PLATEAU 
Wdicn Burrowing Owls w'ere first discov- 
ered in the area slated to be the new Gilman 
Sports Fields, GGA and other conservation 
organizations suggested Albany Plateau as a 
suitable place to mitigate for the project and 
to establish additional Burrowing Owl habi- 
tat. Since then, Golden Gate Audubon has 
worked closely with sports field user groups, 
the East Bay Regional Park District and the 
cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville and 
Richmond to implement this compromise. 
The California Department of Fish and 
Game, East Bay Regional Park District and 
Galifornia State Parks are now all on board 
with our joint proposal to protect more than 
eight acres at the Plateau for Burrowing 
Owls. And with construction of five Gilman 
Sports fields about to begin, we are eager to 
launch the expanded and improved habitat 
for Burrowing Owls. 
PRESERVE THE 
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT 
The Endangered Species Act (ESA), one 
of our last remaining safety nets for birds, 
other w'ildlife and their habitats, is under 
attack in Congress. Both the 1 louse and the 
Senate have introduced hills that, il passed, 
will seriously cripple the Act and its abil- 
ity to protect wildlile. 1 hese hills incliKle 
|)rovisions that reciuire compensation to 
landowners lor complying with the ftSA, 
create coemptions lor Section 7 consulta- 
tion (a mandatory consultation with Fish 
and Wildlife Service on any project with a 
federal nexus that will harm a listed spe- 
cies), add a significant two-year delay for 
Burrowing Owl. 
getting species listed under the ESA, and 
eliminate the requirement to designate 
critical habitat. Please contact Senators 
Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and 
tell them you support a strong Endangered 
Species Act and healthy wildlife popula- 
tions. They can be reached at 202.224.3553 
and 202.224.3841, respectively. Or visit 
www.senate.gov to reach them by email or 
mail. 
MONITORS NEEDED 
ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BAY! 
C'ount Quail in San Francisco GGA is 
partnering with the Presidio Trust on a 
Presidio-wide monitoring project, \ olunteer 
programs are held from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on 
Saturdays. May 1 3, July 1 5 and September 19 
(see April Cull for details). For information, 
contact Jacob W’iniecki at 510.843.7295 or 
jwinieckK^goldengateaudubon.org. 
1 ast Shore State Park GGA is collecting 
valuable census data, which now includes 
a Breeding Bird Survey. Volunteers needed 
Wednesdays and Saturdays, May 10 and 
20, June 3 and 21, July 5 and 22. For more 
inlormation, please contact Carolyn Kolka 
at lihbydemo@juno.com or 510.549.0411. 
A THE GULL MAY 2006 
Charles Denson 

SPEAKER SERIES 
Talks in the Speaker Series begin at 7;30 p.m. At 7 p.m„ healthful, delicious snacks are 
served by hospitality coordinator, Susanne Shields. Golden Gate Audubon Speaker 
Series coordinators Sarah Reed and Matteo Garbelotto facilitate programs in Berkeley 
and San Francisco, respectively. 
Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer; 
From Kenya to the Alameda Wildlife Refuge 
Eleanor Rr'cce^r' 
Friday, May 12 
San Francisco 
.\u ai d-u inn ing wi Icllilc photographer Ideanor Briccelli will share her e.xperienees ol photo- 
graphing birds and other wildlife in I'e.xas, AlViea, the Galapagos Islands, and other jrarts of 
the workl, as well as the /Matiieda \\ ildlile Hel iige. I ler presetitation u ill feature one-of-a-kiiul 
photographs ol birds and other wildlile unii|ue to those areas, ineluding the Seissor-tailed 
1 lyeatcher, Cweat Kiskadee, and Greeti Jay in le.xas, the Grow tied Grane, Little Bee-eater, 
aiul Su|ierh Starling in Kenya, and endemic species in the Galapagos Islands, ineluditig 
the Sv\a I low-tailed Cntll, La\a 1 leroti, Galapagos 1 lawk. Galapagos (or Giant) Tortoise, ami 
Marine and Land Iguanas. Brieeeetti, a Golden Gate .\uduhon volunteer, will also share her 
outstanding [ihotos ol the .Alatneda W ildlile Heluge and the struggling Least Lern colony. 
County Fair Building, San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum, Golden Gate Park, Ninth Ave. at 
Lincoln Way. Directions: www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/visiting/page2.html 
Raptor Identification: Pointers and Pitfalls 
Hans Peeters 
Thursday, May 18 
Berkeley 
Raptors — hawks, eagles, and falcons, among others — evoke |mwer. swiftness, and grace. 
These magnificent birds of prey are often regarded as icons of the California landscape. 
1 lowever, certain raptor species can he hard to identify out in the field. Certain huteos and 
occasionally eagles can present difficulties, and some species, particularly Sharp-shinned 
and Cooper’s 1 fawks, are notorious for their f requent confusion. Find out how to distinguish 
various types of raptors through the expert guidance ol Hans Peeters, author of Raptors oj 
CAilifoniia, as he shares slides, stories, and secrets of identification. After discussing the vari- 
ous physical and behavioral points to look for, he’ll show some slides for a lun self-test. By 
the end of the evening, you’ll be a pro! 
Hans Peeters is prolessor emeritus of biology/zoology at Cbabot College. His illustrations 
have appeared in many bird guides including The .American Bird Conservancy s .A// the Birds 
of North America (1997). Book of North American Birds (1990). and the Smithsonian’s forth- 
coming Birds of India. An award-winning painter, two of his depictions of Golden Eagles 
have appeared on Mexican stamps. 
Northbrae Community Curch, 941 The Alameda (between Solano and Marin). 
Directions: www.northbrae.org/directions.htm 
Save the Date: Return of the Terns Festival 
This annual festival will be held Sunday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the 
Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1251 McKay Ave., in Alameda. Join a Fish and Game 
wildlife biologist on bus tours to the Alameda Wildlife Refuge to see endangered 
California Least Terns tending their chicks. Enjoy slide shows of spectacular terns 
and children's craft activities at the Visitor Center. More details in June Gull. 
" If n*-r bi feline:) 
Golden Gate Audubon is offer- 
ing the following classes at Albany 
Adult School Contact the school at 
510.559.6580 for registration details 
More information is available at 
http;//home. comcast.net/-rlewis727. 
!'i-i " . Bird Sounds 
This 2-hour classroom session and 
3-4 hour field class is designed to 
increase awareness of loc^l bird 
sounds. Knowledge of vocal and 
non-vocal bird sounds can be a valu- 
able tool to identify birds, especially 
when they are hard to see. Listening 
to bird sounds also adds enjoyment 
and interest to birding. 
Class: Thursday, June 22, 7 - 9 p.m 
Field class: Saturday, June 24 at Tilden 
Regional Park 
Breeding Birds of the 
East Bay Wetlands 
Sca:^ 
Not all ducks and shorebirds leave us 
in spring. Waterfowl and shorebirds 
nest in the East Bay, and songbirds, 
raptors and others use our wet- 
land environments. Colonial nesting 
waterbirds, such as terns, also arrive 
in spring to raise their young. We will 
visit fresh and saltmarsh locations to 
learn about these species. 
Two lectures: Wednesdays, June 14 and 
June 21, 7 - 8:30 p.m. 
Two half day field trips: Saturdays, June 17 
and June 24 
Birding Basics 
Eo J.e Br' ’iev 
This 5-week course for beginning 
birders will focus on finding and iden- 
tifying the more common birds in our 
area, as well as use of binoculars, field 
guides and other birding tools. 
From June 13 - July 22. No classes July 4 or 8. 
Lectures: Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 
Field trips: Saturdays, locations to be 
announced 
MAY 2006 THE GULL 5 

FIELD TRIPS 
SUSAN GROVES, COORDINATOR 
$ Entrance fee 
Biking trip 
Detailed trip descriptions are located on our website at www.goldengateaudubon.org. 
If you need further information or have difficulty reaching a trip leader, please contact 
Susan Groves at 510.654.5954 or groves.susan@gmail.com. 
Wednesday at 
Arrowhead Marsh 
Oakland 
Wednesday, May 3, 9:30 a.m. 
Courtenay Peddle, 510.532.8911 (no calls 
before 9 a.m.), capeddle@there.net 
Meet at Marsh parking lot to see up to 14 
species of ducks, and possibly Clapper 
Rails. Bring scope if you have one. 
Take 1-880 south to Hegenberger: west on 
Hegenberger to Doolittle Dr. Right on Doolittle, 
right on Swan Way. Left into MLK park. Drive to end 
for Arrowhead Marsh parking lot. 
Las Gallinas 
Marin County 
Thursdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 
8:30 a.m. - noon 
Bruce Bajema, 415.456.6271 
Meet at the Las Gallinas parking lot to join 
Marin Auduboners in seeing a variety of 
bird species. Heavy rain cancels. 
Sunol Regional Park 
Southern Alameda County 
Saturday, May 6, 8:30 a.m. 
Bruce Mast, 510.435.1371, 
Bmast@alumni.rice.edu 
Meet at ranger station parking lot inside 
park near the green barn. We will explore 
creekside habitat up to Little Yosemite, 
looking for migrants, sparrows, raptors, 
and local breeding birds. Bring lunch. $ 
Take 1-680 south, about 8 miles beyond intersection 
of 1-580. Exit at Calaveras Rd., go left (South) and fol- 
low the signs to Sunol Regional Park, about 5 miles. 
Birding for Everyone 
San Francisco Botanical Garden at 
Strybing Arboretum 
Saturdays, May 6, June 3, 
10 a.m. - noon 
Angie Geiger and Nancy DeStefanis, 
San Francisco Nature Education, 
415.387.9160, www.sfnature.org; 
Darin Dawson, Botanical Garden Docent 
Meet at kiosk at front gate of Garden, 9th 
Ave. at Lincoln Way. Families welcome. 
Children must be accompanied by adult. 
Co-sponsored with San Francisco Nature Education 
and Botanical Garden. 
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park 
Alameda County 
Sunday, May 7, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Malcolm Sproul, 925.376.8945 
Meet by Arlington Clubhouse on Arlington 
Ave. in El Cerrito. Details and directions in 
April Gull. 
San Francisco Botanical Garden 
at Strybing Arboretum 
San Francisco 
Sundays, May 7, June 4, 8 a.m. 
Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna, 
415.566.3241; Ginny Marshall, 
650.349.3780 
For this half-day trip, meet at front gate 
of Botanical Garden, Ninth Ave. at Lincoln 
Way. The garden has several micro-habi- 
tats that attract an array of resident, 
migrant, and vagrant birds. 
Brushy Peak 
Livermore 
Tuesday, May 9, 8:30 a.m. 
Bob Lewis, 510.845.5001, 
rlewis0727@aol.com 
Brushy Peak is a new East Bay Regional 
Park in the shadow of Altamont Pass 
wind farms. Meet at parking area at end 
of Laughlin Rd. A first chance to look for 
spring birds: raptors, buntings, grosbeaks 
and flycatchers. About 4 miles round trip, 
with some elevation gain. Bring liquids, 
hat, sunscreen, hiking boots. 
Take 1-580 east toward Livermore. Exit North at Vasco 
Rd. and immediately turn right onto Northfront Rd. 
After about 0.8 mile turn left onto Laughlin Rd. and 
proceed about 2 miles to staging area at the end of 
the road. About 1.5 hour drive from Berkeley. 
Alcatraz Island 
Thursdays, May 11, June 8 
Christian Hellwig, 415.561.4908, 
christian_hellwig@nps.gov and 
Pamela Llewellyn, 510.843.7904, 
seacreature219@sbcglobal.net 
Join NPS biologist Christian Hellwig for 
bird walks on Alcatraz, offered exclu- 
sively to GGA Supporting Members (See 
article on page 1). In May, night-herons 
start fledging, and other chicks hatch. 
In June, other chicks begin fledging. In 
July, most Western Gulls fledge. E-mail 
Pamela with name(s), date of walk, and 
contact info. She will confirm reservation 
and send travel information. $ 
Condor Watch 2006 
Pinnacles National Monument 
Saturday, May 13, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Allen Fish; Bob Power, 
rcpower@sbcglobal.net 
Third annual condor watch in Pinnacles 
National Monument. Meet at Bear Gulch 
Visitor Center. We will hike up Condor 
Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail, maximizing 
chances to see California Condors, nest- 
ing Prairie Falcons, and nesting Peregrine 
Falcon. Approx. 5.5-mile hike with 1300- 
foot elevation gain, in desert heat. Carry 
2-4 quarts of water. Trip limited to 30 par- 
ticipants. Contact Bob for more info. 
C^rpool tr Field Trips 
It's easy to carpool on GGA field trips. To join the mail list group, just go to 
http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/GGACarPool. Once you join, you can send and 
receive messages about carpools to GGA field trips. Give your message a title, 
"Offer Ride" or "Need Ride," plus location and date of the field trip. In the body 
of the message, note your approximate location (El Cerrito, South Berkeley, etc.). 
Others who read your message will contact you to arrange a carpool. Give it a try! If 
you have a problem, e-mail Bob Lewis at RLewis0727@aol.com. 
G THE GUL L. MAY 2006 

Garin Regional Park 
Alameda County 
Sunday, May 14, 8 a.m. 
Anne Hoff, 510.845.5908, 
Anne2210b@sbcglobal.net 
Meet in parking lot. Park offers a delightful 
riparian corridor where Yellow and Wil- 
son's Warblers, Pacific Slope Flycatchers, 
Western Bluebirds and Bullock's Orioles 
may be seen and heard at close range. 
Details and directions in April Gull. 
Point Reyes 
National Seashore Habitats 
Friday, May 19, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
David Wimpfheimer, 415.663.1363, 
www.calnaturalist.com 
Meet at Five Brooks Trailhead. Spring 
migration is excellent time to see large 
variety of birds in diverse Pt. Reyes 
areas. At Five Brooks Pond, we will look 
for resident and Neotropical migrants 
including warblers and flycatchers; also 
Green Heron, Wood Duck and Purple 
Martin. Osprey and Caspian Tern feed 
over Tomales Bay. Near Chimney Rock 
and the Lighthouse, breeding Common 
Murre, Pigeon Guillemot and cormorants; 
migrant loons, scoters and others are on 
the move. Heavy rain cancels. 
Trailhead is about 6 miles south of Olema on Hwy. 1. 
About 1-hr. drive from Golden Gate Bridge. 
Corona Heights 
San Francisco 
Friday, May 19, 8 a.m. 
Charles Hibbard, Lewis Ellingham, 
Brian Fitch 
Meet at front of Randall Museum, end 
of Museum Way off Roosevelt. Stunning 
views of city and bay as we circle Corona 
Heights, check east canyon woodland and 
north forest for residents and migrants, 
and monitor the hilltop scrub and south 
cliff. For more information, contact 
Margaret Goodale, 415.554.9500, ext. 16, 
mgoodale@randallmuseum.org. 
Lake Merritt 
land 
Saturday, May 20, 8 a.m. 
Travis Hails, 510.451.1207 (no calls after 
9 p.m.), travishails@yahoo.com 
Meet at large spherical cage near Nature 
cfe Bicycle Trips 
Kathy Jarrett 
510.547.1233 (call for cell number; no calls after 9 p.m ), Kathy_Jarrett@yahoo.com 
Bicycle helmet required. Bring lunch and liquids. Dress in layers Ram cancels. 
schedules: www.transitinfo.org Capitol Corridor schedules: www.capitolcorndor org 
Canal Trail-Martinez Regional Shoreline 
Gontr.^! ( - ,t,. Couf ly 
Sunday, May 28 
Meet at Pleasant Hill BART by the turnstile at 9 a.m.; or 9:15 at Heather Farms Park, 
301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek. We begin birding at Heather Farms Park 
Then head west on Canal Trail for 5 miles; ride on bike lanes on Alhambra Ave. for 5 
miles to Martinez Regional Shoreline. Sunday Farmers Market in Martinez. Must be 
able to bicycle up moderate grade for 5+ miles with minimal stops. Return by cycling 
back to Pleasant Hill or take Capitol Corridor train from Martinez to Richmond or 
beyond. Call leader to confirm. Bring a bungee cord if you bring bike on the train. 
Car: Hwy. 24 east to Walnut Creek, then 1-680 N toward Concord Exit at Ygnacio Valley Rd Turn right on 
Ygnacio Valley Rd, go 1.9 miles and turn left on N San Carlos Dr. Go to parking lot at far end Meet at north 
end of the north pond. East Bay Regional Park District info and trail maps at www ebparks.org 
Arrowhead Marsh 
Alameda County 
Saturday, June 10 
Meet at 7:50 a.m. at Fruitvale BART Station in Oakland or 8:10 a.m. at East Creek 
Point trailhead. Ride S.F. Bay Trail from East Creek Point to Damon Marsh, Arrowhead 
Marsh, and the Doolittle Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. Then follow other trails in Alameda 
before returning to Fernside and BART. All levels of birders and bicyclists welcome. 
Car: Exit 1-880 at High St. in Oakland and go SW to the High St. Bridge to Alameda. Cross bridge and turn 
left onto Fernside and park on street. Bike back over bridge, turn right onto Tidewater Ave. and go 0.25 
mi. to the East Creek Point trailhead on the right. BART: Fruitvale BART Station in Oakland is just south 
of Fruitvale Ave. between E. 12th St. and San Leandro Blvd. Meet outside turnstile and ride city streets to 
trailhead with leaders. Bay Trail info and maps at http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov. 
Center at Perkins & Bellevue Sts. Trip 
designed for novice and intermediate 
birders; also to study birds more diffi- 
cult to identify. Focus on water birds and 
on smaller birds in parklands bordering 
lake. Vagrant species occur frequently. 
Handicapped accessible. 
Bus: 12, N, or NL bus to Grand & Perkins. Enter park 
on Perkins. Car: park in free lot at the boathouse, 568 
Bellevue. 
Mitchell Canyon 
Contra Costa Cot:;:- v 
Sunday, May 21, 8:30 a.m. 
Pamela Llewellyn, 925.413.8329, 
seacreature219@sbcglobal.net 
Meet at parking lot for half-day trip. Variety 
of passerines and raptors are drawn to this 
dry valley climate. Past highlights include 
nesting Western Wood-pewee, Black- 
headed Grosbeak and Cooper's Hawk. 
Also Golden Eagle, Phainopepla and 
Lazuli Bunting. Bring liquids, snacks and 
sunscreen. Wear good walking shoes, f 
Take Hwy. 24 east through Caldecott Tunnel to 
Walnut Creek; exit Ygnacio Valley Rd. Go approx. 
8 miles; turn right on Clayton Rd. After 1 mile, turn 
right on Mitchell Canyon Rd. Follow to end into lot. 
Eastshore State Park: 
Albany Bulb 
Tuesday, May 23, 10 a.m. 
Hilary Powers, 510.834.1066, 
hilary@powersedit.com; Ruth Tobey, 
510.528.2093, ruthtobey@earthlink.net 
Meet in lot at west end of Buchanan St., 
Albany. We'll bird bulb and adjacent pla- 
teau area and scope birds along Albany 
beach as tide recedes. Terrain rough and 
uneven. Wear sturdy walking shoes. 
From 1-80, take Buchanan Street exit and drive west; 
the street ends at the parking lot. 
FIELD TRIPS continued on page 9 
MAY 2006 THE GULL 7 

OBSERVATIONS 
BRUCE MAST M ARCH 1 - 31 , 2006 
M arch's theme was rain, rain, and 
more rain. A record-breaking num- 
ber of rainy days appeared to delay nesting 
activity and migratory movements and 
almost certainly discouraged birders from 
setting loot outdoors. Aside from a tew 
scattered brst-of-season sightings, reports 
tended to focus on continuing winter birds. 
One apparent effect of the storm series in 
late Feb. and early Mar. was to force sev- 
eral Horned Pul fins to the SM coast and 
Monterey Bay. Per DaS, International Bird 
Bescue Research Center reported receiving 
seriously weakened Horned Pul fins from 
Bradley Beach (,SlM) on Feb. 17 and La 
Selva Beach |SCZ) on Feb. 27. The first bird 
was treated and released but the 2nd bird 
was too lar gone. Birders also reported live 
1 lorned PulTms off the Pajaro River mouth 
(SCZ/M TY) on Feb. 21 and in Monterey 
1 larbor (MTV) on Mar. 22 and 23. 
LOONS TO DUCKS 
Waterbirds maintained a distinctly winter 
distribution pattern. Red-necked Grebes 
continued through at least the 17th at 
Shadow Cliffs RP, ALA (AEd; mob); Bodega 
Harbor, MRN (FH); and Crissy Field, SF 
(HF; mob). As in Feb., tube-nose reports 
were limited to Northern Fulmars along the 
SM coast. High counts came nowhere near 
the Feb. high (72) but at least 5 prowled 
just beyond the surf line at Venice SB in 
1 lalf Moon Bay on Mar. 10 (BB). 
Overwintering geese remained in evi- 
dence, including Snow, Ross's, and Cackling. 
A Hock of 22 Cackling Geese and I Brant 
were noted along the Napa River lloodplain 
at Kennedy Park, NAP, on the 23th (MIT. 
On the 4th, a Fundra Swan was observed 
lecding alongside several Mute Swans at 
Grays Ranch, near Shollenhergcr Park, 
SON (BD). Four days later, an airborne 
fundra Swan traversed filden RP (CG) air 
space, headed toward SI- Bay (jP). 
Holdover ducks included a number 
ol Eurasian Wigeons, a Eurasian Green- 
winged leal at Pescadero Marsh, SM, and 
several lulted Ducks. Fhe drake I larleL|uin 
Duck oil the SF coast at Mile Rock con- 
tinued through the 26th (EK; FIF). Bird- 
ers reported 7 White-winged Scoters this 
month: 2 at Venice SB in Half Moon Bay, 
SM, on the 17th (RT); 3 at Bodega Bay, 
SON, on the 18th (EDB); and 2 at Moss 
Beach, SM, on the 22nd (RT). A Black Sco- 
ter lingered off Crissy Field, SF, through 
the 12th (DA) and Blacks made seawatch 
reports from 3 SM locations, including 5 
birds offshore at Pescadero Cr., SM, nn the 
26th (RT). A second-hand report from Palo 
Alto Baylands, SCL, on the 16th described 
a lly-in of 4 Eong-tailed Ducks, behaving 
like 2 mated pairs (JSk; reported by JC). 
RAPTORS TO ALCIDS 
No reports came in this month from the 
raptor hotspots in eastern SOE but birders 
reported a few Bald Eagles in MRN and 
CC and Golden Eagles in the expected 
high-country locations. On the 4th, a birder 
who thought to look up at the Botanical 
Garden in Tilden Park, CC, was rewarded 
with a circling dark morph Swainson's 
Hawk (ADM). 
Through the 20th, a quartet ol Moun- 
tain Plovers stayed put near the Richard 
“Fresh Air" janson Bridge on Highway 37, 
SON (AW, DSh; mob). Coyote Pt. marsh, 
SM, provided signs of spring shorebird 
movements in the lorm ol 11 Red Knots on 
the 1st (BP). 
On Mar. 8, 3 more Slatv-hackcd Gulls 
{Lanis schistisagus) continued the saga at 
Venice SB in Half Moon Bay, SM (RT, AJ). 
Our only CBRC review species this month, 
the trio included an adult first seen in Janu- 
ary and an adult and 2nd-cycle bird that 
may he new to the (lock. II so, the season's 
tally would he uii to 11 individuals. A hall 
dozen Glaucous Gulls, mostly Ist-cycle, 
were ID'd coastsiile at Venice SB, Moss 
Beach, anti Botlega Bay aiul haysitle at EEC 
in Alviso (SCL) anti Palo Alto Baylands 
(R'f, BB. DVP, AEi, MM, fV, RS). Pigeon 
Pt., SM, seawatchcs yieltled I Black-legged 
Kiltiwake on the 18th and 4 more on the 
26th (R f). fhe Black Skimmer Hock, num- 
bering 28 -e, returned to Charleston Slough, 
SCL, by the 19th (RW; BB, FV). 4'he Hock 
is believed to have over-wintered in outer 
Salt Pond A1 . 
More than 500 Marbled Murrelets were 
counted off Ocean Blvd in Moss Beach, 
SM, on the 1st, a 200 bird increase over the 
Feb. high count 8 days prior (RT). Since the 
SeZ/SM breeding population is estimated 
at just 600 birds, it is thought this Hock rep- 
resents an inllux from the north (per DaS). 
Ancient Murrelet sightings were limited to 
1 bird off Ocean Blvd in Moss Beach, SM, 
on the 1st and 2 more at Pigeon Pt. on the 
26th (RT). 
DOVES TO THRASHERS 
Burrowing Owls maintained their vigils at 
the usual ground squirrel holes in ALA and 
SCL. .At Muir Woods National Monument, 
MRN, the resident Barred Owl began call- 
ing along the .Alice Eastwood trail on the 
23rd (D,A). Per park staff, the Spotted Owl 
pairs at Muir Woods have been pushed 
Irom the forest and not nested in several 
years due to continued aggression from the 
Barred Owl. 
Beginning on the 4th, birders learned 
ol a A’el low-bellied Sapsucker across from 
the Cal-Statc East Bay Campus in Newhall 
8 THE GULL MAY 2006 
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Park, CX' (IP; mol)), ( )n iho I ,i \\Vsi 
cm VVood-Pcwcc al l-il l.cvin Park in Mil 
jiilas, SC/L, was early by abotil ,i inonlli 
(KIP. On the ISth, the I'asuan Phui'he al 
Del Valle HP, .\1 ,\, was a winter hold over 
(/M'.il). .Another harhinj>er ol spring, a Pnr 
pie Martin emiseil over Hean Hollow Hd.. 
SiM, on the d()lh (HI). 1 lu’ Hlnehinl p.iir 
at 1 .ohos A r., Presiilio, SI' (I’MCp remained 
resilient through the i.srd (PMCP. ,A M;ir. 
S irii> through the high eountry in SH ,\LA 
and SC'L eounteil at least 7 Phainopeplas 
along .Mines Htl. and San Antonio Valley 
Hd. tDD.HF). 
WOOD WARBLERS TO FINCHES 
Aside from signs of Nashville VVarhler 
nu)\ements and a tew continuing winter 
birds, warbler watching was an unprodue- 
ti\e e.xereise in March. I'he region's only 
Summer I’anager re|iort came from SCL, 
where it frequented a Palo Alto feeder Mar. 
20-29 (CO; mob). Feeder watchers in NE 
Hiehmond, CC, reported a Clay-eolored 
Sparrow near VV'ildcat Canyon HP through 
the 3rd (KL, PL). On Mar. 1, a Nelson's 
Sharp-tailed Sparrow made another appear- 
ance at the salt marsh at Third and Anchor 
in San Mateo, SM (DVV). On the 15th, 4 
Wood Warbler Sightings 
N«jrth»-fn Pai uL< 
3/4 Julius Kdhn ball fields. 
SS, DeS 
Presidio, SF 
3/22 CCFS, SCL 
GB 
Palm Warbler 
3/14 Kehoe Avenue, 
RT 
Half Moon Bay. SM 
Lazuli Ikmtings in Oeeidenlal, SON, heat 
their c.xpected arrival date by 6 weeks ( LDu). 
d'he community garden at Lort Mason, SF, 
continued to host at least 1 Orchard Oriole 
through the 7th (flH). An ornithology class 
trip to Cliff Fiouse, SF, on the 18th added 
3/22 26 
Hulfaker Park, SF 
PMC, CL 
3/26 
S L Men ed, SF 
DM, FC 
N(J| f liel n 
Wall I ttii i.M. 
3/1 19 
Aquatii Park, Berkeley, 
mob 
ALA 
Hed Crossbill to the cumulative list tJ.VF, 
mob). I he Mar. 8 trip up Mines Hd. and 
San .Antonio Valley Hd. confirmed the con- 
tinuing presence of Law rences (ioldlinch at 
the Lire Station near the junction w ith Del 
Puerto Canyon Hd., SCL (DD, BF; JHii. 
Abbreviations for Observers. ADM. Al DeMartim AEd. An Edwards, AEi Al Eisner. Aj, Al Jararriillo, AR Allar. Ridley AiTV Alan 
Wight, BB, Bill Bousrnan, BC, Bill Clark. BD, Bob Dyer. BF Baiduin Fisher. BM Bruce Mast, BP Bob Power CL. Calvin CO Carlm i 
Otto; CS. Clark Stanton, DA. David Armstrong, DD. David Diller. DM Dan Murphy, DSli Doug Shaw DaS. David Sudd|ian DeS. 
Debbie Sutherland. DVP. David Vander Pluyrn, DW, Dave Weber, EDB. Ed DeBelievue. EDu. Elmer Dudik Ek Elisabeth f oster FC. * 
Fred Chambers. FH, Floyd Hayes, FO. Francies Oliver, FV, Frank Vanslagei, GB, Gina Barton. HF Harry Fuller, HH Hugh Harvey. JC. , 
Jack Cole, JF, Jeff Fairclough, JM, Joseph Morlan, JP, John Poole. jRi, Jean Richmond. JRo Jon Rowworth JSe Jodi Serra. JSk. Jeff 
Skrentny. KC, Karen Cooper. KL. Kevin L. KP. Kathy Parker, LG. Lauiie Graham, MB. Murray Berner. MM. Michael Mammoser MT Marilyn 
Trabert; PL, Paula L, PMC, Pat McCulloch, RS, Rich Stallcup, RT. Ron Thorn, RW. Ron Wolf. SS, Scot Sutherlarid. TR. Ted Robertson 
Semicolons separate original observerfsj from subseguent observerfsj Abbievmuori "mob* - many observers, 'oob' - other observers 
Information is compiled from BifdBox transcripts and regional listseivs, the author apologizes lor any errors or omissions Spec ial thanks 
to Brent Plater for assistance in compiling data 
Abbreviations for Counties and Others. ALA, Alameda, BBA, Breeding Bird Atlas. CBC. Christmas Bird Count, CC, Contra Costa. 
CCFS, Coyote Creek Field Station. Ci , Creek. Cyn., Canyon, DENWR. Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlile Refuge. EEC, Environmental 
Education Center; GGP, Golden Gate Park, L . Lake. MDSP. Mount Diablo State Park, MRN. Marm, Mt . Mount, N North. NAP, Napa, 
NSMWA, Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildhfe Area, NWR. National Wildlife Refuge. OSP, Open Space Preserve. PRNS. Pt Reyes National 
Seashore. Pt , Point. Rd.. Road. Res., Reservoir. RP, Regional Park, RS, Regional Shoreline, S . South, SB State Beach, SCL. Santa Clara 
SF. San Francisco; SFBBO, SF Bay Bird Observatory; SM. San Mateo. SOL. Solano. SON, Sonoma, SP. State Park, SR, State Reserve 
WPCP, Water Pollution Control Plant 
FIELD TRIPS from page 7 
Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park 
Oakland 
Wednesdays, May 24, 9:30 a.m. - noon 
Hilary Powers, 510.834.1066, 
hilary@powersedit.com; Ruth Tobey, 
510.528.2093, ruthtobey@earthlink.net; 
Travis Hails, 510.451.1207 (no calls after 
9 p.m.), travishails@yahoo.com 
Meet at cage near Nature Center, at 
Perkins & Bellevue Sts. See May 20 trip. 
Redwood Regional Park: 
Birding By Ear 
Oakland Hills 
Saturday, May 27, 8 a.m. - noon 
Denise Wight, 510.547.6822 (w), 
925.377.0951 (h), blkittiwake@yahoo.com 
Go to the Redwood Gate entrance near 
Redwood Rd. and Pinehurst Rd. Meet 
at farthest parking lot. Opportunities to 
hear singing Winter Wren, Black-headed 
Grosbeak, various sparrows. Brown 
Creeper and other breeding birds. $5 
SF Birds at Merrie Way 
Sunday, May 28, June 25, 8 a.m. 
Harry Fuller, 415.344.2363, 
anzatowhee@yahoo.com, 
www.towhee.net 
Meet at Merrie Way, unpaved lot at west 
end of Pt. Lobos above Cliff House. Follow 
the birds and seasons at one of SF's most 
beautiful spots. Reservations required. 
Lassen Volcanic National Park 
June 23, 24 and 25 
Dan and Joan Murphy, 
murphsf@comcast.net 
Annual GGA Lassen family camping 
excursion. Camping facilities available 
at Manzanita Lake Campground on first 
come basis until July 1. Lodging avail- 
able at Hat Creek Resort, Old Station. 
530.335.7121. (Reservations made last 
June at resort were lost. Call to renew.) 
Tufted Puffins and 
the Farallon Islands 
Pelagic Trip 
Sunday, August 6, 7:30 a.m. 
Alan Hopkins, 415.664.0983, 
ash@sfo.com 
GGA and Shearwater Journeys trip. 
Depart Sausalito aboard the Salty Lady 
for 8-hour adventure. Weather permit- 
ting, continue west beyond the Farollones 
to the Continental Shelf to look for deep 
water species. GGA members: $100; non- 
members: $125 (both non-refundable). 
To register, send check, phone number 
and e-mail address for each person and 
a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail 
to: Shearwater Journeys, P.O. Box 190, 
Hollister, CA 95024. For more informa- 
tion, contact leader. 
MAY 2006 THE GULL 9 

BACKYARD BIRDER 
MEG PAULETICH 
Y OU always feel an adrenaline rush 
when you spot a new bird to add to 
your list, whether you’re on a trip to Africa, 
exploring a different state, or peering at the 
feeder in your backyard. One of my favor- 
ite sightings was a Rose-breasted Grosbeak 
alongside its cousin, the Black-headed 
Grosbeak, at my sunflower feeder one sum- 
mer day. I was lucky that the Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak, rarely seen in this state, cooper- 
ated by staying around long enough for my 
friends to enjoy it. 
Backyard sightings can be the most excit- 
ing. The Gornell Lab of Ornithology has a 
program. Project FeederW'atch, in which 
you may enroll. Thanks to the many birders 
hling reports, the lab is able to note all sorts 
of unusual sightings. The records are prov- 
ing invaluable. 
Based on the hndings, the Gornell Lab 
has noted many e.xotic species showing 
up, especially in the southern portions of 
the United States. Some are establishing 
breeding j^opulations that will ultimately 
hiive an effect on native bird populations. 
I he most infamous intruders in the past, 
now seen widely across the country, are 
I louse Sparrows, European Starlings, and 
Rock Pigeons. All were considered exotic 
a century ago. I he Rock Pigeon was First 
introduced by colonists in the early 17th 
century. Fhe I louse Sparrow arrived in the 
1850s, and the European Starling showed 
up in the 1890s. Immigrants wishing to 
bring a hit of home with them were respon- 
sible lor these introductions. Other e.xotics 
seen are Ghukar, Ring-necked Pheasant, 
and Gray Partridge. 
Fhe most notable introduced species 
currently moving across the United States 
is the Eurasian Gollared-Dove. native to the 
Indian subcontinent. It was released in the 
Bahamas in the mid-1970s and belore long 
spread around the islands and dispersed to 
Florida in the 1980s. Fhe doves established 
lootholds across the Southeast and may be 
coming to your neighborhood soon. 
Most of the exotic Finches and parrots 
you might see are descendents of escaped or 
unwantetl pets. Most recently made famous 
by a book and then a movie is the gang of 
Telegraph Hill parrots in San Francisco. 
Elsewhere, flocks of Monk Parakeets, 
natives of South America, can be found in 
areas as different as Florida and Ghicago, 
as well as in Gonnectieut. Wbo would have 
believed they were so hardy? 
We can now expect all sorts of members 
of the animal kingdom and insect kingdom 
to be moving along with humans. For exam- 
pie, ferrets are not native to Galifornia. 
Trying to learn Irom Florida, which has 
become a haven for many species, our state 
attempts to restrict any introduction of 
non-native species. However, many ferrets. 
which are entertaining creatures, are kept 
illegally as pets. Some have escaped and 
may endanger native weasels. Obviously, 
the same occurs with all sorts of exotic 
pets, such as reptiles. Fish, and insects. 
I hroughout history, native species have 
ollen hroadenetl their territories, or their 
stomping grounds have become restricted 
due to disa|-)|)earing habitat or lack of food 
sources. 1 hcrelore, no species is limited to a 
siiecilic area unless its needs are extremely 
specific. One example is the House Finch. 
Fhe home territory of the I louse Finch was 
western North America until a few individ- 
uals were released in New York Gity. The 
finches adapted well and quickly spread to 
become one of the species most reported 
by FeederWatchers across North America. 
Another species, the White-winged Dove, 
originally native to states along the Mexican 
border, is becoming more and more com- 
mon in Florida and the Gulf Coast states 
and even north into the Great Plains. Such 
expansion of range is limitless as long as the 
basic needs of the birds are met. 
The impact of non-natives such as 
Starlings and House Sparrows upon some of 
our favorite birds, such as bluebirds. Acorn 
Woodpeckers, and some swallows, makes 
it important to track the spread of these 
intruders. Populations ol native cavity nest- 
ers arc quickly ini|iacted by the competition 
lor nesting sites. Fhis is where we backyard 
birders can be helpful and useful. Its not 
easy to |'>redict where non-natives will show' 
up, hut we can have an ’aha!" moment or 
two when an outsider appears. Report any 
new sightings at your feeders to the Gornell 
Lah (go to www.hirds.cornell.edu/pfw/ to 
sign up), and be proud to have had a part in 
tracking invaders. 
ISIack-headecI Grosbeak. 
1 O THE GULL MAY 2006 
U.S. Fish & Wild ife Service 

GGA Plans Far Afield Field Frips 
G olden C^iite Andiihon is l.ikinn olT on m-u 
iiilveiUiires. 1 lu* l ii-lil 1 rips tlommitu-e (Siis.m 
droves, C'li.iir; Boh l.ewis, Biilli IoIh-v) h.is p.irtnered 
u illi tour oi)tM'.ilors to pro\ ide (XIA meinlHTS exeitin^ 
new liirdin^ oppominilies. 
Itoiu July to August 4, Nestling lonrs will 
leiiil ii Lintily tiip to Sontlieost /\ri/onii. I l\is is prime 
time to see hummingbirds, trogons. Spotted Owls, 
uiul other speeies in a highly produetive hirding area. 
Two outdoor instruetors will provide etiucational and 
recreational activities tor children. The trip will he 
led by Norm Lewis, president of the Colorado h'ield 
Ornithologists, who has guided numerous profes- 
sional hirding trips to Southeast Arizona. The trip is 
designed lor families with children Irom first t<j sixth 
grade, with opportunities tor older cthidren and all family members to enjoy the outdoors 
and hirding. GCA Supporting Members receive a S percent discount. 
In January 2007, Nature Ireks and Passages will oiler a nine-day hirding and cultural 
trip to Copper Canyon in Mexico, the itinerary is designed to appeal to all levels of bird- 
ers, from beginners to advanced. Birds of the area include Eared Quetzal, White-fronted 
Parrot, Ridous-bellied Chachalaca, Russet-crowned Motmot and many more. In addition to 
hirding, the group will visit ancient petroglyphs, ride the spectacular Copper Canyon train, 
encounter the Tarahumara Indian culture and visit lovely Colonial towns. 
For more information, visit www.goldengateaudubon.org or contact Ruth Tohey at 
ruthtobey@earthlink.net. GGA intends to organize more "big trips every year. To receive 
email notices of these trip opportunities, contact Ruth Tobey. 
z 
*0 
BIRD FLU Irom page 1 
Moreover, the vast majorilv of the 200 
or so icpurted lium.m miei tions of H5NI 
h.ivc oicuned as a result ol humans living 
m very close |)roximily to ilomestic poultrv 
or working m environments with high con- 
centr.itions ol miected |)oultry, like farms 
and live-bird markets 
lo helj) protect yourself against becom- 
ing infected by the H5N1 virus, take the 
follow ing precautions: 
• Wash your hands often, lor at least 20 
seconds with soap. Phis virus can live 
lor days on hard surfaces and in water 
and soil. 
• II you’re sick, stay home. A person can 
transmit an influenza virus for 1-2 days 
before feeling symptoms and as many 
as 7 days alter feeling better. 
• When cooking meat, follow good 
hygienic practices. Cook thoroughly. 
• Songbirds are unlikely to carry the 
virus, but can carry salmonellosis, 
avian pox and fungal infections. Clean 
feeders often and disinfect w ith bleach 
or v inegar at least once a month. 
For additional information, visit our web- 
site, www.goldengateaudubon.org. 
by Samantha Murray, Conservation Director 
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MAY 2006 THE GULL 1 1 

THE BIRDS OF ALCATRAZ from page 1 
their young on the island, and Alan's 
Hummingbirds have nested in the past and 
may yet again. There is also unconfirmed 
evidence that a Burrowing Owl pair has set 
up house. 
For much ot Alcatraz’s history, however, 
birds were infrequent visitors, much less 
residents. The island was first named “La 
Isla de los Alcatraces” by Spanish explorer 
Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775. Although the 
name translates as “Island of the Pelicans,” 
whether it was actually pelicans that Ayala 
saw on the mostly barren rock remains 
uncertain. “.Alcatraz’’ is from the Arabic tor 
“bucket," a word that served as a catchall 
term for any seabird with a pouch. Since no 
pelicans live on Alcatraz now, experts won- 
der if they ever lived there. 
Whatever seabirds originally nested on 
Alcatraz, they brought a meager sustenance 
to the island. With no source ot fresh water, 
only a thin layer of grass fed by rain and fog 
managed to grow on tbe rock, and it may 
have been only enough to support gulls and 
cormorants. 
rhe arrival ol the U.S. military in 1850 
changed that. With so little usable soil 
available, the military had to ship its own 
soil from the mainland in order to construct 
what became the strongest U.S. tort west of 
the Mississippi. 
Despite the creation of what should have 
been a more hospitable environment lor a 
wider variety of species, birds did not do 
well during the first century-plus of human 
occupation of Alcatraz. To the military 
(and the Bureau of Prisons officials who 
followed) the birds were nuisances to be 
driven off and kept off — even to the point 
of guards using them for target practice 
during the infamous prison years. 
Once the jailbirds departed tbe island 
in 1963, real birds began to make tbeir way 
back, but with an important difference. The 
century of human habitation had completely 
changed Alcatraz’s environment. The birds 
could now take advantage of the trees, 
shrubs and gardens planted by the prison 
wardens and their families. According to 
Christian Hellwig, the birds likely chose 
Alcatraz as a safer nesting ground over 
nearby Angel Island because of the lack of 
predators on Alcatraz, which is due, in turn. 
to the scant amount of fresh water. 
Bird life on Alcatraz has further 
improved since 1973 when the island 
became part of the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area (GGNRA), managed by 
the National Park Service. Since the mid- 
1990s, PRBO Conservation Science and the 
U.S. Geological Services (USGS) Biology 
Resources have been studying impacts on 
the island’s bird populations due to its prox- 
imity to a major urban area. 
Recently, Golden Gate Audubon was 
invited by the Park Service and PRBO 
to provide input and assistance for a bird 
conservation and management strategy. As 
part of this program. Golden Gate Auduhon 
launched its series of monthly, members- 
only bird walks, through July, that focus on 
the natural history of the island. If the tours 
create enough interest among the Bay Area’s 
enthusiastic population of birders, they may 
be continued as a regular feature. 
More details about these fascinating 
walks are described in Field Trips on page 
6, and at www.goldengateaudubon.org. It’s 
a great trip, well worth taking! 
by Thomas Burchfield 
WELCOME 
NEW 
members! 
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are encouraged to join Golden Gate Audubon directly. Contact our office at 510.843.2222 for details. 
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