Eastside Audubon Society Vol 27, No 8 — October 2008

The Mission of the Eastside

Audubon Society is to protect,
As Close As You Dare – Africa
preserve and enhance natural Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 pm (after the social hour)
ecosystems and our communities Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church (EAS Headquarters)
for the benefit of birds, other
wildlife and people.

HIGHLIGHTS INSIDE:
I mmerse yourself in the danger,
beauty and humor of being in wild
and remote Africa. Becci Crowe - art-
President’s Message: ist, documentary filmmaker and world
The Strength of Community — 2 traveler - engages and entertains as she
takes you on an extraordinary journey
EAS Office Hours into the African bush. Specializing in
and Directions — 3 wildlife and tribal portrait art, Becci's
desire to study her subjects in their
Program Night Membership natural world has lead to many exciting
Campaign — 4 moments and the creation of a docu-
mentary now broadcasting on PBS sta-
Field Trips — 6
tions nationwide. Join Becci as she
Bird of the Month — 7
takes you on a remarkable African bus
adventure through her video, photos,
Tribute: Parky Forrester — 8 stories, and art!
A strong advocate for educational pro-
Audubon BirdLoop — 9 grams that explore and strive to pre-
serve wildlife and world cultures, Becci
Fall Birding Course: Birds of the
Puget Sound Area — 10
dedicates time to present programs on
her travel, art, and wildlife experiences
the African bush. Come at 6:30 for the
Summer Camp Report — 11 in Alaska, Antarctica, The Amazon,
social hour. Enjoy a brief monthly
Argentina, Costa Rica, China, Tanza-
meeting and refreshments from 7:00 to
nia, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and
7:45, followed by her presentation.
Namibia. Her artwork hangs in private
and corporate collections and has been The social hour, meeting, and presenta-
exhibited at juried shows nationwide. tion are free and open to the public.
Wanting to live and work as close to Invite a friend or anyone who is inter-
nature as possible, Becci’s home studio ested in seeing wildlife and tribal art or
Directions to EAS HQ in Washington State has been desig- African bush adventures.
Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church, nated by the National Wildlife Federa-
308 4th Ave. S. (corner of 4th Ave. S. and Directions to “EAS HQ,” the location
State). Take I-405 exit 18 (NE 85th, Kirk- tion as a Certified Backyard Wildlife
land). Drive west on Central Way to 3rd
of this program, are on the lower left
Habitat.
St. (stoplight). Turn left (south) on 3rd St. corner of this page.
and follow it as it bears left and changes Please join us Thursday, October 23
name to State St. Turn left on 4th Ave S.
for Becci’s stimulating talk and video
TAKE THE BUS! Routes 540, 230 and
255 serve State Street in Kirkland. chronicling her extraordinary return to

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 1

The Strength of Community Eastside Audubon Society
By Christy Anderson, EAS President (425) 576-8805 — www.eastsideaudubon.org
Banding together for a common cause 308 4th Avenue S. (Corner 4th Ave. S. and State)
is a principle long championed by P.O. Box 3115, Kirkland, WA 98083-3115
Audubon. A September event illus- Executive Officers
trated for me the truth and power of President Christy Anderson (425) 747-4196
this notion. On Swift Night Out in president@elwas.org
Monroe, people came together to view Vice President Cindy Balbuena (425) 643-4074
the Vaux’s Swifts making their nightly cbalbuena@comcast..net
Secretary Carmen Almodovar (425) 643-5922
entrance into the chimney at Frank Carmena2001@earthlink.net
Wagner Elementary School. Treasurer Ellen Homan (425) 836-5838
gammy@isomedia.com
Swifts evolved to roost in huge hollow snags. They crowd Executive Director Jan McGruder (425) 822-8580
together inside at night to preserve bodily warmth, clinging jan@elwas.org
to the sides. As those snags have disappeared, they have Committee Chairs/Board (board positions underlined)
adapted, utilizing old chimneys as substitutes. Now, the
At large board member Helen LaBouy (425) 868-9706
chimneys are disappearing as old buildings come down and helenlabouy@mac.com
new heating systems eliminate the need for them. At large board member Margaret Lie (425) 823-2686
margaretlie12@gmail.com
Three local Audubon chapters, Pilchuck, Seattle and East- At large board member Tricia Kishel (206) 948-3922
side collaborated to organize a showcase for the swifts. It natureisoutside@gmail.com
all began last year when members of the three chapters at- Birding Brian Bell (425) 485-8058
bellasoc@isomedia.com
tended field trips to see the swifts and heard that the school Adult Education Open
district was considering taking the chimney down because Bird Photography Tim Boyer (425) 277-9326
of concerns for the students’ safety, especially during an tboyer@seanet.com
earthquake. The old chimney presented a potential hazard. Field Trips Hugh Jennings (425) 746-6351
fieldtrip@elwas.org
Representatives of the chapters met with district officials Native Plant Walks Sunny Walter (425) 271-1346
and began discussions of what could be done. They found sunny@sunnywalter.com
common ground in wishing to save the chimney and use the Nature Walks Christopher Chapman (425) 941-3501
seasonal presence of the birds as a teaching opportunity for cjchapman19@comcast.net
Special Events Open
the children and the community. Bird Questions? MaryFrances Mathis (425) 803-3026
The project mushroomed from there as the parties worked Conservation Tim McGruder (425) 822-8580
tim@elwas.org
together to gather data, research other chimney saving pro- Advocacy Open
jects and look for funds. They knew that if the community Citizen Science Tim McGruder (425) 822-8580
was made aware of the special story of the swifts, they Conservation Tim McGruder (425) 822-8580
would want to save their home. So the idea of a public gath- tim@elwas.org
Marymoor Park Jim Rettig (425) 402-1833
ering was born. Eventually, the Audubon chapters, the dis- jrettigtanager@verizon.net
trict and several community groups and businesses worked
Education Mary Britton-Simmons (360) 794-7163
together to put on Swift Night Out. education@elwas.org
Programs Sunny Walter (425) 271-1346
Over 800 people turned out, spreading blankets and chairs sunny@sunnywalter.com
on the lawn at the school, adults and kids eating picnic sup- Youth Education Mary Britton-Simmons (360) 794-7163
pers, visiting the booths, and listening to Larry Schwitters’ education@elwas.org
entertaining talk. Nearly 12,000 swifts entered the chimney Library Carolyn Kishel (425) 746-1817
to the oohs and aahs and applause of the crowd. Communication Patrick Kelley (206) 618-9674
birder@pkwrite.com
Work continues on the project with docents and counters Historian Bob Gershmel (425) 823-8840
present every night the swifts remain. The community con- rwgusnret1986@yahoo.com
Newsletter Tom Grismer (206) 720-9892
nections formed are also strengthening in finding a cost- newsletter@elwas.org
effective solution for both birds and kids. Money needs to Publicity Tracey Cummings (425)788-4663
be raised and questions answered. publicity@ewas.org
Webmaster Open
The swifts come together as a matter of survival. And so do Financial Development Open
people, for the survival of the swifts, and for ourselves. Birdathon Christy Anderson (425) 747-4196
Gift Wrap Open
Connection with nature in its many forms is necessary for Merchandising Cindy Balbuena (425) 643-4074
us and working together to maintain that connection also cbalbuena@comcast.net
maintains our community. Audubon is that connection. Membership Sunny Walter (425) 271-1346
sunny@sunnywalter.com
Here’s a link showing swifts entering and leaving the chim- Hospitality Claudia Welch (425) 827/2548
ney. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFo_RiG2k0 Volunteer Coordinator Tricia Kishel (206) 948-3922
natureisoutside@gmail.com
See photos on page 5.

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 2

October Meetings Our Volunteers Have Sure Been Busy!
Oct 9 (Thurs) 7:00 pm Summer is a busy time for the Chapter. Loop have also been going full steam
Photo Group Things were hopping at the office, and ahead, and we can thank the progress on
Meets in large room upstairs from EAS the local fairs and festivals give us lots of
Patrick Allain, Carmen Almodovar,
Office. Questions? Email Tim Boyer at opportunities to reach out to our EastsideIvan and Cindy Balbuena, Jane Boies,
tboyer@seanet.com communities and let them know about all Shawn Bongard, Michael and Patricia
the activities we have to offer. Clarke, Glenn Eades, Therese Eby,
Oct 14 (Tues) 7:00 pm Ella Elman, Marlee Elston, Kim Gali-
Youth Education Committee On August 21 we had an EcoCommuting
manis, Bob Gershmel, Karen Greytak,
Meets in the EAS Office. All interested and Sustainability Fair at Redmond
Peter and Mary Holt, Ellen Homan,
parties are invited. Questions? Towne Center. Thanks to Christy
Hugh and Bev Jennings, Andy McCor-
Email education@elwas.org Anderson, Margie Huff and Gillian
mick, Tim McGruder, Glenis Nielsen,
Brightwater and Jim and Nancy Rob-
Oct 23 (Thurs) 7:00 pm Caren Park, Jerry Rettig, Jim Rettig,
erts for staffing our booth. On September
Monthly Membership Meeting Stephen and Karen Ridlon, Phil San-
6 we had a booth at the Monroe Swift
See page 1. difer, Marina Silverstone, Sunny Wal-
Day event (we counted approximately
ter, Claudia Welch and Gregg Wilson.
18,000 swifts flying into the chimney
that night), and thanks to Mary Holt, And finally, thank you to Lea Knapp for
Gregg Wilson and Mary Britton- all the hours she puts in on beach clean
Simmons for making the buttons, and up at Kirkland’s Marina Park.
Mary and Peter Holt, Jill Keeney and
If we’ve missed anyone – Thank You!
Tora Roksvog for holding down the fort.
You know who you are and by your own
We also had a lot of help in the office generous commitment, you set a wonder-
Eastside Audubon Office/ this summer, with various mailings and ful example and demonstrate the power
thanks goes out to Judy Hystad, Lea of individuals to effect significant
Audubon Center Knapp, and Linda Pearson - and Bryn change. We greatly appreciates your
The office is downstairs at Northlake Lieberman, Marlene Meyer, Jim and generosity and your leadership and we
Unitarian Universalist Church in Nancy Roberts came in for two mail- know that you are our most passionate
Kirkland, 308 4th Avenue S. (Corner ings! Newsletter labelers, hosted by Lea promoters.
4th Ave. S. and State). Directions: I- Knapp, included Peggy Jorgensen,
405 exit 18 (N. E. 85th-Kirkland). Go We cannot thank you enough for your
Patty Olejko, Caren Park, Jim and
west on Central Way to the light on 3rd invaluable contributions as a volun-
Nancy Roberts.
St. Go left on 3rd St. Follow this street teer. Our goals require sincere and com-
(it bears left and changes name to State Some members of the Education Com- mitted volunteers and we are grateful for
St.) Then turn left on 4th Ave. S. mittee (Mary Britton-Simmons, Jeani the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication
Goodrich, Jim and Shirlee Hall, Jill you bring to your role as an integral
(425) 576-8805 — office@elwas.org Keeney and Gregg Wilson) also met member of Eastside Audubon.
Hours: Mon, Tues, Fri — 9:00am - during the summer and is busy planning
1:00pm for the new school year.
The work parties at the Audubon Bird-

Thank you Nancy!

Nancy Nicklas, our Webmaster, is mov- source, content management program.
ing on – though we hope she won’t be The new site is much easier for volun-
The Corvid Crier, Vol 27, NO 8 going far. Since January, 2003, Nancy teers to add and edit content, leaving the
Publication Date: October 1, 2008.
Published by: EastsideAudubon Society
has managed our website, trained many Webmaster to handle the more technical
P.O. Box 3115, Kirkland, WA 98083-3115 volunteers in web editing, and generally issues.
The Corvid Crier is published monthly by the Eastside kept us looking good.
Patrick Kelley, our Communications
Audubon Society except that there are no issues in
January or August.
Nancy has managed all aspects of the Chair is available to train you, and an-
website - including keeping it up to date, swer any questions you may have. You
Deadline for material submission is the first Wednesday
of the month preceding publication. Send material by training volunteers to edit the content, may contact him at pk@pkwrite.com.
email to: and fixing all the mistakes we novices Nancy – thank you. We can’t express
newsletter@eastsideaudubon.org made - with great aplomb and patience. enough how much we appreciate all
Subject: EAS Newsletter you’ve done for Eastside Audubon!
or by mail to: We now have a new, updated website
Eastside Audubon Society and are in need of a new Webmaster.
Attn: Tom Grismer
P. O. Box 3115, Kirkland, WA 98083-3115
We’re using Plone (plone.org) – an open

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 3

Win a T-Shirt or Hat with our New EAS Logo!
Program Night Membership Campaign
We have invited Becci Crowe, Wildlife Artist, to be our
Eastside Audubon Society (EAS) volunteers perform ex-
speaker at the October Program Night. Go to her website
ceptional and beneficial volunteer work on the Eastside
at http://www.becci.com/ to see her exciting story, and
(see below). This is great news, but as with all good
then invite someone who is interested in wildlife art or
things, we want to do more – and more good work means
African bush adventures to join you on October 23. Pat-
more funding and more people.
rick Kelley has our PR machine in high gear, so we expect
The EAS Board of Directors is launching a 6-month lots of guests for Becci. Register with Sunny now to help
Membership Campaign to introduce ourselves and our welcome these guests.
organization to other Eastside people who are interested in
Look what Eastside Audubon Society (EAS) volunteers
getting outdoors to see birds and nature – people who per-
are doing on the Eastside.
haps want to do something about the environment or edu-
cating our kids about the environment. • Youth education volunteers give presentations and
Our goal is to increase our local chapter membership to classes at schools, camps, science fairs and for
1200 this year. youth groups. We also give teacher grants, schol-
arships for low-income middle-school students to
That’s 35 new people each month – and we need YOU to attend environmental camps, and a college schol-
help us grow! arship to high school seniors.
Our Program Night Campaign is the easiest and most ef- • Adult education classes are starting up again.
fective place for you to help. • Conservation volunteers hold activist workshops
And even better - you can have fun and win prizes in the on climate change and travel to Olympia for
process! Lobby Day in support of Priorities for a Healthy
Washington. We perform letter writing cam-
Win yourself a special Button! paigns in support of local conservation issues such
And then win yourself a new T-shirt or Hat with our new as the Juanita Beach Master Plan and national is-
EAS logo! sues such as preventing drilling in the Arctic Ref-
uge. We were awarded a $100,000 grant from the
county for building the Audubon BirdLoop Nature
Trial at Marymoor and will be receiving more.
• We do bird monitoring projects and sponsor the
Swift Night Out in Monroe.
• Our popular “Get Outside” activities include 35+
birding field trips each year, nature walks in local
Two ways to help us grow our membership: parks, native plant walks, bird photography trips,
and Marymoor work parties.
• Bring a guest (or two or three) to Program Night - and • We hold monthly Program Nights and Conserva-
you get your Button! tion Movie Nights, as well as an annual Volunteer
• Register today to help welcome people at Program Appreciation Dinner, Christmas Bird Count Chili
Night. Contact Sunny Walter at 425-271-1346 or Feed, and Marymoor Bird Festival.
sunny@sunnywalter.com. Be at the church at 6:30 and • We staff booths at Eastside community events to
when a guest arrives, the greeter will introduce you. advertise EAS and increase community interest in
Then you can make them feel welcome and special by birding and conservation.
helping them meet other people, showing them all our
fun and rewarding EAS activities, and answering any • We give money to other worthwhile environ-
questions they might have. Voila! Get your Button! mental organizations and projects.

When two people you have invited or welcomed join We need YOU to help us grow. Call a friend and bring
EAS, you win a T-shirt or Hat! them with you on Thursday, October 23.

It’s just that easy – and fun!

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 4

“Swift Night Out” Draws Hundreds to Monroe School
(Photos by Jim Rettig — See article on Page 2)

Peter and Mary Holt share Swifts’ story with visitors.

EAS members join 800 others in Monroe to watch Vaux's Swifts

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 5

 FIELD TRIPS
Parents and children over 8 are welcome on all trips. **FRS Radio owners, please consider bringing them on trips.**
See www.eastsideaudubon.org/events/ for the latest information and for reports of last month‘s field trips.
Non-members of Eastside Audubon will be charged an additional $5.00.

Meeting Places for Field Trips: Oct 19 (Sun) 8:30 am

Native Plant Walk: Asahel Curtis Trail
• Kingsgate Park and Ride: I-405 exit 20B northbound or Join us for this leisurely 1¼-mile walk as we wander among
20 southbound, N. E. 124th St. Go west to light at 116th some of the last remaining stands of old-growth forest in the
Ave. N. E., then right (north) a few blocks to P&R lot (on Snoqualmie Valley. Douglas fir, western hemlock and western
the left). Meet in the S.E. corner. 1300 116th Way NE, red cedar dominate the glade. Downed trees provide nurse logs
Kingsgate. that promote the growth of young trees and shrubs. In the
• Newport Hills Park and Ride: I-405, exit 9. 5115 113th depressions and drainages are skunk cabbage, devil’s club,
PL NE, Newport Hills. salmonberry and other species of the wetlands; in dryer areas
• South Kirkland Park and Ride:108th Ave. NE just Solomon’s seal, twinflower, thimbleberry, etc. Mosses and
north of hwy 520 and Northup Way. 10610 NE 38th Pl. ferns abound. For a native plant list, go to: http://
• Wilburton Park and Ride: I-405, exit 12. 720 114th www.wnps.org/plant_lists/counties/king/king_county.html.
Ave, Bellevue.
We will follow the trail down to the banks of the South Fork
Oct 3 (Fri) – 9:00 to noon — Marymoor Park Snoqualmie River and walk the loop trail past some fine
Join us for a morning walk along the nature trail, seeing what examples of forested wetlands. After our walk, we will eat our
birds are in the area. Meets the 1st Friday of each month at sack lunches at the Asahel Curtis picnic area. Those who are
9:00. Bring binoculars and meet at the SW corner of the Dog interested can then drive up to Snoqualmie Pass before
Area parking lot (Parking Lot D). No registration is required. returning home to admire the red, yellow, and burnt orange
To reach Marymoor Park, take SR 520 east from Seattle to the colors provided by vine maple, huckleberry and other species
West Lake Sammamish Parkway exit and follow the signs. growing on the mountain slopes.
The entrance to the park is one block south of the exit. Turn Bring good walking shoes, native plant guides, lunch, snacks,
right at third stop sign, to Dog Area parking lot. Parking is $1. beverages, and raingear. Meet before 8:30 am at the north end
Oct 4 (Sat) 9:00 to noon of Tibbetts P&R in Issaquah. Take I-90 exit 15, turn right and
Marymoor Park Habitat Restoration drive several blocks past the new Issaquah P&R structure, turn
Join us in restoring native habitat at the Marymoor Park left at Newport Way and then right into Tibbetts
interpretive area on the 1st Saturday of every month. Dress for P&R. Passenger cost $8/person. If you have any questions,
the weather and bring clippers, gloves, snacks and water. please contact Jan Johnson, 425-814-5923 or
Meet at Meadow Kiosk in Parking Lot G. Free parking passes jjsprngtr@yahoo.com.
are provided. Jim Rettig 425-402-1833 October 21 (Tues) 7 am — Whidbey Island
October 4 (Sat) 7:30 am Whidbey Island is a great birding location any time of the year.
Camano Island/Stanwood We will take the ferry from Mukilteo and work the passage, and
Prepare for a full day of birding and explore Camano Island’s then look at forest, wetland, marsh, salt water, grasslands, and
shoreline, salt-water marshes, grasslands, and forest habitats rocky edges. We'll be searching out loons, grebes, alcids,
for seabirds, raptors, and songbirds. Areas may include waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and passerines as we work our
Livingston Bay, English Boom, Utsalady, and Iverson Spit, a way the length of the island. If we have time we will stop at the
100-acre preserve. The Stanwood Sewage Treatment Ponds Stanwood sewer ponds on the way home. Come prepared for
offer a variety of waterfowl and the occasional avian surprise. any type of weather, bring lunch and fluids. Spotting scope
Bring a lunch and meet before 7:30 am at south end of helpful. Passenger cost/per person $17 plus share ferry cost.
Kingsgate Park & Ride. Passenger cost/person $14.00. Return early evening. Brian H. Bell 425-485-8058
Return early evening. Oct 21 (Tues) 9:00 to noon
Mike West and Joyce Meyer 425-868-7986 Juanita Bay Park Bird Walk
Oct 18 (Sat) 9:00 am – Watershed Park A relaxed walk in the Park, seeing what birds are in the area.
A 2-hour nature walk in this Kirkland park takes place the 3rd Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 9:00. Bring
Saturday of each month at 9:00 am. Nature walks enter the binoculars and meet in parking lot. No registration required.
park off NE 45th Street, north of the railroad tracks on 108th MaryFrances Mathis 425-803-3026
Avenue NE, east of 108th Avenue NE. Watershed park has October 27 (Mon) 9:00 to noon
more than 70 acres of mostly upland second growth forest; Birding the Hot Spots of King County
there is some riparian habitat. Several plant and bird species Monthly field trip on fourth Monday of each month to
can be seen in the park. Bus stop nearby on 108th, near 45th. wherever the birds are. Meet before 9:00 am at north end of the
Limited street parking. Jan Johnson 425-814-5923 Newport Hills Park-N-Ride (I-405, exit 9) and plan to be back
by noon. Cost/person $2.00. Stan Wood 425-392-4557
The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 6
BIRD OF THE MONTH — Andrew McCormick
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Length 31 in
Wingspan 80 in
Weight 9.5 lb
AOU Band code BAEA
One of eight species of sea eagles in the
world from the genus Haliaeetus from
the Greek aliaetos, the sea eagle. It is
named for its white head; again from the
Greek - leukos, of the color white, and
kephale, head. Its common name refers
to a Middle English interpretation of
balled meaning shining or white
(Holloway, 2003). The adult Bald Eagle
is unmistakable with its large white head
and tail contrasting with its dark brown,
bulky body. The bill and eyes are yel-
low. It soars on wide flat wings and flies
using slow, heavy and powerful wing-
beats. Its call is surprisingly weak for
such a large bird. Various authors de-
scribe it as thin and hollow (Alderfer),
flat (Sibley) and a mixture of squawks
and shrieks ( Bell & Kennedy). Imma-
ture birds lack the white head and tail
and develop through four stages reaching
full maturity in their fifth year. The ju-
venile through fourth-year birds have
varying amounts of white in the belly
and underwing coverts and axillaries.
Coastal Bald Eagle migration will follow
the salmon runs. Some Pacific North-
west birds will fly north in late summer
to catch early salmon migrations and
then joined by Alaska birds will follow
the salmon south and winter in the Pa-
cific Northwest beginning in November.
with grasses, moss and sod. The clutch tivity and birds are now seen in inland
Fish are their preferred food especially
is usually two dull white eggs, which are waterways near cities.
while nesting, but they are opportunistic
incubated by both adults for about 35
hunters and will snag an array of fish, A variety of audio and video recordings
days. Juvenile birds make their first
waterfowl, and mammals with their tal- of Bald Eagles can be found at the Cor-
flight in 10-12 weeks.
ons while in flight. They are quite adept nell Lab of Ornithology Web site at the
at kleptoparasitism and will steal kills Human beings have been the greatest following address. Cat# 4334 has a good
from other raptors particularly osprey. source of mortality for Bald Eagles. variety of calls.
Carrion also makes up a portion of their They have been killed as perceived
http://animalbehaviorarchive.org/
diet. threats to livestock and for their feathers
assetSearchInterim.do
for ceremonial purposes. Pesticides
Bald Eagles nest in an aerie, a large nest
caused egg shell thinning and eagle (Photo credit: Marc Hoffman . Refer-
near the crown of very large trees or on
populations plummeted from the 1960s ences are available upon request.)
rocky pinnacles. Built with sticks the
to 1980s. Diligent conservation efforts
nest will be reused for several years
have been very successful and Bald Ea-
growing larger each year. An old eagle
gles are now nesting in every state and
nest can be huge; weigh hundreds of
the bird has been removed from the En-
pounds and measure 8-10 feet in diame-
dangered Species list. The species has
ter. They are sometimes used by Great
developed more tolerance to human ac-
Horned Owls. The nest of sticks is lined
The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 7
A Tribute To Parky Forrester
raffle ticket for the end-of-the-meeting Their work with Bellevue’s Sister Cities
Ruby Partington “Parky” Forrester was
drawing. Parky graduated from high program brought them many life-long
born in 1905 in a small town in southern
school at 16, and began teaching all grade friends. In the park area just north of
Saskatchewan. When she began school, a
levels in a one room schoolhouse. Some Bellevue’s City Hall are two large statues
first grader, she told of how the teacher
of the students were bigger than she was. given by a city in Taiwan to Bellevue.
introduced the class to an awareness of
She eventually earned a college degree in The Forresters played a prominent role in
birds: each Friday afternoon before the
Manitoba, and continued to teach. In Sister City work done in Taiwan, and
final bell, the teacher handed each child a
WW II, she enlisted in the army – trained Parky taught English in a high school
paper with the outline drawing of a bird.
as a radar specialist, and served Canada at there for a year. They also worked in Ja-
The teacher would talk with them about
a base on Vancouver Island. After the pan, and in eastern Europe.
the color, the song, the name of the bird.
war she met Jim in Vancouver, B.C. –
They would color it, take it home, and all In her early eighties, Parky and Jim took
they married and several years later Jim
week search for that bird in the wild, lis- part in a rafting trip in the Queen Char-
began working for Boeing. They moved
tening for its song. As she was growing lotte Islands; another trip they wildly
to Bellevue, and Parky continued to teach.
up, this little girl became an acute ob- enjoyed was an “ice-camping” trip by dog
Very soon they were involved with the
server of birds. sled on Baffin Island ! Parky’s love of
Sister Cities program, and with our Audu-
children and spirit for adventure resulted
This person lived for nearly 103 years! bon chapter, and also enjoyed many ac-
in a very full life for this remarkable
Parky died in late June, two weeks before tivities with the rockhound club. After
woman.
her birthday. Her husband, Jim, had died retirement she tutored endlessly, working
several years ago. Jim had been the l:l with any child – many of them ESL — Bev Jennings
“greeter” at our monthly meetings for a students - needing help with studies.
long time, making sure everyone had a

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 8

 Audubon BirdLoop Work Continues
Earlier this summer chapter volunteers installed concrete footings for the in- Kiosk, parking Lot G. Greet old
installed the cabinets to the Meadow stallation of the interpretive signs and friends. Meet new friends. Work
Kiosk, weeded planted areas, and wa- the cabinets to the River Kiosk. In hard and do your part to help us re-
tered plants. Sunny Walter added all mid-September, 45 employees of the store this terrific habitat. Help us
the information and photos to the Ki- Microsoft Company gathered at the keep the birds singing!
osk, then in early August we cele- BirdLoop for a Day of Caring and
brated the official Grand Opening of mulched all the plants along the fence
the BirdLoop. Also in August, a hard and removed much of the the black-
working team transported boardwalk berry/Scot’s Broom infestation behind
extension material across the Sam- the River Kiosk.
mamish River to the construction
The next work party is set for October
site. In early September skillful teams
4, 9 to noon. Meet at the Meadow

Holiday Cards and 2009 Calendars

Buy your holiday cards and 2009 calendars through
Eastside Audubon.
Once again we'll be taking pre-orders for holiday
Dr. Kerri W. Scarbrough, Optometrist cards and 2009. Get ready for the holidays and
17320 135th Ave. N.E. ? Woodinville new year, and support the Chapter too!
(425) 398-1862
Watch the website and newsletter for further
See the birds better! information.

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 9

BIRDS OF THE PUGET SOUND AREA -- a 4-week field course for birders.
Learn by doing! In this four-part Session 1: Saturday, Oct. 25. Meet at noon.
course you will learn about basic prin- 8:00 am at Juanita Bay Park
Session 4: Saturday, Nov. 15. Meet
ciples, etiquette, field guides, equip- (Kirkland) parking lot. Presentation:
at 8:00 am at Kingsgate Park and
ment, and identification techniques for Basic Principles and how to choose
Ride. Presentation: Birding ethics and
successful birding and practice them binoculars and scopes.
etiquette.
in the field. Good for beginning and Field trip: Juanita Bay, over by noon.
experienced birders, and people new Field trip: Location to be determined
to the area. Session 2: Saturday, Nov. 1. Meet at – based on availability of species of
8:00 am at Discovery Park Interpre- interest.
Fall is a great time to bird in Seattle tive Center. Presentation: Field Series Cost: $75 EAS members, $90
and Puget Sound with the return of guides, bird publications and CDs. non-members.
our wintering birds. Come join us for Field trip: Discovery Park, over by
all four sessions of this class, and have noon. Limit: 15 participants
fun. Each session will introduce a dif-
ferent topic. Session 3: Saturday, Nov. 8. Meet at
7:30 am at Marymoor Park, Off-Leash
Instructor: Brian Bell, Master Dog Area parking lot. Presentation:
Birder, Author, Guide Identification techniques.
Class Dates, Times and Locations: Field trip: Marymoor Park, over by

Green Kirkland Event

We’ll be helping to restore the forest What to bring: work clothes, gloves, For more information, contact:
by planting native plants. sturdy shoes/boots, rain gear (if neces- Sharon Rodman at 425-587-3305,
sary), water bottle. Also useful: prun- srodman@ci.kirkland.wa.us, or visit
Where: Kiwanis Park, 1405 10th St
ing shears or clippers, shovel. Re- www.greenkirkland.org..
W, Kirkland.
freshments provided
When: 9 am to noon.

Fall Aububon Council of Washington (ACOW): Birding at the Beach is Better!

Plan a getaway on the scenic Wash- include an Education Meeting fol- will meet Sunday morning before dis-
ington Coast and join us for fall lowed by a reception and evening of persing to their separate corners of the
ACOW 2008 October 10th, 11th and festivities. state.
12th. The conference will be held at
On Saturday, your choice of field out- Discovery Coast Audubon invites you
the Chautauqua Lodge located on the
ings will bring you onto the beach and to their region of the Pacific Coast to
beautiful shoreline of Long Beach
into the sand to witness the local ecol- find that “Birding at the Beach is Bet-
Washington. Enjoy relaxing accom-
ogy and habitat of shore birds. In the ter!” for more information and to
modations, beach access and an entic-
afternoon, a Conservation Meeting download a registration form go to
ing array of educational activities,
will be held at the lodge incorporating http://
meetings and speeches outlining the
regional discussions of habitat preser- www.discoverycoastaudubon.com.
heart of Audubon’s mission in Wash-
vation and restoration. Saturday eve-
ington State.
ning, join your colleagues in an indul-
The three-day conference will begin gent Surf and Turf dinner and ban-
with a light day Friday, allowing you quet, followed by presentations from
time to absorb the surroundings, ex- various individuals representing local,
plore the sand dunes and bike or walk state and federal state agencies.
for miles on the Discovery Trail fol-
Audubon Washington board members
lowing the beach. Friday evening will

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 10

Next Great Backyard Bird Count: Feb. 13-16, 2009
The Great Backyard Bird Count heights. For the fourth year in a row, one with an interest in birds may ex-
(GBBC) is an annual four-day event participants sent record numbers of plore what could be the first indicators
sponsored by Audubon and the Cor- checklists. Bird watchers submitted of real trends and changes in bird
nell Lab of Ornithology that engages 85,725 checklists with observations of numbers and distribution. In-depth
bird watchers of all ages in counting 635 species, representing 9,805,216 studies are necessary to confirm the
birds to create a real-time snapshot of individual bird sightings during the GBBC trends and to further test the
where the birds are across the conti- four-day count. reasons for the changes we see.
nent. Anyone can participate, from
The GBBC provides an invaluable To register, go to http://
beginning bird watchers to experts. It
real-time snapshot of bird distribution www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
takes as little as 15 minutes on one
across North America. Each year we
day, or you can count for as long as
see changes in where the birds are
you like each day of the event. It’s
located, based on factors that include
free, fun, and easy—and it helps the
climate change, weather patterns, food
birds.
supplies, diseases, and breeding suc-
In 2008, the GBBC reached new cess. With all of the data online, any-

My Experience at Wilderness Awareness School

Everyday I would get up and go done this before and I was reluc- tions. Therefore, I would sincerely
outside to take a breath of fresh air. tant at the thought of getting lost in like to thank the Scout Awareness
Never once have I given a moment an unfamiliar place. Nevertheless, Overnight- Wilderness Awareness
to be aware of the life outside or as I tried my best to use my in- School, due to the fact that it had
our civilization. However, after sights, I kept bumping into trees, taught me to open my senses and
spending nearly a week camping bushes, and branches and tripping pay attention to the environment
outdoors at Wilderness Awareness over roots. Sooner or later I had that was once invisible to me.
School I realized I could bond with the sensation to stop and take a More importantly, the time and
the Earth. Moreover, each time I breath. Gradually, I slowed my contribution from Eastside Audu-
take a stroll outdoors I discover pace and used the “fox walk” bon members made this experience
new life and notice things that oth- method to avoid stumbling. Aside unforgettable. Thank you for your
erwise would not have been per- form using my feet to feel my way, generosity.
ceptible by the eye. I also used “deer ears” to help my
increase my ability to perceive the
One highlight I experienced at -- Bindu Anam
drum. No sooner did I realize the
Wilderness Awareness was one of
“boom” of the drum was becoming
the many challenges the instructors
strongly audible when I knew I
surprised us with. In this particular
was making progress. Above all,
activity, called drum stock, all the
after I successfully completed the
scouts are blindfolded and put in
task, I felt like I could do this exer-
different places throughout the for-
cise once more and this time, really
est. When they hear the drum go
off, everyone uses their senses and expose my awareness to my sur-
roundings.
intuition to find their way to the
drum. All in all, I learned many tech-
Furthermore, I was overwhelmed niques at camp to help me commu-
with fear, because I have never nicate with nature. Not only that,
but I am more cautious of my ac-

The Corvid Crier ~ October 2008 11