Wandering Tattler

The Voice of SEA AND SAGE AUDUBON, an Orange County Chapter of the National Audubon Society

October 2017

Volume 67, Number 2

Terns and Plovers by Doug Lithgow, President The Huntington State Beach Least Tern season wrapped up on August 22nd with a potluck and review of how our Least Tern monitoring efforts paid off. Our long time volunteer coordinator, Cheryl Egger, announced she was stepping down after 13 years of service. Cheryl started as coordinator in 2005, when the program was first created. It began as a partnership between Sea and Sage Audubon and the California State Parks Department. They needed to balance protecting an endangered species of bird with the recreational activities that normally occur on a public beach. Volunteer monitors watched over the Preserve, looked after the health of the colony, reported any potential predators, picked up trash near the preserve enclosure that might attract crows, kept pets off the sand and provided information to the public about Least Terns. The result of this strong volunteer effort has been numerous successful breeding seasons in one of California’s largest Least Tern colonies. This is a great example of a very successful volunteer driven conservation effort. Thanks to all of the Least Tern volunteers and a special thanks to Cheryl Egger for her years of dedication. Another program that involves spending time at the beach is the Orange County Snowy Plover Survey. The Western Snowy Plover is a threatened species that typically nests along sandy beaches. These small birds need to compete for space on our public beaches to forage for food and to breed. The Snowy Plover Survey is a quarterly event that examines the coast of Orange County to see where these birds roost and possibly nest. Interestingly, a recent survey in June revealed a nest in the middle of Huntington State Beach, one of the most heavily used beaches in Orange County. A barrier was quickly erected to protect the nest but unfortunately it was abandoned with a single egg left behind. The good news is that the egg was recovered, incubated at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, hatched and a young Snowy Plover was released into the wild on July 23rd. The Snowy Plover Survey is an excellent Citizen Science project to determine the health of our local population and to determine what steps can be taken to protect these birds while sharing the beach with people. These are a few of the ways you can make a difference supporting important conservation efforts while spending time on our beautiful Southern California beaches.

General Meeting

Friday evening, October 20 - 7:30 pm

“AJourneytotheWildlifeoftheNationalParksofIndia”

presented by Bob Polkinghorn

India is a vast country with extensive and varied wildlife. In February of last year, our October speaker, Bob Polkinghorn, participated in the ABA’s India Safari which explored Keoladeo National Park, Ranthambore National Park and the surrounding areas in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Keoladeo, also known as Bharatpur, is a former royal duck hunting reserve and is famous for its birdlife, particularly water birds. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ranthambore, while rich in birdlife, is primarily known as a tiger reserve. Approximately 60 tigers inhabit the park along with their associated prey animals. In this program, Bob will share his photographs and insights of the birds, tigers and other wildlife seen on this adventure. Bob Polkinghorn is a retired electronics engineer and manager. He is a long time Sea and Sage Audubon member and served for 13 years as a naturalist in the education program. He has traveled widely on both cultural and birding trips to more than 80 countries. Bob has presented numerous travel related programs to senior centers, Sierra Clubs groups and other organizations over the years. This was his second trip to India. Bob has donated about 300 of his photos to the BirdsEye Bird Finding Guide. A number of the photos seen in this program are in the app. Please join us as we explore some of the fascinating wildlife of Rajasthan, India.

Our program will be held in the Duck Club at the SJWS in Irvine. The doors will open at 7:00 for refreshments and fellowship, and the meeting and program will begin at 7:30 pm. We hope you will join us.

—Doug Lithgow

T

Conservation News Susan Sheakley, Conservation Chair OurnextConservationmeetingwillbeonOctober3rd,at6:30PMintheLearningCenter.Ournext4thTuesdayConservationLecturewillbeonOctober24that7:30PMintheLearningCenter.Wehopetoseeyouthere..

WanderingTattler October2017

1

21

2

2

4th Tues. Conservation Lecture Tues, October 24th - 7:30 PM in the Learning Center, SJWS “OysterandEelgrassRestorationinUpperNewportBay”presentedbyKatieNicholsandKiarraLyons,OrangeCountyCoastkeeperOrange County Coastkeeper and collaborators have restored up to 1,280 square meters of eelgrass habitat and 240 square meters of oyster habitat in Upper Newport Bay. The primary goal of the project is to assess the potential benefits of restoring Olympia oyster and eelgrass in Upper Newport Bay in Southern California. The work is designed to address pressing issues related to sea level rise and habitat loss and to increase community awareness about the protection of marine ecosystems and a multitude of benefits including; return of historically present but currently depleted species, enhanced habitat quality and connectivity for fish and wildlife, improved water quality, erosion control, and sea level rise adaptation. Providing the habitat that native oysters need facilitates the return of this endangered species and the many

ecosystem benefits they provide. The restored mudflat habitat may benefit birds by increasing the amount and diversity of their prey species. A component of the study focuses on determining if post-oyster bed and

eelgrass meadow restoration will yield higher bird density and richness compared to control mudflats. Katie Nichols, Marine Restoration Director for OC Coastkeeper, will provide an overview of the living shorelines oyster and eelgrass restoration project in Newport Bay. Kiarra Lyons, student from California State University at Fullerton, will discuss the bird monitoring component. Please join us. Doors open at 7:00 for snacks and social. Program starts at 7:30

How To Prevent Harm To Birds During Tree Care Do you or your gardener, tree care professional or HOA know about bird protection regulations and how to avoid impacting birds during tree care?

A Wildlife Aware certification is being offered by Sims Tree Learning Center at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Learning Center at 5 Riparian View, Irvine on Monday, October 9 from 8am to 3pm. Registration opens at 7:30am. The cost is $95 which includes lunch and three Wildlife Aware

Graduate products: A 7” sticker for trucks, window sticker and patch for jackets. Register by calling 951 685 6662 or by emailing: dawson@simstlc.com. Five CEUs for the International Society of Arboriculture is available. Sea and Sage Audubon is a partner and fiscal sponsor of the Tree Care for Birds and other Wildlife project (TreeCareForBirds.com) which has developed Best Management Practices for tree care workers in order to reduce impact on birds. This Wildlife Aware Training, offered by Sims Tree Learning Center is supported by the project. The Irvine Ranch Water District has graciously donated use of the Learning Center for the class. Upcoming Newport Bay Cleanup Oct. 16, Mon, 4pm – 6pm, Muth Center

Litter disrupts the natural environment, washes up on shore and endangers wildlife. It often originates inland and gets carried to the coast through storm drains, piling up on the beaches and wetlands and making its way into the ocean. On 10/16 United by Blue, an Outdoor apparel company, will be teaming up with REI Tustin and Newport Bay Conservancy for a cleanup of Newport Bay from 4 to 6 pm. Join them and help preserve the natural habitat of Newport Bay. United by Blue will provide water, snacks and cleanup supplies to all participants. Volunteers will each receive an exclusive “cleanup crew” trucker hat, and the chance to win United by Blue prizes. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. To learn more or to register, visit UnitedbyBlue.com/NewportBay .

Sea & Sage Audubon

Pancake Breakfast Saturday, October 28th, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine

WanderingTattler October20173

Delicious Hot Pancake Breakfast Enjoy hot pancakes right off the griddle, tasty sausages, fruits of the season, orange juice, hot coffee, and milk for the kids. Dine with family, friends, and fellow birders in the Duck Club. Reservations are a must so we know how much food to prepare. Bird Walks & Scope Stations Around the Ponds We have scheduled 3 morning bird walks around the marsh and will also have several spotting scope stations at the ponds closest to Audubon House. This will give you a great opportunity to get a good look at the shorebirds and ducks, egrets, herons, and other birds which frequent the sanctuary.

Bargain Used Nature Books for Sale Our book sale features a wide assortment of nature books appropriate for birders, teachers, students, and all nature lovers. Books are priced reasonably, from 50¢ and up. Come early for the best selection. Be Sure to Stop by Audubon House for a Visit! Stop by Audubon House for a visit to check out our outstanding gift and bookstore, the beautiful wildlife photos taken at the sanctuary, and other displays. The volunteers at Audubon House will answer your questions about Sea & Sage, wild birds, and our chapter programs.

Jointhefun&volunteertohelpusout!It’sfuntoworktogether&wehopeyouwilljoinus!CopiesofourVolunteersignupsheetsareonourwebpage,atAudubonHouse,atOctoberGeneralMeeting,orjustcontactMaryJoseph.Weneedhelpwithparking,foodprep,leadingbirdwalks,doingascopestation,booksales,refreshingcondiments,andcollectingtickets.Ihelpouteveryyearandwouldn’tmissitforanything!-NancyKenyon

For reservations, call Audubon House at 949-261-7963

Make your reservations today or anytime before 4:00 pm, Friday, October 27. Call Audubon House, 949-261-7963. Questions? Call Mary Joseph 714-848-8362 Pay at the Welcome Table when you arrive. Cash or checks only; no credit cards. .

$10 – Adults $6 – Children 10 & under Free – Children 3 & under

Chapter News & Announcements FormoreinformationaboutSea&Sageactivities,checkourCALENDARofChapterActivitiesonourSea&Sagewebsite:http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org.ItispostedonthehomepageundertheheadingMAINAREAS.Itcontainsinformationaboutmeetings,programs,fieldtrips,specialevents,birdingclasses,citizenscienceprojectssuchastheChristmasBirdCounts,SnowyPloverSurveys,LeastTernMonitoring,BirdSeasons,monthlycensuses,etc.

1

WanderingTattler

2

4 October2017

Audubon House Volunteers

We would like to thank the following people for helping to staff Audubon House in September and October:

Sherry Bass, Chris Byrd, Ann Chan Verdugo, Lynn Domash, Fresia Escalona, Greg Figge, Carol Getz, Ann Harmer, Lynne Hayes, Pat Heilig, Patti Henshaw, Star Howard, Sarah Jayne, David Kramer, Lauretta Kyle, Maya Matkin, Joan McCauley,

Bobbie Miller, Barbara Mitchell, Paula Monroe, Eunice Morita, Dagmar Muthamia, JoAnn Nothhelfer, Roberta Ray, Susan Sheakley, Beryl Vogel, Marilyn Walter, and Pat Wells. OurVolunteersgreetvisitors,answerthephone,sellmerchandise,answerquestionsaboutbirds,checkoutbinoculars,etc.IfyouareinterestedinhelpingatAudubonHouse,pleasecallSusanSheakleyat949-552-5974.

News from our Bookstore Our bookstore inside Audubon House is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) with a $10 minimum purchase. New books: National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of NA has just come out with the 7th edition. The new edition is in stock. Also in stock: 2018 calendars, Dover coloring books, new plush toys and plush Audubon birds with sounds for children. Also new stock of some of our more popular items: Wild Soap bars, stockings, earrings, jewelry boxes, note cards and more.

Advocacy Skills-Building Workshop

October 14, 2017— 10 AM to 1 PM The Learning Center at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (gray building) Are you struggling with a desire to have your voice heard in this time of environmental policy turmoil and change? Consider joining us the morning of October 14 for an advocacy skills-building workshop, co-sponsored by Audubon California. The workshop will help us build our skills in meeting with elected officials and influencing environmental policy makers. This workshop will be geared both for beginners and those with some experience meeting and working with decision-makers. The workshop is free, and lunch will be provided! We will learn who our elected officials are at all levels of government; how to make contact; how to prepare for meetings; what to do when we get there; and how best to follow up. Join us as we develop skills to build a more active outreach program to support Sea and Sage’s efforts to protect birds and their habitats. Space is limited! Please register with Chris Byrd, webyrd@sbcglobal.net or 714-639-0967.

Sus

an S

heak

ley

N

Laguna Ocean Foundation Announces Plan to Restore Estuary

Laguna Ocean Foundation, funded by a grant from the California Coastal Conservancy, has prepared a Restoration Plan to return the Aliso Creek Estuary in South Laguna to a healthy ecosystem. The degraded estuary, located at Aliso Beach County Park, is currently the site of invasive plants bordering a stagnant lagoon of unhealthy urban runoff. Surveys conducted under the auspices of Laguna Ocean Foundation’s Shorebird Survey revealed very low counts of birds and low species diversity at the site. The plan, prepared by a team of scientists with expertise in estuary habitats, will restore the estuary’s ecosystem to support beach dune, tidal mudflats, salt marsh, tule marsh, cattails and shallow fresh water habitats, which in turn will support a wide diversity of bird species. Scientists and members of the technical team will present the Restoration Plan to the public on Thursday evening, October 12 at The Ranch resort in Laguna Beach. The presentation is open to all interested stakeholders, especially members of the Orange County birding community. The event will begin with site tours of the estuary at 4:30 PM and formal presentations of the Restoration Plan at 6:00 PM. Free valet parking is available at The Ranch, with shuttle-assisted overflow parking at the adjacent Aliso Beach County Park lot on South Coast Highway. For directions to The Ranch go to: www.theranchlb.com/directions. For more information on the event, visit Laguna Ocean Foundation’s website: www.lagunaoceanfoundation.org. — Ed Almanza, Laguna Ocean Foundation

Chapter News & Announcements FormoreinformationaboutSea&Sageactivities,checkourCALENDARofChapterActivitiesonourSea&Sagewebsite:http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org.ItispostedonthehomepageundertheheadingMAINAREAS.Itcontainsinformationaboutmeetings,programs,fieldtrips,specialevents,birdingclasses,citizenscienceprojectssuchastheChristmasBirdCounts,SnowyPloverSurveys,LeastTernMonitoring,BirdSeasons,monthlycensuses,etc.

1

WanderingTattler

2

5 October2017

We Need Your Used Books!

Start your fall cleaning now! Take a look at your book shelves and take down any unused books on birds and other animals, plants, natural history, cooking, birding, travel and gardening, to donate to Sea and Sage Audubon for our Annual Pancake Breakfast Used Book Sale.

Proceeds from this sale will benefit our chapter programs, including Education and Conservation. All donations will be greatly appreciated, first by the chapter, and then by our fellow book lovers who will get the opportunity to buy and enjoy them. All books are sorted and priced by the Used Book Sale volunteers. Before being offered for sale, books that are suitable may be used in our Nature Library inside Audubon House or in our Conservation, Marsh Education, or Camp programs. Please deliver your donations to Audubon House by 3:30 PM on Thursday, October 26, to allow time for our volunteers to sort and price them. Central Valley Birding Symposium 2017 The Central Valley Bird Club will be hosting the 21st annual Central Valley Birding Symposium November 16-19, 2017 at the Stockton Hilton Hotel in Stockton, CA This year’s Saturday night keynote program, “Birding Without Borders: An Epic World Big Year” will be presented by Noah Strycker. The symposium features speakers, workshops, field trips and the Birder’s Mart. Something for everyone! For the schedule of events, go to: wwwcvbirds.org/events/symposium/info/ Registration begins September 8, 2017.

It’s More Than Just Pancakes!

On Saturday morning, Oct. 29th, we will be hosting our popular Pancake Breakfast in the Duck Club at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. Breakfast of hot-off-the-griddle pancakes, sausages, seasonal fruit, orange juice, hot coffee and milk for the kids will be served from 7:30 to 10:30 am. Call Audubon House) 949-261-7963) to let us know you are coming; on Saturday, pay at the Welcome Table when you arrive. Cash or checks only; no credit cards.

This event is more than just a pancake breakfast! Participants will also have the opportunity to browse through the intriguing selection of nature books at our famous Used Book Sale, spend some time in Audubon House checking out new items, wander out to the ponds for some bird watching where we’ll have scopes set up at strategic locations for your convenience or go on a guided bird walk, chat with the people from Wild Birds Unlimited about bird feeding techniques, check out the latest birding optics on the Duck Club back porch with Optics4Birding staff, visit our chapter exhibits inside the Duck Club and in Audubon House, and get your raffle card stamped and turned in so that you can qualify for the chance to win a prize (a gift certificate at our bookstore). Besides the delicious food, this event is lots of fun!

The price of the Pancake Breakfast is the same as last year: $10 for adults, $6 for children 10 and under, and free for children under 3. Reservations for the breakfast are

a must so that we know how much food to prepare. To make your reservations, call Audubon House at 949-261-7963. We will need your name and number of people in your party. Hope to see you there! If you want to receive a reminder notice about this event, please also provide your email address.

October Field Trips Nancy Kenyon, Field Trip Chair Fortripupdates&additionaltripinformation,checkourchapterwebpageat:http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org.Tripsmarkedwithan® requireadvancereservations.Questionsaboutfieldtrips?ContactNancyKenyon,FieldTripChair,at949-786-3160ornancykenyon@cox.net

WanderingTattler 6 October2017

Monthly Wildlife Walk at the SJWS Sat, October 7th - 9:00 to 10:30 am We’ll be exploring the birds, plants, and creatures of the marsh on this wildlife walk at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet in front of Audubon House at 9:00 am for a 1½ hour nature walk. See page 11 for directions. Leaders: Audubon Naturalists Monthly Bird Walk at the SJWS Sun, Oct. 8th - 8:00 am to 12 noon Join us for a bird walk around the ponds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine at 8:00 am. We’re getting a good variety of shorebirds now, both migrants and those which normally spend the winter here. The ducks are returning and the grebes have chicks. The walk, which is open to birders of all ages, will meet by the front porch of Audubon House. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult. (Directions to SJWS are on page 11.) Leader: Chris Obaditch Upper Newport Bay by pontoon boat Wed, Oct. 18 & Nov. 15 - 8:15 am to 11® Join us for the rare chance of birding the Upper Newport Bay from the deck of a pontoon boat. Spotting birds from the water offers one a different perspective and the birds seem to view us differently also. Trip duration is 2½ hrs. Trips are limited to 15 persons and there is a $10 trip fee per person payable in cash on the morning of the outing. Advance reservations are necessary; contact Nancy Kenyon to reserve a seat on the boat. Directions will be provided to those with reservations. Leader: Nancy Kenyon 949-786-3160; nancykenyon@cox.net South San Diego & the Tijuana River Valley Area – Meet at Dairy Mart Ponds Sat, Oct. 21st – 8:00 am to 12:00 pm or later

The Dairy Mart Ponds are a remnant of an old sand mining operation and are now managed by the San Diego County Parks Dept. They are part of the large Tijuana River Valley Regional Park on the U.S.-Mexican border. Fall is a good time to visit the area because it often attracts interesting migrants.

From the Dairy Mart Ponds, we will drive over to the Tijuana Slough, looking for Magpie Jays along the way. We plan to spend up to 2 hrs in that area including an

early lunch by the Visitor Center. From there, we will head toward the Sea World Channel, and then drive to Famosa Slough. (Each of these locations are good birding areas.) If time permits, those who are interested will go on to Fort Rosecrans which will require a National Parks Pass or $10 per car to enter; from there we will head home. Directions to the Dairy Mart Ponds: Be sure to start the trip with a full tank of gas since you will loose the group if you have to stop for gas some-where once the trip begins. Allow 2 hours for the drive down there. From Orange County, take I-5 south toward San Diego past Mission Bay, past the airport, past Imperial Beach to the Dairy Mart Road exit, which is 3 exits past Palm Ave (75). Turn right on Dairy Mart Rd and watch for a large dirt turnout on the right hand side about 1/8 of a mile from the exit. Park there. (The turnout does not have a sign but it’s a good place to park off the road.) Bring snacks, your lunch, and your binoculars. Go easy on the coffee since there may not be a lot of restrooms! The trip may extend to 3 or 4 pm depending on conditions. Leaders: John McKeever & Gary Meredith Upper Newport Bay Bird Walk Sun: Oct. 29th - 8:00 am to 11:30 am Join Mark Kincheloe for a monthly bird walk at Upper Newport Bay to check out the seasonal shorebirds, ducks, grebes, herons & egrets, etc. that frequent the bay. Bring your binoculars, a field guide, and a scope if you have one. Directions: We will meet in the Big Canyon parking lot in Newport Beach. This is easily reached from Jamboree. Take San Joaquin Hills Road west toward the bay where it intersects with Back Bay Drive. Turn right on Back Bay Drive and follow it to the Big Canyon parking lot on your left. Leader: Mark Kincheloe PLAN AHEAD for this popular trip! Seal Beach NWR field trip ® Sat, January 20 – 7:30 am to 12 noon Trip limited to 20 people. It is already 1/3 full. Navy requests info of participants: 1st name, middle initial, last name, date of birth, home phone number, & zip code. Please send this info to Nancy Kenyon when making your reservation; she will send you directions to the meeting location by e-mail. Reservations: Nancy Kenyon 949-786-3160; nancykenyon@cox.net

Orange County Rarities by Doug Willick ToreportaRAREorUNUSUALbird,ortoreceivereportsfromotherbirdersaboutrareorunusualbirdsightingshereinOrangeCounty,sendanemailto:OrangeCountyBirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

WanderingTattler

1

October2017

2

7

Well, we’re barely into fall migration, and the county’s already had a good number of rarities reported. A lot to cover, and we still need to catch up on a few of the significant late summer highlights we couldn’t get to the last time. So we’ll jump right in—with the usual disclaimer that due to space limitations this report will only be summarizing the more noteworthy of the recent findings. A Brant at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (BCER), July 17-21 (Rick Shearer, et al.), and one through late June and July at the mouth of San Juan Creek (Robert McNab) were apparently summering locally. A male American Wigeon at BCER, Aug. 6 (Roger Schoedl), was possibly a very early migrant (or was summering locally). Late summer and early fall is typically the best time in So Cal to see some of the rare to uncommon shorebird migrants, and Orange County saw a decent variety over the past couple months. Most unusual, but not necessarily the most unexpected, was a Ruff in breeding plumage that appeared once again in east Anaheim, along the “upper” Santa Ana River (SAR), Aug. 16-Sept. 2+ (Trish Gussler, et al.). Since 2013 an adult female Ruff (presumably the same individual) has been appearing each fall (Aug./Sept., primarily), in the same stretch of the River, except for 2015 when it either managed to avoid detection, or was present elsewhere. Each year this bird arrives in alternate plumage (or mostly so), molts into basic plumage over a period of a month or two, and then seems to move on. Another good find for the county were two juvenile Semipalmated Sandpipers, which were present at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (SJWS), Aug. 2-3 (Jeff Bray). Other “rare-but-regular” shorebirds included an adult Pectoral Sandpiper (almost all county records of

this species involve juveniles in fall), on the upper SAR, Aug. 23-24 (Mike Huang); juvenile Baird’s Sandpipers at SJWS, Aug. 21 (Doug Willick), and the upper SAR, Aug. 24-29 (J. Bray, Don Hoechlin); and Solitary Sandpipers at SJWS (an adult),

Aug. 2-3 (Terry Hill), in Aliso Viejo, Aug. 20 (R. Schoedl), and at SJWS, Aug. 30-31 (Chuck Schussman). A Snowy Plover was quite unexpected for being well inland, along the upper SAR, Aug. 26-28 (Jim Hecht). The most exceptional report to occur during period being treated here was a Laysan Albatross; the bird was photographed during a whale watching trip off Huntington Beach, July 21 (Ryan Lawler); this was only the second record of this pelagic species in OC waters. During the

Sea & Sage summer pelagic trip out of Dana Harbor July 22, highlights included a Flesh-footed Shearwater (Robert McNab) and four Brown Boobies (TAB, et al.). Although Magnificent Frigatebirds are known to be rare, erratic visitors along the coast of southern California, primarily during summer and fall, this year was perhaps the best showing in 15 to 20 years; in OC one was photographed off the Newport Pier, July 2 (Jon Acampora), and individuals were seen at BCER, Aug. 31 (Carl Jackson), and at Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, also on Aug. 31 (Chezy Yusuf). An American Bittern seen flying over SJWS, Aug. 2 and 13 (T. Hill, D. Hoechlin), was noteworthy. At least five Least Bitterns at SJWS, Aug. 13 (J. Bray), and six Reddish Egrets tallied during the monthly census conducted at BCER, Aug. 11 (T. Hill et al.), were both unusually high counts for the county. A juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at BCER, Aug. 13-19 (Chet McGaugh, Mark Chappell), added yet another to the number that have been recorded in the county in just the last few years. This species has been recorded annually since 2012, though prior to 2012 there had only been one previous record for OC (back in

1977). A White-winged Dove visited a Laguna Beach feeder on Aug. 27 (Greg Stewart), which was the third fall in a row that one has appeared there. A Gray Flycatcher carefully studied at UNBER, July 30 (Mark Kincheloe, et al.), was record early for a fall migrant (by about a month). Since the

last writing there have been several other record early, presumed migrant songbirds in the county. These included a Black-throated Gray Warbler in a Lake Forest neighborhood, July 18-27 (Lucy Lee); a Black-and-white Warbler in Mission Viejo, July 23 (Maury Swoveland); and an American Redstart at HCP, Aug. 2-3 (Elisa Yang, et al.). Although these may have been extremely early fall migrants, there is also precedence in So Cal for some of these (e.g., Black-and-white Warbler) to summer locally. A Lucy’s Warbler at Huntington Central Park (HCP), Aug. 21-Sept. 4+ (D. Hoechlin), was a rare, but fairly regular fall stray to the county. A Northern Waterthrush at HCP, Sept. 2+ (R. Schoedl), was possibly returning for another winter here. A juvenile Black-throated Sparrow was at UNBER, Aug. 10 (Greg Homel). A female type Yellow-headed Blackbird was along the upper SAR, Aug. 17 (Sue Henry, Calvin Hardcastle).

PectoralSandpiper–photobyTrishGussler

Sea and Sage Audubon Society

Birds of Southern California An Introductory Birding Skills Workshop

presented by Sylvia Gallagher Sea & Sage Audubon Society is again offering a ten-week workshop in bird identification for beginning birders. If you have been birding casually for a while, you should also consider enrolling. Professional biologists whose expertise is not in ornithology find this workshop helpful, too. Each session will feature about 15 common birds of a particular local habitat on the coastal side of the mountains. With the use of printed worksheets and slides from the Sea and Sage Library, Sylvia Gallagher will help you to learn to identify those birds. In the process, you’ll also be introduced to a variety of other topics, such as bird families, plumages and molts, bird topography, distribution and habitat preferences, behavior, vocalizations, the birding literature, birding ethics and etiquette, etc. The topics to be covered in the series are: Birds of neighborhoods Birds of playing fields and parking lots Birds of mudflats and shallow water Birds of the ocean shore Birds of the open country Birds of prey Birds of the streamside woodland Birds of lakes, ponds and marshes

Each person will attend ten weekly meetings at the Gallagher home in Huntington Beach. You will choose one of these three sections to attend:

Wed. evenings: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., (Oct. 4 - Dec. 13, except Nov. 22) Thurs. mornings: 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, (Oct. 5 - Dec. 14, except Nov. 23) Thurs. evenings: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., (Oct. 5 - Dec. 14, except Nov. 23) Four half-day field trips will be scheduled and you may choose Saturdays or Mondays: Oct. 21 or 23, Nov. 4 or 6, Nov. 18 or 20, Dec. 9 or 11 — times to be announced. The maximum enrollment for each section is 22. If any section does not have at least 12 people enrolled by Sept. 25, it will be cancelled. Reserve early though, because some sections may fill completely. A donation of $90.00 (or more) per person is requested, if you can afford it. Bring your money to the first session. The required book for the workshop is the 6th edition (or later, a new one is imminent) of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Dunn and Alderfer. Recommended, but not required, is Birds of Southern California by Garrett, Dunn, & Small. Both books are available at Audubon House, or you can buy them at the first meeting (discount price for workshop participants, starting Sept. 1). You will also need to bring binoculars to meetings no later than the third session—preferably sooner. Send your reservation for this workshop,postmarkednoearlierthanSept.5th, (2-day penalty for early reservations), to: Introductory Workshop, c/o Sylvia Gallagher, 21562 Kaneohe Ln, Huntington Beach CA 92646. Placement in sections will be based on postmark date. Enclose a long (4”x 9.5”) self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). Confirmations will be mailed Sept. 27, including preliminary information and a map to the meeting place. For further information, contact Sylvia at sjrgallagher@yahoo.com or (714) 962-8990.

Enrollment Form for Introductory Birding Skills Workshop (Fall 2017)

Names of all participants _______________________________________________________________________ Address(es) _________________________________________________________________________ City & Zip _________________________________ Phone(s) ____________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________

Check (or rank) your choice of section: WED. pm ___ THURS. am ___ THURS. pm ___ SASE enclosed? ___

Do you plan to buy a book at the first meeting? ___ If more than one, how many? ___

8 Wandering Tattler October 2017

Sea and Sage Audubon’s Silent Auction

Needs You! This coming year will be the 60th anniversary of our chapter! The silent auction helps us raise funds for such things as scholarships, conservation efforts and education. In order to hold a successful auction, we rely on donations; donations from our members as well as from organizations and businesses. Getting all of these donations together takes time, which is the reason we’ re starting our search for fun and exciting donations now.

So how can you help? Please consider donating items or services such as gift baskets, lessons, airline tickets, tickets to events, or a nicely gift wrapped box of chocolates. Also, please consider contacting any organizations or

businesses with whom you work or are familiar and asking them for a donation.

Frequently asked questions: 1. What about all that stuff in my garage? We’re sorry to say that that’s just not the kind of things we’re looking for, unless of course dear old Aunt Mable happened to leave you an autographed copy of a first edition of a rare book. Then by all means bring it on down.

2. What kinds of things have people donated in the past? We’re glad you asked. Here are some items from past auctions: Nikon binoculars Seashell wreath Gift baskets Whale watching trip for two Piano lessons Original art work Tickets to plays, amusement parks and so on Autographed books Bluebird nestbox

3. When do you need the donations? The sooner the better. Actually, it would be great if we had everything all lined up no later than the end of February 2018.

4. If I have any more questions, who do I contact? Please contact Cheryl Thomas, Development Chair, at cthomas1313@cox.net or 949-294-2275 Thank you in advance for your efforts on behalf of the Sea and Sage Annual Dinner and Silent Auction Team!

Education News Trude Hurd, Project Director of Education For information about our Education Program, please visit our chapter webpage at: http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/Education/Education.html

WanderingTattler 10

2

October2017

1

S

3

CampTransition

It takes a large committee of dedicated volunteers to run our summer camp programs. We have 26 adults and 22 youth helpers who work together to make everything happen so our week-long camps are a success each year. Our camp powerhouse is Grace McElhiney who has been co-coordinator for 16 years. I had been running Marsh Bird Camp and Tracking Wildlife Camp for ten years and wanted to expand camp programs for older children. Grace had just moved to Orange County in 1998 and was bored: “I want to do something for children and help them to appreciate the things I love.” Grace agreed to pilot a new Advanced Bird Camp if Bev Spring would be co-coordinator. Sea and Sage Audubon and thousands of children have benefitted because they both said YES. Grace and Bev were so successful that we have expanded to seven week-long summer camps all managed by a team of dedicated naturalists and our Project Director of Education. Grace always praises her camp committee and says she can delegate authority because they are so talented. Marsh Bird Camp continues while Grace and Bev created ten Advanced Camps that rotate on a five year cycle plus two intermediate Camps (Coastal Bird Camp and Birds, Bugs, and Blossoms Camp) that alternate every other year. They recruited two volunteer leaders to design and run a new camp called Fledgling Camp for 7-8 year olds. Last year, they helped create a new Xtreme camp for 15-17 year olds. These camps are powerful environmental outreach! Grace’s vast experience as a teacher, Girl Scout leader,

and camp counselor helped her solicit donations, design new lessons, expand prizes, and recruit enough volunteers so that each camp day had a very high ratio of adults to children. She excelled at finding unique artists throughout the nation and talking them into helping create high quality art projects for our

camps. Everyone says yes to Grace! We are sad to report that Grace’s era is closing as she moved to southeast Arizona in September. We’ve all wept tears and shared hugs, and we’re happy that her yard bird list will increase. Thank you, Grace for making a positive impact on children’s lives!

SponsoraSchoolBus

We are grateful to those who responded to our request in the September Wandering Tattler for school bus donations. As a result, we have raised enough money to pay for 6 buses so Santa Ana school children can participate in Outdoor Adventures. Our thanks go to Mark Adamson & Nancy Tschiderer, Matthew & Carolyn Biller, Chuck & Ce Leavell, Joan McCauley, Carol

Paquette, Catherine Reynolds, and Linda Thomas who make it possible for students to personally experience a wetland ecosystem. We have pledged at least 12 buses for five Santa Ana schools so

we still need to raise the rest of the funds. Will you help pay for a school bus to make outdoor science possible for inner city school children? Costs vary depending on time and distance to the marsh but most bus trips average $200. However, any amount that you can donate will help! Please send your donation (check payable to Sea and Sage Audubon) to School Bus Fund, Sea and Sage Audubon Society, 5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA, 92612. Thank you for your support! StillTimeToJoinourNaturalistTeam

It’s not too late to become a new volunteer naturalist for Outdoor Adventures. Although the formal training classes are almost over, training continues throughout the traditional school year (September through June) as new recruits mentor with experienced naturalists. If you are a retired teacher and/or enjoy working with elementary school children, please contact Project Director Trude Hurd at seaandsage@sbcglobal.net or 949-261-7964. You can make the difference in the life of a child; just ask us how!

Directions and Membership SeaandSageAudubonSociety'smissionistoprotectbirds,otherwildlife,andtheirhabitatsthrougheducation,citizenscience,research,andpublicpolicyadvocacy.

11WanderingTattler October2017O

Tattler Subscriptions

Non-Audubon members or members from other Audubon chapters who wish to subscribe to our chapter newsletter, may do so for $14.00 per year. Make check payable to “Sea and Sage Audubon” and mail to: Tattler Subscriptions, 32 Almond Tree Ln, Irvine CA 92612

Go Paperless! Sign up to receive your newsletter via email — get your issues faster, help save natural resources, reduce waste, and help our chapter save money! You can read it online or print out the pages you need to refer to more frequently. It is in pdf format and will look and print exactly like the original ones. Photos will be in color. Send an e-mail to nancykenyon@cox.net to start your paper-free Tattler delivery today! (offer good only for chapter members in good standing)

Remember Us in Your

Will or Trust Please remember to include “Sea and Sage Audubon Society” by name (tax ID#23-7003681) in your will or trust.

Directions

to Audubon House, our Chapter Meetings & the San Joaquin

Wildlife Sanctuary Our entrance is now from Campus Dr., not Michelson

From the San Diego Fwy (405): Exit on Jamboree, south toward Newport Beach. At the 1st signal, Michelson, turn left. Continue on Michelson (past the old entrance to the SJWS) to the 5th signal which is Harvard and turn right. Drive to University & turn right. Drive to Campus Drive & turn right. Stay in the far right lane and immediately turn right onto Riparian View which will enter the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. The entrance road is marked by a green sign. If you miss the turn and reach Carlson, turn right and go around the block again to Harvard. The sanctuary is open every day from dawn until dusk.

Audubon House

Open daily: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 949-261-7963

Your Membership

Payment

Do you want to join National Audubon and Sea and Sage? Use the membership form at the bottom of this page. An Individual Membership or a Family Membership is only $20. Sea & Sage receives 100% of a chapter generated new member’s dues for the first year. Mail the form and your check - payable to National Audubon Society - to Sea and Sage Audubon, PO Box 5447, Irvine CA 92616. If you want to use a credit card for your membership payment, go online to: http://www.audubon.org/membership If you have questions, please contact Membership Chair, Jim Kissinger, at membership@seaandsageaudubon.org

Temporarily Away or

Moving? Please notify Jim Kissinger of your new address if you are temporarily, or permanently, moving from your current address; or, let him know if you do not want to continue to receive the Tattler. This will save us postage. Jim Kissinger, Membership Chair membership@seaandsageaudubon.org

Use Membership Form on page

Audubon Membership Application We invite you to become a member of the National Audubon Society and the Sea and Sage Audubon chapter. Members receive the AUDUBON magazine as well as the WANDERING TATTLER newsletter. NEW MEMBERSHIP is $20 for an individual or for a family. (The membership is good for one year.) To join: Complete the form below & mail it along with your payment to: Sea and Sage Audubon, PO Box 5447, Irvine CA 92616 Make your check payable to: NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY. Pleasepaybycheckonly;donotsendcash.Or, go online to: http://tinyurl.com/hyeaw67 (Our chapter code is C15) To renew membership: renew directly with National Audubon by direct mail or online: (Renewals are $20 per year.) http://tinyurl.com/zjbs5tt Name ___________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail ___________________________________________________________________

C9ZC150Z

C6ZC

}

C15

12W

BOARD MEMBERS Executive Committee: President ........................... Doug Lithgow .............. 714-962-4145 Vice President ................... Gail Richards ............... 714-267-2420 Secretary ........................... Sandy Smith ................ 949-706-9396 Treasurer ........................... Tom Van Huss ............ 714-417-9940 Director 2018 ..................... Bruce Aird ................... 949-458-1520 Director 2018 ..................... Ralph Sugg ................. 949-855-6575 Director 2019 ..................... Star Howard ................ 949-770-3177 Director 2019 ..................... Joan McCauley ........... 949-642-1938 Director 2020 ..................... Ann Harmer ................. 949-631-3322 Director 2020 ..................... Debbie Hays ................ 714-356-6302 Past President ................... Vic Leipzig ................... 714-848-5394 Committee Chairpersons: Archives & Records ........... Chris Byrd ................... 714-639-0967 Audubon House .................... Susan Sheakley .......... 949-552-5974 Audubon House Volunteers . Barbara Mitchell .......... 949-646-4115 Bird Information ................. Sylvia Gallagher .......... 714-962-8990 Conservation ..................... Susan Sheakley .......... 949-552-5974 Counsel ............................. Sean Sherlock ............. 714-427-7036 Development ..................... Cheryl Thomas ............ 949-294-2275 Education .......................... Carolyn Noble ............. 714-731-9091 Events ............................... Mary Joseph ................ 714-848-8362 Exhibits .............................. Mary Joseph ................ 714-848-8362 Field Trips .......................... Nancy Kenyon ............. 949-786-3160 Finance ............................. Hal Sheakley ............... 949-552-5974 Membership ...................... Jim Kissinger ............... 949-713-1148 Newsletter Editor ............... Nancy Kenyon ............. 949-786-3160 Orange County Spring Count .... Darrell Wilson .............. 949-559-4542 Partners in Flight ............... Janet & Al Baumann ... 949-859-5081 Programs ........................... Gail Richards ............... 714-267-2420 Publicity ............................. Susan Kramer ............. 714-240-6678 Raptor Research ............... Scott Thomas .............. 949-293-2915 Science ............................. Amber Heredia ............ 714-812-2430 SJWS Liaison .................... Chris Obaditch ............ 949-640-7234 Social Media ...................... Sandrine Biziaux-Scherson.949-413-0297 Starr Ranch/Envir. Liaison Pete DeSimone ........... 949-858-0309 Webmaster ........................ Nancy Kenyon ............. 949-786-3160 Webpage: http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org

AUDUBON HOUSE ...... .............................. 949-261-7963 STAFF

Marsh Education Project Director Trude Hurd ................ 949-261-7964 Education Assistant ......................... Deborah Brin ............. 949-261-7964 Sales Manager .................... Debby Thyssen ......... 949-261-7963 Administrative Aide ............. Rebecca Craft ........... 949-261-7963

OTHER CONTACTS Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center – for injured or sick birds and other native wild animals in need of help (corner of Newland & PCH in HB) 714-374-5587. http://www.wwccoc.org/ Call Songbird Care & Education Center for injured or sick native songbirds. 714-964-0666. www.songbirdcareandeducation.org

SCHEDULE OF CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

October 2017 03 Tues Conservation Committee Meeting .................. 6:30 pm 07 Sat Monthly Wildlife Walk at the SJWS ................ 9:00 am 08 Sun Monthly Bird Walk at the SJWS ..................... 8:00 am 09 Mon Tree Care Training Class ............................... 7:30 am 10 Tues Board Meeting . .............................................. 7:00 pm 14 Sat Advocacy Building Workshop ...................... 10:00 am 18 Wed UNB by pontoon boat ® ................................. 8:15 am 20 Fri GENERAL MEETING .................................... 7:30 pm 21 Sat San Diego & vicinity field trip ......................... 8:00 am 22 Sun Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari ® ............ 12:00 pm 24 Tues 4th Tues Conservation Lecture ....................... 7:30 pm 28 Sat PANCAKE BREAKFAST ® ............................ 7:30 am 29 Sun Monthly bird walk at Upper Newport Bay ....... 8:00 am November 2017 04 Sat Monthly Wildlife Walk at the SJWS ................ 9:00 am 07 Tues Conservation Committee Meeting .................. 6:30 pm 10-12 F-S Morro Bay field trip ® ..................................... 2:45 pm 12 Sun Monthly Bird Walk at the SJWS ..................... 8:00 am 14 Tues Board Meeting . .............................................. 7:00 pm 15 Wed UNB by pontoon boat ® ................................. 8:15 am 16 Thurs Bolsa Chica bird walk ..................................... 8:00 am 17 Fri GENERAL MEETING .................................... 7:30 pm 26 Sun Monthly bird walk at Upper Newport Bay ....... 8:00 am 28 Tues 4th Tues Conservation Lecture ....................... 7:30 pm Christmas Bird Counts – next month Dec. 17 Sun — Northeastern (Inland) CBC Dec. 23 Sat — San Juan Capistrano CBC Dec. 31 Sun — Coastal CBC

Sea and Sage Audubon PO Box 5447, Irvine CA 92616 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org

U.S. Postage Paid Santa Ana, CA Permit No. 164

p

Come to our Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7:30-10:30 am.