March 2010 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society

8/9/2019 March 2010 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society

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Audubon SocietyoPortland5151 NW Cornell RoadPortland, Oregon 97210

Page 2 ......................From the Director

........................Audubon Outings

Page 3 ......................Calendar of Events

Page 4 & 5 ............................... Conservation

.................Wildlife Care Center

Page 6 & 7 ................................Trips & Tours

Page 8 ................................Nature Store

....................................Sanctuaries

Page 9 .......Field Notes and Volunteers

Page 10 ............................New Members

Page 11 ........................IBA of the Month

Page 12 ................. Map/Hours/Sponsors

Inside this issue

WarblerAUDUBON SOCIETYof PORTLAND

MARCH 2010Volume 74 Number 3

In this issue...Nature Store Event

For Kids!See page 12

Lecture on Ecoroofsat Oregon Zoo

See page 12

MonitorsNeededSee page 5

New format for trip listings (Audubon Outings) See page 2

Black-throatedGray Warbler

Can our urban rooftops provide habitat for wildlife?Much of our urban landscape is covered withstructures, and Portland is fast becoming a leader in

promoting vegetated rooftops to capture stormwater. Is i tpossible to go even further and actually create functionalwildlife habitat on buildings that will help birds, bats, bugs,

and other animals as they traverse our urban landscape?

During the month of March, Audubon will partner withthe City of Portland and Urban Greenspaces Institute toexplore the possibilities. On March 3rd the Mayor willofcially proclaim March Ecoroof Month, kicking offa series of ecoroof-related events that will culminate in alecture by Britains Dusty Gedge, a recognized worldwideauthority on building ecoroofs to promote biodiversity.

Could we restore Nighthawks, which once nested in gravelrooftops, to our overhead skies by adding gravel to theroofs of riverside buildings on the Lower East Side? Couldthousands of acres of gray industrial warehouse rooftopsin the Columbia Corridor be converted to meadows forrapidly disappearing Meadowlarks and Streaked Horned

Larks? Could the tops of our downtown skyscrapersprovide a source of insects and a place to rest for migratingsongbirds? What can we do on top of our own houses tosupport local wildlife?

There are already over 200 ecoroofs in Portland, and thecity has set a goal of increasing vegetated rooftops to cover

at least 39 acres by 2013. In2009 the city initiated a newincentive program that willprovide property owners withup to $5 per square foot toinstall ecoroofs.

Join us and learn about how ecoroofs can make our urbanlandscape more sustainable for humans and wildlife and go to page 4 for an on-the-ground report by PortlandAudubons Urban Conservationist, Jim Labbe, aboutecoroofs in Europe.

March 3: City Hall Ecoroof Proclamation

March 1213: Ecoroof Portland, a free two-day eventwith speakers and vendors; go to www.portlandonline.com/BES/index.cfm?c=51717&

March 27: Ecoroof Tour of South Waterfront(see Audubon Outings)

March 30: Lecture on Ecoroofs by Dusty Gedge atthe Oregon Zoo (geared toward the general public) details on page 12

March 31: Dusty Gedge Brownbag Lecture at CityHall (geared toward natural resource and sustainabilityprofessionals)

March 31: Downtown Ecoroof Tour (see AudubonOutings)

For more information, go to www.audubonportland.org.

Birdathon 2010:May 78 and 1415

Its Our 30thAnniversary!

D

id you know that over the past ten yearsalone, Portland Audubon members and theirfriends and families have raised over one

million dollars to help protect Oregons nativebirds?! Thank yo all for helping to make itpossible!

This year especially, youre encouraged to joinin Birdathon 2010 to help us celebrate our 30thanniversary of the event and carry on this fundraisingtradition! Youll have great newopportunities to go birding withyour fellow Audubon members,volunteers, staff and board. Itsyour chance to get to know themand how each has contributedto making the Audubon Societyof Portland one of the mosteffective voices for wildlife

conservation in the nation. Ofcourse, its also your opportunity to go on a greatbirdwatching trip with new or old friends! Look fora complete description of trips coming soon on ourwebsite and in the next issue of the Warbler.

Interested in being a Birdathon Sponsor?Contact Ann Takamoto at 971-222-6117.

Also, its never too early to mark your calendars forthe Birdathon Banqet: Friday night, Jne 18.This will be one party you wont want to miss!

Ecoroofs for Wildlife

Broadway Ecoroof Mike Houck

Monitoring for birds on downtownecoroof. Bob Sallinger

by Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director

Portland Building Ecoroof Bob Sallinger

Fun! Hands-On Learning!

Adventure!

Spring Camp &

Summer Camp 2010See schedules and registration informationon pages 6 and 7.


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From theExecutiveDirector

Iconfess that its been quitea while since I last pulledout my well-worn tree

planting Levis from the backshelves of my closet. I had goodreason to. On a cool and drizzlyJanuary morning, PortlandAudubon launched the rstTogetherGreen Volunteer Dayof 2010.

Sponsored through National Audubons ve-yearpartnership with Toyota, this initiative is intendedto draw new volunteers in and to make a lasting

difference on the ground. Nearly 60 people showedup and for many of them, it was their rst visit toAudubon and to restoration work. By lunchtime, Idsay the intended goals were cle arly met: introducingpeople to Audubon and improving local habitat.Outcomes like these are straightforward andmeasurable: record the number of new and repeatvolunteers and count the number of native trees andplants placed in the ground.

While I love solid results that are easily communicatedto funders, tracked in our database and used in annualreports and outreach materials, its the unintentionalthings that I nd most compelling and personallyfullling. For me, its scanning the room duringorientation and seeing close to 50% of the participantsin their 20s. Its getting to know someone like Adrian,

a generous and hardworking man that I am guessingis in his late 20s. Now living in Vancouver with hissister and her family, Adrian returned home from Iraqwith injuries and intense memories of lost friends.I learned that he has a graduate degree in businesscommunications from Marylhurst University andwants to use his personal and professional skill set formediation and conict resolution work.

Its reconnecting with Celia, a curly-haired blondegirl of about 10, whose community mentor hasmade volunteering together a regular part of theirweekend activities, not only for Audubon but forother nonprots. Its meeting Jim for the rst time, adecades-long supporter of our chapter, who movedto Portland from Olympia to be with his partner and

adult son and his family.

For me, its looking through our wildlife sanctuaryto see all kinds of people hacking and hauling thornyblackberry branches and English ivy from their rmgrip in the ground to make space for native plantsand wildlife. Its hoping and trusting that mostvolunteers will return with friends and family and beproud of what they helped make possible on a perfectJanuary day.

Meryl Redisch

Building Habitat

and Community

Audubon Outings

March 3 (Wed.), 8am11amOaks Bottom Wildlife RefugeJoin Mike Hock on a bird sight and song walkaround 160-acre Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The walkis a gentle two-mile stroll on a combination of paved anduneven dirt paths, with two moderate hills. More than 100species of birds have been seen in Oaks Bottom, Portlandsrst ofcial urban wildlife refuge.Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic (if you dont have internet access, call 503-292-6855 ext.112); directions will be sent to registrants.

March 6 (Sat.), 8am11amVancouver Lake ParkJoin leader Ron Escano to scope the lake for water birdsand explore the riparian woodland for wintering songbirds,

including the White-throated Sparrow. Meet at 8am atVancouver Lake Park. Directions from I -5 north: takeExit 1-D (4th Plain Blvd), go west on 4th Plain throughVancouver onto SR-501 (Lower River Rd). After 3.5 mileson SR-501, continue straight for 0.6 miles to VancouverLake Park (possible $2 entrance fee). Dress for the weather.Beginners welcome!No sign-up needed.

March 6 (Sat.), 10am1pmRoss Island PaddleJoin Mike Hock on a paddle around Ross Island tocelebrate the designation of the Ross Island Lagoon by theOregon State Marine Board as a No Wake Zone, and thecontinuing effort to get the same designation on the entireHolgate Channel. Highlights on this brisk paddle around

Ross, Hardtack, East, and Toe Islands will be waterfowl,Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons. Youll also getinformation about the Friends of Ross Island and how youcan volunteer with the AudubonSociety of Portland, WillametteRiverkeeper, Portland Parksand Recreation, and Friends ofRoss Island on cleanups andrestoration activities. You areresponsible for bringing andmaintaining your own kayak/canoe; life jackets are absolutelyrequired.Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic (ifyou dont have internet access,

call 503-292-6855 ext.112);directions will be sent toregistrants.

March 8 (Mon.),9am11:30am

Jackson Bottom WetlandsWe expect to see waterfowl, raptors, and earlysongbirds with leader Sarah McCarty at this preserve nearHillsboro. Meet in the parking lot and dress for the weather.For directions, see www.jacksonbottom.org or call Sarah at503-636-1288.No sign-up needed.

March 13 (Sat.), 8am2pmHagg LakeJoin leader Stefan Schlick for a day at Hagg Lake inWashington County. Well target wintering waterfowl andsongbirds. Meet at 8am at the food mart at the corner ofOld Hwy 49 & Scoggins Valley Rd. Directions: From ForestGrove, take Hwy 47 south past Dilley and turn right (west)at the sign for Hagg Lake. The mart is about 1mi down theroad, a few miles before you enter the park. Dress for theweather, beginners welcome!No sign-up needed.

March 18 (Thu.),9amNoonFernhill Wetlands

Join us for a look at the wintering waterfowl, raptors, andsparrows. Join leader Se Carr at the Fernhill parking lot,200 yards south of the RR tracks. Dress for the weather. For

more information contact Sueat [email protected] or503-649-3360.No sign-up needed.

March 27 (Sat.),8am11amFernhill WetlandsJoin leader Dog Robbersonfor a stroll around these exten-sive wetlands searching for avariety of waterfowl and rap-

tors. Meet Doug at 8am at theFernhill parking lot. Take TVHwy west through Hillsboroand Cornelius to the intersec-tion with Hwy 47. Left on Hwy

47 for about 0.6 miles, then turn left (south) on Fern HillRd. Parking lot is on left shortly after crossing RR tracks.Bring binoculars, dress for weather, trail may be muddy.Beginners welcome!No sign-up needed.

March 27 (Sat.), 1pm3:30pmEcoroof Tour of SouthWaterfrontJoin Audubon Conservation Director Bob Sallinger,Mike Hock of the Urban Greenspace Institute, and

City of Portland ecoroof guru Tom Liptan for a tour ofSouth Waterfront ecoroofs, green stormwater facilities,and greenways. The new South Waterfront Developmentincludes more than four acres of ecoroofs and many otherstate-of-the-art green stormwater innovations. As an addedbonus, there will be great views from on high of the GreatBlue Herons at nearby Ross Island as they go through theirnest-building and courtship rituals. This event is part ofEcoroof Month (see cover article).Fee: $8 per person, $12 per family.Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic (if you dont have internet access, call 503-292-6855 ext.112); directions will be sent to registrants.

Beginning with this issue you will nd all of ourField Trips, Magpies, and Wild in the City offeringsunder a new heading: Adbon Otings

Wild in the City & Beyond. Listings of all the offeringsare chronological. Explanatory icons indicate moreinformation.

= Weekday birding starting

later, going slower, with

restrooms in sight

= Sign-up needed

= Fee involved

= Wheelchair

accessible

Introducing Audubon Outings Wild in the City & Beyond

H

$

TogetherGreen Day volunteers, January 30, 2010. Tom Costello

H

H

Tom Liptan on Portland Building Ecoroof. Mike Houck

Osprey nest at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Mike Houck

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2 MARCH 2010 www.audubonportland.org


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MARCH Calendar o Events

The Audubon Society of Portland is a member of Earth Share of Oregon. For moreinformation, contact Earth Share of Oregon at 503-223-9015 or on the web atwww.earthshare-oregon.org.

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MON TUE WEDSUN FRI SATTHUR

Note: An lcrnic vrsin f his issu and pas Warblers is availabl n ur wbsi, www.audubnprland.rg/abu/nwslr

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28Bginning BirdingFild trip, 8am (sJan/Fb Warbler)

Bginning BirdingFild trip, 8am (sJan/Fb Warbler)

Blugrass Liv Music Jam12:30pm Hrn Hall

Magpis visi JacksnBm Wlands,9am (p.2)

Naur Nigh:Ascnding h Gians,7pm Hrn Hall (p.3)

Marsh Birds, Hrns,and Rails Class, 7pm(p.7)

Sparrws and ohrLBJs in Winr Class,7pm (s Jan/FbWarbler)

21

Ciy Hall ecrfPrclamain (p.1)

oaks BmWildlif RfugWalk, 8am (p.2)

Birdrs Nigh7:30pm Hrn Hall

Vancuvr Lak, 8am (p.2)

Family Advnur, 9am (p.12)

Rss Island Paddl, 10am (p.2)

Kids Auhr, 11am1pm (p.12)

SramN opn Hus,3pm (p.3)

Hagg Lak ouing,8am (p.2)

ecrf Prland cninus(p.1)

Sparrws and ohr LBJsFild trip, 9am(s Jan/Fb Warbler)

Frnhill Wlandsouing, 8am (p.2)

M Kids Illusrar,11am1pm (p.12)

ecrf tur f SuhWarfrn, 1pm (p.2)

March 29 (Mon.), 9am4pm

Tillamook Bay, Cape MearesJoin the Magpies for a tri p to Tillamook Bay, CapeMeares, and Netarts Bay. Meet at the McDonalds in NorthPlains (Exit 57) at 9am, or at the Tillamook Safeway, NWcorner of the parking lot at 10:15am. Bring a lunch anddress for the weather. For information callJergen at503-742-2464.No sign-up needed.

March 31 (Wed.),1pm3:30pmDowntown Ecoroof TourJoin international ecoroof expert Dsty Gedge, City ofPortland ecoroof guru Tom Liptan, Audubons BobSallinger. and Urban Greenspaces Institutes Mike Hockfor a tour of downtown Portland ecoroofs and green

stormwater facilities. Get a birds-eye view of Portlandand learn about efforts to restore natural function to evenour most developed landscapes addressing rain whereit falls, increasing the energy efciency of our buildings,reducing urban heat island effects, and promotingbiodiversity. A world-recognized expert on creating wildlifehabitat on rooftops will be along for this trip and will lendhis unique perspective as to how we might create habitatatop Portlands tallest buildings. This event is part ofEcoroof Month (see cover article).Fee: $8 per person, $12 per family.Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic (if you dont have internet access, call 503-292-6855 ext.112); directions will be sent to registrants.

Second Tuesday of the month fromSeptember to May. If you have asuggestion for a Nature Night presentation,contact Catherine at [email protected] or 503-292-6855 ext.129.

NATURE NIghTS

Ascending the GiantsTuesday, March 97pm Heron Hall

Over the last few years, two Oregon-basedarborists, Brian French and Will Koomjain,have climbed and measured champion trees

across the Northwest and around the world. Championtrees have offered Ascending the Giants, a nonprotorganization dedicated to promoting awareness about

champion trees and old growth, a nonconfrontationalapproach for old-growth conservation and advocacy.Pursuing an ongoing series of expeditions, Ascendingthe Giants goal is to raise awareness of the importanceof trees by showcasing champion trees throughphotography, videography, and adventure. Thesepresenters will share their experiences as well as anaward-winning short adventure lm by John Wallerabout a champion trees demise and the groups effort tond its successor.

Co-founders of Ascending the Giants, Brian andWill share over 15 years experience in tree climbingin professional, research, and recreational elds.Focusing on the well-being of mature trees, they arestate coordinators for the O regon Big Tree Registry,which has archived Oregons largest known tree species

since the 1940s. Brian currently serves on the OregonCommunity Trees board,and Will recently returnedfrom a seven-month tripto measure tall conifersin Indonesia and plans tocontinue the expeditionthis year.

Free andopen to the

public!

Scaling an impressiveWestern Red Cedar nearRockaway, Oregon. freesolophotography.com/Sean OConnor

April 3 (Sat.),

9am12:30pmLower JohnsonCreekBike RideJoin Jim Labbe(Urban GreenspacesInstitute) along withMatt Clark and TheresaHntsinger (JohnsonCreek Watershed Council)for a 21-mile bike ride outthe Springwater CorridorTrail to GreshamsLinneman Station andback. Well pedal ourway through the lower

Johnson Creek Watershed, stop at several urban naturalareas along the way, and learn about future opportunities toprotect and enhance the Johnson Creek Watershed. You areresponsible for bringing and maintaining your own bicycle;helmets are absolutely required.Fee: $8 per person, $12 per family.Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/wic (if you dont have internet access, call 503-292-6855 ext.112); directions will be sent to registrants.

$

StreamNet Library Open HouseMarch 6 (Sat.), 3pm5pm729 NE Oregon St., Suite 190

Portland Audubons Board Emeritus, Dave Marshall, has donated his personal collection ofbooks, journals, eld notes, and magazines to the Audubon Society of Portland (see From theDirector in the January/February 2010 Warbler.) Please join us during this open house at theStreamNet Library in celebration of this one-of-a-kind donation.

Spring Break Camps(p.6)

ecrf Prlandbgins (p.1)

Magpis visiFrnhill Wlands,9am (p.2)

Bard Ming,7pm Hrn Hall

tghrGrnevn, 10am4pm(p.8)

Magpis visitillamk Bay &Cap Mars, 9am(p.3)

WildlifCnsrvain Lcura orgn Z, 7pm:ecrfs wih DusyGdg (p.12)

Dwnwn ecrftur, 1pm (p.3)

Bginning Fild Birdingwih Grg Bakr,8am (Jan/Fb Warbler)

Jhnsn Crk Bik Rid,9am (p.2)

Nikn Wknd, 10am& 1pm (p.11)

Male Annas Hummingbird at SouthWaterfront. Mike Houck

$

3MARCH 2010www.audubonportland.org


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Protecting Birds in the Backyard and Beyond

While on leave from Portland Audubon the lastnine months, I have had the opportunity to

meet with some of the leading advocates anddesigners of ecoroofs in Europe. They have includedindividuals on the cutting edge of new designs and policiespromoting biodiverse ecoroofs.

The modern European experience with ecoroofs began inthe 1970s with a primary focus on the benets for urbanaesthetics, energy conservation, and air and water quality.Consequently, Europe has a considerable head start overNorth America in ecoroof design and installation. To putthis into perspective, the table shows estimated squarefootages of ecoroofs in leading European and NorthAmerican Cities.

Many larger European cities are leading the world in ecoroofdesign and construction. Many already have effective incentiveand regulatory programs that encourage and require ecoroofinstallation for new development or redevelopment. This was

most evident in Germany, where some estimate that 10% of allroofs are landscaped. But square footage should not be the solemeasure of ecoroof progressiveness. Some of the most excitingand important innovations in ecoroof design on the Europeancontinent involve rooftop greening to support ora and faunain very dense urban landscapes, including some rare species ofbirds and insects.

Below are descriptions of my visits to London, England andBasel, Switzerland, along with some reections on what thesevisits could mean for the Portland metropolitan region.

Londons DustyGedgeA former street performer andentertainer, Dsty Gedge is nowone of the leading advocates forecoroofs in the United Kingdomand a pioneer in designing andpromoting ecoroofs for urbanbiodiversity. Dustys interest inecoroofs grew out of his work toconserve the rare Black Redstart,a small ground-nesting memberof the thrush family that inhabitsurban areas in England and otherparts of Europe where greenspaceis scarce and healthy natural areasare even scarcer. Many nationaland local laws increasingly requiredevelopers to fully compensate forenvironmental impacts of landdevelopment that otherwise fall on other landowners, the

public at large, and future generations. In the U.K., BlackRedstart habitat is threatened by redevelopment of urbanbrownelds, so biodiverse ecoroofs have become a majorstrategy to conserve and expand their habitat.

Now Dusty is involved in promoting ecoroofs at a numberof levels. These include policy, planning, design, research,and installation of ecoroofs in the U.K. and beyond. Heis the current president of the European Federation ofGreen Roof Associations. Dusty and his collaborators areactively designing and installing ecoroofs on everythingfrom garden sheds to corporate bank towers, including theBarclay Bank tower in Londons Canary Warf.

But I was most inspired by Dustys efforts to educate

and encourage ordinary citizens to installtheir own small-scale residential ecoroofs.

While visiting him in London, I attendeda do-it-yourself workshop he led withecoroof designer and installer John Little.The workshop, held at the Kent WildlifeTrust Headquarters southeast of London,included presentations on the benets ofand technical specications for ecoroofinstallation. Participants were led througha process of constructing a one-square-footecoroof template illustrating basic materialsand design. We also received a free copy ofDusty and JohnsDo It Yourself Guide to Green and LivingRoofs. The inspiring workshop really got folks charged up

to build their own ecoroof. Copies of DustysDIY guide will be available when he speakshere in Portland in late March. See page 12of this Warblerfor details abot Dsty

Gedges ecoroof lectre at the Oregon Zooon March 30.

Stephan Brenneisen ofBasel, SwitzerlandBasel, Switzerland might well be the biodiverseecoroof capital of the world. Swiss ecoroofdesign principles are synonymous withvaried substrate types and depths of thebiodiverse ecoroofs I observed in London.Basel is purportedto have the highest

per-capita area of ecoroof in theworld, in part because the cityhas had local regulations in placefor over a decade that require all

new development to incorporaterooftop landscaping wheretechnically feasible.

Basels progress owes much to theefforts of Stephan Brenneisen,who has been researching,designing, and promoting biodiverse ecoroofs for overa decade. He currently leads the Green Roof Centre ofCompetence at the Zurich University of Applied SciencesWdenswil, where he conducts research and advises on

ecoroof policy and design.

Stephan is actively involvedin rening ecoroof policiesin Swiss and Germanmunicipalities, includingdevelopment standardsthat require ecoroofs where

technically feasible on all new buildings. Most recentlyStephan was instrumental in developing and adoptingBasels new, rst-ever mandate that all ecoroofs incorporatedesign features which support biodiversity.

Stephan leads the Ground-Nesting Birds on Flat Roofs

Project at the University of Applied Sciences Wdenswil,where he and others are investigating a number of ecoroofsin Switzerland as potential breeding sites for NorthernLapwing and Little Ringed Plover. The research focuseson how breeding pairs use ecoroofs, whether young birdssurvive, and how changes in the design of ecoroofs canimprove breeding success.

Stephan took me to a few biodiverse ecoroofs in Basel. Oneexample is the relatively new 376,740-square-foot Stucki

Shopping Center ecoroof (see photo)just installed in September 2009. Thissingle ecoroof is almost the size of all theecoroofs in Portland and was designed tomimic river terrace habitat.

Biodiverse Ecoroofs inPortlandPortland is particularly well positionedto learn from the European experiencewith ecoroofs and the emerging trend ofbiodiverse ecoroofs. Efforts in the UnitedKingdom, Germany, and Switzerland

clearly indicate an ecoroof building boom is possible withthe right public policies in place. These include adequateincentives and regulation to strongly encourage or requireecoroofs on new development where technically feasible.However, we also need local research to help improvedesigns of biodiverse ecoroofs adapted to our uniqueclimate, ora, and fauna. Finally, much will be gainedby providing the inspiration and technical knowledge tosupport ordinary citizens interested in installing biodiverseecoroofs on their homes, garages, and out-buildings.

By investing in and expanding biodiverse ecoroofs inPortland, we can dramatically expand urban habitatdiversity, enrich our local and neotropical bird populations,and help keep nature nearby in our densest neighborhoods.In the process we can also lead North America in theconstruction and design of biodiverse ecoroofs that fosterurban communities where people and wildlife ourishtogether. See Ecoroofs for Wildlife article on page 1of this Warbler, and attend Portlands Ecoroof Monthactivities including Dusty Gedges lecture at the OregonZoo on March 30 (see page 12) to learn more aboutbiodiverse ecoroofs.

Dusty Gedge atop one of his biodiverse ecoroofs in London.Dusty is the leading advocate and spokesperson of ecoroofs inthe United Kingdom, and will be in Portland in March as partof Ecoroof Month. Jim Labbe

Putting Habitat on Rooftopsthe European WayExploring Biodiverse Ecoroofs in the Old World

by Jim Labbe, Urban Conservationist (on leave)

Estimated Square Footage of Ecoroofby City or Metropolitan Region

City/Region Est. Ecoroof Area YearStuttgart, Germany (Region) 10.7 million 2009

Dusseldorf, Germany (Region) 7.86 million 2008

Basel, Switzerland (Region) 7.53 million 2007

London, England (Region) 5.38 million 2009

Chicago, Illinois (City) 534,000 2008

Portland, Oregon (City) 423,000 2009

Vancouver, B.C. (City) 320,000 2008

What is an Ecoroof?

An ecoroof or green roof is intentional rooftop vegetation. We tendto use the term ecoroof in Portland because of our relativelydry and hot summers. An ecoroof can range from thin, at

mats of sedum and grass growing on shallow soils to deep-soiled roofgardens with large shrubs, lawns, and even trees. Most ecoroofs tendtoward low maintenance sedum mats, but a growing trend is to createbiodiverse ecoroofs involving slightly more diverse herbaceous plants onslightly deeper soils, ideally composed of varied materials and depths tomaximize habitat values.

At right are schematic designs of three ecoroof types described inThe Do It Yourself Guide to Green and Living Roofsby Dusty Gedgeand John Little.

The Black Redstart is a rareground-nesting bird in the U.K.that frequents green roofs inurban areas. Livingroofs.org

Northern Lapwing on a Swiss ecoroof. Ernst Roth Dach-Kiebitz

Stephan Brenneisen on the new Stucki Shopping Center ecoroof in Basel,Switzerland. This ecoroof incorporates cobble and gravel substrates meantto mimic floodplain or river terrace habitats. Jim Labbe

Sources: Wolfgang Ansel, City of Dusseldorf, Stephan Brenneisen, Dusty Gedge,Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, City of Portland.



5/12

Wildlie Care Center

Black-billed Magpie! shoted Christopher andAdrian Hinkle in unison. With that lightning-fastidentication at the Columbia Wastewater Treatment

Plant, the Hinkle twins (age 14) won this years Eagle EyeAward for the best bird of the Portland Christmas BirdCount. It was the rst magpie found on the Portland countsince 1972.

The Portland Christmas Bird Count, held Saturday, January2, enjoyed surprisingly good weather and good birding. In all,142 eld observers and 53 feeder watchers tallied a totalof 118 species, just two less than last years all-time record.

The Hinkles had tough competition for the best bird fromJohn Deshler, The Bird Master of Forest Park, who foundtwo Gray Jays and three Northern Pygmy-Owls way outat the NW edge of the count circle. Other good birds weretwo Townsends Solitaires, six Common Ravens, andthe rst-ever-for-the-count Erasian Collared-Doves. Inaddition, many species were found in greater numbers thanever before: 50 Bald Eagles, 5 Red-sholdered Hawks,274 Annas Hmmingbirds, and an astounding 246Winter Wrens, obliterating the old record of 142 found in1942! A summary of the entire history of the Portland CBCcan be found at www.audubonportland.org/local-birding/christmas_count/84yr.

On the other hand, several waterfowl species were scarce:American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, and Green-winged Teal numbers were low. Rby-crowned Kinglet,Varied Thrsh, and Yellow-rmped Warbler numberswere also below recent averages. Despite excellent coverage

Over the last several months the volunteers and staffat the Wildlife Care Center (WCC) have gotten toknow a special bird, Harold the duck. Harold is

a domestic male mallard with a missing right eye. He issociable and actually enjoys being held and petted, andis comfortable with his head tucked under a wing, fast

asleep in the middle of a busy hospital oor. He is the mostfriendly, easygoing duck Ive ever met, and I have met manyducks! Harold also makes us frustrated and sad, becausehe reminds us of the widespread and often unrecognizedproblem of animal abandonment. Like many of theanimals brought to the WCC, he is an abandoned pet thatwas found wandering the streets of Portland.

Unfortunately, many animals that are brought to the WCCeach year are pets that have worn out thei r welcome andhave been set free in urban parks, greenspaces, andwildlife refuges. Many people would probably be surprisedto learn that the act of leaving a domestic animal withoutcontinued care is against the law: Oregon Revised Statte167.340 (an imal abandonment) states that a personcommits the crime of animal abandonment if the personintentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal

negligence leaves a domestic animal at a location withoutproviding minimum care. Animal abandonment is a ClassB misdemeanor punishable by a $2,500 ne and/or sixmonths in jail.

Domestic ducklings and goslings are sold in feed storesevery spring for about $2 each. They are ridiculouslycute and cheap. I have observed people in feed stores

Turn Your Yard into

a Backyard Habitat!Are you thinking about turning your yard into abackyard habitat, but you need some help? The n signup now for the Backyard Habitat Certication Program.We can help provide resources and recommendations tohelp you on your way. Already set to be certied? Great,we would love to come by and get you certied today.

Sign up online at www.adbonportland.org/backyardwildlife/backyardhabitator contactKaren Munday at [email protected] 503-292-6855 ext.122.

Winter Wrens, Annas Hummers Plentiful at CBCby Wink Gross, Compiler, Portland Christmas Bird Count

in Forest Park the past few years, sadly, we have not foundany Ruffed Grouse, which used to be regular.

I want to thank all the eld observers and feeder watcherswho contributed to making this years Portland CBC asuccess. I especially want to thank the area leaders:JohnFitchen, Pat Mller, Lynn Herring, Lori Hennings,Sam Pointer, and Char Corkran, who did all the hardwork organizing the teams and ensuring that everyone hada good time!

Black-billed Magpie. Photo: Dave Menke/USFWS

1996 ............................... 201997 ............................... 14

1998 ............................... 311999 ............................... 312000 ............................... 532001 ............................... 682002 ............................... 38

2003 ............................... 902004 ............................. 130

2005 ............................. 1612006 ............................. 1882007 ............................. 1632008 ............................. 1692009 ............................. 274

Portland CBC Annas Hummingbird counts

Monitors Needed

Volunteer to be a Citizen Scientist! If you want to count Vauxs Swifts at a local roost, or help withdowntown bird window strike surveys, please contact Mary Coolidge at [email protected] 503-292-6855 ext.111. Monitoring is a great way to learn, have fun, and contribute invaluable informationto our understanding of bird health!

Window StrikeReports Sought

Bird Safe Portland surveys will continue this springin an effort to assess the magnitude of bird windowstrikes in our city, a hazard that is estimated to resultin 100 million to 1 billion bird deaths in the U.S. everyyear. We need your reportson locations of dead orinjured birds in the greaterdowntown area that maybe the result of windowstrikes! To report a location,or if you are interested inwalking srvey rotesin this very importantstdy, contact MaryCoolidge at [email protected] or503-292-6855 ext.111.

Harold the Domestic Duckby Kari Jones, WCC Assistant Manager

contemplate purchasing a duckling for their children. Inone case, I asked a father how he would house the adultduck. He simply told me that they could just release theduck when it grows up into the refuge by their house thats what they always do. And here lies the problem.Domestic animals typically are not equipped to survive

in the wild. They dont know what a predator is andhave lost natural fears of people and other animals(many have become accustomed to household pets suchas dogs and cats). They havent been taught how to ndor hunt for food in nature and often starve to deathwithout the familiar food bowl.

If they do survive, domestic ducks and geese aredetrimental to our already stressed ecosystem. Manyof our local parks and natural areas with water features areliterally overrun with non-migratory domestic waterfowl.Unlike wild ducks and geese, domestic waterfowl tendnot to migrate or move from site to site, but rather takeup permanent residence at the sites at which they areabandoned. This leads to overcrowding, which reducesavailable food sources, degrades water quality, and limitsnesting sites. Overcrowding also can lead to unnaturally

aggressive male mating behavior. Desperate mother mallardshave been forced to nest up to a mile away from water. Whenher eggs hatch she has to walk her ducklings back to water,a dangerous journey that often necessitates crossing streetsand highways. The WCC receives hundreds of orphanedducklings each spring because the mother was killed by acar. Overcrowding of ducks and geese also fouls our watersystems and shores, spreads disease and parasites, causesghting, and often results in drake rape during whichmales kill female ducks. This is not a pleasant environmentfor these domesticated animals to be placed into.

The problem isnt limited to waterfowl. Domestic rabbits,doves, peacocks, and turtles are also common victims ofanimal abandonment.

As for the domestic mallard Harold, the staff at the WCC iscurrently seeking a permanent, secure home where he canbe treated like the domestic pet that he is.

What can you do to help:Remember that acquisition of any domestic animal isa lifetime commitment. If you are unable to providecontinued care for an animal, you are responsible to nd it

a new home or adoption facility.

Discourage your childs school from raising animals unlessthey have identied a permanent home for the animals.

Inform anyone you see releasing a pet into the wild that it isan illegal activity.

If you have appropriate facilities for abandoned pet ducksand geese, please let us know. We have ongoing need forhomes for these abandoned animals.

Talk to your friends and help spread the word about therealities of animal abandonment.

Golden-crowned Kinglet Mary Coolidge

Harold (right) with another domestic duck. Wildlife Care Center



6/12

Educational Trips & Tours These trips are popular. We recommendthat you book early.

Spend ve days exploringSteens Mountain, one ofthe most spectacular natural

areas in Oregon and adjacent tothe Malheur National WildlifeRefuge, an Oregon ImportantBird Area. Study the botanicaland bird life of the high desertenvironment. At Steens East Rimoverlook well scan for the rareBlack Rosy-Finch, and if werelucky well look down on the backsof soaring Golden Eagles andPrairie Falcons from our vantagepoint a dizzying vertical mileabove the Alvord Desert. Uniqueplants we may nd include rarespecies of Spring Beaty (Sierran

and Alpine) and SteersheadBleeding Heart at Fish Lake.Along the way well search forlarger animals like Bighorn Sheep and Pronghorn. Visits to MalheurNWR and Alvord Desert locales provide a chance to observe a variety ofbreeding birds.

What is included: Van transportation to and from Portland, 4 nights lodging at the

charming Frenchglen Hotel, breakfasts, lunches, and eld instruction. Dinners are not

included. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society of

Portland.

Fee: $645 members / $695 non-members (based on double occupancy)Grop size: 914 participantsLeader: Steve EngelContact Steve at [email protected] or 971-222-6119.

Steens Mountain Thistle. Christopher Christie

July 2125, 2010

Wildflowers and Birds of

Steens Mountain

Join the Audubon Society of Portlands Dan van den Broek, School of Birding Educator, on ajourney to the islands that Darwin made famous with his historic work, The Origin of Species. See foryourself the many nch species that inspired his theories of adaptation and evolution. Those who

make this journey will experience wildlife as they never have before fearless of humans because largeland predators never evolved here.

While on the Islands we should see a greatnumber of the endemic birds includingGalapagos Hawk, Galapagos Dove,Galapagos Mockingbird, and GalapagosFlycatcher, as well as the famousGalapagos nches. Marine Iganas, LandIganas, Galapagos Fr Seals, and theGalapagos Tortoise that also await us.

Well stay 4 nights on a small (16-passenger)boat and by day visit Islands such asEspanola, Floreana, and Santa Cruz. Wewill go to seabird colonies where we maysee Ble-footedandNazcaBoobies, Red- billed Tropicbirds, and the endemic Swallow-tailed and Lava Glls. While at sea well watch for

pelagic species such as Elliots Storm-Petrel, Galapagos Shearwater, and Galapagos Petrel, as wellas dolphins and larger whales. Our route will take us to see the Galapagos Pengin, and well haveopportunities to snorkel so that we may experie nce the magnicent reefs that fringe the Islands and theunique life they support.

What is included: All lodging, all ground and sea transportation, all meals except some dinners, guide fees, and the

internal round-trip airfare from the city of Quito, Ecuador, to the Galapagos. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible

contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland. Airfare from U.S. to Ecuador and return is not included.

Fee(doble occpancy): $3295 members / $3595 non-membersDeposit: $1600 required to secure your place on the tripGrop Size: 14Leader: Dan van den Broek

If you would like more information or to register for this trip, please contact Dan van den Broek [email protected] or 971-222-6105.

Galapagos IslandsSeptember 30October 6, 2010

Galapagos Tortoise Dan van den Broek

4 spacesstill available!

Malheur ForayOur annual foray to visit the world-class Malheur National WildlifeRefuge still has some spaces open!Dates: May 2631Fee: $645 members / $695 non-membersLeader: Steve RobertsonVisit our website for trip description.

A few spaces may still remainin these 2010 trips:

Bird the Badlands: June 310

Birding in the Basin: June 2327

Australia: November 620

Tasmania: November 2028

Visit our website for trip descriptions.

Spring Break Camp 2010at the Audubon Society of Portland

Our new online registration allows you to ll out a registration form and pay instantly with a credit card or e-check.Just go to the Spring Break Camp page at www.audubonportland.org and click on the Register Now link. Questions?Call Sarah Swanson, Camp Director, at 971-222-6120. Most Spring Break Camps rn from 9am to 4pm.

Visit us at

www.audubonportland.orgfor more information!

Monday, March 22 Tuesday, March 23 Wednesday, March 24 Thursday, March 25 Friday, March 26

Lesser Scaup Steve Berliner

Bird

Buddies

2nd3rd gradeFee: $60member /

$70non-member

Clack Attack: Hiking

the Clackamas4th6th gradeFee: $70member /

$80non-member

Amphibians

Ahoy!

1st3rd gradeFee: $60member /

$70non-member

Salmon

Search3rd5th gradeFee: $70member /

$80non-member

Forest

Detectives


$70non-member

Animal Behavior:

Great Blue Herons3rd5th gradeFee: $70member /

$80non-member

Tim and Ians Mission Impossible

(Overnight Wednesday night)5th8th gradesFee: $130member / $150non-member

Wednesday, March 24 Thursday, March 25

Junior Wildlife

Vet 101


$70non-member

Surfs Up

4th8th gradeFee: $70member /

$80non-member

Mysterious

Mammals


$70non-member

Junior Wildlife

Vet 1024th5th gradeFee: $60member /

$70non-member



7/12

Trips & ClassesHOW TO REGISTER

Contact: Steve Engel, AdultEducation Coordinator

Email: [email protected]: 971-222-6119

Credit Card Payment: We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.A 3% processing fee is added to each transaction. Include card number,expiration date, and billing address, or call Steve Engel and pay overthe phone.

Adult Classes1.NEW register and pay online! Visit classdescription on our website.2. OR contact Steve Engel via phone or email to beput on the roster, then make your payment as soon as heconrms availability. Only your payment holds your spot.3. Mail yor check payable to Audubon Society ofPortland or call with your credit card information.

Educational Trips & Tours1. Phone or email to reqest a registrationpacket for the trips of interest.2. Complete and sign the Registration /Waiver Form and return it with thereqired deposit.3. Well contact you w ith confirmation ofpayment and frther details.

Mail: Audubon Society of Portland5151 NW Cornell Rd.Portland, OR 97210

Marsh Birds, Herons, and RailsMarch 16 (Tue.), 7pm9pm in Heron Hall

Wetlands and marshes harbor some of the most uniqueand beautiful birds in Oregon. These include rails, bitterns,herons, and cranes. Tonight local expert Harry Nehls willshare his knowledge of these wonderful birds and theirmarshy habits. Learn about the rare Yellow Rail, the statelySandhill Crane, and many more.

Fee: $10 members / $15 non-membersPre-registration is reqired.This class is FREE for volnteers.

Birding By Ear Resident BirdsApril 5 & 19 (Mon.), 7pm9pm: Classes in HeronHallApril 11, 18, 25 (Sun.), 7am10am: Field Trips

Lara Whittemore offers her popular Birding By Earclass in two formats this year. The April class will focuson learning the songs and vocalizations of our residentbirds such as Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Red-breastedNuthatch, American Robin, and others. This allows you tolearn in a less crowded aural environment and should behelpful for those just exploring birding by ear. A separateclass in May will focus on all the migrant birds who havearrived. See website for more details on Birding by Ear Migrant Birds class.

Fee: $75 members / $85 non-membersClass size: 14 participantsParticipants sign up for all 2 classes and 3 eld trips.Pre-registration is reqired.

Hummingbirds: Facts, Flowers &FeedersApril 8 (Thu.), 7pm8:30pm

Learn the most effective ways to attract hummingbirds toyour yard and garden. Local hummingbird expert AbbyCroch will share her tips on the best plants for hummersyear round and the easy and safe approaches to feeding.Her bird-friendly yard has been proled in Sunset Magazineand featured on MetrosNatural Gardens Tour. Classincludes a multi-page handout on plants and fee ders.

Fee: $10 members / $15 non-membersFunds raised by this class support the Wildlife Care Center!This class is FREE for volnteers.

Spring Shorebird MigrationApril 29 (Thu.), 7pm9pm: Class in Heron HallMay 1 (Sat.), all day: Field Trip to Grays Harbor,WA

An evening class focusing on shorebird identication andecology with John Rakestraw on Thursday is followed upwith a trip to the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refugenear Hoquiam, Washington for an all-day Saturday outing.Well explore the many Grays Harbor birding sites duringthe afternoon as the tide is rising, and depart from themain viewing platforms at Bowerman Basin about 4:30pmto arrive back in Portland at sunset.

Fee: $75 members / $95 non-members (transportation

provided by Audubon)Field Trip grop size limited.Class-only option: $10 members / $15 non-membersPre-registration is reqired.

Wildflowers of the MemalooseHillsApril 21 (Wed.), 8am4:30pm

Join wildower enthusiast Angie Moore for a walk in theMemaloose Hills east of Mosier. Spend the day hikingamong the balsamroot discussing Columbia River Gorgegeology, history, and plant identication techniques for theamateur botanist. Plant list provided. Bring your cameras,lunch, and plenty of water; there may be ticks and poisonoak. Participants must be capable of moderate hiking, 46miles, with 700' of elevation gain.

Fee: $25 members / $35 non-membersClass size: 12 participantsPre-registration is reqired.

July

5-9

July

12-16

July

19-23

July

26-30

August

2-6

August

9-13

August

16-20

August

23-27

August 30 -

September 3

= Onsite

Audubon 2010 Summer Camp Schedule

June 28

- July 2

WeeK

10

WeeK9

WeeK8

WeeK5

W

eeK7

WeeK4

WeeK2

WeeK6

WeeK3

WeeK1

Things with

Wings

Animalology

Frogs and

Friends

Tracks and

Snacks

Creepy

Crawlers

Gnome Homes

Hit the Trail

San Juan 2July 26 - Aug 1 Mon-Sun

San Juan 3August 8-13 Sun-Fri

Fire and IceJune 27-July 2 Sun-Fri

Animal

Hospital

Predators of

the Forest

Raptor Rama

Wet and Wild

Creature from theBalch Lagoon

Belize AdventureJuly 6-16 Tues-Fri

= Excursion = Mobile Adventure = Marmot CabinHb v

Backyard Birds

Portlandia

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

b

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

Opal Creek 2

Herpetology

102

Hood to CoastCuisine

Jr. Wildlife Vet 102

Session 2

Stayin AliveOvernight Wed-Fri

NaturePhotography

Sketching from

Nature

Jr. Wildlife Vet 101Session 2

Fire, Sticks

& Stones

Herpetology

103

1st 2nd - 3rd 4th - 5th 6th - 8th 9th - 12thGrades entering:

Wild Art

Adventure


Session 1


Session 3

Water Wonders Art


Session 1

Birdzilla

H

H

H

H

H

H

H H

H

H H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

Nature Detectives


Ways of the AncientsAug 29-Sep 3Sun-Fri

All About Bugs

Herpetology 101

Mega Mammals

Berry BerryFun 1

Destination:Glacier

August 15-21 Sun-Sat

Field Ornithology

San Juan 1July11-16 Sun-Fri

Berry Berry

Fun 2

Hidden HikesOvernight Thurs-Fri

Wild in the City

Opal Creek 1

World of Watercraft

Overnight Thurs-Fri

Forest OdysseyOvernight Thurs-Fri

Register for Summer

Camps today!

You can now register online andpay by credit card or e-check.Go to www.audubonportland.org,then the Summer Camp page andclick Register Now. You may also

register in person at 5151 NWCornell Rd, Portland, OR 97210.Spaces will no longer be savedwithout payment. Questions?Call Sarah Swanson, CampDirector, at 971-222-6120.



8/12

Sanctuaries News

Fifty-nine volunteers helped us mark our l argest yetTogetherGreen volunteer day on S aturday, January 30.We were particularly fortunate to have three of our

long-serving sanctuaries committee members BonnieShoffner, Brian Vaughn, and Kyle Spinks available to

lead crews. Meryl Redisch, our Executive Director, was alsoon hand getting muddy and pulling weeds.

Photos from the 1930s show that the area that is nowour pond had been cleared of its expected forest coverand that grasses and small shrubs dominated. The areais now dominated by a deciduous canopy of Red Alder,Big-leaf Maple, and Black Cottonwood. Eventually theserelatively short-lived tree species will begin to die off, andits important that a healthy understory of native shrubsand conifers be established to allow the natural forestsuccession to occur.

Unfortunately the historical disturbances to this area ofthe Sanctuary have given invasive plants somewhat of anadvantage. So we spent the morning removing invasiveplants from the areas immediately surrounding the pond,

with English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry the primar yfocus. A small but persistent patch of Vinca (Periwinkle)was also removed. This can be thankless, tir ing workbut our volunteers were fantastic, leaving behind somesubstantially large piles of invasives in their wake.

In the afternoon the focus turned to planting. In theweek before the event we had drained the pond to typicalsummer levels so we could access its seasonally wet areas.We planted two species of native wetland grasses in thisarea, Rice Cutgrass and Common Rush. We also pl antedWapato and False Hellebore, which are native perennial

wetland plants. Above the high-water mark we planted RedFlowering Currant, Indian Plum, and Red Osier Dogwood.Together these plants will help establish a vegetatedperimeter around the pond, creating better shelter andhabitat for our resident birds and amphibians. We hadseveral Rough-skinned Newts and a Red-legged Frogexcitedly watching over our work.

Just upland of the pond we planted a small number oftwo shade-tolerant native conifers, Grand Fir and Western

Hemlock. These conifers should slowly grow and thrive inthe understory of the existing deciduous canopy. As theolder maples, alders, and cottonwoods begin to die off, theconifers will establish themselves in the canopy, creatingmore of a mixed conifer/deciduous canopy that you nd inthe rest of our sanctuaries.

We will continue our work in this area at our ne xtTogetherGreen volnteer event on Satrday,March 20, 10am4pm. Please join s for a day ofinvasive plant removal and tree planting, and help uscontinue the success of January 30.

January 30 TogetherGreen Volunteer Day a Big SuccessWork party focuses on restoration in and around our pond

by Tom Costello, Sanctuaries Director

Nature Store Highlights

Hummers are Here!Rufus Hummingbirds are back in townand ready to nest. The hardy AnnasHummers who spent the winter havebeen joined by their snowbird cousins.To welcome them all, the NatureStore has scoured the country for great All-Americanhummingbird feeders to nourish Mom & Pop & all the littleitters. Our choice selection includes Perrys SmokeyMontain Hmmingbird Feeders crafted in PigeonForge, Tenn. They range from a beautiful but affordablewindow-mont for $20 ($18 for members) to an elegantruby-red Rocco doble feeder at $45 ($40.50 formembers). Each handcrafted feeder features solid copper

hangers with colorful brass green leaf and red owerdetails.

A festive line of new hand-painted ceramic hummingbirdfeeders has also arrived from Lone Wolf Pottery inAlbuquerque, New Mexico. These easy-to-maintain drip-free gems are shaped like natural gourds and painted insunny colors to attract the eye of even the most discerninghummer. We also sell Easy Mix Nectar from SongbirdEssentials.

Yikes! Hungry Babies!When feathered folks want to give theirnew offspring a high-protein meal, whatdo they look for? Bgs, bgs, and morebgs! But if the evening hatch leavessomething to be desired, where can they

pick up that quick protein boost? Right attheir friendly neighborhood feeder, if theirfavorite friendly feeder ller (try saying thatwith a mouth full of bugs) has added Mealworms To Goto their offerings. These easy-to-handle tasty treats are100% natral freeze-dried mealworms with a bit of fruitavoring added. You can add a handful to your mixed seed/sunower feeders or put some out a la carte in a little bowl.Yum!

Vegetarian Suet?You bet! The birds may not be vegetarians, but if you are,youll enjoy feeding your backyard friends our new Set ToGo Delight. Instead of a gooey suet cake, our high-energy

recipe comes in easy-to-handle pelletsmade of vegetable oil, wheat our, peanutour, and wheat starch. If you are a purist,avoid the mixes containing mealworms andpick the plain suet or raisin blends. Theywork ne in a mixed seed feeder added to yourfavorite blend or used alone. Or just set them out in a littlebowl and watch them quickly disappe ar.

Now for SomethingEntirely Different:We just rediscovered an old favorite:the beautiful handmade sculptures ofAmerican artist George

Carrth. These lovelypieces are cast in stone foruse indoors or out. Though

Georges studio is located inOhio, he says he gets his b est inspirationswhile enjoying his Pacic Northwest retreaton Orcas Island in the San Juans. He is alsoa frequent visitor to Portland where hisdaughter, Libby Carrth Krock, resides(see Childrens Athor Events on page12). Stop in to see Georges nature-inspired wall plaques and freestandingdesigns as well as the two lovely piecescreated by daughter Libby.

by Nancy Mattson, Nature Store Manager

Audubon SocietyoPortland gratefullyacknowledges these thoughtful gifts:

You can honor a special person with a gift to Audubon Society of Portland.Your gift will help fund a future of inspiring people to love and protectnature. You can make an Honor or Memorial gift online atwww.adbonportland.orgor by calling 971-222-6129. A songbird cardacknowledging your thoughtful gift will be sent to the honoree or family.

In Memory

Dad & PeggyKatherine Babash

Pete & HelenElsa Ostergaard

Rufino the catIgnacio Gonzalez-Reyes &

Stacie Hall

Zoe Arnaut-HullGenevieve Arnaut

Barbara & MichaelCobbAmy Coulter

Mimi EpsteinCarol Herron

Wilma & Rhod FraserNancy Fraser

John HillMichael & Marie Ryan

Mike Houck &Bob Sallinger

Janet Slobin

John ImmonenEric Hildebrand

Skip & Sandi KinsleyLisa Kinsley

Richard & Bonnie LeeChris Schmitt

Brynne AlexandraLarsen

Dan Larsen

John LewisMegan Murray

Martha MayVirginia May

Richard MeekerHenry Kantor

Janice MercureDiana Deshler

Kathleen & RaymondMerritt

Mildred Donoghue

Virginia OliverTerry Oliver

Marty Parker, TessaSt. John, Rachel Wold

Ethan Beckley

Lillian PollensJanet Feldman

Claire PuchyAnn Werner

Ginnie RossRobert Erwin

Barb StrackMarilyn Thamert

Cherry SweeneyBecky & Leonard

Magnuson

Lee & MargieTurlington

Susan Houser

Tuesday morningWCC shiftSusan Dale

Alan BudnerMiriam Bronstein

Barbara Fox Casella

Sue Deutsch

Marshall Goldberg

Janet Guggenheim

Lisa & Lewis Horowitz

Hilary Marcus

Susan Moser

Michael Z &Gloria Borg Olds

David Paulson

Gloria & Alan Russakov

Philip Sower

Amy Weissfeld

Delia & Bill Whitney

Betsy & David Wice

Nathaniel Wice

Lillian & Ben ChinitzRichard Schwartz &

Francine Chinitz

Esther EnyartSandy Tamiesie

Karen GooingRay Saunders

Phronsie RuthMcFarling

John & Chris Boles

LeAnn & Dale Smith

Patricia Stires

Jan MyersWilliam Armes

Fran Daggett

Garnet & Robert Lester

Bertha Saiget

Susan Thurston

Emily Wright

Neil ParleeDonna Talus

Herman DutchSchneider

Becky Helen Short

Mr & Mrs Lynne

Timmermann

Robert Rothrock

Virginia SteveJennifer Klump

Douglas SwansonRoberta Lampert &

James Piper

Naoto TakamotoAnn Takamoto

For Edcation:Laptop computerPowerpoint Projector

For Wildlife Care Center:Science Diet Kitten Growth Aquariums Kiddie PoolsDawn Dishwashing Detergent Welding GlovesCamper/Trailer Untreated Wood: 2x4, 4x4, 4x8

If you can donate these items, please first contact Audubon Society of Portland at503-292-6855 ext.102, MonFri, to arrange a time for delivery/pick-up.

Thank youto:Wish List & Thank yous Our Wish List: David Copeland for a collection of 85 eld guides Ginnie Ross for a blender for the Wildlife Care Center James Davis & Sally Loomis for a re frigerator Alan Locklear for 2 jugs of bleach & 1 jug of

detergent for the Care Center Anita Van Koch for various dishes donated to the

Wildlife Care Center Gretta Grimala for a 50' water coil hose

For Sanctary:Loppers Hand saws Work glovesWatering wand hose attachment

TogetherGreen volunteers plant nativesat Audubons pond. Tom Costel lo

In Honor



9/12

by Harry NehlsField Notes

The Western Scrb-Jay, American Crow, andStellers Jay are local representatives of the Corvidfamily. They are bold and conspicuous, will eat most

anything, and are quite used to humans. Humans on theother hand either like and enjoy them or consider thempredators and troublemakers. There are many stories onhow ingenious these birds are, but most people know littleabout them.

The Scrub-Jay is a fairly common and widespread residentin the Portland area, but was not always so. At one timeit was fairly common northward in the Willamette Valleyto about Salem and rarely seen north of there, except foran active colony on Sauvie Island that sent wanderersoccasionally to nearby Columbia River bottomlands.

From about 1958 Scrub-Jays began expanding throughoutthe Willamette Valley, becoming fairly common in thePortland area. In recent years they have spread nor thwardand now are increasing in the Puget Sound lowlands, alongthe coast, and through Central Oregon and into CentralWashington.

Scrub-Jays are resident in deciduous woodlands and brushyareas. They are rarely found in coniferous forests. Although

considered a non-migratory species, many gather intoocks each fall and wander extensively. Some of theseocks are sometimes seen away from their regular range.

Conspicuous Corvids Frequent Portland AreaThe Stellers Jay is a bird ofconiferous forests, but often isfound in small conifer groves in cityparks and wooded neighborhoods.They are not as noticeable as theScrub-Jay but can be vociferousat times. They seem attracted tohumans walking in their habitat,often following by ying from treeto tree just overhead. Despite themany habitat changes over theyears, the Stellers Jay seems to maintain a fairly constantresident population. They also gather into ocks at timesand move about the area, and are occasionally seen i ndeciduous or open woodlands.

Crows are the most abundant and widespread of theCorvids. They are open country and woodland birds,but often use thick forests for roosting. Owls and otherbird species often use the large sturdy Crow nest whenvacant. Most everyone knows the Crow and their cawingcalls, which are variable and can be interpreted as to theirmeaning and have been described by scientists. The caw is

The Volunteer of the Month for March happens tobe a team of three volunteers. Ginnie Ross, CarolMitchell, and Irene McIntosh, while serving on the

Volunteer Council, wondered what they could do to helpstaff members and volunteers of Audubons Wildlife CareCenter (WCC). Results of a survey sent to all volunteersshowed many felt they could use more training in theday-to-day operations of the WCC. As a result, this teamcreated a practical and constructive workshop, the Wildlife

Care Center Basics Training Course, for WCC volunteers.Its structured as a refresher course for veteran volunteersand an orientation for those less experienced. The classwas rst offered twice in September 2009. In all, about80% of the Care Centers 65 active volunteers attended.Its set up to be offered three times per year to catch all thenewer volunteers. Reaction from participants has beenoverwhelmingly positive, and a common response to thecourse survey was I wish youd done this sooner!

The WCC Basics Training Course is especially successfuldue to the experience and expertise of the threeinstructors. First and foremost, there is no questiontheyve spent many hours in the WCC. Irene started

Ginnie Ross, Carol Mitchell,and Irene McIntoshby Deb Sheaffer, WCC Operations Manager

volunteering in 1991, Ginnie and Carol in 2005.Together theyve logged over 7,000 hours cleaning cages,treating sick wildlife, and answering wildlife phone calls!

In addition, they each bring their own skills to the team.As a longtime and permitted wil dlife rehabilitator, Irenetouches on the hands-on aspects of volunteering in the CareCenter. In a practical way, she demonstrates safe animalhandling, basic treatments, and feeding. Carol, as a nurse,is able to tackle medical aspects of wildlife rehabilitation.She successfully trains volunteers on medications andinjections, duties not everyone is comfortable with.

Before retiring, Ginnie worked in education. She startedher profession teaching and later in her career became alabor relations consultant for schools. Her backgroundshows in her ability to keep the volunteers engaged and

the most recognized, but Crows give a wi de varietyof calls that do not resemble the familiar cawing.

Though always fairly common and widespread,starting about 1971 people began noticing a sharpincrease in Crow numbers in the Portland area.Neighborhood Crows soon recognize local humanresidents and become trusting. The late afternoonights toward their evening roosts are oftenconspicuous and attract attention.

Recently a fourth Corvid species has become fairlyregular in the Portland metro area. Common Ravensare uncommon residents in the foothills of the Coast andCascade Mountains, with some wandering into nearbylowlands. They are fairly common in winter in the southernWillamette Valley but not farther north . The 2006 PortlandChristmas Count recorded two Ravens, the rst in manyyears. The next summer up to ve could be seen on SauvieIsland. Since then they have b ecome fairly regular at SauvieIsland, Ridgeeld NWR, and Portlands Forest Park. OnApril 30, 2008, Jeff Schwilk found a Ravens nest near thenorthern edge of Forest Park.

SightingsThis year the Willamette Valley seems to be an ideal p lacefor birds to spend the winter, including some unexpectedspecies. On the December 26 Forest Grove ChristmasCount, Bob Stites, Pamela Johnston, and Ed McVickerfound a bright Hooded Oriole coming to a hummingbirdfeeder in Gaston. It remained into February. Scott Murrayspotted a Common Redpoll at Hagg Lake, and LarsNorgren saw a possible Arctic Loon on the lake.

On the January 2 Portland Count, John Deshler foundtwo Gray Jays in Forest Park. Six Ravens were countedalong with a Black-billed Magpie spotted by Adrian andChristopher Hinkle. This count also recorded 274 AnnasHmmingbirds.

On December 3 Bob Flores reported eight Cinnamon Tealat Ridgeeld NWR. Don Coggswell saw three in ScappooseBottoms January 8. Rie Luft reported a male Ble-wingedTeal near Ross Island, and Chris Peckler saw one January27 at the Fernhill Wetlands. Jim Danzenbaker reported aBewicks Tndra Swan at Ridgeeld NWR December 22. Aock of 11 Trmpeter Swans were at Ridgeeld January 7.

Wilson Cady and Eric Bjorkman reported a RstyBlackbird near Vancouver Lake December 27. Bob Floresreported two Short-billed Dowitchers at RidgeeldJanuary 11.

On January 21 Jeff Young spotted a Brant among aCackling Goose ock in Bethany Wetlands Park northof Beaverton. On January 12 Stefan Schlick counted 259Canvasbacks in Jackson Bottom Wetlands, and a TreeSwallow was there December 21. Lars Norgren reported

three Black-crowned Night-Herons at Fernhill Wetlandsafter dark January 9, and Rie Luft saw a Tree Sparrow atFernhill December 27. Adrian and Christopher Hinkle sawone on Sauvie Island January 16.

On December 6 Garrett Gregor saw a Clay-coloredSparrow in the St. Johns neighborhood. Dave Helzerreports that about 40 Erasian Collared-Doves areregularly coming to a grain elevator near Kelley Point Parkin North Portland. Part of that group was seen on thePortland Count. On December 23 a Great Gray Owl wasphotographed along Gresham Butte Trail in Gresham.

Thank You, Laura!by Steve Engel, Adult EducationCoordinator

For the last eight years, Portland Audubon andits members have enjoyed the good fortune ofexperiencing Lara Whittemores enthusiasm

and dedication to making birdwatching available toeveryone. On top of teaching her ever-popular classesin beginning birding and birding by ear, holding down

a full-time job with the Backyard Bird Shop, and doingher own thing, Laura has also found time to coordinateour Field Trip offerings. These free outings, severaleach month, are open to Audubon members and thepublic and led by a crew of equally dedicated andenthusiastic volunteer trip leaders.

We want to say a big Thank You! to Laura for her timeand energy over all these years and the numerousoutings she helped get off the ground and into the eld.We wish her the best in whatever new endeavors shetakes up in her free time. Good birding to you, Laura!

Hooded Oriole Linda Tanner

Volunteers of the Month:

Irene moving a sick (and heavy)beaver in the Wildlife CareCenter. WCC staff

Carol volunteering at last yearsNight Flight Halloween event. Deanna Sawtelle

Ginnie handling Jack Sparrowhawk, the AmericanKestrel, at the 2009 Migratory Bird Festival. Patricia Buescher

interested, even when going over paperwork and

explaining how Audubons complicated telephonesystem works.

Ginnie, Carol, and Irene are also just great Audubonvolunteers. All three have served on Audubons VolunteerCouncil; all three are on the Wild Animal Rescue Team(WART) and are called on to transport or rescue injuredwildlife. Ginnie and Carol are both Education Birdhandlers, and Irene helps train volunteers on basicwildlife rehabilitation. The list is long, but sufce it tosay all three are tremendous assets to Portland Audubon.Organizing and implementing the WCC training courseonly demonstrates the initiative and time they have givento Portland Audubon. Carol, Ginnie, Irene: Thank Yo!

Western Scrub-Jay Jim Cruce



10/12

Welcome, NewMembers!

Portland Audubon is a force in conservation thanksto its strength in membership, standing togethersince 1902. We appreciate each and every one of our

members and celebrate our membership by welcomingour new members monthly. Thank you for joining ourvibrant and growing community!

Chris & Jim AbramsMichelle AlbertsEbru AlpayJack AppletonZoe Arnaut-HullSarah AustinSara BakerLinda BaptisteRoxy BarnettJim BauerDebbie BeasleyIsabel BeatonEthan BeckleyMark BernhardMike BeznerJosephine Bilbao BourkeGerald & Margaret

Biondi-ChannellCarrie BleiweissHannah Britain-JonesDouglas BrownDan BrulandHeather CampDavid CapolarelloSamuel CarlDarlene & Donald Carlson

Christine CaurantFrank ChestnutEric F. Christenson FamilyLeviticus ColeJim ConnetTimothy CornwallOwen CorserAmy & Brian CoyleDouglas & Katherine CranePatrick CrottyPete DankoCheryl DieterPeter & Leslie DinsdaleLeAnna DolanHolly DornanAndrew DuPontSean DuronDeborah & Dennis EatonRobert C. EhelebeMiles EllenbyKim & Chris ElliottElizabeth Etsey

Steven FallonJanet FeldmanKelli FineJim FisherJed FlodingBarbara L. FlorenceMorelle ForsterAnn GarciaPam & Lee GardinerLaurie GarretsonMary GemmellCary & Roberta GluesenkampJay & Alison GravesAnne & Michael GreenGregg GudmunsonDenise HareShawna HartungGreg & Gale HawesLynn HaydenJenny HelmsRenee HenryEmily Hicks & Nick YorkJaqi HinkleEmily HitchcockNancy HitchinsAnne Hogan & Timothy BrownSheryl HorwitzDon HunterBarbara IsaacsDeborah JacobsenAundre JamesMarjorie JanovePat JanowskiGreg & Ginny JensenLarry Jeter & Sandra RobertsonHannah Kapell &

Lennan Day-ReynoldsLisa & Scott KaplanAndrea KellyThe Keller BoysGurucharan KhalsaLee KlingerDonna Kolberg & Sharon PerigoBarbara KommerAnne & Judd Koppel Conway

Thomas KuhlmanJames LadenAdam & Stacey LakeWade & Stacy LangeLazzara FamilyGina LeichnerWilliam L. LeonardSarah LeoniElla LiebermanJoey LiebermanLori LivingstonJacqueline LoganCharlotte Long

Lora LooneyDeborah LopardoJoseph & Patricia LuckerothDebra LukanRichard G. LynchKatie MapesJanan MarkeeLeslie MartinBruce & Dianne McCammanStephen & Lucinda McCarthyMegan McCloskey & Tony RatelKelly McNieceVictoria McOmieNancy MeyerJeffrey MillerDavis MiracleNora Mullane & David HallbergLaura MullenLisa MumaCelia MurrayMichael MustoAmanda NelsonColin NelsonJohn & Lacie NewcomerK NicholsonScott Nickell

Linda NiedermeyerMarilyn NunemakerMarcia OhlemillerTerry OliverShay ONeilMaxeld Parson-ScherbanVicki PerrettBrennan PetersonSusan PetersonRachelle PishneyAvery PittockRussell & Kimberly PolosonAnne Pope & William GreeneLayne PrestBernardo PrinceNancy PrindleRandy RapaportElliot ReinsteinEileen RicheyKeith RickerPeter RiehlJon & Erin Robertson

Sean RooneyJack RyeMelissa SandozFranklin ScheuHermann SchneiderPeter Schulze & Shauna WhiddenDonna L. SchuurmanRichard Schwartz &

Francine ChinitzChristopher ScottWilliam Scott NessBonita SeubertStephen & Micky ShieldsMarion Shimoda & Paul RickerThe Sibilla FamilyDarren Singer & Jennifer KearsleyMonica SorenPatti SpoonerMarny SpoonsDuane & Susan StanleyRachel StarckLinda SteingraberJoyce StoeckelLee StoneDavid & Michael TaylorMarjorie TaylorMichelle & Barrett TaylorStephen & Elizabeth TeaterCarol M. ThomasJohn ThomasMichael ThomasDavid ThompsonDorrit ThomsenRichard TillPeter TorresKelly TrujilloMarty UmanHolly Van DykCorine Van RadenMartin Hibbert VitzJohn Von SchlegellMike VossAnn WagonerJeff & Christy WebsterRandy Weisberg

Marcia WestlundMark WhitesellLynn WiechmannValen WilcoxDavid WilliamsLisa WillisCheryl WilsonEd WilsonLenore WolfeChristie WrightLisa WrightMichael YatesRebecca A. Youngstrom

If you would like to join us or have any questions aboutmembership, please contact Catherine at [email protected] or 503-292-6855.

Pat Campbell, President

I am a fourth-generation Oregonian and a dedicatedenvironmentalist. In 1973, my husband Joe and I foundedElk Cove Vineyards with the goal of sustainably farmingwithout insecticides. We now farm 150 acres of winegrapes and market our wines in 48 states. In 1998, duringa trial-by-re experience, I went on a Gonzo Birdathon

trip with Portland Audubon. In 2001 Joe and I began oursemi-retirement. We spent the next four winters in Arizona,where I honed my birding skills as an active member ofTucson Audubon. We now live in Portland full time. It hasbeen a privilege to work as a board member with PortlandAudubon. It was exciting to put my business, promotion,and leadership skills to work for this great organization. Iam a member of Portland, Tucson, and National Audubon,The Nature Conservancy, 1000 Friends of Oregon, andFriends of the Columbia Gorge.

Josh Cerra, Vice President

I am an environmental designer and senior ecologist atHerrera Environmental in Portland. With a background inboth science and design, I have focused my career on urbanecological assessment and conservation planning to provideworking, connected spaces for sh and wildlife in cities.These are rapidly evolving elds; to stay abreast, I serve asa steering committee member for the Urban EcosystemResearch Consortium here in Portland and on the EcologicalDesign Center at University of Oregon. Last year I servedan interim appointment on the Board of Directors of theAudubon Society of Portland. I am seeking election thisyear to serve again on the Board, and I am also running as acandidate for Vice President of the Board. As an active birderand volunteer in the community, I would like to expand

my role on the Board of Directors to assist the organizationin promoting sustainable city practices that protect andenhance high-quality habitats in the Portland metro area,while providing access to nature for its citizens.

Wink Gross, Secretary

I have been birding since I was a child, growing up literally

within sight of the Massachusetts Audubon headquarters,where I spent many hours learning to appreciate the naturalworld. After graduating from Harvard and MIT, I pursued acareer in engineering management with Tektronix and MaximIntegrated Products. Now retired, I go birding every day, mostoften in my Portland neighborhood. I have been the compilerof the Portland Christmas Bird Count for the past ve years,during which we have become one of the ten largest countson the continent. Audubon Society of Portland is embarkingon an exciting period of growth and outreach to under-servedneighborhoods. I believe my management skills, both projectand personnel, can help with this effort. I ask for your vote toelect me to a second term as Secretary of the Audubon Societyof Portland. Thank you!

Ken Ivey, Treasurer

Ken has served on Portland Audubons Finance Committeefor the past three years and welcomes the opportunity tocontinue chairing the Committee and serving as BoardTreasurer. A CPA for over 30 years, Ken has helpe dnonprot organizations, including the Lake OswegoRotary and Foundation, Cat Adoption Team, and PortlandCommunity College Foundation at the nance committeeand treasurer level. Kens practice (Ivey, Jacobson &Company, LLC) is located in Lake Oswego.

2010 Board ElectionsBOARD OFFICERS

CANDIDATES FOR 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dan Rohlf

I am interested in joining Audubons board for manyreasons. Conservation and protecting the natural worldare among my most important personal values. I have

been fascinated by the natural world throughout my life,and occupy much of my free time with outdoor pursuits,including birdwatching. I have also dedicated my careerto conservation and environmental education, and havebeen on the environmental law faculty at Lewis and ClarkLaw School for over 20 years. As co-founder and ClinicalDirector of Lewis and Clarks environmental law clinic, Ihave long been active in efforts to protect natural areas andwildlife. I deepl y admire Portland Audubons efforts towardthese same goals, and I see it as one of the most effectiveconservation advocacy organizations in the state.

Kristina Gifford

Kristina has served on the Board since 2006. She is anactive volunteer at Portland Audubon, working a regularshift at the Nature Store, participating on the ConservationCommittee and Birdathon Committee, and helping out

with the Wild Arts Festival. Kristina is a native of the PacicNorthwest, and an environmental and land use planner atHerrera Environmental Consultants in Portland. Kristinastates: I am honored to be on the Board of PortlandAudubon. The staff and volunteers are so talented anddedicated to the mission here. Its just a great organizationto be involved with, and I hope to be involved for manyyears to come.

Barbara Hill

I have served the last three years on the Board of AudubonSociety of Portland and would greatly like to continuemy service to this great organization. During my time

on the Board I chaired the committee that signicantlyupdated and revised Portland Audubons bylaws to makethem more current, relevant, and meaningful for theChapters organization, priorities, and purpose. I have alsovolunteered for a number of fundraising and developmentefforts for the Chapter such as the Wild Arts Festival,Christmas Bird Count, and sponsorship of tables at themembership events at Elk Cove Vineyard. My lifelongcareer as a professional wildlife biologist involved in landmanagement also provides me with experience and skillsthat contribute to the Board and Chapters efforts forwildlife and habitat conservation.

Ron Spencer

Ron is a long-time volunteer who has participated in awide range of activities at Audubon. He has been a Boardmember since 2003, and has served as Board Treasurer.

Ron has also served on the boards of the United Way andTualatin Riverkeepers. Prior to retirement 12 years ago,he was Director of Accounting at Freightliner. Ron states:I will draw on my b usiness and nancial background tohelp guide Audubon in those and other areas. As an activebirder and a strong supporter of Audubons education andconservation programs, I look forward to continuing to bean active and contributing member of Audubons Board.

MEMBERS AT LARGE

If you are a current Audubon Society of Portland member,you are eligible to vote for the organizations ofcersand directors. If you are an Individual Member, you areentitled to one vote per candidate. If you have a FamilyMembership or higher level, you are entitled to two votes

for each of the candidates. You must sign your ballot for itto be counted. Write-in votes will be disregarded.

Members may vote by mail, but we must receive your

ballot by 6:30pm on April 15, 2010. Please mail to:

Board Nominations Committee

5151 NW Cornell Rd

Portland, OR 97210

Members may choose to vote in person at the March

and April Birders Nights or Nature Nights.

2010 Board of Directors Election Ballot

PositionPresident (a) Pat CampbellVice President (a) Josh CerraSecretary (a) Wink GrossTreasurer (a) Ken Ivey

Member (b) Dan Rohlf

Member (b) Kristina Gifford

Member (b) Barbara Hill

Member (b) Ron Spencer

Your Name(please print):

Your Signature:

Membership Level:

Individual (entitled to one vote per candidate)Family or higher (entitled to two votes per candidate)

(a) term ends 2011 (b) term ends 2013



11/12

Important Bird Area o the MonthAlsea Bay

by Mary Coolidge, Assistant Conservation Director

Of the nearly 100 Important Bird Areasin Oregon, 14 are bays and estuaries productive, dynamic, biologically rich

mixing zones of fresh and saltwater ecosystems.Birds abound where this tidally inuenced billowingoccurs, and Alsea Bay is no exception. Encompassing

more than 2,500 acres, this IBA captures a full 5 ofthe 150 birding sites designated along the OregonCoast Birding Trail, boasting high-value habitatfor shorebirds, waterfowl, waders, pelicans, terns,and raptors, as well as elk, deer, river otter, andharbor seals. The estuary has also been identiedas anImportant Aquatic Bird Areato be surveyedas part of the Oregon Coordinated Aquatic BirdMonitoring Program, a joint effort led by KlamathBird Observatory. The areas habitat diversity openwater, exposed mudats, emergent salt marshes, aquaticbeds, and the adjacent Siuslaw National Forest providesoutstanding avian value and associated birdwatchingopportunities.

The Alsea River watershed drains approximately 475

square miles of land, and the estuary it feeds is consideredone of the more pristine estuaries on the Oregon Coast,though a legacy of anthropogenic impacts from logging,overgrazing, overshing, draining and lling of wetlands,chemical pollutants, and diking practices have all takentheir toll. Although Oregon Department of State Landsexercises authority over tidelands with a mandate toconserve water quality for human consumption, wildlife,sh, and aquatic life, it takes collaboration by conservationnonprots, agencies, and private landowners to ensureadequate estuary protection and restoration here.

An Alsea Bay Action Plan was written in 2004 to deneconditions in a bay that has seen a 4060% loss of intertidalhabitat, and to identify conservation issues and set prioritytarget areas. A number of conservation success storiesinitiated by various partners have occurred around Alsea Bay

since the penning of that Action Plan. The Lint Slough wasidentied as a priority, and recent dike and levee removalnow allow for natural (pre-1963) hydrological function ofthe Slough. The Wetlands Conservancy(in cooperation with the Central CoastLand Conservancy, U.S. Fish andWildlife Services Coastal WetlandsConservation Grant Program, andOregon Watershed EnhancementBoard) has acquired 240 acres of high-priority estuarine marsh habitat alongthe Bayview Oxbow, as well as tidalmarshlands and forested uplands alongStarr Creek at the northeast end ofthe bay. The Siuslaw National ForestService has also acquired a signicanttidal marsh parcel along the lower Drift Creek, a priority area

containing some old-growth riparian forest. Restoration inthis watershed goes a long way toward improving avian andsalmonid habitat values in what was once one of the bestcoho salmon spawning rivers in Oregon!

Ornithological SignificanceThe Alsea Bay IBA was nominated primarily for substantialcongregations of Caspian Tern and Brown Pelican,as well as for thousands of migratory shorebirds andwaterfowl. Estuaries along the coast provide feeding andresting areas in spring and fall, relative shelter in winter,

Mark your calendars for this opportunity to meetMike Freiberg, Birding Market Specialistfor Nikon Sport Optics. Mikes job takes him

all over the U.S. teaching bird ID and optics. He will bejoined by Nikon ProStaff representative and PortlandAudubon member Shawneen Finnegan. This will bea rare opportunity to learn from two nationally knownbirding experts. We have three fun events to choose from!

Optics Through a Birders Eyes(10am11am Saturday)

Do you nd optics selection a bit intimidating? There area few key points to know which will increase your skillstenfold. Mike will share his insights into many simple

yet helpful clues that will advance your understanding ofbinoculars and spotting scopes. Hell discuss basics of theselection game that allow the average birder to make acomfortable decision at the purchase counter.

Advanced Optics: Fieldscopes,Digiscoping & More(1pm2pm Saturday)

Ready to move up to a sighting scope? Not completelysatised with your current scope? Curious about

digiscoping and the special equipment it requires?Discover what you really need to know before making amajor scope purchase. Our experts have the answers, sobring along your questions!

Field Birding with the Nikon ProStaff Team(Sunday morning)

Well select a local birding hot spot and carpool for amorning of fun. Youll have the opportunity to learnhow to get the most out of your optics equipment whilecollecting great tips on birding techniques and ID. To

register, contact Nancy Mattson at [email protected] or 503-292-9453.

Stop by the Nature Store to see all ourgreat Nikon optics, including the newlyredesigned Monarch ATB full-sizebinoculars. And remember, PortlandAdbon members always receive a10% discont off reglar prices.

5151 NW Cornell Road Portland, OR 97210503-292-9453 [email protected]

Open 10am6pm Monday through Saturday10am5pm Sunday

PORTLAND AUDUBONS NATURE STORE

and feeding grounds for offshore nesting seabirds inspring and summer. Possible sightings at Alsea Bay arelisted below by season.

October: White-fronted Goose, AmericanWidgeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Dck, Brandts

Cormorant, Doble-crested Cormorant, GreatBle Heron, Great Egret, Belted Kingsher,Common Merganser, Horned Grebe, Merlin, BaldEagle, Black-bellied Plover, Black Trnstone,Least and Western Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs,Dnlin, and Ring-billed, California, and WesternGll.

Winter: Srf Scoter, Northern Pintail,Canvasback, Bfehead, Common Goldeneye, HoodedMerganser, Greater Scap, Red-breasted Merganser,Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Common Loon,Pied-billed and Eared Grebe, American Widgeon,Ring-necked Dck, Pigeon Gillemot, BeltedKingsher.

Spring: Srf Scoter, Greater Scap, Bfehead, PelagicCormorant, Mallard, Common Loon, Western Gll,Osprey, Bald Eagle, Pigeon Gillemot, Common

Merganser, Brown Pelican, GreaterYellowlegs, Black Trnstone, BeltedKingsher, and Eared, Pied-billed, andWestern Grebe.

Summer: Pigeon Gillemot, CommonMrre, Canada Goose, Mallard, Doble-crested Cormorant, Great Ble Heron,Osprey, Least Sandpiper, GreaterYellowlegs, Belted Kingsher, BaldEagle, and Western, Ring-billed, andCalifornia Gll.

If You GoVisit the Oregon Coast Birding Trail website at www.oregoncoastbirding.com for more information on coastalbirding sites, or contact Mary Coolidge at [email protected]. With assistance from the NationalPark ServicesRivers, Trails, and Conservation AssistanceProgram, the Port of Alsea designed the Alsea RiverWater Trail Guide for non-motorized boaters. Informationis available at www.portofalsea.com. Kayak rentals areavailable through the Waldport High School Kayak Shack(541-563-4445).

Staving Off Extinction:

The Lost Bird Projectby Dan Viens

The Lost Bird Project is a collection of strikinglybeautiful sculptures by artist Todd McGrainhonoring the lives and loss of ve extinct birds.

Portland Audubon is working with McGrain to bringthe dramatic installation to Portlands waterfront for asix-month exhibition.

The sculptures include oversized bronze renderings,57 feet tall, of the Passenger Pigeon, CarolinaParakeet, Heath Hen, Great Ak, and LabradorDck.

Its difcult to read stories about extinct birds and not

conclude were missing something by not having thesebirds anymore, McGrain says. He hopes the Lost BirdProject will stave off another extinction, the extinctionof memory.

The Audubon Society of Portland wants to takethe artists vision a step further b y eliminating theextinction of appreciation. Through the tragic storiesof these ve lost birds, Portland Audubon believes wecan cultivate a deeper sense of recognition, obligation,and wonder for the birds we share our world with today.The L

March 2010 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society

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Transcript of March 2010 Warbler Newsletter Portland Audubon Society