s Three Wild Chick al of v ting the Survi a ebr Cel oic c their her or ew f and his cr ondor...
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ON THE WILD SIDE Conserving Native Wildlife and their Habitats FALL 2008 Rising From the Ashes By Kelly Sorenson, VWS Executive Director As most readers already know, last summer’s Basin Complex Fire posed a serious threat to the condor restoration effort. Despite major fire damage to Ventana Wildlife Society’s Condor Sanctuary in Big Sur, we were extremely fortunate overall. Our staff remained safe, and we were able to evacuate all eight condors being held at the Sanctuary before the fire swept through. (For first-hand accounts of that harrowing helicopter rescue by VWS wildlife biologists and the U.S. Coast Guard, see pages 2 and 3). Following the fire, our biggest concern was the fate of the three condor nestlings caught in it’s path. Miraculously, all three (and their parents) were unscathed. Sadly, though, we have not had contact with two wild condors– Condor 278, a six-year-old male, and Condor 377, a three-year-old female. They are now presumed dead as a result of the fire, and they will be greatly missed. As we work quickly to rebuild the Sanctuary facilities, our top priority has been the release pen, which is used to capture and care for wild birds. When that is completed, we will proceed with our annual post-hunting-season capture of the birds to test them for lead poisoning and assess their general health. A brief note on the critical issue of lead poisoning: Within 10 days of the fire starting, the Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act prohibiting the use of lead ammunition went into effect. The law is a big step forward, but it’s important to remember that having this legislation in place doesn’t mean the problem is solved and there is much work yet to be done. In September, four-year-old female Condor 336 died as the result of lead poisoning, despite emergency treatment at the Los Angeles Zoo. Continued on page 4 Possibly the most incredible news emerging after the Basin Complex Fire was the survival of all three wild chicks that we had identified earlier in the season. Soon after the fire, we were able to verify that condors and chicks at the two coastal nest sites made it through, but the status of our third nest (the most remote) was unknown for weeks. This nest site was established by male Condor 199 and his mate Condor 231 just this year, and their chick was the first truly wild-laid and reared chick for the Big Sur flock. This was an enormous milestone for the recovery of the central California Condors and gave us great hope for the future. We were not optimistic after the Celebrating the Survival of Three Wild Chicks By Joe Burnett, VWS Senior Wildlife Biologist On behalf of VWS, I want to sincerely thank all of you who offered financial and volunteer support during the fire and its aftermath. Special thanks go to U.S. Coast Guard pilot Lt. Harry Greene and his crew for their heroic condor rescue and to the Pinnacles Condor Crew. Pinnacles not only housed the rescued birds, but also stepped in to host our Condor Wilderness Camp for teens over the summer. Looking ahead to the coming year, VWS is moving forward with the transformation of our Andrew Molera State Park facility (the barn next to the bird banding lab) into a Discovery Center for visitors. The Center will include interactive, interpretive exhibits and displays that will help visitors understand the work VWS is doing, including the California Condor recovery program, Bald Eagle program, songbird and Monarch Butterfly monitoring, and our habitat restoration activities. We plan to have the Discovery Center completed by Spring 2009, with a Grand Opening planned for May 2 in conjunction with our annual Birdathon. Our first exhibit will be focused on California Condor recovery.
Transcript of s Three Wild Chick al of v ting the Survi a ebr Cel oic c their her or ew f and his cr ondor...
ON
TH
E
WILD SIDEConserving Native Wildlife and their Habitats FALL 2008
Rising From the AshesBy Kelly Sorenson, VWS Executive Director
As most readers already know, last summer’s Basin Complex Fire posed a serious threat to the condor restoration effort. Despite major fi re damage to Ventana Wildlife Society’s Condor Sanctuary in Big Sur, we were extremely fortunate overall. Our staff remained safe, and we were able to evacuate all eight condors being held at the Sanctuary before the fi re swept through. (For fi rst-hand accounts of that harrowing helicopter rescue by VWS wildlife biologists and the U.S. Coast Guard, see pages 2 and 3).
Following the fi re, our biggest concern was the fate of the three condor nestlings caught in it’s path. Miraculously, all three (and their parents) were unscathed. Sadly, though, we have not had contact with two wild condors– Condor 278, a six-year-old male, and Condor 377, a three-year-old female. They are now presumed dead as a result of the fi re, and they will be greatly missed.
As we work quickly to rebuild the Sanctuary facilities, our top priority has been the release pen, which is used to capture and care for wild birds. When that is completed, we will proceed with our annual post-hunting-season capture of the birds to test them for lead poisoning and assess their general health.
A brief note on the critical issue of lead poisoning: Within 10 days of the fi re starting, the Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act prohibiting the use of lead ammunition went into effect. The law is a big step forward, but it’s important to remember that having this legislation in place doesn’t mean the problem is solved and there is much work yet to be done. In September, four-year-old female Condor 336 died as the result of lead poisoning, despite emergency treatment at the Los Angeles Zoo.
Ways to Give to VWSWe wish to extend much appreciation to those who have remembered Ventana Wildlife Society through bequests or by naming Ventana Wildlife Society as a benefi ciary in a life insurance policy or IRA. If you would like to speak with someone about ways you can make a gift to Ventana Wildlife Society, use the enclosed envelope, go to our website, www.ventanaws.org, or call Kelly Sorenson at 831-455-9514.
VWS Contact InfoAdministrative Offi ce:19045 Portola Dr, Ste F1Salinas, California 93908 Toll Free: 877-897-7740Phone: 831-455-9514Fax: 831-455-2846Voice Mail: 831-769-8469Web: www.ventanaws.org
Hours of OperationMonday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Calendar of Events
Sunday, December 14, 2008Sunday, January 11, 2009Sunday, February 15, 2009Condor Viewing Tour 12pm-2pm • $50 per personContact Alena Porte to sign upat [email protected]
Saturday and Sunday,May 2 & 3, 2009VWS Open House9am-3pm• Come visit our new Discovery Center• Learn from biologists on guided nature and bird walks• Visit the bird banding lab• View California Condors• More details will be posted at www.ventanaws.org in early 2009
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 12100% POST CONSUMER FIBER PRINTED ON CERTIFIED PAPER
Continued on page 4
Possibly the most incredible news emerging after the Basin Complex Fire was the survival of all three wild chicks that we had identifi ed earlier in the season. Soon after the fi re, we were able to verify that condors and chicks at the two coastal nest sites made it through, but the status of our third nest (the most remote) was unknown for weeks. This nest site was established by male Condor 199 and his mate Condor 231 just this year, and their chick was the fi rst truly wild-laid and reared chick for the Big Sur fl ock. This was an enormous milestone for the recovery of the central California Condors and gave us great hope for the future. We were not optimistic after the
VWS Merchandisefor the Holidays
Go to www.cafepress.comand search for Ventana Wildlife Society. Choose
from over 35 different designs on over 1,000
products. Designs include California Condors,
chickadees, and Monarch Butterfl ies, and can be found on apparel, mugs, bags, baby items, mouse pads, baseball
caps, clocks, aprons, note cards, buttons, magnets,
stickers, and more. Stock up on your favorite t-shirts or surprise someone special
with a unique gift that helps VWS to conserve native
wildlife and their habitats!
VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY19045 Portola Dr. • Ste. F1 • Salinas, Ca 93908www.ventanaws.org
NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE
PAIDMARINA, CA
93933PERMIT NO. 51
Celebrating the Survival ofThree Wild ChicksBy Joe Burnett, VWS Senior Wildlife Biologist
On behalf of VWS, I want to sincerely thank all of you who offered fi nancial and volunteer support during the fi re and its aftermath. Special thanks go to U.S. Coast Guard pilot Lt. Harry Greene and his crew for their heroic condor rescue and to the Pinnacles Condor Crew. Pinnacles not only housed the rescued birds, but also stepped in to host our Condor Wilderness Camp for teens over the summer.
Looking ahead to the coming year, VWS is moving forward with the transformation of our Andrew Molera State Park facility (the barn next to the bird banding lab) into a Discovery Center for visitors. The Center will include interactive, interpretive exhibits and displays that will help visitors understand the work VWS is doing, including the California Condor recovery program, Bald Eagle program, songbird and Monarch Butterfl y monitoring, and our habitat restoration activities. We plan to have the Discovery Center completed by Spring 2009, with a Grand Opening planned for May 2 in conjunction with our annual Birdathon. Our fi rst exhibit will be focused on California Condor recovery.
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 1 11/18/08 12:21:49 PM
Biologists with the National Park Service at the Pinnacles National Monument transported the eight rescued condors on the last leg of their journey to safety. The seven condor chicks were released to the wild in November 2008.
In This Issue
Rising From the Ashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Celebrating the Survival of Three Wild Chicks . . 1, 4Dramatic Rescue Saves Eight Trapped Condors. . .2Membership Categories and Benefi ts. . . . . . . . . . . .2Remembering the Big Sur Condor Rescue Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Lemonade and Cookies for Condors. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Notes From the Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Bald Eagles Continue to Thrive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4The Condor Emergency Fund: Rebuilding with Your Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Rebuilding the Condor Sanctuary: One Step at a Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5VWS Board & Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Dear Ventana Wildlife Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Summer Program Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Summer Programs Expand – With a Little Help From Our Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . 7VWS’ 2nd Annual Condor Release Auction: Wings Over the World 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Condor 251 has a Special Place in Jeanne Holmquist’s Heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8An Update on the VWS Bird Banding Lab . . . . . . . 9Save the Date: VWS Open House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Thank You to VWS Supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11Ways to Give to VWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12VWS Contact Info. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12VWS Merchandise for the Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Associate $50 - $99 Senior/Student $35 - $49• Quarterly newsletter On the Wild Side • Invitations to hikes and general community lectures• Name listed in the annual report • Early / discounted registration for Natural Science Discovery Camp• Ventana Wildlife Society Logo decal
Friend $100 - $499 • All of the above, plus• Bald Eagle Tour• 3-5/16” x 4-7/8” Wildlife Bronze Plaque ($250 or more)
Sponsor $500 - $999• All of the above, plus• Invitation to Annual Membership Appreciation Reception• 4-5/8” x 8-15/16” Wildlife Bronze Plaque
Steward $1,000 - $4,999• All of the above, plus• 7-5/16” x 9-7/8” Wildlife Bronze Plaque
Leadership Circle $5,000 and above• All of the above, plus• Picnic at exclusive Ventana fi eld station with Executive Director
Adopt-A-Condor Program $50 & above• Receive Associate or Friend membership benefi ts• Personalized certifi cate with Condor Chick photograph
Membership Categories & Benefi ts
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 2 11 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org
On June 22, the Basin Complex fi re was rapidly approaching the VWS Condor Sanctuary in Big Sur. Eight condors–including seven juveniles and our veteran mentor bird Hoi– were trapped in a large aviary directly in the fi re’s path.
We made the decision to go in and evacuate the birds, but with the roads closed and most available helicopters devoted to the fi refi ghting effort, the obstacles seemed overwhelming. A VWS volunteer called the Coast Guard to see if they could provide a helicopter, and amazingly, by late that afternoon, Mike Tyner (VWS wildlife biologist), Henry Boniface (intern biologist) and I were airborne and headed for Big Sur.
However, with just a few hours of daylight left, the biggest challenges were yet to come. As we approached the site, the size and intensity of the fi re were terrifying, with fl ames shooting as high as 100 feet in the air. The closest feasible landing area was about 2 1/2 miles away from the Sanctuary, connected by a steep, rough, dirt road. As we rushed in on foot, we found still another obstacle– a large bay tree blocking the road.
While Mike took the camp ATV and a chainsaw out to clear the tree, Henry and I started trapping the birds and securing them in large dog kennels for transport. We were able to shuttle fi ve birds out with the ATV by the time the helicopter got back from refueling, but they had bad news– the fi re and smoke situation now made this an “extreme
danger zone.” We needed to have the remaining birds ready to go the minute they returned from delivering the fi rst fi ve to Monterey.
And those last three were the toughest– not only because the heat and smoke had cut our normal energy levels in half, but also because the last bird was very clever at eluding us. It took the three of us (plus a bit more aggressive handling than we might ordinarily use) to get her safely into the kennel. To add to the excitement, the ATV was beginning to overheat, at one point cutting out completely.
With Mike driving that last elusive condor up in the ATV– and Henry and I running behind– we squeaked it out just in the nick of time. The smoke had become so thick that the pilots needed their GPS system and night vision goggles to land. The eight birds were delivered safely to the Pinnacles Condor program, where they were released in early November.
The loss of these carefully reared birds would have been a tragic blow to the condor recovery program. I’ve said it many times, but I want to again express our heartfelt gratitude to Coast Guard pilot Lt. Harry Greene and crewmembers Casey Michaelson and Lt. Brad Donaldson– they were incredible and truly carried the day! We also owe a huge “thank you” to our volunteer, Rebecca Dmytryk Titus, who connected us with the Coast Guard helicopter.
Susan Savage Sarah Scheldwacht Jeanne Scheldwacht Louise Schiller Jeremy J Schmutz Jeff Schneider in memory of Barbara NelsonBob and Jeanne Schneider in memory of Barbara NelsonPatsy and Stephen Schulte Eduard Schwan and Jeri Abernathy Shelley Seders Chris and John Selecky Catherine Sesquet Mary Elizabeth Severson in memory of Helen Banks Kiva Silver Joyce Smith and Cheryl VanDeVeer Beverly Solo Kelly and Robyn Sorenson Susan Stockburger in memory of Ginger StockburgerKatherine Strojny Levi Strom Ken Swyt in memory of Thomas ShivelyDavid M Taggart Judi Taylor Scott and Linda Terrill The Stocker Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz CoJean Theisen Cheryl Thiele Richard and Nancy Tietz Billy Timmermeyer Peter Tourrette Diane Trabulsi in memory of Barbara NelsonMark and Katy Travaille Judith Trott Lonni Trykowski and Jerry Eppler Yvonne C Tsai Alex Vago Mary Ann Vasconcellos Bob Vasconcellos Antonia Verleye James von Rittmann Lindsay Wagner Cecile Walters Dr Kerstin Wasson and Bruce Lyon Richard S Weinberg Emory and Matthew Weingart Family Laurie West Roberts and Rick RobertsRichard White Mark R Wieland, M.D. Alex and Bo Wiercigroch Andrew H Williams Susan Williams in memory of Harold L ReadeJean D Wilson Cathryn Santos and Terry Wilson Edward Witten and Chiara R Nappi Nancy Worcester Ken and Mary Wright Linda Yates Rosemarie Yevich in memory of Marie Gafner YevichLinda and Jon York in honor of Moose YorkSusan Zidanic on behalf of Allison Likar
Associate $50 - $99 Maia Adar Dale and Neil Agron Patricia Alexander PhD Christine Allen Margie and Jason Alto Jennifer Anderson Anonymous (29) Anonymous in memory of Barbara NelsonAnonymous in memory of Fannie KaplanRichard and Bonnie Armellini
Alexis Ashby and George Selland Gunes Aybay Nancy Baker Melanie Barnett Eileen and Jeffrey Barnum Evelyn Baron Jason Beckham Ruth Beeve Dick and Linda Beidleman Karen and David Bell Edwina F Bent Casey and Hakan Bergon Patricia Bitner Ann Bjorklund Bruce Bloxom Gail Bower on behalf of of all living condors and wildlife struggling to survive and even more to the PEOPLE like you making it happen and journalists/editors who make the story knownNorma Bramstedt Frances M Brodsky Amelia Brower Clark Brown Mary Burnett Esther Burshtein Steve Campbell Sharen Carey and Hal Latta Roy Carlson Nancy Christensen James Cochran Sr Howard Cohen Ron and Mardo Collins Leland and Ollie Collins Ceclie Cook in memory of Rosie Linda Cruzan Julius and Laurie De Vera Kathleen Denious dedicated to Skylar EhrenstronTim and Christi Doyle Peter J Dunn Joshua Dunn Devorit Elzafon Luise Errol George and Barbara Evans Beverly G Ewoldsen Lisa Fimiani Gary Forbes in honor of Elise Davis and Kevin KeithVeronica Franklin Joanna Frawley TTEE Jana Gable Cynthia Gaya Dennis Geiler John Gensberg James and Patricia Gilchrist in memory of Barbara NelsonMelissa Gjerde Jenny Goddbiff Evan Golder Wendy and Duane Good Charles Goodwin David Gordon Jean Griffi ths Michael, Jyl and Kyle Groves Michael, Laurie and Gabriel Groves Rita Gurz George Haidos Hope and Sandy Hale Celeste Hall Carie Harris Elmer and Cheryl Harris Kathryn A Hart Sheryl Harvey in honor of all condors Colin and Cindi Havert in memory of Barbara NelsonScott and Claudia Hein Peter and Kathy Henney Richard Herder Alison Hermance Cheryl Hines and Charles Deutschman Mary Hoff Terak Hornik Edward Howard Khoi Huynh in honor of Karla Kane Gaile Itami Ron Jackman
June Jaffee Dobie and Ann Jenkins Sue W Johnson Mari Elise Johnson Linda Jones Renee JorgensenSusan Katz Donna and Reed Kirkland Katherine Klein Vinz Koller Wendy Lang Karen Lowell and Jeff Langholz Jerry and Barbara Lawrence Tom Le Duc Jefrey Levy and Pamela Sydney Levy in honor of Ashton ReedSusan A Lewis Barbara T Livingston Lorri Lockwood Jodi Louderback Patricia Lynch Elizabeth and Johan Maartens Ted and Tracy Mandryk Larry R and Marian A Martin James Maughn Maureen McEachen Jim McGrew Nora McKenna Elizabeth McMahon Kathleen McNamara Lauryn Meehl Kenneth Meier and Ynez Johnston BerryJeff Meilahn and Doroth Sotala Sheila Miller James Millington Rod and Anne Mills Holly Minch Marlene Mirassou John S and Ellen R Moir Judy Moody Karin Moore Ann Morgan Trinka Morris Dave and Shirley Newton Elinor Nissley Connie Nissley Shari and Gary Nordell Alex and Kathy Olow Mary Pacey Erin K Parr Stephanie Pass and Ken Kann Marilyn C Perry Deborah Peyton in honor of Alison and Josh PeytonMelanie Piazza Jill Poudrette Lorna Pusateri Sally Rayl Michael and Cindy Reeves JoEllen Rice Ken Riley Elliott and Tey Roberts Francine and Alastair Rodd Holly and Steven Roepke in honor of Betsy Adler’s BirthdayRandel Rogers Vanessa Rogier Maynard B and Olga Jane Rotermund Steven Rovell Allen Royer and Joanna Bowden RoyerIngrid Russell-Wink Suzanne and Art Ruvalcaba-Rosen Lois Sawyer Carol Schaming Gerald and Donna Secundy Susan Setterberg Peggy Ann Shashy Karen and Rami Shihadeh Carissa Shipman Joanne Short Jane Silva Mr and Mrs Silverwood Laura Smith Christine Smith Janet Sporleder Kathleen Stannard Cynthia Staples Susanne Stauss
Dale Studebaker David and Jane Styer Lucile J Taber Dan and Jan Tankersley Nancy Teater Kurt Thams Marilyn H Thomas Mike Thompson Lawrence Thompson Helen Thorngate Duane Titus and Rebecca Dymtryk Titus Francis Toldi Julie Towery in memory of Mal ToweryMaria and Fred Trenary Linda Vallee Rosemary Voong Adam Wachtel in memory of Jeff NormanMary E. and Margaret Wahl Carolina Walbrun Donald and Cynthia Walters Alan Walther Klaus Wannenwetsch Family Beverly Warburton Barbara Watson Yen and Kristofer Weick Mark Werner David Wheeler Jens & Andrea Williford Rain and Steven Wilmoth Carmen Wolff Ann Marie Wood Tim Worley in honor of Elden and Patty HughesDavid Bruce Yolton
In-Kind
Portobello’s A Moveable Feast Adam Licsko Advantage Care Chiropractic Adventures By the Sea Annieglass Anthropologie Asilomar Conference GroundsBayonet/Blackhorse Golf Club BBR, LLP Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant Bill and Adriana Hayward Bill and Joan Freeman Black Bear Diner Bonny Doon Vineyard Bouchee Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club Bruce Mitchell Cafe Stravaganza Cannery Row Co Chalone Vineyard Chapala Mexican RestaurantCharles and Nancy Moss Charley Abildgaard Christopher’s Costco Cruise Ship Holidays Cypress Inn, Carmel by-the-Sea Dave and Elizabeth Monley Decker Studios Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Don Roberson Douglas Steakley Photography Duane Titus and Rebecca Dymtryk Titus Dublin Cyclery Eagle Optics Earthbound Farms El Palomar Monterey Elli’s Great American RestaurantExploratorium Falcon Trading CoFashion StreaksFrom Scratch Restaurant Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park Gloria Chadwick Hahn Estates Heller Estates Homescapes Carmel
Hullaballoo Jack Nadel International Jeremy Dang Karen and Rami Shihadeh Kathryn A Hart Katy’s Place KayakConnection.com Kelly Productions Kenneth Meier and Ynez Johnston Berry KOWA Optimed, Inc. Laguna Seca Golf Ranch Lallapalooza L’Auberge Carmel Linda Kincaid Local Color Loh Shih Hurng Lula’s Chocolates Marita’s Michael Keeran Teaching Professional Michael Sherman Jewelry Designs Monterey Bay Kayaks Monterey Bay Whale Watch Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AmNewman’s Own OrganicsOld Fisherman’s Grotto Pacifi c Gas and Electric Pacifi c Repertory Theatre Pacifi c Tweed Pamela Takegawa Parker-Lusseau Pastries Pasadera Country Club Passionfi sh Pat Areias Sterling Carmel Patagonia Paul Gentry Pebble Beach Company Foundation Peninsula Pure Water Pepe’s Little Napoli Photofl ex Post Ranch Inn Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club Ramon Velazco Rappa’s Restaurant Ridgemark Golf & CC Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Robertson Parkman Rosine’s Restaurant, Inc Sal and Ada Lucido San Francisco Zen Center San Juan Oaks Golf Club Sanctuary Rock Gym Sandbar & Grill Sarah Scheldwacht Sardine FactoryShadowbrook/Crow’s Nest Shakespeare Santa Cruz Sherry Litchfi eld Shirley Nootbaar Shreve & Co Simon Bull Galleries Susan Newcomb Susan Savage Swarovski North America The Bountiful Basket The Grill at Ryan Ranch The Steinbeck House The Western Stage Thomas Juhasz Twin Creeks Golf Course Home of The First Tee of Monterey CoUncommon Grounds Inc Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club Ventana Inn & Spa Whole Foods of Monterey CoWild Bird Center Willy’s Smokehouse
Dramatic Rescue Saves Eight Trapped CondorsBy Joe Burnett, VWS Senior Wildlife Biologist
Due to the number of generous supporters this year, we were unable to list all donations of $50 or less. We thank each and every one of you for your generosity!
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 2 11/18/08 12:22:03 PM
Remembering the Big Sur Condor Rescue MissionBy U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Harry Greene
3 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 10
On the morning of June 22, 2008, U.S. Coast Guard administrative offi cer and helicopter pilot Lt. Harry Greene got the call to help rescue eight condors from the path of the Basin Complex Fire in Big Sur. With his crew, aviation maintenance technician Casey Michaelson and Lt. Brad Donaldson (on loan to the Coast Guard from the Royal Australian Navy), Lt. Greene fl ew VWS wildlife biologists in to rescue the birds. Lt. Greene provided the following highlights of that dramatic rescue.
“By the time all the logistical arrangements were completed, it was nearly 4:00 p.m., with just a few hours of daylight left. We dropped Joe and the other biologists off in Big Sur and headed back to Monterey to refuel. When we returned, fi ve of the birds were in large dog kennels ready to go– but they clearly weren’t going to fi t into the helicopter. Using a little “creative problem solving,” we carefully tilted the crates on end and just barely squeezed them all in.
“As we headed to Monterey with the fi ve condors, Joe and the team went back for the last three birds. But we were getting worried. The sun was nearly down and the smoke was increasing. We were only on the ground in Monterey for 17 minutes, but by the time we got to Big Sur the sun was setting, and our landing site was completely cut off by smoke and lowering fog.
“Our priority at that point was the safety of the biologists; if we couldn’t land, they would have to drive the ATV down below the fog where we could hoist them to safety– which would have meant leaving the remaining birds. Fortunately, we managed to fi nd a clear route in from the south, fl ying low over the ridgeline to land.
$50,000 and Above The David and Lucile Packard FoundationPacifi c Gas and Electric Company Marisla Foundation $25,000 - $49,999 Defenders of Wildlife Harden Foundation Hind Foundation Kinnoull Foundation Margaret C and William R Hearst III Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Fund at the Comm Fndtn of Santa Cruz Co Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation $10,000 - $24,999 Fletcher Bay Foundation George B. Storer Foundation San Diego Zoo The Fund for the Environment of the Community Foundation for Monterey Co The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Nonendowed Donor-Advised Fund at the Comm Fndtn of Santa Cruz CoThe Ruth Smart Foundation Leadership Circle$5,000 and Above
Anonymous Barnet J Segal Charitable TrustBetsy A Collins Fledgling FundJohn “Jack” Glendening Bill and Adriana Hayward Sal and Ada Lucido in memory of Jeff Norman and John CulinValera W Lyles Marcy Morgan Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation Oakland ZooSanta Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Linda Stevens Sylvanus Charitable TrustThe Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society Utah’s Hogle ZooMutsuko and Jason Yamada and Ann Yamada-Gotuaco Steward $1,000 - $4,999
Anonymous Annie Aspell and Jim Stevens Barbara Baldock and Phillip N Butler Richard and Karinne Bauer in memory of Leonore BauerBBR, LLP Big Sur International Marathon Inc Nancy Berry Michael Borck and Kathleen BrannanDavid Brubaker Virdette L Brumm, PhD and Robertson Parkman, PhDCal Poly State University Foundation Nadine and Daniel Clark Sandy Decker and Karen Mortillaro Mark and Erica Dedon Carla and David Garnham Gregory Gieber Golden Gate Parks ConservancySusan Grant and Nory LeBrun Benjamin Curtis (Curt) Harris Jr. Mr and Mrs Sydney P Harrison
Jake and Jerilyn Hesse Craig Heyl in memory of Robert KehoeJeanne Holmquist IBM International Foundation Marcine M Johnson, PhD Hali Jones Sandra “Sandy” Laughlin Zad and Laela Leavy Colleen May and Kerry Burrows Susan Newcomb Shirley Nootbaar Paula Norwood John OdellOregon Zoo James L and Pamela M Patterson Douglas and Nancy Porte Kira, Ian and Ashton Reed Robert Stephens and Julie Packard REI, Inc South Bay Bird Society and West Valley Bird Society Dianna and Richard Stokotelny Frank and Barbara StrehlitzThe Buffett Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey CoThe Harrison Temporary Funds of the Community Foundation for Monterey Co Uncommon Grounds IncUpjohn California Fund Jean and Tim Weiss in honor of Anton SegerstromMarsha M Zelus Sponsor $500 - $999
Anonymous (2) Carol Baird and Alan Harper Ali Barratt Richard J Bertero Blaze Engineering Inc Veronica Bowers Judy Brooke-Green and Mike Green Betsy Buchalter Adler Richard Carlton on behalf of Katharine Dedek and Richard CarltonSandra Clabaugh Robert C and Rita R Colwell Emily Conant Laird Davis in memory of Ken HarrisonWilliam G and Nancy C Doolittle Steven and Fila Evanson Davis and Christine Factor Lt Harry Greene Sarah Hainstock Carl Hewitt Nancy Hoak Martin HurtadoKiwanis Club of Carmel Valley Barbara Lauchlin Barbara Leonard Susan A McCloud Rod and Peggy McMahan Peter and Marcia Morgan Konny Murray Steven R Nakazono Susan Nicholas Tom Nootbaar and Lori Burgarz Cassandra Ohlsen M.D. Cecilia M Placzek Victor and Shayna Selby Janet Shing John Shott Jerry and Cheryl Stidham Danny Thomas Court VanTassell Nancy Vernon Susan Willey Friend $100 - $499 Tom and Nancy Acord Nanci Adams Anne Allen Stephanie and George Almeida in honor of Jim StefanPaul and Maura Anderson
Anonymous in memory of “Blue”, a non-releasable Steller JayAnonymous (24) Anonymous in memory of John Francis LinoAnonymous in honor of Alexis Ashby and George SellandAnonymous in memory of June M GibsonAnonymous in memory of Barbara Nelson (4)Anonymous in memory of Billie ForemanAnonymous in honor of the people who saved the penned condors from the wildfi re Anonymous in memory of Susan M Hall, DVM (2)Anonymous in honor of Janet Shing Noelle Marie Antolin Paul and Joan Armer Black River Audubon SocietyKendra Armer and Chris Dorger Arthur and Barbara Babcock Stephen F Bailey PhD Alan and Sheila Baldridge Christine and David Baldwin Roman and Corinna Barrus Walter Battistella Lew Bauman Joseph P Belli Phil and Ruthann Berck Bennett Berke and Lorna Wallace Sarah Berling Judith Bishop Gene Blattman Margaret J Bohn Per and Eva Borgstrom Arthur Bourdon Jr Susan K Braito Janice Brickell-Martin in honor of Tristan and Elleanor MartinCourtney Broaddus and Chuck BlosziesPatricia L Brown Michael and Mary Burke Kevin Cain Gordon and Elizabeth Ann CampbellCarmel Valley Rotary Linda Caruthers Helene Cavior Jone Chappell Steven and Karin Chase Adam Clark and Laura Bunker Karen Clarke Robert and Phyllis Conlan in memory of Rod KenyonAllison Connor Julie Conrad Erik Coranath in memory of Swampy Jeff Corwin Michelle Croghan Kara and Joseph Cronin Tom and Carolyn Croom John and Barbara Culin Jody Cummings Cypress Garden GuildLynda Daley Rev Paul Danielson Tarasa Davis Judith W Davis Betty De Paoloa Leta Elizabeth Dinkel and Aaron Meyerson in honor of Ashton ReedJim Dodson Robert and Darlene Doorlag Heather Doorlag in honor of Robert and Darlene DoorlagCheryl Drake Karen and Phil Drayer Dianne Driessen in memory of the two lost condorsEdith and Jonathan Eddy Michael and Katherine Esola Marit P Evans in memory of Edward LS Evans
Cindy Ewing Frances M Farina Judy C Field Paul Finnegan Walter Fischler on behalf of Robert Ullman and Danila MehtaDiana Fish Tim Fitzer and Sheila Deaner Anne Fitzgerald’s Class Christina Floyd Cal and Letty FrenchFriends of the Desert Mountains in memory of Barbara Nelson Susan Friedman on behalf of devoted fi eld biologist teamCassandra Gallup-Bridge Jen Gamber Cathy Gamble Sandra J Gant and Michael B Nelson Don and Lu GermanGoodsearch Ashley Gray and Michaela Kiernan Jim and Susan Greene Carol Greenwood Liz Griffi ths and Eric Dechant in honor of Jessica Griffi thsBarbara and James Griffi ths in honor of Jessica Griffi thsBettie Griswold Jean and Larry Haberman Joan and Dave Hadden Stephanie Hall Kathryn Hannay Ruth P Hardisty Dean and Shirley Harmison Frances Harrington Joyce Harris Linda Harris Francisca Hartman-Kok Ruth S Hartmann Arthur W Haseltine Frank and Jo Ellen Hathaway Homer Hayward Gary Hazard Susan Hecht Joan Hero in memory of condor #336 John Aikin Lisa Hoivik Tom and Julie Anne Hopkins Lee and John Hornberger Kennon Hudson Geary Hund in memory of Barbara NelsonCeline Petipas and Peter L Hyllekve-Baker Meredith Ibey Stacey Iverson Roberta M Jaffee Johanna and David JensenJewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Mary and Jerry Kamprath Brandi and Paul Katz Gayle R Kaye Clifford and Michael Kennedy Mary Kenney Gary and Carol Kerbel Kolsky Family John Koostra Jim Kuhfeld Michael and Carolyn Kulakofsky Karl and Annette Kunz Judy Kurtz Denise LaBerteaux and Bruce GarlingerMichael and Corrine Laing Bill and Rhonda Lakatos JT Larson Louie and Edith Law in memory of MuttiJessie Lawson Robert Lelieur and Susan Worden Pam Lichtanski in memory of Frank LichtanskiSusan and Jonah Liebes Lindsay Wildlife Museum Barry and Marie Lipman Susan Littlefi eld-Haines
Patricia Litton and Henry J Ralston Joseph and Marjorie Longo Nancy Loshkajian Anna Lyles Margaret K Maas and Mark T Henze Betty Le Macpherson Kimberly A Madden Karen Madsen Katherine Malengo Phil Markowitz on behalf of Kristy MarkowitzKris Markus and Tim Smith Rev Dr Thomas C Marshall Aerin Martin Jim Mather Donald McAtee Sarah McCloud Wedge John and Sherry McCormick William McCoy Livia McRee and Isaac Stone Donna Meeker Cynthia Meeker Brian and Janalee Melikian Brenda Melton Richard and Judith Meltzer James Metcalf Edward and Terri Middlemiss Keelin Miller Monterey Dunes Natural History Assoc Margaret and Dave Moore Rodger and Linda More Gretchen Mork Jennifer Morris Jeffrey and Jennifer Morris in memory of Ernst EwoldsenAudrey F Morris in honor of the Big Basin Fire fi refi ghters, pilots, and all rescuersJanet Moyer Mr Sarna Lisa Myers Jean Myers Delight Nasatir Daniel Navarro New Academy Canoga Park Susan Newcomb Diana and Howard Nichols Cynthia and Timothy Nolan Brett Odom Ohlone Audubon SocietyJesse Ostrom Loreen Ozaki Nancy Parr Judy Parsons Kristi and Tom Patterson Mary and Mark Paxton Betty N Pemberton Matt Perry George Perry Sally Peterson Bob and Kathy Petty Colleen PhilipsPlacer County Conservation Task Force Jeanne W Pond in memory of Irene WiltonSharon Ponsford Ann Pope Gordon Porter Dan Presser James and Cecilia Quinn Ruth Rachel Dan Rademacher Janet Ragonesi Barbara Rainer Gordon and Kaysea Ray Lawrence Rebhun Robert Reid and Jacquie McManus Jerry and Carole Ritchie Don Roberson, JD and Rita Carratello Mary Jane Roberts Nancy Roberts Bill and Carol Rodgers Larry and Sharon Rogers Lester Rowntree Maggie Rufo Joel and Cynthia Sabenorio James A Sadewhite
Ventana Wildlife Society would like to thank the following individuals, companies, organizations and foundations for their continued support. We could not do it without you. If your name is mispelled or does not appear on this donor list, please accept our sincere apologies and let us know so that we can correct it in the future. October 1, 2007 - October 31, 2008
“The birds were ready to go, and the three biologists were congratulating and high-fi ving each other. We three crew members looked at one another and thought– ‘Wow, they actually think they’re okay now!’ Surrounded on one side by fi re and on the other by smoke and fog, we managed to fl y out to the east and fi nally found a hole in the smoke. Then we were able to come back around south and down to the coast.
“It’s funny, but at the time, not one of the fl ight crew even knew what a California Condor was– and it wasn’t until I told my wife about the rescue that I began to realize the importance of what we had done. It’s great to know we made a difference for these amazing birds.”
Lt. Harry Green, Lt. Brad Donaldson and the U.S. Coast Guard were honored at VWS’ Wings Over the World Event for their heroic rescue of eight condors trapped in the line of the Big Sur Basin Complex fi re.
This summer, when Miles and Michaela Carbaat (ages 6 and 9) heard about the fi re damage to the Ventana Wildlife Society’s Condor Sanctuary, they wanted to do something to help. They decided to open a lemonade and cookie stand near their home in Walnut Creek, on a busy street that’s popular with hikers and bikers headed for nearby Mt. Diablo.
The stand was a huge hit, and over three weekends Miles and Michaela– along with friends Caitlin Kudlik and Jessa Nootbaar– raised $1,000 for the Condor Emergency Fund. We want to thank them for giving up their valuable summer weekends to help
Lemonade and Cookies for Condorsthe condor recovery effort!
The stand not only offered welcome refreshments for thirsty passers-by,but also provided information and photos about VWS, the condor recovery program, and the Basin Complex Fire. Thanks go as well to Miles and Michaela’s mom Silvia Newcomb who checked the accounting, and to grandmother Susie Newcomb, who helped prepare the informational presentations for the stand.
Miles, Michaela, and Jessa were inspired to help the condors after they attended the fall 2007 VWS Wings Over the World Condor
Release Event with their families. It’s never too early to get kids involved in working for the environment!
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 3 11/18/08 12:22:12 PM
fi re, however, as the nest was located in a cavity at the top of a large redwood tree in a remote area that had been completely burned over. Checking on the chick required a helicopter and some serious climbing. I brought in climbers Joseph Brandt and Ivan Hartert from southern California to help me reach the nest and recruited pilot Jim Cheetam to fl y us in on September 2, 2008.
Although the fl ames had reached more than halfway up the 200-foot tree, the nest cavity was located at the top, and looked like it could have survived. After an hour of climbing, Joseph was able to peak into the nest and give us the good news—the chick was alive!
I then climbed up to help radio-tag and vaccinate the chick, which we estimated to be about fi ve months old. It’s unbelievable that the chick survived the heat and smoke exposure of the fi re—truly miraculous. And thanks to Joseph, Ivan, and Jim for their invaluable assistance on this grueling house call!
Celebrating the Survival of Three Wild Chicks Continued from page 1
The change also emphasizes VWS’ organizational commitment to long-term bird monitoring and will hopefully make it easier to raise funds for the work. It is critical that we continue to keep careful tabs on bird populations so we can identify any problems in time to take effective action. Such monitoring can, hopefully, avert the need for intensive recovery efforts such as those required for the California Condors, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons.
The bird banding lab has also had some staffi ng changes in recent months. With the departure of Jessica Griffi ths and Nellie Thorngate this fall, the program has been temporarily short-staffed, but we plan to have a new senior wildlife biologist on board by early 2009 to lead VWS’ bird monitoring efforts and conservation and research contracts. We wish Jess and Nellie the best in their new endeavors! Jess is pursuing a graduate degree and continues to work for VWS as an independent contractor. Nellie has taken a position with the ecological consulting fi rm H.T. Harvey and Associates.
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 4 9 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org
Bald Eagles are once again soaring over Central California, thanks to decades of hard work by conservationists. In 2008, we documented a total of 23 Bald Eagle chicks raised and fl edged in the wild throughout the Central California Coast Region (which includes the counties of Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara). This brings the total of known wild-raised Bald Eagles in the region to 143 since 1995. After a 60-year period that saw no breeding Bald Eagles on the California Central Coast, we now have a thriving, year-round population.
The Bald Eagle population recovery is the result of the banning of DDT use throughout the U.S., strong protection of the birds under the Endangered Species Act, and regional release programs such as the one conducted by Ventana Wildlife Society. In August 2007, Bald Eagles were removed from the Endangered Species List after more than 45 years!
Continuing thanks goes to all of our supporters and the hard work of our team. The success of the Bald Eagle recovery effort provides great hope that we can achieve similar successes with other badly depleted species, including the California Condor.
Bald Eagles Continue to Thrive
One of Ventana Wildlife Society’s core programs is long-term monitoring of migratory songbird populations, conducted through our bird banding lab at Andrew Molera State Park. This work is part of a global effort to collect information on the health and distribution of bird populations and to document the need for conservation measures. The VWS bird banding lab has recently undergone some staffi ng and other changes, so I wanted to bring everyone up to date on their status.
In June 2008, VWS made an organization-wide decision to move toward project names that more directly describe the work VWS does– for example “condor recovery” and “bird banding and songbird monitoring.” Overall, this shift is designed to make our mission and programs clearer to outside audiences– and to hopefully increase our ability to gain support from the public and from foundations and government agencies.
Part of this shift has been a name change for the Big Sur Ornithology Lab (BSOL), which now goes by the more descriptive title of the Ventana Wildlife Society bird banding lab. It has always been diffi cult to explain to potential funders that BSOL was actually a program operated by VWS, and this makes the connection much clearer.
An Update on the VWS Bird Banding LabBy Kelly Sorenson, VWS Executive Director
Starting in 2009, banding will be conducted two to three days a week in spring and fall and two days a week in summer, for a total of 70 days annually. Schedule details will be posted on our website. We invite everybody to come and visit on banding days, and we also hope you will continue to support this important effort.
And although it’s looking a bit ahead, save May 2, 2009, for the annual VWS Birdathon, which will be combined with the Grand Opening of our new Discovery Center at Andrew Molera State Park. Next year’s Birdathon will emphasize our coordinated effort to count as many birds as possible in a 24-hour period.
Collectively, condors live life at a relaxed pace. They spend most of their time idling in treetops, or riding gentle updrafts in slow circles in friendly groups of around eight individuals. Because they are so social, groups of condors routinely meander up, down, and around the Big Sur coast, like they are riding a gigantic carousel. It is no wonder that the offi cial name for a group of condors is a “party.” The biologists on the condor project log many hours documenting this slow social whirl. Occasionally, though, we see behaviors that remind us that condor life isn’t always a party and these giants are not always gentle.
Our adult condors are now beginning the breeding cycle, which will reach a fever pitch this January. Most of the year, condors are not territorial, but during the breeding season a pair of mated condors will vigorously chase away any intruders from their nest. Our condor fl ock is young, and most of our adults have mated only recently. In some cases, the boundary between one pair’s nesting territory and their neighbor’s is under dispute. Condors who genuinely enjoyed dining on dead sea lion together last month are now grappling viciously in midair, and appear to be earnestly trying to harm one another. It turns out that good fences make good neighbors whatever species you belong to.
Notes From the Field, September 2008By Jessica Koning, VWS Condor Field Biologist
Climber Joseph Brandt prepared the fi ve-month old miracle chick for its fi rst check up and vaccinations. This chick was radio-tagged to monitor its movements due to the remote nest location.
We are happy to report that all three of the chicks have now fl edged. Based on blood samples, we know that the coastal chicks (470 and 475) are both males. However, the redwood chick (477) was way too scrappy for us to take a blood sample, so we’re still waiting to determine that chick’s gender.
SAVE THE DATEMay 2 and 3, 2009Ventana Wildlife Society Open HouseInteractive and educational displays, discovery activities, gift andcoffee shops! Located just inside Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur
- Two dates to choose from: Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, 2009- Lunch will be provided- Fun for the entire family!- More details will be available at www.ventanaws.org, in early 2009.
• 9:00 am - 3:00 pm• Learn from biologists on guided nature & bird walks• Visit the bird banding lab• View California Condors
Come and experience our newDiscovery Center
Contact 831-455-9514 for more information
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 4 11/18/08 12:22:19 PM
5 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org
The highlight of this year’s Wing Over the World (WOW) event was the release of Condor 251 by long-time wildlife supporter and volunteer Jeanne Holmquist. Condor 251 is a seven-and-a-half-
year-old male hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo. He was originally released in Big Sur on December 12, 2002, but was brought in temporarily this spring because he was interfering with a breeding pair. With breeding season over it was time for him to go back to the wild.
After a lively round of bidding for the honor of releasing the bird, Jeanne prevailed, and she was delighted to send Condor 251 on his way.
“It was the most incredible experience! After he left the pen, he hesitated briefl y, then took off and fl ew over to a nearby tree. As he spread his wings the light shown through, and it looked like an archangel was standing there. Then he circled the crowd three or four times as if to say, ‘Thank you for helping me.’ I’ll never forget it.”
Jeanne adds that she has a special affi nity for raptors and the lessons they have to teach us. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to release owls and falcons, and I also worked as a volunteer at the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka.”
Amazingly, Jeanne has a previous connection with Condor 251. When he was originally released in 2002, Jeanne also bid on and won the release opportunity. However, because she had another commitment on the release day, she gave the honors to young Jordan Hall, then a second grader. Jordan did such a great job with the release that he made the front page of the Monterey Herald!
“When I realized it was the same bird, I was very excited,” says Jeanne. “I shouted, ‘That’s my bird! That’s my bird!’ ”
Condor 251 has a Special Place in JeanneHolmquist’s Heart
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 8
A few moments of silence and anticipation were followed by cheers and smiles as California Condor 251 was welcomed back to Big Sur by approximately 100 people on October 18, 2008. Attendees were delighted by the power of Condor 251’s nine-foot wingspan and his beauty as he fl ew along the Big Sur coast. Long-time VWS supporter Jeanne Holmquist was top bidder for the honor of offi cially releasing the bird (see the sidebar on this page for her thoughts on the experience).
The memorable day started with a full champagne brunch by A Moveable Feast and entertainment by Easy Street, featuring Lee Durley. Ventana Wildlife Society presented an award to Assembly Member Pedro Nava for his leadership in writing and passing the Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act, which prohibits the use of lead ammunition in California throughout condor country. A second award was presented to the U.S. Coast Guard for their heroic efforts in rescuing eight condors from the Big Sur Condor
VWS’ 2nd Annual Condor ReleaseAuction: Wings Over the World 2008By Janet Shing, Secretary, VWS Board of Directors
Late summer and fall have been a fl urry of activity as we rush to rebuild key infrastructure at the VWS Big Sur Condor Sanctuary. Miraculously, our main cabin was undamaged, although the fl ames had clearly come within inches of the walls. However the fi re destroyed just about everything else, including our beautiful new holding pen, a large aviary completed less than a year ago. Frustrating! This is where young birds from captive breeding programs are held and socialized before release– and it’s where our seven chicks and Hoi were housed when we rescued them.
The fi rst step was to clean up the fi re debris and replace our solar grid and water system. The next priority was to rebuild the release pen, a smaller aviary that is also used to recapture condors for their annual lead-level testing and to hold any condors that require treatment for lead exposure.
We expect to complete the release pen by Thanksgiving, and soon after we will be able to resume lead testing of the wild fl ock. At the same time, we are in the process of rebuilding (again) the holding pen, and we hope to have the new aviary ready by spring 2009.
Rebuilding the Condor Sanctuary:One Step at a TimeBy Joe Burnett,VWS Senior Wildlife Biologist
This fall Ventana Wildlife Society has been in a race against time to rebuild critical infrastructure damaged by the Basin Complex Fire. The response from around the country has been incredible and, with your help, we will be able maintain the momentum of our condor recovery efforts. This widespread support for VWS reminds us how quickly and generously the conservationist community comes together in times of crisis.
Among the organizations contributing to the Condor Emergency Fund were the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the San Diego Zoo (already partners in condor conservation), as well as REI, Inc. and Mountain Tools. In addition, the donors listed below contributed $1,000 or more, and we want to offer our special thanks for their support. Total contributions received are listed along with all our donors on pages 10 and 11.
Although the rebuilding effort is proceeding well, we still need additional fi nancial contributions to return the VWS condor recovery facilities to their pre-fi re levels and to continue our work building wild condor populations in central California. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership!
The Condor Emergency Fund:Rebuilding with Your Support
With the assistance of volunteers, such as those from the San Francisco Zoo, VWS’ fi re clean up went smoothly and the rebuild was under way by September 2008.
Executive Director Kelly Sorenson and VWS Board of Director Janet Shing gratefully accept a donation check from Ellie Kincaid and Joshua Littlefi eld with REI, Inc. With the community’s generous support, we were able to start immediately on the critical rebuild of the condor sanctuary.
• BBR, LLP• Joyce Harris • Bill and Adriana Hayward • Margaret C and William R Hearst III • Jeanne Holmquist • Colleen May and Kerry Burrows• Shirley Nootbaar • Oakland Zoo• Oregon Zoo• Edward E Penhoet and Camille Stahl Penhoet• REI, Inc.
• Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians• Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation• South Bay Bird Society• The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Nonendowed Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz Co• Linda Stevens • Frank and Barbara Strehlitz • Jean and Tim Weiss • West Valley Bird Society• Marsha M Zelus
Sanctuary just hours before it was engulfed by the Basin Complex Fire on June 22, 2008. John Moir, Santa Cruz author of Return of the Condor, spoke briefl y and eloquently about the plight of the condor and the gallant effort to save and restore this endangered bird.
The Wings Over the World condor release event raises funds to support VWS’ work to restore the California Condor and relies primarily on donations from individuals. Thank you to the volunteer Wings Over the World committee and to all the attendees for their support and generosity! To see more pictures from the event and learn more about how you can help restore condors to wild, visit www.ventanaws.org/wow.
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 5 11/18/08 12:22:26 PM
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 6 7 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org
Ventana Wildlife SocietyBoard & StaffBoard of DirectorsMark Dedon – ChairBarbara Baldock – Vice ChairJanet Shing – SecretaryMarcy Morgan – TreasurerJerry Stidham – Board MemberSanford “Sandy” Decker – Board MemberBrandi Katz – Board MemberVirdette L. Brumm, PhD – Board MemberHeather Doorlag – Board Member
Board of AdvisorsBruce ElliottWilliam Hearst, IIILucinda Jackson, PhDWalt Koenig, PhDAda LucidoSal LucidoTom Mallett, JDBette MayerMichael Murray, DVMJames Roush, DVMRobert StephensMark Stromberg, PhDElizabeth Van Dyke, PhD
Administrative StaffKelly Sorenson – Executive DirectorCathy Keeran – Executive Assistant
Program StaffAlena Porte – Education CoordinatorJoe Burnett – Senior Wildlife BiologistSayre Flannagan – Seasonal Wildlife BiologistJessica Koning – Seasonal Wildlife BiologistMike Tyner – Wildlife Biologist
InstructorsAlyssa Carlson David FoundsMolly HucklebridgeKathleen Lannon
Interns (Oct. 2007 - Oct. 2008)Jordan Bell, Henry Bonifas, Jill Gautreaux, Emily Haber, Wendy Lanier, Kristi Markowitz, Megan Oldfather, Ryan Pottinger,Nerissa Rujanavech, Nora Silber,Brett Stauffer, Sharna Tolfree, Deborah Visco, Patrick Wingo, Sarah Wulff. Volunteers (Oct. 2007 - Oct. 2008)Karen Anderson, Anonymous,Steven Bailey, Ranger Chuck Bancroft,Matt Brady, Tony Bushlow, Christi Doyle,Stan Dryden, Jonathan Gottsche,Kathryn Hannay, Sue Hubbard,Olga Lansdorp, Noah Lyon, Jade Matrone, Cheryl McCormick, Emma Moran,Doug Morin, Joe Morris, Tama Olver,Shelley Parker, Karen Shihadeh,Rami Shihadeh, Richard Ternullo, Ryan Terrill, Roger Wolfe, Barbara Woyt.
Despite last-minute challenges presented by the Big Sur fi re, we successfully expanded our summer youth education programs this year, offering three sessions (six campers each) of the new Condor Wilderness Camp for teens that we piloted last year. We also offered nine sessions of our ever-popular Natural Science Discovery Camp (NSDC), serving 196 young people ages 8 to 12.
But it wasn’t an easy task! With just a few days notice, the fi re forced us to completely relocate the Condor Camp from Andrew Molera State Park and the VWS condor release site to Pinnacles National Monument. We also needed to fi nd a new site for the NSDC overnight campouts at Andrew Molera.
Special thanks go to the Pinnacles Condor Crew for opening their program to our camp on such short notice and to Denise Louie for her assistance with campsites and other logistics. The Big Sur Land Trust also generously provided its Marks Ranch property for the NSDC campouts.
Summer Programs Expand – With a Little Help From Our FriendsBy Alena Porte, VWS Education Coordinator
Condor Wilderness Camp for Teens
The Condor Wilderness Camp offers teens (ages 13 to 18) the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a wildlife fi eld biologist. The Pinnacles Condor program staff were terrifi c, stepping easily into the role of mentors for camp participants and sharing their personal stories and goals. Campers got a crash course in the California Condor recovery effort and learned how to track the birds using radio telemetry. They also participated in a nighttime food placement at the condor feeding area.
Campers also enjoyed some great hikes, including a popular night hike and a spectacular and demanding trip up to the Pinnacles High Peaks. Other highlights included watching two juvenile falcons wheeling and screeching overhead and the Violet-green Swallows that silently skimmed the campground pool– and campers agreed that lunch never tastes better than it does after a long, hot hike!
Each year, through the generous support of the Harden Foundation, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Community Foundation for Monterey, and our other generous supporters, 100 underserved youth attend VWS summer programs at no cost.
Below are a few excerpts from letters we received from Community Partnership for Youth (CPY) campers after they attended a week of camp in summer 2008. CPY is based in Seaside and helps provide a safe place for children to explore and discover their potential. CPY and Ventana Wildlife Society have worked together since 2003.
Dear Ventana Wildlife Society...
Natural Science Discovery Camp (NSDC)
As usual, tide pooling, kayaking, wildlife observation, swimming, and games were at the top of the “favorites” list for participants in the weeklong NSDC program. Parents had high praise as well, with more than 95 percent saying they would defi nitely recommend the program to other parents.
Marks Ranch near Toro Park was a wonderful venue for the overnight campout and offered a change of pace for returning NSDC campers. Early risers were greeted by fl ocks of wild turkeys, and in the evening campers were treated to the screeches and swoops of Barn Owls. According to one astute camper, “Things sound bigger in the dark!”
While exploring condor country, a camper takes a moment to refl ect in the solitude of a wilderness oasis.
THANK YOU to the following organizations andbusinesses that donated goods and services to theVentana Wildlife Society’s 2008 summer programs!
• Whole Foods Market of Monterey• Newman’s Own Organics• Falcon Trading Company, Inc.• Fashion Streaks• Monterey Bay Whale Watch
• Carmel Mission Basilica• California State Parks• Monterey County Regional Parks• Pinnacles National Monument• Big Sur Land Trust
“Thank you for having us at this camp. I enjoyed it very much and hope to come next year. I really enjoyed looking at the stars at night; it was so beautiful.” —Kelly Marquez
“Thank you for giving us an opportunity to go on such a wonderful trip. I learned so much about nature, like what poison oak looks like, and about screech owls.” —Rodolfo Vasquez
“Thank you for taking us kayaking. We saw a lot of jellyfi sh. I also want to thank you for showing a lot of animals to us.” —Edgar Plascencia “Thank you for making this one of the best weeks in my life. I’ve never gone kayaking, but with you guys one of my dreams came true.” —Jeffrey Mata Diaz “I cannot believe I walked the night walk by myself! I was very scared but I made it. Thank you for teaching us about all the different kind of minerals. My favorite thing was going tide pooling with Miss Alena.” —Rosa Zambrano “Thank you for letting us do something that we have never experienced. You have made the best summer of my life.” —Peter Huynh
“Thank you for the wonderful experience. The kids and I really enjoyed every-thing we did this week. You guys run an amazing program, and I look forward to coming back each year. I really appreciate all that you have made possible for the children of CPY.”—Ben Bruce, CPY mentor
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 6 11/18/08 12:22:40 PM
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 6 7 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org
Ventana Wildlife SocietyBoard & StaffBoard of DirectorsMark Dedon – ChairBarbara Baldock – Vice ChairJanet Shing – SecretaryMarcy Morgan – TreasurerJerry Stidham – Board MemberSanford “Sandy” Decker – Board MemberBrandi Katz – Board MemberVirdette L. Brumm, PhD – Board MemberHeather Doorlag – Board Member
Board of AdvisorsBruce ElliottWilliam Hearst, IIILucinda Jackson, PhDWalt Koenig, PhDAda LucidoSal LucidoTom Mallett, JDBette MayerMichael Murray, DVMJames Roush, DVMRobert StephensMark Stromberg, PhDElizabeth Van Dyke, PhD
Administrative StaffKelly Sorenson – Executive DirectorCathy Keeran – Executive Assistant
Program StaffAlena Porte – Education CoordinatorJoe Burnett – Senior Wildlife BiologistSayre Flannagan – Seasonal Wildlife BiologistJessica Koning – Seasonal Wildlife BiologistMike Tyner – Wildlife Biologist
InstructorsAlyssa Carlson David FoundsMolly HucklebridgeKathleen Lannon
Interns (Oct. 2007 - Oct. 2008)Jordan Bell, Henry Bonifas, Jill Gautreaux, Emily Haber, Wendy Lanier, Kristi Markowitz, Megan Oldfather, Ryan Pottinger,Nerissa Rujanavech, Nora Silber,Brett Stauffer, Sharna Tolfree, Deborah Visco, Patrick Wingo, Sarah Wulff. Volunteers (Oct. 2007 - Oct. 2008)Karen Anderson, Anonymous,Steven Bailey, Ranger Chuck Bancroft,Matt Brady, Tony Bushlow, Christi Doyle,Stan Dryden, Jonathan Gottsche,Kathryn Hannay, Sue Hubbard,Olga Lansdorp, Noah Lyon, Jade Matrone, Cheryl McCormick, Emma Moran,Doug Morin, Joe Morris, Tama Olver,Shelley Parker, Karen Shihadeh,Rami Shihadeh, Richard Ternullo, Ryan Terrill, Roger Wolfe, Barbara Woyt.
Despite last-minute challenges presented by the Big Sur fi re, we successfully expanded our summer youth education programs this year, offering three sessions (six campers each) of the new Condor Wilderness Camp for teens that we piloted last year. We also offered nine sessions of our ever-popular Natural Science Discovery Camp (NSDC), serving 196 young people ages 8 to 12.
But it wasn’t an easy task! With just a few days notice, the fi re forced us to completely relocate the Condor Camp from Andrew Molera State Park and the VWS condor release site to Pinnacles National Monument. We also needed to fi nd a new site for the NSDC overnight campouts at Andrew Molera.
Special thanks go to the Pinnacles Condor Crew for opening their program to our camp on such short notice and to Denise Louie for her assistance with campsites and other logistics. The Big Sur Land Trust also generously provided its Marks Ranch property for the NSDC campouts.
Summer Programs Expand – With a Little Help From Our FriendsBy Alena Porte, VWS Education Coordinator
Condor Wilderness Camp for Teens
The Condor Wilderness Camp offers teens (ages 13 to 18) the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a wildlife fi eld biologist. The Pinnacles Condor program staff were terrifi c, stepping easily into the role of mentors for camp participants and sharing their personal stories and goals. Campers got a crash course in the California Condor recovery effort and learned how to track the birds using radio telemetry. They also participated in a nighttime food placement at the condor feeding area.
Campers also enjoyed some great hikes, including a popular night hike and a spectacular and demanding trip up to the Pinnacles High Peaks. Other highlights included watching two juvenile falcons wheeling and screeching overhead and the Violet-green Swallows that silently skimmed the campground pool– and campers agreed that lunch never tastes better than it does after a long, hot hike!
Each year, through the generous support of the Harden Foundation, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Community Foundation for Monterey, and our other generous supporters, 100 underserved youth attend VWS summer programs at no cost.
Below are a few excerpts from letters we received from Community Partnership for Youth (CPY) campers after they attended a week of camp in summer 2008. CPY is based in Seaside and helps provide a safe place for children to explore and discover their potential. CPY and Ventana Wildlife Society have worked together since 2003.
Dear Ventana Wildlife Society...
Natural Science Discovery Camp (NSDC)
As usual, tide pooling, kayaking, wildlife observation, swimming, and games were at the top of the “favorites” list for participants in the weeklong NSDC program. Parents had high praise as well, with more than 95 percent saying they would defi nitely recommend the program to other parents.
Marks Ranch near Toro Park was a wonderful venue for the overnight campout and offered a change of pace for returning NSDC campers. Early risers were greeted by fl ocks of wild turkeys, and in the evening campers were treated to the screeches and swoops of Barn Owls. According to one astute camper, “Things sound bigger in the dark!”
While exploring condor country, a camper takes a moment to refl ect in the solitude of a wilderness oasis.
THANK YOU to the following organizations andbusinesses that donated goods and services to theVentana Wildlife Society’s 2008 summer programs!
• Whole Foods Market of Monterey• Newman’s Own Organics• Falcon Trading Company, Inc.• Fashion Streaks• Monterey Bay Whale Watch
• Carmel Mission Basilica• California State Parks• Monterey County Regional Parks• Pinnacles National Monument• Big Sur Land Trust
“Thank you for having us at this camp. I enjoyed it very much and hope to come next year. I really enjoyed looking at the stars at night; it was so beautiful.” —Kelly Marquez
“Thank you for giving us an opportunity to go on such a wonderful trip. I learned so much about nature, like what poison oak looks like, and about screech owls.” —Rodolfo Vasquez
“Thank you for taking us kayaking. We saw a lot of jellyfi sh. I also want to thank you for showing a lot of animals to us.” —Edgar Plascencia “Thank you for making this one of the best weeks in my life. I’ve never gone kayaking, but with you guys one of my dreams came true.” —Jeffrey Mata Diaz “I cannot believe I walked the night walk by myself! I was very scared but I made it. Thank you for teaching us about all the different kind of minerals. My favorite thing was going tide pooling with Miss Alena.” —Rosa Zambrano “Thank you for letting us do something that we have never experienced. You have made the best summer of my life.” —Peter Huynh
“Thank you for the wonderful experience. The kids and I really enjoyed every-thing we did this week. You guys run an amazing program, and I look forward to coming back each year. I really appreciate all that you have made possible for the children of CPY.”—Ben Bruce, CPY mentor
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 6 11/18/08 12:22:40 PM
5 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org
The highlight of this year’s Wing Over the World (WOW) event was the release of Condor 251 by long-time wildlife supporter and volunteer Jeanne Holmquist. Condor 251 is a seven-and-a-half-
year-old male hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo. He was originally released in Big Sur on December 12, 2002, but was brought in temporarily this spring because he was interfering with a breeding pair. With breeding season over it was time for him to go back to the wild.
After a lively round of bidding for the honor of releasing the bird, Jeanne prevailed, and she was delighted to send Condor 251 on his way.
“It was the most incredible experience! After he left the pen, he hesitated briefl y, then took off and fl ew over to a nearby tree. As he spread his wings the light shown through, and it looked like an archangel was standing there. Then he circled the crowd three or four times as if to say, ‘Thank you for helping me.’ I’ll never forget it.”
Jeanne adds that she has a special affi nity for raptors and the lessons they have to teach us. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to release owls and falcons, and I also worked as a volunteer at the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka.”
Amazingly, Jeanne has a previous connection with Condor 251. When he was originally released in 2002, Jeanne also bid on and won the release opportunity. However, because she had another commitment on the release day, she gave the honors to young Jordan Hall, then a second grader. Jordan did such a great job with the release that he made the front page of the Monterey Herald!
“When I realized it was the same bird, I was very excited,” says Jeanne. “I shouted, ‘That’s my bird! That’s my bird!’ ”
Condor 251 has a Special Place in JeanneHolmquist’s Heart
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 8
A few moments of silence and anticipation were followed by cheers and smiles as California Condor 251 was welcomed back to Big Sur by approximately 100 people on October 18, 2008. Attendees were delighted by the power of Condor 251’s nine-foot wingspan and his beauty as he fl ew along the Big Sur coast. Long-time VWS supporter Jeanne Holmquist was top bidder for the honor of offi cially releasing the bird (see the sidebar on this page for her thoughts on the experience).
The memorable day started with a full champagne brunch by A Moveable Feast and entertainment by Easy Street, featuring Lee Durley. Ventana Wildlife Society presented an award to Assembly Member Pedro Nava for his leadership in writing and passing the Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act, which prohibits the use of lead ammunition in California throughout condor country. A second award was presented to the U.S. Coast Guard for their heroic efforts in rescuing eight condors from the Big Sur Condor
VWS’ 2nd Annual Condor ReleaseAuction: Wings Over the World 2008By Janet Shing, Secretary, VWS Board of Directors
Late summer and fall have been a fl urry of activity as we rush to rebuild key infrastructure at the VWS Big Sur Condor Sanctuary. Miraculously, our main cabin was undamaged, although the fl ames had clearly come within inches of the walls. However the fi re destroyed just about everything else, including our beautiful new holding pen, a large aviary completed less than a year ago. Frustrating! This is where young birds from captive breeding programs are held and socialized before release– and it’s where our seven chicks and Hoi were housed when we rescued them.
The fi rst step was to clean up the fi re debris and replace our solar grid and water system. The next priority was to rebuild the release pen, a smaller aviary that is also used to recapture condors for their annual lead-level testing and to hold any condors that require treatment for lead exposure.
We expect to complete the release pen by Thanksgiving, and soon after we will be able to resume lead testing of the wild fl ock. At the same time, we are in the process of rebuilding (again) the holding pen, and we hope to have the new aviary ready by spring 2009.
Rebuilding the Condor Sanctuary:One Step at a TimeBy Joe Burnett,VWS Senior Wildlife Biologist
This fall Ventana Wildlife Society has been in a race against time to rebuild critical infrastructure damaged by the Basin Complex Fire. The response from around the country has been incredible and, with your help, we will be able maintain the momentum of our condor recovery efforts. This widespread support for VWS reminds us how quickly and generously the conservationist community comes together in times of crisis.
Among the organizations contributing to the Condor Emergency Fund were the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the San Diego Zoo (already partners in condor conservation), as well as REI, Inc. and Mountain Tools. In addition, the donors listed below contributed $1,000 or more, and we want to offer our special thanks for their support. Total contributions received are listed along with all our donors on pages 10 and 11.
Although the rebuilding effort is proceeding well, we still need additional fi nancial contributions to return the VWS condor recovery facilities to their pre-fi re levels and to continue our work building wild condor populations in central California. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership!
The Condor Emergency Fund:Rebuilding with Your Support
With the assistance of volunteers, such as those from the San Francisco Zoo, VWS’ fi re clean up went smoothly and the rebuild was under way by September 2008.
Executive Director Kelly Sorenson and VWS Board of Director Janet Shing gratefully accept a donation check from Ellie Kincaid and Joshua Littlefi eld with REI, Inc. With the community’s generous support, we were able to start immediately on the critical rebuild of the condor sanctuary.
• BBR, LLP• Joyce Harris • Bill and Adriana Hayward • Margaret C and William R Hearst III • Jeanne Holmquist • Colleen May and Kerry Burrows• Shirley Nootbaar • Oakland Zoo• Oregon Zoo• Edward E Penhoet and Camille Stahl Penhoet• REI, Inc.
• Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians• Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation• South Bay Bird Society• The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Nonendowed Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz Co• Linda Stevens • Frank and Barbara Strehlitz • Jean and Tim Weiss • West Valley Bird Society• Marsha M Zelus
Sanctuary just hours before it was engulfed by the Basin Complex Fire on June 22, 2008. John Moir, Santa Cruz author of Return of the Condor, spoke briefl y and eloquently about the plight of the condor and the gallant effort to save and restore this endangered bird.
The Wings Over the World condor release event raises funds to support VWS’ work to restore the California Condor and relies primarily on donations from individuals. Thank you to the volunteer Wings Over the World committee and to all the attendees for their support and generosity! To see more pictures from the event and learn more about how you can help restore condors to wild, visit www.ventanaws.org/wow.
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 5 11/18/08 12:22:26 PM
fi re, however, as the nest was located in a cavity at the top of a large redwood tree in a remote area that had been completely burned over. Checking on the chick required a helicopter and some serious climbing. I brought in climbers Joseph Brandt and Ivan Hartert from southern California to help me reach the nest and recruited pilot Jim Cheetam to fl y us in on September 2, 2008.
Although the fl ames had reached more than halfway up the 200-foot tree, the nest cavity was located at the top, and looked like it could have survived. After an hour of climbing, Joseph was able to peak into the nest and give us the good news—the chick was alive!
I then climbed up to help radio-tag and vaccinate the chick, which we estimated to be about fi ve months old. It’s unbelievable that the chick survived the heat and smoke exposure of the fi re—truly miraculous. And thanks to Joseph, Ivan, and Jim for their invaluable assistance on this grueling house call!
Celebrating the Survival of Three Wild Chicks Continued from page 1
The change also emphasizes VWS’ organizational commitment to long-term bird monitoring and will hopefully make it easier to raise funds for the work. It is critical that we continue to keep careful tabs on bird populations so we can identify any problems in time to take effective action. Such monitoring can, hopefully, avert the need for intensive recovery efforts such as those required for the California Condors, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons.
The bird banding lab has also had some staffi ng changes in recent months. With the departure of Jessica Griffi ths and Nellie Thorngate this fall, the program has been temporarily short-staffed, but we plan to have a new senior wildlife biologist on board by early 2009 to lead VWS’ bird monitoring efforts and conservation and research contracts. We wish Jess and Nellie the best in their new endeavors! Jess is pursuing a graduate degree and continues to work for VWS as an independent contractor. Nellie has taken a position with the ecological consulting fi rm H.T. Harvey and Associates.
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 4 9 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org
Bald Eagles are once again soaring over Central California, thanks to decades of hard work by conservationists. In 2008, we documented a total of 23 Bald Eagle chicks raised and fl edged in the wild throughout the Central California Coast Region (which includes the counties of Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara). This brings the total of known wild-raised Bald Eagles in the region to 143 since 1995. After a 60-year period that saw no breeding Bald Eagles on the California Central Coast, we now have a thriving, year-round population.
The Bald Eagle population recovery is the result of the banning of DDT use throughout the U.S., strong protection of the birds under the Endangered Species Act, and regional release programs such as the one conducted by Ventana Wildlife Society. In August 2007, Bald Eagles were removed from the Endangered Species List after more than 45 years!
Continuing thanks goes to all of our supporters and the hard work of our team. The success of the Bald Eagle recovery effort provides great hope that we can achieve similar successes with other badly depleted species, including the California Condor.
Bald Eagles Continue to Thrive
One of Ventana Wildlife Society’s core programs is long-term monitoring of migratory songbird populations, conducted through our bird banding lab at Andrew Molera State Park. This work is part of a global effort to collect information on the health and distribution of bird populations and to document the need for conservation measures. The VWS bird banding lab has recently undergone some staffi ng and other changes, so I wanted to bring everyone up to date on their status.
In June 2008, VWS made an organization-wide decision to move toward project names that more directly describe the work VWS does– for example “condor recovery” and “bird banding and songbird monitoring.” Overall, this shift is designed to make our mission and programs clearer to outside audiences– and to hopefully increase our ability to gain support from the public and from foundations and government agencies.
Part of this shift has been a name change for the Big Sur Ornithology Lab (BSOL), which now goes by the more descriptive title of the Ventana Wildlife Society bird banding lab. It has always been diffi cult to explain to potential funders that BSOL was actually a program operated by VWS, and this makes the connection much clearer.
An Update on the VWS Bird Banding LabBy Kelly Sorenson, VWS Executive Director
Starting in 2009, banding will be conducted two to three days a week in spring and fall and two days a week in summer, for a total of 70 days annually. Schedule details will be posted on our website. We invite everybody to come and visit on banding days, and we also hope you will continue to support this important effort.
And although it’s looking a bit ahead, save May 2, 2009, for the annual VWS Birdathon, which will be combined with the Grand Opening of our new Discovery Center at Andrew Molera State Park. Next year’s Birdathon will emphasize our coordinated effort to count as many birds as possible in a 24-hour period.
Collectively, condors live life at a relaxed pace. They spend most of their time idling in treetops, or riding gentle updrafts in slow circles in friendly groups of around eight individuals. Because they are so social, groups of condors routinely meander up, down, and around the Big Sur coast, like they are riding a gigantic carousel. It is no wonder that the offi cial name for a group of condors is a “party.” The biologists on the condor project log many hours documenting this slow social whirl. Occasionally, though, we see behaviors that remind us that condor life isn’t always a party and these giants are not always gentle.
Our adult condors are now beginning the breeding cycle, which will reach a fever pitch this January. Most of the year, condors are not territorial, but during the breeding season a pair of mated condors will vigorously chase away any intruders from their nest. Our condor fl ock is young, and most of our adults have mated only recently. In some cases, the boundary between one pair’s nesting territory and their neighbor’s is under dispute. Condors who genuinely enjoyed dining on dead sea lion together last month are now grappling viciously in midair, and appear to be earnestly trying to harm one another. It turns out that good fences make good neighbors whatever species you belong to.
Notes From the Field, September 2008By Jessica Koning, VWS Condor Field Biologist
Climber Joseph Brandt prepared the fi ve-month old miracle chick for its fi rst check up and vaccinations. This chick was radio-tagged to monitor its movements due to the remote nest location.
We are happy to report that all three of the chicks have now fl edged. Based on blood samples, we know that the coastal chicks (470 and 475) are both males. However, the redwood chick (477) was way too scrappy for us to take a blood sample, so we’re still waiting to determine that chick’s gender.
SAVE THE DATEMay 2 and 3, 2009Ventana Wildlife Society Open HouseInteractive and educational displays, discovery activities, gift andcoffee shops! Located just inside Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur
- Two dates to choose from: Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, 2009- Lunch will be provided- Fun for the entire family!- More details will be available at www.ventanaws.org, in early 2009.
• 9:00 am - 3:00 pm• Learn from biologists on guided nature & bird walks• Visit the bird banding lab• View California Condors
Come and experience our newDiscovery Center
Contact 831-455-9514 for more information
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 4 11/18/08 12:22:19 PM
Remembering the Big Sur Condor Rescue MissionBy U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Harry Greene
3 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 10
On the morning of June 22, 2008, U.S. Coast Guard administrative offi cer and helicopter pilot Lt. Harry Greene got the call to help rescue eight condors from the path of the Basin Complex Fire in Big Sur. With his crew, aviation maintenance technician Casey Michaelson and Lt. Brad Donaldson (on loan to the Coast Guard from the Royal Australian Navy), Lt. Greene fl ew VWS wildlife biologists in to rescue the birds. Lt. Greene provided the following highlights of that dramatic rescue.
“By the time all the logistical arrangements were completed, it was nearly 4:00 p.m., with just a few hours of daylight left. We dropped Joe and the other biologists off in Big Sur and headed back to Monterey to refuel. When we returned, fi ve of the birds were in large dog kennels ready to go– but they clearly weren’t going to fi t into the helicopter. Using a little “creative problem solving,” we carefully tilted the crates on end and just barely squeezed them all in.
“As we headed to Monterey with the fi ve condors, Joe and the team went back for the last three birds. But we were getting worried. The sun was nearly down and the smoke was increasing. We were only on the ground in Monterey for 17 minutes, but by the time we got to Big Sur the sun was setting, and our landing site was completely cut off by smoke and lowering fog.
“Our priority at that point was the safety of the biologists; if we couldn’t land, they would have to drive the ATV down below the fog where we could hoist them to safety– which would have meant leaving the remaining birds. Fortunately, we managed to fi nd a clear route in from the south, fl ying low over the ridgeline to land.
$50,000 and Above The David and Lucile Packard FoundationPacifi c Gas and Electric Company Marisla Foundation $25,000 - $49,999 Defenders of Wildlife Harden Foundation Hind Foundation Kinnoull Foundation Margaret C and William R Hearst III Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Fund at the Comm Fndtn of Santa Cruz Co Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation $10,000 - $24,999 Fletcher Bay Foundation George B. Storer Foundation San Diego Zoo The Fund for the Environment of the Community Foundation for Monterey Co The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Nonendowed Donor-Advised Fund at the Comm Fndtn of Santa Cruz CoThe Ruth Smart Foundation Leadership Circle$5,000 and Above
Anonymous Barnet J Segal Charitable TrustBetsy A Collins Fledgling FundJohn “Jack” Glendening Bill and Adriana Hayward Sal and Ada Lucido in memory of Jeff Norman and John CulinValera W Lyles Marcy Morgan Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation Oakland ZooSanta Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Linda Stevens Sylvanus Charitable TrustThe Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society Utah’s Hogle ZooMutsuko and Jason Yamada and Ann Yamada-Gotuaco Steward $1,000 - $4,999
Anonymous Annie Aspell and Jim Stevens Barbara Baldock and Phillip N Butler Richard and Karinne Bauer in memory of Leonore BauerBBR, LLP Big Sur International Marathon Inc Nancy Berry Michael Borck and Kathleen BrannanDavid Brubaker Virdette L Brumm, PhD and Robertson Parkman, PhDCal Poly State University Foundation Nadine and Daniel Clark Sandy Decker and Karen Mortillaro Mark and Erica Dedon Carla and David Garnham Gregory Gieber Golden Gate Parks ConservancySusan Grant and Nory LeBrun Benjamin Curtis (Curt) Harris Jr. Mr and Mrs Sydney P Harrison
Jake and Jerilyn Hesse Craig Heyl in memory of Robert KehoeJeanne Holmquist IBM International Foundation Marcine M Johnson, PhD Hali Jones Sandra “Sandy” Laughlin Zad and Laela Leavy Colleen May and Kerry Burrows Susan Newcomb Shirley Nootbaar Paula Norwood John OdellOregon Zoo James L and Pamela M Patterson Douglas and Nancy Porte Kira, Ian and Ashton Reed Robert Stephens and Julie Packard REI, Inc South Bay Bird Society and West Valley Bird Society Dianna and Richard Stokotelny Frank and Barbara StrehlitzThe Buffett Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey CoThe Harrison Temporary Funds of the Community Foundation for Monterey Co Uncommon Grounds IncUpjohn California Fund Jean and Tim Weiss in honor of Anton SegerstromMarsha M Zelus Sponsor $500 - $999
Anonymous (2) Carol Baird and Alan Harper Ali Barratt Richard J Bertero Blaze Engineering Inc Veronica Bowers Judy Brooke-Green and Mike Green Betsy Buchalter Adler Richard Carlton on behalf of Katharine Dedek and Richard CarltonSandra Clabaugh Robert C and Rita R Colwell Emily Conant Laird Davis in memory of Ken HarrisonWilliam G and Nancy C Doolittle Steven and Fila Evanson Davis and Christine Factor Lt Harry Greene Sarah Hainstock Carl Hewitt Nancy Hoak Martin HurtadoKiwanis Club of Carmel Valley Barbara Lauchlin Barbara Leonard Susan A McCloud Rod and Peggy McMahan Peter and Marcia Morgan Konny Murray Steven R Nakazono Susan Nicholas Tom Nootbaar and Lori Burgarz Cassandra Ohlsen M.D. Cecilia M Placzek Victor and Shayna Selby Janet Shing John Shott Jerry and Cheryl Stidham Danny Thomas Court VanTassell Nancy Vernon Susan Willey Friend $100 - $499 Tom and Nancy Acord Nanci Adams Anne Allen Stephanie and George Almeida in honor of Jim StefanPaul and Maura Anderson
Anonymous in memory of “Blue”, a non-releasable Steller JayAnonymous (24) Anonymous in memory of John Francis LinoAnonymous in honor of Alexis Ashby and George SellandAnonymous in memory of June M GibsonAnonymous in memory of Barbara Nelson (4)Anonymous in memory of Billie ForemanAnonymous in honor of the people who saved the penned condors from the wildfi re Anonymous in memory of Susan M Hall, DVM (2)Anonymous in honor of Janet Shing Noelle Marie Antolin Paul and Joan Armer Black River Audubon SocietyKendra Armer and Chris Dorger Arthur and Barbara Babcock Stephen F Bailey PhD Alan and Sheila Baldridge Christine and David Baldwin Roman and Corinna Barrus Walter Battistella Lew Bauman Joseph P Belli Phil and Ruthann Berck Bennett Berke and Lorna Wallace Sarah Berling Judith Bishop Gene Blattman Margaret J Bohn Per and Eva Borgstrom Arthur Bourdon Jr Susan K Braito Janice Brickell-Martin in honor of Tristan and Elleanor MartinCourtney Broaddus and Chuck BlosziesPatricia L Brown Michael and Mary Burke Kevin Cain Gordon and Elizabeth Ann CampbellCarmel Valley Rotary Linda Caruthers Helene Cavior Jone Chappell Steven and Karin Chase Adam Clark and Laura Bunker Karen Clarke Robert and Phyllis Conlan in memory of Rod KenyonAllison Connor Julie Conrad Erik Coranath in memory of Swampy Jeff Corwin Michelle Croghan Kara and Joseph Cronin Tom and Carolyn Croom John and Barbara Culin Jody Cummings Cypress Garden GuildLynda Daley Rev Paul Danielson Tarasa Davis Judith W Davis Betty De Paoloa Leta Elizabeth Dinkel and Aaron Meyerson in honor of Ashton ReedJim Dodson Robert and Darlene Doorlag Heather Doorlag in honor of Robert and Darlene DoorlagCheryl Drake Karen and Phil Drayer Dianne Driessen in memory of the two lost condorsEdith and Jonathan Eddy Michael and Katherine Esola Marit P Evans in memory of Edward LS Evans
Cindy Ewing Frances M Farina Judy C Field Paul Finnegan Walter Fischler on behalf of Robert Ullman and Danila MehtaDiana Fish Tim Fitzer and Sheila Deaner Anne Fitzgerald’s Class Christina Floyd Cal and Letty FrenchFriends of the Desert Mountains in memory of Barbara Nelson Susan Friedman on behalf of devoted fi eld biologist teamCassandra Gallup-Bridge Jen Gamber Cathy Gamble Sandra J Gant and Michael B Nelson Don and Lu GermanGoodsearch Ashley Gray and Michaela Kiernan Jim and Susan Greene Carol Greenwood Liz Griffi ths and Eric Dechant in honor of Jessica Griffi thsBarbara and James Griffi ths in honor of Jessica Griffi thsBettie Griswold Jean and Larry Haberman Joan and Dave Hadden Stephanie Hall Kathryn Hannay Ruth P Hardisty Dean and Shirley Harmison Frances Harrington Joyce Harris Linda Harris Francisca Hartman-Kok Ruth S Hartmann Arthur W Haseltine Frank and Jo Ellen Hathaway Homer Hayward Gary Hazard Susan Hecht Joan Hero in memory of condor #336 John Aikin Lisa Hoivik Tom and Julie Anne Hopkins Lee and John Hornberger Kennon Hudson Geary Hund in memory of Barbara NelsonCeline Petipas and Peter L Hyllekve-Baker Meredith Ibey Stacey Iverson Roberta M Jaffee Johanna and David JensenJewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Mary and Jerry Kamprath Brandi and Paul Katz Gayle R Kaye Clifford and Michael Kennedy Mary Kenney Gary and Carol Kerbel Kolsky Family John Koostra Jim Kuhfeld Michael and Carolyn Kulakofsky Karl and Annette Kunz Judy Kurtz Denise LaBerteaux and Bruce GarlingerMichael and Corrine Laing Bill and Rhonda Lakatos JT Larson Louie and Edith Law in memory of MuttiJessie Lawson Robert Lelieur and Susan Worden Pam Lichtanski in memory of Frank LichtanskiSusan and Jonah Liebes Lindsay Wildlife Museum Barry and Marie Lipman Susan Littlefi eld-Haines
Patricia Litton and Henry J Ralston Joseph and Marjorie Longo Nancy Loshkajian Anna Lyles Margaret K Maas and Mark T Henze Betty Le Macpherson Kimberly A Madden Karen Madsen Katherine Malengo Phil Markowitz on behalf of Kristy MarkowitzKris Markus and Tim Smith Rev Dr Thomas C Marshall Aerin Martin Jim Mather Donald McAtee Sarah McCloud Wedge John and Sherry McCormick William McCoy Livia McRee and Isaac Stone Donna Meeker Cynthia Meeker Brian and Janalee Melikian Brenda Melton Richard and Judith Meltzer James Metcalf Edward and Terri Middlemiss Keelin Miller Monterey Dunes Natural History Assoc Margaret and Dave Moore Rodger and Linda More Gretchen Mork Jennifer Morris Jeffrey and Jennifer Morris in memory of Ernst EwoldsenAudrey F Morris in honor of the Big Basin Fire fi refi ghters, pilots, and all rescuersJanet Moyer Mr Sarna Lisa Myers Jean Myers Delight Nasatir Daniel Navarro New Academy Canoga Park Susan Newcomb Diana and Howard Nichols Cynthia and Timothy Nolan Brett Odom Ohlone Audubon SocietyJesse Ostrom Loreen Ozaki Nancy Parr Judy Parsons Kristi and Tom Patterson Mary and Mark Paxton Betty N Pemberton Matt Perry George Perry Sally Peterson Bob and Kathy Petty Colleen PhilipsPlacer County Conservation Task Force Jeanne W Pond in memory of Irene WiltonSharon Ponsford Ann Pope Gordon Porter Dan Presser James and Cecilia Quinn Ruth Rachel Dan Rademacher Janet Ragonesi Barbara Rainer Gordon and Kaysea Ray Lawrence Rebhun Robert Reid and Jacquie McManus Jerry and Carole Ritchie Don Roberson, JD and Rita Carratello Mary Jane Roberts Nancy Roberts Bill and Carol Rodgers Larry and Sharon Rogers Lester Rowntree Maggie Rufo Joel and Cynthia Sabenorio James A Sadewhite
Ventana Wildlife Society would like to thank the following individuals, companies, organizations and foundations for their continued support. We could not do it without you. If your name is mispelled or does not appear on this donor list, please accept our sincere apologies and let us know so that we can correct it in the future. October 1, 2007 - October 31, 2008
“The birds were ready to go, and the three biologists were congratulating and high-fi ving each other. We three crew members looked at one another and thought– ‘Wow, they actually think they’re okay now!’ Surrounded on one side by fi re and on the other by smoke and fog, we managed to fl y out to the east and fi nally found a hole in the smoke. Then we were able to come back around south and down to the coast.
“It’s funny, but at the time, not one of the fl ight crew even knew what a California Condor was– and it wasn’t until I told my wife about the rescue that I began to realize the importance of what we had done. It’s great to know we made a difference for these amazing birds.”
Lt. Harry Green, Lt. Brad Donaldson and the U.S. Coast Guard were honored at VWS’ Wings Over the World Event for their heroic rescue of eight condors trapped in the line of the Big Sur Basin Complex fi re.
This summer, when Miles and Michaela Carbaat (ages 6 and 9) heard about the fi re damage to the Ventana Wildlife Society’s Condor Sanctuary, they wanted to do something to help. They decided to open a lemonade and cookie stand near their home in Walnut Creek, on a busy street that’s popular with hikers and bikers headed for nearby Mt. Diablo.
The stand was a huge hit, and over three weekends Miles and Michaela– along with friends Caitlin Kudlik and Jessa Nootbaar– raised $1,000 for the Condor Emergency Fund. We want to thank them for giving up their valuable summer weekends to help
Lemonade and Cookies for Condorsthe condor recovery effort!
The stand not only offered welcome refreshments for thirsty passers-by,but also provided information and photos about VWS, the condor recovery program, and the Basin Complex Fire. Thanks go as well to Miles and Michaela’s mom Silvia Newcomb who checked the accounting, and to grandmother Susie Newcomb, who helped prepare the informational presentations for the stand.
Miles, Michaela, and Jessa were inspired to help the condors after they attended the fall 2007 VWS Wings Over the World Condor
Release Event with their families. It’s never too early to get kids involved in working for the environment!
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 3 11/18/08 12:22:12 PM
Biologists with the National Park Service at the Pinnacles National Monument transported the eight rescued condors on the last leg of their journey to safety. The seven condor chicks were released to the wild in November 2008.
In This Issue
Rising From the Ashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Celebrating the Survival of Three Wild Chicks . . 1, 4Dramatic Rescue Saves Eight Trapped Condors. . .2Membership Categories and Benefi ts. . . . . . . . . . . .2Remembering the Big Sur Condor Rescue Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Lemonade and Cookies for Condors. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Notes From the Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Bald Eagles Continue to Thrive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4The Condor Emergency Fund: Rebuilding with Your Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Rebuilding the Condor Sanctuary: One Step at a Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5VWS Board & Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Dear Ventana Wildlife Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Summer Program Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Summer Programs Expand – With a Little Help From Our Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . 7VWS’ 2nd Annual Condor Release Auction: Wings Over the World 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Condor 251 has a Special Place in Jeanne Holmquist’s Heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8An Update on the VWS Bird Banding Lab . . . . . . . 9Save the Date: VWS Open House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Thank You to VWS Supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11Ways to Give to VWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12VWS Contact Info. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12VWS Merchandise for the Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Associate $50 - $99 Senior/Student $35 - $49• Quarterly newsletter On the Wild Side • Invitations to hikes and general community lectures• Name listed in the annual report • Early / discounted registration for Natural Science Discovery Camp• Ventana Wildlife Society Logo decal
Friend $100 - $499 • All of the above, plus• Bald Eagle Tour• 3-5/16” x 4-7/8” Wildlife Bronze Plaque ($250 or more)
Sponsor $500 - $999• All of the above, plus• Invitation to Annual Membership Appreciation Reception• 4-5/8” x 8-15/16” Wildlife Bronze Plaque
Steward $1,000 - $4,999• All of the above, plus• 7-5/16” x 9-7/8” Wildlife Bronze Plaque
Leadership Circle $5,000 and above• All of the above, plus• Picnic at exclusive Ventana fi eld station with Executive Director
Adopt-A-Condor Program $50 & above• Receive Associate or Friend membership benefi ts• Personalized certifi cate with Condor Chick photograph
Membership Categories & Benefi ts
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 2 11 ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 www.ventanaws.org
On June 22, the Basin Complex fi re was rapidly approaching the VWS Condor Sanctuary in Big Sur. Eight condors–including seven juveniles and our veteran mentor bird Hoi– were trapped in a large aviary directly in the fi re’s path.
We made the decision to go in and evacuate the birds, but with the roads closed and most available helicopters devoted to the fi refi ghting effort, the obstacles seemed overwhelming. A VWS volunteer called the Coast Guard to see if they could provide a helicopter, and amazingly, by late that afternoon, Mike Tyner (VWS wildlife biologist), Henry Boniface (intern biologist) and I were airborne and headed for Big Sur.
However, with just a few hours of daylight left, the biggest challenges were yet to come. As we approached the site, the size and intensity of the fi re were terrifying, with fl ames shooting as high as 100 feet in the air. The closest feasible landing area was about 2 1/2 miles away from the Sanctuary, connected by a steep, rough, dirt road. As we rushed in on foot, we found still another obstacle– a large bay tree blocking the road.
While Mike took the camp ATV and a chainsaw out to clear the tree, Henry and I started trapping the birds and securing them in large dog kennels for transport. We were able to shuttle fi ve birds out with the ATV by the time the helicopter got back from refueling, but they had bad news– the fi re and smoke situation now made this an “extreme
danger zone.” We needed to have the remaining birds ready to go the minute they returned from delivering the fi rst fi ve to Monterey.
And those last three were the toughest– not only because the heat and smoke had cut our normal energy levels in half, but also because the last bird was very clever at eluding us. It took the three of us (plus a bit more aggressive handling than we might ordinarily use) to get her safely into the kennel. To add to the excitement, the ATV was beginning to overheat, at one point cutting out completely.
With Mike driving that last elusive condor up in the ATV– and Henry and I running behind– we squeaked it out just in the nick of time. The smoke had become so thick that the pilots needed their GPS system and night vision goggles to land. The eight birds were delivered safely to the Pinnacles Condor program, where they were released in early November.
The loss of these carefully reared birds would have been a tragic blow to the condor recovery program. I’ve said it many times, but I want to again express our heartfelt gratitude to Coast Guard pilot Lt. Harry Greene and crewmembers Casey Michaelson and Lt. Brad Donaldson– they were incredible and truly carried the day! We also owe a huge “thank you” to our volunteer, Rebecca Dmytryk Titus, who connected us with the Coast Guard helicopter.
Susan Savage Sarah Scheldwacht Jeanne Scheldwacht Louise Schiller Jeremy J Schmutz Jeff Schneider in memory of Barbara NelsonBob and Jeanne Schneider in memory of Barbara NelsonPatsy and Stephen Schulte Eduard Schwan and Jeri Abernathy Shelley Seders Chris and John Selecky Catherine Sesquet Mary Elizabeth Severson in memory of Helen Banks Kiva Silver Joyce Smith and Cheryl VanDeVeer Beverly Solo Kelly and Robyn Sorenson Susan Stockburger in memory of Ginger StockburgerKatherine Strojny Levi Strom Ken Swyt in memory of Thomas ShivelyDavid M Taggart Judi Taylor Scott and Linda Terrill The Stocker Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz CoJean Theisen Cheryl Thiele Richard and Nancy Tietz Billy Timmermeyer Peter Tourrette Diane Trabulsi in memory of Barbara NelsonMark and Katy Travaille Judith Trott Lonni Trykowski and Jerry Eppler Yvonne C Tsai Alex Vago Mary Ann Vasconcellos Bob Vasconcellos Antonia Verleye James von Rittmann Lindsay Wagner Cecile Walters Dr Kerstin Wasson and Bruce Lyon Richard S Weinberg Emory and Matthew Weingart Family Laurie West Roberts and Rick RobertsRichard White Mark R Wieland, M.D. Alex and Bo Wiercigroch Andrew H Williams Susan Williams in memory of Harold L ReadeJean D Wilson Cathryn Santos and Terry Wilson Edward Witten and Chiara R Nappi Nancy Worcester Ken and Mary Wright Linda Yates Rosemarie Yevich in memory of Marie Gafner YevichLinda and Jon York in honor of Moose YorkSusan Zidanic on behalf of Allison Likar
Associate $50 - $99 Maia Adar Dale and Neil Agron Patricia Alexander PhD Christine Allen Margie and Jason Alto Jennifer Anderson Anonymous (29) Anonymous in memory of Barbara NelsonAnonymous in memory of Fannie KaplanRichard and Bonnie Armellini
Alexis Ashby and George Selland Gunes Aybay Nancy Baker Melanie Barnett Eileen and Jeffrey Barnum Evelyn Baron Jason Beckham Ruth Beeve Dick and Linda Beidleman Karen and David Bell Edwina F Bent Casey and Hakan Bergon Patricia Bitner Ann Bjorklund Bruce Bloxom Gail Bower on behalf of of all living condors and wildlife struggling to survive and even more to the PEOPLE like you making it happen and journalists/editors who make the story knownNorma Bramstedt Frances M Brodsky Amelia Brower Clark Brown Mary Burnett Esther Burshtein Steve Campbell Sharen Carey and Hal Latta Roy Carlson Nancy Christensen James Cochran Sr Howard Cohen Ron and Mardo Collins Leland and Ollie Collins Ceclie Cook in memory of Rosie Linda Cruzan Julius and Laurie De Vera Kathleen Denious dedicated to Skylar EhrenstronTim and Christi Doyle Peter J Dunn Joshua Dunn Devorit Elzafon Luise Errol George and Barbara Evans Beverly G Ewoldsen Lisa Fimiani Gary Forbes in honor of Elise Davis and Kevin KeithVeronica Franklin Joanna Frawley TTEE Jana Gable Cynthia Gaya Dennis Geiler John Gensberg James and Patricia Gilchrist in memory of Barbara NelsonMelissa Gjerde Jenny Goddbiff Evan Golder Wendy and Duane Good Charles Goodwin David Gordon Jean Griffi ths Michael, Jyl and Kyle Groves Michael, Laurie and Gabriel Groves Rita Gurz George Haidos Hope and Sandy Hale Celeste Hall Carie Harris Elmer and Cheryl Harris Kathryn A Hart Sheryl Harvey in honor of all condors Colin and Cindi Havert in memory of Barbara NelsonScott and Claudia Hein Peter and Kathy Henney Richard Herder Alison Hermance Cheryl Hines and Charles Deutschman Mary Hoff Terak Hornik Edward Howard Khoi Huynh in honor of Karla Kane Gaile Itami Ron Jackman
June Jaffee Dobie and Ann Jenkins Sue W Johnson Mari Elise Johnson Linda Jones Renee JorgensenSusan Katz Donna and Reed Kirkland Katherine Klein Vinz Koller Wendy Lang Karen Lowell and Jeff Langholz Jerry and Barbara Lawrence Tom Le Duc Jefrey Levy and Pamela Sydney Levy in honor of Ashton ReedSusan A Lewis Barbara T Livingston Lorri Lockwood Jodi Louderback Patricia Lynch Elizabeth and Johan Maartens Ted and Tracy Mandryk Larry R and Marian A Martin James Maughn Maureen McEachen Jim McGrew Nora McKenna Elizabeth McMahon Kathleen McNamara Lauryn Meehl Kenneth Meier and Ynez Johnston BerryJeff Meilahn and Doroth Sotala Sheila Miller James Millington Rod and Anne Mills Holly Minch Marlene Mirassou John S and Ellen R Moir Judy Moody Karin Moore Ann Morgan Trinka Morris Dave and Shirley Newton Elinor Nissley Connie Nissley Shari and Gary Nordell Alex and Kathy Olow Mary Pacey Erin K Parr Stephanie Pass and Ken Kann Marilyn C Perry Deborah Peyton in honor of Alison and Josh PeytonMelanie Piazza Jill Poudrette Lorna Pusateri Sally Rayl Michael and Cindy Reeves JoEllen Rice Ken Riley Elliott and Tey Roberts Francine and Alastair Rodd Holly and Steven Roepke in honor of Betsy Adler’s BirthdayRandel Rogers Vanessa Rogier Maynard B and Olga Jane Rotermund Steven Rovell Allen Royer and Joanna Bowden RoyerIngrid Russell-Wink Suzanne and Art Ruvalcaba-Rosen Lois Sawyer Carol Schaming Gerald and Donna Secundy Susan Setterberg Peggy Ann Shashy Karen and Rami Shihadeh Carissa Shipman Joanne Short Jane Silva Mr and Mrs Silverwood Laura Smith Christine Smith Janet Sporleder Kathleen Stannard Cynthia Staples Susanne Stauss
Dale Studebaker David and Jane Styer Lucile J Taber Dan and Jan Tankersley Nancy Teater Kurt Thams Marilyn H Thomas Mike Thompson Lawrence Thompson Helen Thorngate Duane Titus and Rebecca Dymtryk Titus Francis Toldi Julie Towery in memory of Mal ToweryMaria and Fred Trenary Linda Vallee Rosemary Voong Adam Wachtel in memory of Jeff NormanMary E. and Margaret Wahl Carolina Walbrun Donald and Cynthia Walters Alan Walther Klaus Wannenwetsch Family Beverly Warburton Barbara Watson Yen and Kristofer Weick Mark Werner David Wheeler Jens & Andrea Williford Rain and Steven Wilmoth Carmen Wolff Ann Marie Wood Tim Worley in honor of Elden and Patty HughesDavid Bruce Yolton
In-Kind
Portobello’s A Moveable Feast Adam Licsko Advantage Care Chiropractic Adventures By the Sea Annieglass Anthropologie Asilomar Conference GroundsBayonet/Blackhorse Golf Club BBR, LLP Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant Bill and Adriana Hayward Bill and Joan Freeman Black Bear Diner Bonny Doon Vineyard Bouchee Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club Bruce Mitchell Cafe Stravaganza Cannery Row Co Chalone Vineyard Chapala Mexican RestaurantCharles and Nancy Moss Charley Abildgaard Christopher’s Costco Cruise Ship Holidays Cypress Inn, Carmel by-the-Sea Dave and Elizabeth Monley Decker Studios Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Don Roberson Douglas Steakley Photography Duane Titus and Rebecca Dymtryk Titus Dublin Cyclery Eagle Optics Earthbound Farms El Palomar Monterey Elli’s Great American RestaurantExploratorium Falcon Trading CoFashion StreaksFrom Scratch Restaurant Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park Gloria Chadwick Hahn Estates Heller Estates Homescapes Carmel
Hullaballoo Jack Nadel International Jeremy Dang Karen and Rami Shihadeh Kathryn A Hart Katy’s Place KayakConnection.com Kelly Productions Kenneth Meier and Ynez Johnston Berry KOWA Optimed, Inc. Laguna Seca Golf Ranch Lallapalooza L’Auberge Carmel Linda Kincaid Local Color Loh Shih Hurng Lula’s Chocolates Marita’s Michael Keeran Teaching Professional Michael Sherman Jewelry Designs Monterey Bay Kayaks Monterey Bay Whale Watch Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AmNewman’s Own OrganicsOld Fisherman’s Grotto Pacifi c Gas and Electric Pacifi c Repertory Theatre Pacifi c Tweed Pamela Takegawa Parker-Lusseau Pastries Pasadera Country Club Passionfi sh Pat Areias Sterling Carmel Patagonia Paul Gentry Pebble Beach Company Foundation Peninsula Pure Water Pepe’s Little Napoli Photofl ex Post Ranch Inn Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club Ramon Velazco Rappa’s Restaurant Ridgemark Golf & CC Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Robertson Parkman Rosine’s Restaurant, Inc Sal and Ada Lucido San Francisco Zen Center San Juan Oaks Golf Club Sanctuary Rock Gym Sandbar & Grill Sarah Scheldwacht Sardine FactoryShadowbrook/Crow’s Nest Shakespeare Santa Cruz Sherry Litchfi eld Shirley Nootbaar Shreve & Co Simon Bull Galleries Susan Newcomb Susan Savage Swarovski North America The Bountiful Basket The Grill at Ryan Ranch The Steinbeck House The Western Stage Thomas Juhasz Twin Creeks Golf Course Home of The First Tee of Monterey CoUncommon Grounds Inc Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club Ventana Inn & Spa Whole Foods of Monterey CoWild Bird Center Willy’s Smokehouse
Dramatic Rescue Saves Eight Trapped CondorsBy Joe Burnett, VWS Senior Wildlife Biologist
Due to the number of generous supporters this year, we were unable to list all donations of $50 or less. We thank each and every one of you for your generosity!
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 2 11/18/08 12:22:03 PM
ON
TH
E
WILD SIDEConserving Native Wildlife and their Habitats FALL 2008
Rising From the AshesBy Kelly Sorenson, VWS Executive Director
As most readers already know, last summer’s Basin Complex Fire posed a serious threat to the condor restoration effort. Despite major fi re damage to Ventana Wildlife Society’s Condor Sanctuary in Big Sur, we were extremely fortunate overall. Our staff remained safe, and we were able to evacuate all eight condors being held at the Sanctuary before the fi re swept through. (For fi rst-hand accounts of that harrowing helicopter rescue by VWS wildlife biologists and the U.S. Coast Guard, see pages 2 and 3).
Following the fi re, our biggest concern was the fate of the three condor nestlings caught in it’s path. Miraculously, all three (and their parents) were unscathed. Sadly, though, we have not had contact with two wild condors– Condor 278, a six-year-old male, and Condor 377, a three-year-old female. They are now presumed dead as a result of the fi re, and they will be greatly missed.
As we work quickly to rebuild the Sanctuary facilities, our top priority has been the release pen, which is used to capture and care for wild birds. When that is completed, we will proceed with our annual post-hunting-season capture of the birds to test them for lead poisoning and assess their general health.
A brief note on the critical issue of lead poisoning: Within 10 days of the fi re starting, the Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act prohibiting the use of lead ammunition went into effect. The law is a big step forward, but it’s important to remember that having this legislation in place doesn’t mean the problem is solved and there is much work yet to be done. In September, four-year-old female Condor 336 died as the result of lead poisoning, despite emergency treatment at the Los Angeles Zoo.
Ways to Give to VWSWe wish to extend much appreciation to those who have remembered Ventana Wildlife Society through bequests or by naming Ventana Wildlife Society as a benefi ciary in a life insurance policy or IRA. If you would like to speak with someone about ways you can make a gift to Ventana Wildlife Society, use the enclosed envelope, go to our website, www.ventanaws.org, or call Kelly Sorenson at 831-455-9514.
VWS Contact InfoAdministrative Offi ce:19045 Portola Dr, Ste F1Salinas, California 93908 Toll Free: 877-897-7740Phone: 831-455-9514Fax: 831-455-2846Voice Mail: 831-769-8469Web: www.ventanaws.org
Hours of OperationMonday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Calendar of Events
Sunday, December 14, 2008Sunday, January 11, 2009Sunday, February 15, 2009Condor Viewing Tour 12pm-2pm • $50 per personContact Alena Porte to sign upat [email protected]
Saturday and Sunday,May 2 & 3, 2009VWS Open House9am-3pm• Come visit our new Discovery Center• Learn from biologists on guided nature and bird walks• Visit the bird banding lab• View California Condors• More details will be posted at www.ventanaws.org in early 2009
ON THE WILD SIDE FALL 2008 12100% POST CONSUMER FIBER PRINTED ON CERTIFIED PAPER
Continued on page 4
Possibly the most incredible news emerging after the Basin Complex Fire was the survival of all three wild chicks that we had identifi ed earlier in the season. Soon after the fi re, we were able to verify that condors and chicks at the two coastal nest sites made it through, but the status of our third nest (the most remote) was unknown for weeks. This nest site was established by male Condor 199 and his mate Condor 231 just this year, and their chick was the fi rst truly wild-laid and reared chick for the Big Sur fl ock. This was an enormous milestone for the recovery of the central California Condors and gave us great hope for the future. We were not optimistic after the
VWS Merchandisefor the Holidays
Go to www.cafepress.comand search for Ventana Wildlife Society. Choose
from over 35 different designs on over 1,000
products. Designs include California Condors,
chickadees, and Monarch Butterfl ies, and can be found on apparel, mugs, bags, baby items, mouse pads, baseball
caps, clocks, aprons, note cards, buttons, magnets,
stickers, and more. Stock up on your favorite t-shirts or surprise someone special
with a unique gift that helps VWS to conserve native
wildlife and their habitats!
VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY19045 Portola Dr. • Ste. F1 • Salinas, Ca 93908www.ventanaws.org
NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE
PAIDMARINA, CA
93933PERMIT NO. 51
Celebrating the Survival ofThree Wild ChicksBy Joe Burnett, VWS Senior Wildlife Biologist
On behalf of VWS, I want to sincerely thank all of you who offered fi nancial and volunteer support during the fi re and its aftermath. Special thanks go to U.S. Coast Guard pilot Lt. Harry Greene and his crew for their heroic condor rescue and to the Pinnacles Condor Crew. Pinnacles not only housed the rescued birds, but also stepped in to host our Condor Wilderness Camp for teens over the summer.
Looking ahead to the coming year, VWS is moving forward with the transformation of our Andrew Molera State Park facility (the barn next to the bird banding lab) into a Discovery Center for visitors. The Center will include interactive, interpretive exhibits and displays that will help visitors understand the work VWS is doing, including the California Condor recovery program, Bald Eagle program, songbird and Monarch Butterfl y monitoring, and our habitat restoration activities. We plan to have the Discovery Center completed by Spring 2009, with a Grand Opening planned for May 2 in conjunction with our annual Birdathon. Our fi rst exhibit will be focused on California Condor recovery.
VWS NL FALL 08-2.indd 1 11/18/08 12:21:49 PM
