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8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
1/11
Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 39 No.4 May 2008
May is Birdathon, our grand fundraiser (expenseskept to an unbelievable 1%) to help us gather dollarsfor Tahoma Audubons work.
TAS asks that all of you, our members and friends,consider helping by pledging or donating money thatwill allow us to save and restore habitat and see that
no child is left inside.You can give this help by pledging or donating to TAS
through a Birdathon birder, by being a Birdathon bird-er/counter and coming out on one of our trips, or you
can come on a trip to have fun and give a donation inreturn. (Packets with sign-up sheets available forBirders.)
Thanks to all of you who have so cheerfully acceptedtelephone calls about this campaign. We appreciate youall so very much.
If youre taking a trip, look them over in this Towheeissue and then call TAS, 253-565-9278 to sign up.
Hope we can all get behind this and make this the big-gest and best Birdathon ever!
WIZARD OF AHHS
The
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
April 19th must surely be springtime, right? This year, there was some ques-
tion about that. Six of us set out for the southern Washington coast on Nate
Chappells field trip to Tokeland that morning, bundled up and seeing our
breath. Weird whitish stuff was spitting from the air on the drive south, but
once we turned westward at Olympia, the dark skies over the Black Hills
contrasted sharply with snow-covered conifers, and I truly wondered whetherI had made a wrong turn onto some Cascade pass. Snowplows were out in
force, and ominous skid marks in the snowy freeway lanes kept us vigilant.
We made a pit stop at Elma, and when we hit the road again, a quarter mile
out of Elma, it was suddenly over. Really over. The cinematographer
changed the film from black-and-white to color, music arose unbidden, and
the skies filled with birds! We drove eagerly into (or was it out of?) the warp
An enchanted trip to Tokeland with Nate Chappell
See "Tokeland" on page 7
If its May, its Birdathon!
See "Reflections" on page 11
Board Member
By Melissa Newell Paulson
Dont mind me. Im in absorption mode. At a recent
meeting I attended, a newcomer to the group put us all on
notice that she would be spending her first several months
taking in her surroundings. But while her comment drew
chuckles from some of the people around the table, I was
struck by her frank acknowledgement of how important it is
to take the time to look around the room, to get to know the
people and key issues and to use that information to guide
your actions. And I can empathize with her. Im in absorp-
tion mode, too!
Since I joined the Board in February, I have had the fantas-
tic privilege of absorbing the Tahoma Audubon Society. I
cant, by any stretch of the word, call myself an expert yet, but
I will say that Ive learned enough to be the tiniest bit danger-
ous. In the interest of full disclosure, I want to share some of
my observations with you.
Our Staff: Just a handful of years ago, we were entirely
volunteer-based. Now, we have the benefit of four (count
em!) extremely capable, dedicated, full-time staff. In large
Our largest shorebird is a signature species of the North American prairie, andits fortune parallels the shrinking size of that vast landscape that once extendedfrom the Great Plains as far east as Ohio. The Naturalist A.C. Bent wrote in 1930that the Long-billed Curlew represented the wild, roving spirit of the vast openprairies. Today most of the prairie has become farmland, and sturdier grassesthat support grazing have replaced native varieties. But the Long-billed Curlew(Numenius americanus), its population now reduced to only about 20,000 birds,still finds breeding space from the Great Basin and western parts of the plains
states north into Canada, including south-central British Columbia. In Washington,Long-billed Curlews are uncommon breeders in the Columbia Basin.
Size and bill length are the best field marks for the Long-billed Curlew. Thebody is buff-colored, streaked and barred above with dark brown. The under-wings are a rich cinnamon; above, the orange-brown flight feathers contrastwith the body. The sexes look similar, though females are larger and have lon-ger bills. Curlews use their huge down-curved bills to probe deep in tidal mud-flats and wet pastures for shrimp, crabs, and earthworms; they also use themexpertly to catch grasshoppers and even pick berries.
Oddly, this quintessential bird of the prairie spends only a small part of the yearthere. It arrives in mid-March, just in time to exploit the awakening insects and
Long-billedCurlew By Paul Webster
See "Long-billed Curlew" on page 8
Whimbrels landing. Photo/Nate Chappell
8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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executive Directors Corner
tahma Audubn saff
Flint, Bryan Executive Director
[email protected] 253-565-9129
Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator
[email protected] 253-232-9978
Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator
[email protected] 253-565-5479
Kerrigan, Julie Volunteer [email protected] 253-565-1884
tahma Audubn Bard officer
Wayne Larson President
Vacant Vice President
Jane Brosius Secretary / Membership Co-chair
Margie Shea Treasurer / Education Chair
tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008
Rob McNair-Huff Field Trip Chair
Thelma Gilmur Membership Co-chair
Kathleen LeGreid Towhee Editor
Dick CarknerSally Larson
John Garner
Marcus Roening
Kathleen Nelson
Peggy L. Kopf
Darby Veeck
Ione Clagett
Melissa Paulson
Elizabeth Beer
The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon SocietyLocated in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278e-mail: [email protected]
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TASadvocates for the protectionof wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its mem-
bers experiences in and with the natural world.
The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with a combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan
issue. Submissions of articles and photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conserva-
tion, and environmental education are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor.
Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
Editor: Kathleen Ann LeGreid: phone 360-458-1483
E-mail:kaleditor@ mindspring.com
Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: robert_kelton@ mac.com
Printing: Consolidated PressPrinted on recycled newsprint
Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2008
Leaving the world a better place than we found itAs someone
who does not have
children I often
think about my
legacy. Without
young lives to
shape, how will Ipass on the wis-
dom I have gained
in this world? Or,
more likely, there
is no one to rebel
against me and do
everything opposite of the way I did it. Will I have
anything to show after a life time on this planet?
The desire to leave a legacy is the reason I work for
Tahoma Audubon: To leave this world a little better
then I found it, and to leave the people within it a little
better as well.
There have been recent headlines about people
leaving a legacy through gifts from their estates. Thesegifts from individuals to organizations have made the
papers because of the sure size of the gift. Though the
dollar amounts are large, they are no different than
what people are doing everyday to leave a legacy.
In February, Ric Weilands estate left $160 million
to charity. Having been one of the first millionaires
created by Microsoft, Mr. Weiland made big news
with a $65 million to the Pride Foundation and 10
other non-profits that work on gays and lesbians
issues. Money also went to environmental organiza-
tions in the Northwest as well.
Uncomfortable with staggering wealth, Mr. Weiland
shied away from the limelight and found meaning inhis work with non-profit organizations.
Recently the Mountaineers Club was given a gift
of $1.4 million by Brunhilde Wislicenus, a longtime
member and avid skier.
Further afield, The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota
received a $1.8 million dollar gift to help conserve the
Common Loon. The gift was given by Iva Weir, a
music teacher who grew up in Minnesota, and who was
a longtime member of The Nature Conservancy.
Iva Weir was a longtime member who believed in
our mission of conserving our lands and waters to
protect nature and preserve life, said Peggy Ladner,
director of The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota.
What do the computer programmer, alpine skier,and the music teacher have in common? It is not the
amount of money they have. It is their desire to make
a difference, to leave a legacy, and to support organi-
zations they care about. It is a deep rooted commit-
ment to their values and sharing the gifts they have
been given.
Anyone who shares the desire to make a better
world can do as these three have done. It does not take
a lot of money, and you dont have to work at
Microsoft. With proper planning and a clear under-
standing of what you want to accomplish you can
insure that the work you support continues long past
your time here on Earth.
Tahoma Audubon Society has partnered with the
Greater Tacoma Community Foundation to hold and
invest our endowment. Gifts large and small by mem-
bers, and careful stewardship by the CommunityFoundation, have grown our endowment to just under
$200,000. If you would like to include Tahoma
Audubon in your will or are thinking about giving a
gift from your estate to help us in our mission for years
to come, please do not hesitate to contact me at
253-310-3725.
I clipped a newspaper column and pinned it above my desk. Occasionally I
stare at it. It is about pickles. And choices. Skagit growers have been told that
the pickle plant in Portland is closing. Should you care? Over 1,000 seasonal
workers will be out of a job,
and it also means that the
areas economy will feel a
loss of millions of dollars.
Still, should you care? The decision to close the plant was economic; pickles
can be processed at other locations that are closer to cheaper pickles, including
pickles grown and purchased in faraway places like India.
But still, should you care? The real question is about the choices we make.
Economics are always a factor whether you are the consumer or the business.
However, our farms and forests provide essential habitat to both resident and
migratory birds. When we lose farms, we lose irreplaceable habitat. Displaced
wildlife and impacted consumers; all are affected by habitat loss. It may be a
little more costly and time consuming to figure out if there are local pickles and
to purchase, but do I want to look at another 35 acre shopping complex sittingon the site of an old dairy that was forced to relocate to Eastern Washington
because of economics?
The environmental community and the agricultural community have had
disagreements over trying to balance the need to protect critical areas and the
need to protect our agricultural heritage. However, they can band together
against a common enemy, suburban sprawl and uncontrolled development, with
the help of consumers and the choices that they make.
I will look at the pickle jar in my refrigerator and write the company and ask
them where they purchase my pickles from as I endeavor to make more
informed choices.
-Kathleen LeGreid
What do the computer program-
mer, alpine skier, and the music
teacher have in common? It is not
the amount of money they have. It is
their desire to make a difference, toleave a legacy, and to support orga-
nizations they care about.
Life in the quandary jar
Editors Musings
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]:kaleditor@%20mindspring.commailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:kaleditor@%20mindspring.commailto:[email protected]:%[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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May 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3
eNviroNMeNtMatters
Local environmental priorites announcedAfter years of watching Washingtons twenty larg-
est environmental groups come together to promote
four priorities each legislative session, Pierce County
non-profit environmental groups are taking heed.
Selecting a handful of priorities to work on together
will let elected officials know what concerns a wide
spectrum of environmentalists. When ten thousandpeople are calling them asking for ten thousand dif-
ferent things, its hard to tell what issues the environ-
mental movement wants action on. For the last two
state legislative sessions the Priorities for a Healthy
Washington Coalition, which Audubon is a member
of, has seen sweeping legislative success with this
strategy. So, why not do the same thing locally?
This spring, leaders from Tahoma Audubon,
Citizens for a Healthy Bay, Friends of Pierce County,
Sierra Club Tatoosh Group, Futurewise, Transportation
Choices Coalition, and Cascade Land Conservancy
worked together to whittle down a long list of pro-
posed priorities. The issues we settled on will help
lead us down the path to sustainability, are within the
boundaries of Pierce County, and are winnable thisyear. We settled on the following four priorities:
Allow for multi-modal transportation options byadoptingComplete Streets Resolutionsby both the
City of Tacoma City Council and the Pierce County
Council. This concept means that roadways should
not be designed for single occupancy vehicles only.
It means making them pedestrian and bike friendly,
greener, and with more transportation amenities, like
improved bus stops. Roads connect people to work,
schools, shopping, and recreational opportunities and
improve the quality of life in the urban environment,
as well as playing a significant role in curbing or
promoting urban sprawl.
Conserve Marine Shorelines and Critical Areasby passing the Critical Areas Protections Ordinance
Update for the City of Tacoma that includes designa-
tions for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation
Areas and marine shoreline vegetation buffers. Doing
so will help the city meet the Growth Management
Act requirements, as well as taking positive steps
toward both protecting Endangered Species such as
Chinook salmon and cleaning up the Puget Sound.
Conserve and Restore Urban Open Spaces byadopting and funding the Open Space Habitat and
Recreation Plan this fall. Tacomas public open
spaces, including urban forests and wetlands, are suf-
fering from misuse, lack of maintenance, and threats
from invasive species like Himalayan blackberry and
English Ivy. Urban habitat corridors are needed toensure mobility of urban wildlife. The plan will help
the city to acquire, restore, and maintain public open
spaces throughout the city, and foster active commu-
nity stewardship.
Tackle Climate Change at the Local Level byadopting and funding the recommendations put
forth by the City of Tacomas Global Warming
Climate Action
Task Force.
Tacoma can be a
leader by setting
aggressive goals
for reducing
greenhouse gasemissions that
are in line with
the latest scien-
tific data and
modeling of the
United Nations
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The
creation of a new Office of Sustainability, with
funding and staffing, is needed to coordinate sub-
stantial and wide-ranging efforts across all sectors
of the economy.
We will need your help to successfully pass these
four priorities this year! If you are interested in these
issues or other conservation issues, you are welcome
to attend our next Conservation Committee meetingon Tuesday, May 13 at 2:00pm at our office. Dont
forget to keep an eye on our website for up to date
information and action alerts on these issues.(www.
tahomaaudubon.org)
By Lindsey Webb
On April 14, the Seattle Green Festival invited thousands of people
from all around the Northwest to get involved in the movement toward
environmental awareness and action. A joint project of Global
Exchange and Co-Op
American, the festi-
val, held at the
Washington State
Convention and Trade Center, included a variety of speakers, product
demonstrations, and opportunities to network with like-minded people.
Gwen Johnson, a senior at Pacific Lutheran University, volunteered
at the festival and was stationed at the box office. What she found
notable at the festival was the planning to offset carbon emissions from
attendees traveling to get there, so they asked everyone where they
were coming from when they got there. In addition, everyone who
walked, biked or took the bus could have their ticket discounted by five
dollars, and everyone who took a train got in free.
Speakers included Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels; Amory Lovins,founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, a green
business consulting firm in Colorado; and Frances
Moore Lappe, author of Diet for a Small Planet.
Environmental activist Schuyler Timmons said that
Lappe spoke of the courage and passion for justice
stored up within all of us, if only we would all harness
it. Timmons also spoke of the atmosphere of the
festival, saying that whether youre conservative or
liberal, almost everyone believes that we all have the
inherent right to a good education, food in our stomachs, clean air,
clean water, reliable health care and respect by our fellow citizens.
One purpose of the festival, among others, was to educate citizens
about the ways their decisions affect these things and how they affect
other people.
JP Kemmick, a 2007 graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, didhave some criticism of the festival, primarily that there was too much
of a focus on material goods. Kemmick said that if you were looking
for a bumper sticker to express your love for the planet while driving
your car, t-shirts, Amazonian miracle fruits, books, lotions, Bush
punching bags you could find it at the Green Festival. Kemmick
believes that simplicity should be the goal. However, he did find solace
in the fact that the speakers were inspiring. Some of them actually
seemed to understand the magnitude of the problem and the actions
needed to address it.
The festival seemed to be a great success. Timmons is encouraged
by the fact that greeners are not a minority anymore, but a growing
majority of people who yearn for change.
The National Audubon Society and Toyota have launched TogetherGreen, a
nationwide Audubon program to fund conservation projects, train environmentalleaders, and offer volunteer opportunities to significantly benefit the environment.A $20 million Toyota grantthe largest Audubon has received in its 103-year
historywill fund TogetherGreen for five years, enabling Audubon to expand thescope and reach of its internationally-known conservation programs.
TogetherGreen will include three program components: Innovation Grants to fund dozens of on-the-ground projects each year that
employ creative approaches and engage diverse communities to help achieve mea-surable land, water and/or energy conservation results. Grant requirements willbroaden project participation and promote innovation by uniting Audubons nationalnetwork with environmental and community partners.
Conservation Fellowshipsto train and foster up to 200 prom-ising environmental leaders whocan serve as role models, expert
guides and organizers for engag-ing new and diverse audiences ineffective conservation action.
Volunteer Days to beoffered at Audubon Centers andother locations nationwide, providing hands-on opportunities to address environ-mental problems and take part in restoration activities.TogetherGreen is about giving people the knowledge, the support and the oppor-
tunities they need to truly make a difference, said Audubon President John Flicker.We will engage people of all ages, from every community and all walks of life tohelp shape a healthier future.Audubon has a long and successful history of encouraging conservation of our
natural ecosystems, and we are proud to develop this initiative with them, saidPatricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of Toyota Motor North America. Toyotabelieves in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results, and TogetherGreen
fits perfectly with that philosophy.Toyota plans to engage its 36,000 U.S. employees and invite its business partnersto join with others through TogetherGreen as conservation volunteers to take theindividual steps that will add up to significant conservation results.
TogetherGreen will also reach a diverse array of audiences through TogetherGreen.org, scheduled to debut later this spring. The site will help visitors discover dozensof individual conservation actions to help them independently green their lives. Itwill provide opportunities to challenge friends to take conservation actions of theirown. Visitors will be able to follow the evolving conservation efforts and achieve-ments of TogetherGreen projects, and nominate and celebrate the work of environ-mental heroes and projects across the country. Every aspect of TogetherGreen.orgwill be designed to highlight and encourage conservation action.
Audubon and Toyota announce fve-yearalliance to promote conservation action
Greeners no longer minority
Mayor Nickels
The Conservation Committee meets on a regular basis.Contact Krystal for details: 253-232-9978 or e-mail [email protected]
8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2008
eDucAtioNPage
2917 Morrison Road W.,
University Pl. WA 98466
253-565-9278
www.TahomaAudubon.org
Open Mon Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.
1919 South Tyler Street,
Tacoma WA 98338
253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org
Open Tues. Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
& Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Camps for ages 4-6 are held at AdrianaHess Audubon Center, University Place.Each camp is Monday through Wednesday, 9am 1 pm. Fee: $90
Little Explorers: The Perfect Place June 30, July 1 & 2Little Explorers: The Perfect Place July28, 29 & 30Little Explorers: Striders & Gliders
Aug 4, 5 & 6Little Explorers: Striders & Gliders Aug25, 26 & 27
Camps for ages 5-7 are held at TacomaNature Center. Each camp is Mondaythrough Friday, 8:30 am 4:30 pm. Fee:$150
Kaleidoscope of Nature July 14-18Oceans of Fun July 21-25Its Art, Naturally Aug 11-15
Camps for ages 8-11 are held at TacomaNature Center. Each camp is Monday
through Friday, 8:30 am 4:30 pm. Fee:$150
Kaleidoscope of Nature July 7-11Oceans of Fun July 28-Aug 1Its Art, Naturally Aug 18-22
Finding Your Future in the Wild:Teen Career CampTeens ages 12-15 can explore careers in naturalresources such as marine science, zookeeping, jour-nalism and wildlife biology. Daily field trips, hands-on activities and an overnight are all included in thiscamp. Fee is $245. Scholarship assistance is avail-
able. Camp runs August 4-8, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.For more information and registration visitwww.metroparkstacoma.org or call Tacoma NatureCenter at 253-591-6439.
Summer Camp ScholarshipsWild Birds Unlimited and the National Fish & WildlifeFoundation have joined with National Audubon to
support nature summer campsacross the country with scholarshipassistance for campers. Tahoma
Audubon members and friends inour local community have alsogenerously donated funds to pro-vide children and teens with the
experience of discovering the won-ders of our natural world and learning to be good
stewards of the land. If youd like to apply or havequestions, please contact Margie Shea, the chair ofthe education committee, at [email protected] or call 253-591-6439. Donations to sup-port the John Slipp Scholarship Fund are alwayswelcome at any time!
Summer Day Camps for KidsTahoma Audubon and Tacoma Nature Center summer day camps for ages 4-11 are the perfect wayfor kids to play in and enjoy a natural setting while learning about their environment and making newfriends. Descriptions of each camp and registration information are available at www.TahomaAudubon.org and at www.metroparkstacoma.org on the link to Tacoma Nature Center. You can also pick upa flyer from Adriana Hess Audubon Center or the Tacoma Nature Center, or call 253- 591-6439.
Summer volunteer fun for teens & adults!Join in the fun of the summer nature day camps! Themes for
camps include ocean and wetland animals, nature-inspired art andcreativity, diversity of wildlife and habitats, and Little Explorers
(for the youngest campers). Here are ways you can volunteer withthe day camp team:
Plan camp activities for kids
Lead activities, games, songs
Demonstrate or teach a skill or special interest
Prepare crafts ahead of time
Organize supplies
Supervise to make sure all is fun and safe
Chaperone a field trip (usually Wednesdays)
The kids need your help to make this happen. Tacoma NatureCenter and Adriana Hess Audubon Center are perfect places to
spend time this summer! Contact Steph Swaim [email protected] or Margie Shea marjories@tacomaparks.
comfor more information.
Natural Resources Youth CampCelebrating their 25th year, the Natural Resources Youth Camp willbe held June 22-28 at the Cispus Learning Center outside of
Randle, Washington. Youth ages 12-17 have the opportunity toexperience hands-on learning for one week during the summer,
including a team challenge course and activities such as archeryand building bird houses. Instruction is provided by resource pro-
fessionals who volunteer their time to share their knowledge and
expertise. Many campers continue their education in the field ofnatural resources after attending NRYC.
There are three levels of campers at NRYC. Regular campersbetween the ages of 12-15, advanced campers between the ages of
15-17, and Counselors-in-Training (CITs). Fees from $250-$325.Scholarship assistance is available through the NYRC and by con-
tacting Margie Shea, Education Committee, at [email protected], or calling (253) 591-6439. For more information and
registration forms, visit their website, www.nryc.org. Deadline for
camper registration is June 14.
In March we
launched our 9th An-
nual Bird Drawing
Contest to students in
Pierce County. TheTahoma AudubonBird Drawing con-
test is open to all
Pierce County stu-
dents in public, private
and home schools. In
past years, we have
received over 100
submissions per year from students in grades 2 through 7.
Winners are judged in three age categories, 2 rnd-3rd grade,
4 rth-5th grade and 6 th-7th grade. And in each category, the
artwork is judged on both its artistic merit as well as the
accuracy of the native habitats.
This year we would like to highlight three birds that in
recent years have shown a decline in numbers at feeders
and in their native habitats across the country. These birds
are the Greater Scaup, the Evening Grosbeak, and the
Annas Hummingbird.
Every student in Pierce County in grades 2 through
7 is invited to submit their bird drawing to the Tahoma
Audubon Society. They can choose any of the three birds
highlighted to draw or paint. Instructions can be found on
our website www.tahomaaudubon.org in the Education
section.
Hummingbird Season is Upon Us!Speaking of Annas Hummingbird, have you noticed
the Rufous Hummingbird has migrated back to our areafor the summer? The rst sighting at Adriana Hess Audu-
bon Center was in late March, and we have been seeing
them regularly ever since. We have one feeder in our trees,
however they are most likely drawn to the Red-Flowering
Currant that is blooming throughout the property.
If planting native nectar plants is not an option for you,
hanging hummingbird feeders are a great way to attract
hummingbirds your yard. Like all birdfeeders, hum-
mingbird feeders should be taken care-of to ensure the
health of the birds which they attract. Washing and sani-
tizing at regular intervals is the minimum maintenance to
keep them safe for hummingbirds. Here are a few guide-
lines for maintaining hummingbird feeders throughout the
year:
Sugar-water for hummingbirds can be made at home
by combining 1 part natural sugar with 4 parts water, and
should be boiled to kill any bacteria. Let the sugar-water
cool before you add it to your feeder. DO NOT ADD
RED FOOD COLORING. It is unnecessary and it may
harm the birds.
Dont use honey in the sugar water mixture, it can con-
tain a harmful fungus.
Add only enough sugar-water mixture to the feeder that
the hummingbirds in your yard will consume in 2-3 days.
If left longer, the sugar-water can breed bacteria.
Wash and disinfect your feeder every 2-3 days (or less
if its hot out) to avoid bacterial growth inside the feeder.
Never use harsh chemicals to disinfect the feeder. If nec-
essary, a weak mixture of vinegar and water will disinfect
the feeder. Rinse with very hot water.
Remember, hummingbirds prefer nectar plants and
insects to your feeder. Dont worry if visitation to your
feeder decreases during periods of the summer. Chances
are they have found a more nutritious food source. Ru-
fous hummingbirds have an excellent memory, and once
the plant nectar declines, they will seek out your feeder
once again.
If you are interested in nding out more about attract-
ing hummingbirds to
your yard, please visit
the National Audubon web-
site, www.audubon.org and the Washington Native PlantSociety website, www.wnps.org/landscaping/herbarium/
hummingbirdlist.html.
Upcoming Events for Education/ Tahoma Audubon at
events around the South Sound!
Puget Sound Kayak Symposium, May 17-18, 2008/Owen Beach at Point Deance Park, Tacoma
Come see what paddling has to do with birding on our
shores. Well be teaching about the sea and shorebirds that
you can see from the seat of your kayak.
Point Deance Flower & Garden Show,, June 6-8,
2008/Point Deance Gardens, Tacoma
Farms rely on birds, bees and butteries to help with
pollination of their plants. Learn how at the Point Deance
Flower and Garden show.
Field trips to the Adriana Hess Audubon Center and theTacoma Nature Center
Spots are lling up quickly as we reach the end of the
school year. Sign-up soon to make sure you get the dates
that you need! We have Bird-, Wildlife-, Habitat-, and
Tidepool-themed trips for your classroom. Call the Taco-
ma Nature Center, 253-591-6439 for more information.
Summer Nature CampRegistration is open. Visit the education page at www.
tahomaaudubon.org to learn more.
Education matters
Stephanie Swaim, Education Coordinator
253-565-5479 StephSwaim@TahomaAudu bon.org
http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nryc.org/http://www.nryc.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.audubon.org/http://www.wnps.org/landscaping/herbarium/hummingbirdlist.htmlhttp://www.wnps.org/landscaping/herbarium/hummingbirdlist.htmlhttp://www.wnps.org/landscaping/herbarium/hummingbirdlist.htmlhttp://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.wnps.org/landscaping/herbarium/hummingbirdlist.htmlhttp://www.wnps.org/landscaping/herbarium/hummingbirdlist.htmlhttp://www.audubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.nryc.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metroparkstacoma.org/8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
5/11
Bird Walks at Penrose PointLeader: Dan Christian and/or Janet Shonk.Rangers at Penrose Point are inviting the pub-
lic to visit and walk with them as they explore
this state park. We will be walking the trails
at Penrose Point State Park and listening for
birds. We will be taking along a tape record-
er and microphone to help us learn the songs.
Many of the spring migrants will be back just
in time for our walks! We will also talk about
what bird songs and calls mean to birds.
Meet: At 8 a.m. at the bulletin board by the
big parking lot in front of the big lawn area of
Penrose.
When: The walks will be on Saturday the
17th of May, Sunday the 25th of May
(Memorial Day Weekend), and Saturday the
31st of May.
Weekly Bird Walks at NisquallyNEW DAY & TIME!:
Wednesdays 7:30 a.m. to noon
Leader: Phil Kelley
[Please note. The midweek Nisqually trips
have been changed to WEDNESDAY, and
now leave at 7:30 a.m. starting in April,
2008]
Join Phil on his weekly bird walk as he counts
the birds at Nisqually NWR. On the firstWednesday of the month, the group walks
fairly quickly around the full loop, a distance
of over five miles (this longer one finishes in
mid-afternoon). Other weeks, the trip is
shorter; walking out to McAllister Creek,
back to the visitor center, then out to the Twin
Barns and the Ring Dike Trail, totaling about
four miles.Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, rainge-
ar, water, snacks, and $3. entry fee unless you
have a pass. Scopes are welcome.
Meet: At the Visitors Center.
Directions: Take I-5 south from Tacoma and
exit to Nisqually NWR at exit 114. Take a
right at the light.
Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to con-
firm details. Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360)
459-1499, [email protected].
fielD trips and Events
May 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5
Trogon Tours Trips
rules
ADRIANA HESS AUDUBON CENTER2917 Morrison Rd. W., University Place,253-565-9278
Hope youve come by the Center to enjoy allthe sprouting beauty of Spring. Synthyris hasbeen blooming since February; the trilliums,fawn lilies, bleeding hearts, wild ginger, andOregon grape have been gorgeous. The Indianplum is setting plums, the camas is ready to popout any day, and at least half of our 30 or morered-flowering currants have been a riot of redalong the stream and trail. May will give us theopportunity to enjoy fairybells, starflower, star-flowered Solomons seal, vanilla-leaf, oxalis, andall the prairie flowers.
BIRD WALK: Monday, May 12, noon to 2:00p.m., with Ruth Sullivan. It is 2 hours longinstead of the usual 1 hour because it is alsoable to be used as a Birdathon walk.
WEEDING INVITATION: Hope those of youwho are free on Monday, May 19, will come andhelp us weed from 10:00 to noon. The weedsare so busy trying to take over this month.We will have our usual Friday weeding opportu-nities with a light breakfast at 9:00 a.m. andweeding until 11:00 a.m. Hope to see you!
PLANT WALK: Monday, May 19, noon to 1:00p.m. with plant specialists.
MORSE WILDLIFE PRESERVE: Open Trails,Sunday, May 13, noon to 4:00 p.m. (All second
Sundays through October.) The June OpenTrails will be preceded by a Betty Jones BirdWalk from 10:00a.m. to noon. There will be aspecial Birdathon bird walk with Betty Jones,Friday, May 23, 10:00a.m. to noon. Call253-565-9278 to get directions.
Eastern Ecuador November 10-22, 2008Wildlife photographer and TAS member Nate Chappell and his Ecuadorian wife, Angie will lead this tour that will cover the eastern slope of the Andesmountains and the Western edge of the Amazon lowland forests. Spectacular species that we have a good chance of seeing and/or photographinginclude Harpy Eagle, 3 species of Antpittas, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Crested Owl, Torrent Duck Great, Andean and Rufous Potoosand dozens of species of beautiful tanagers and dazzling hummingbirds. Additionally, there is a large owl at that feeds most nights on the mothsat San Isidro lodge. This large black and white owl is quite possibly a new species. This trip willtake in a wide variety of habitats from high Andean grassland, to foothill cloud forest to rainforest. Extensions to the Galapagos or another Amazonian lodge are available. Cost $2,900.
Western Ecuador December 6-14, 2008Nate and Angie Chappell will lead this tour that will cover the Western slope of the Andesand some of the Western lowlands. Spectacular species that we have a good chance ofseeing and/or photographing include Andean Cock of the Rock, Giant and Yellow-breasted
Antpittas, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird and many species of dazzling tana-gers and beautiful hummingbirds. This trip will take in a variety of habitats from high
Andean grassland, to foothill cloud forest to lowland tropical forest. Extensions to theGalapagos or Amazonian lodges are available. Cost $1,800.
Thailand, January 4-18, 2009TAS members Nate and Angie Chappell will lead a wonderful trip to Central and NorthernThailand next January. We will see and photograph a wide variety of both birds and mammalsand experience Thai culture as well by visiting ruins and temples. A variety of hornbills, sunbirds,trogons and barbets are among the many species of birds that we will see. Cost is $3,600 perperson, single supplement $500.
See our website, www.trogontours.net for more informationor call Nate Chappell at 253-512-1060
Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips
are people limited out of necessity.
Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot
come. Field trip leaders put in a lot of time and
planning and no-shows disrupt field trips. More
than three no-shows a year can result in revoking
the opportunity to participate.
Arrive at the meeting place early.
No pets are allowed.
Be prepared for seasonal weather.
Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is
scheduled past mid-day.All passengers divide total carpooling expenses.
Current guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car,
not including driver.
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
For Birdathon eld trips,please turn to next page.
Note: A donation is made to Tahoma Audubon for TAS members who go on these trips.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.trogontours.net/http://www.trogontours.net/mailto:[email protected]8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
6/11
Birdathon field trips
Birdathon is here! April 25-May 31
Birdathon is our largest fundraiser. Expenses are kept at 1%.
How do you join Birdathon? You, the Birder/Counter, gather
sponsors for your Birdathon Trip and the sponsors pledge a
donation to Tahoma Audubon based on the species seen (or a
flat rate).
If our special Birdathon trips dont fit your schedule, choose
one of TASs regular field trips. Leaders will help you with
identification. For more information call Thelma, 253-564-8210
or e-mail, [email protected].
Check out the announcements page for more information. Be
sure to call TAS, 253-565-9278, to register and get directions.
(Theres lots of help identifying the birds.)
Titlow Park
When: Monday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Leaders: Rosanne Becker and Joann Sims
Families Welcome! Enjoy both water and songbirds at this
Tacoma park. A variety of habitats include salt water, pond, and
forest. Meet at the lodge at Titlow Park which is at the west end
of 6th Avenue in Tacoma.
3 choices on May 10; International Migratory Bird Day
Nisqually NWR and/or Ocean Shores
When: Saturday, May 10, 7:00 a.m. to evening
Leaders: Ken and Nell Batker.
The trip will begin by walking the Nisqually dike trail on the
Refuge followed by a sack lunch (bring your own). We will
then carpool to Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and
from there to the Ocean Shores area to cap a good days bird-
ing. Everyone is welcome to come along on all or any part(s)
of the days activities. We usually finish at Nisqually between
11:00 a.m. and noon so anyone wishing to join us for only the
Grays Harbor and/or Ocean Shores segments can meet us then
at Nisqually. We usually finish the day with the optional activ-
ity of a meal at a nice restaurant in Aberdeen where we can total
up, check our bird lists, and recall fun sightings of the day.
Meet at the flagpole by the visitors center at Nisqually NWR
Tacoma to Potholes (Overnight in Moses Lake)
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11, 5:30 a.m. Saturday
to Sunday afternoon.
Leaders: Marcus Roening and Heather Ballash
Marcus and Heather lead an exciting, full-day trip from Tacoma
to the Potholes in Moses Lake. The trip will cover 15 habitat
zones, with special emphasis on migratory birds in the
Columbia Basin sage, pinelands, and wetlands. Expect to see
at least 120 species in one fast-paced day. Meet at 5:30 a.m.
and arrive in Moses Lake at 8:30 p.m., where we will stayovernight. Leisurely return through favorite bird areas on
Sunday. Please provide e-mail address when you sign up in
order to coordinate lodging details and meeting place. E-mail
Marcus.D.Roening @gsk.com for further details.
Pierce County Big Day, Purdy to Paradise
When: Saturday, May 10, 5:15 a.m. till dusk
Leader: Bruce LaBar.
Starting at Purdy Spit, this trip visits Point Defiance, McChord,
and other points of interest on the way to the Mountain. We
aim each year to show that you can find 100 species by birding
just in Pierce County. Meet at the far end of Purdy Spit at 5:15
a.m.
Adriana Hess Wetland Park--Audubon Center
When: Monday, May 12, noon to 2:00 p.m.
Leader: Ruth Sullivan
Ruth Sullivan will lead this regular bird identification visit at
this small, unique park at 2917 Morrison Rd W. in University
Place. Come if you are counting for Birdathon or just to enjoy
the days count. Last year we got 40 birds on this count.
Fort Lewis
When: Wednesday, May 14, 8:00 a.m. to noon.
Leader: Fort Lewiss Jim Lynch
Jim Lynch, from the Forts Wildlife Department, will meet the
group at the Roy Y Park and Ride at 8:00 a.m. We will carpool
to visit the open oak woodlands and riparian habitats found
among the prairies of the Fort Lewis Training Grounds. Expect
to identify 55-60 species.
Waughop Lake and Fort Steilacoom Park and/or 176th
Spanaway Marsh
When: Saturday, May 17 at Waughop Lake at 8:30 a.m. until
11:00 a.m. and the Cross-base, 176th Marsh, noon to 2:00
p.m.
Leader: Betty Jones
Meeting spot in the morning will be the parking lot by the barns
at Fort Steilacoom Park. Meet at the end of 176th Street S. for
the afternoon session.
Birding by Ear for Birdathon
When: Saturday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Leader: Melissa Sherwood
Explore McCormick Forest, the old growth preserve off
Bujacich Dr near Gig Harbor. Melissa Sherwood will be lead-
ing a Birding by Ear walk for the Birdathon. If you know ourlocal birds by sight and would like to get to know their songs
and calls, please join her. Well meet at the Swede Hill Fire
Station just west of Hwy. 16 at the Burnham Dr. exit. Well
walk through the forest, some steep trails; time permitting we
may explore a couple of other birdy areas nearby. Hopefully
well pick up on some of the migrating warblers and flycatchers
moving through as well. Wear comfortable hiking/walking
shoes and dress comfortably for whatever the weather.
Point Defiance Park
When: Sunday, May 18, 8:00 a.m. to noon
Leaders: Rob and Natalie McNair-Huff
Join Rob and Natalie for the Birdathon version of their month-
ly nature walk at Point Defiance Park on May 18. They will set
out at 8:00 a. m. from the zoo parking lot and walk through the
forest trails along Five Mile Drive, walking a little more than
four miles. This Birdathon trip will end with birding along the
ponds near the park entrance and with a drive down to Owen
Beach. The trip should wrap up around noon.
Morse Wildlife Preserve
When: Friday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Leader: Betty Jones.
Walk the trails and check out the marsh, dry Douglas-fir forest,
moist lowland forest, prairie, and meadow. Take a look at the
pond in the marsh and the forested wetland from the bird tower.
Be sure to ask for directions when you sign up.
Green River Watershed
When: Saturday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Leader: Jeff Gillard and friend
Join us for a day of birding in the Green River Watershed, Nolte
State Park, and Auburn Narrows wetlands. This is a rare oppor-
tunity to see the protected watershed managed by Tacoma
Water. Well leave the Tacoma Public Utilities Administration
Building at 8:00 a.m. in two vans, visit Nolte State Park on the
way to the watershed, and arrive at the watershed gate at about
10:00 a.m. Well bird the forests and fields around Howard
Hanson Reservoir (elevation 1200 feet), then visit Eagle Lake
(elevation 2200 feet) before heading to Auburn Narrows. Well
plan on returning to Tacoma by 4:30 p.m. Space is limited; this
trip is open to the first 12 people to sign up. Meet at the Tacoma
Public utilities lot A1 on the west end of the administration
building. The building is located at 3628 South 35th Street.
Limit 12 participants.
Rapjohn Wood Co Tree Farm
When: Saturday, May 31, 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Leaders: Owners Mariella and Bob Arnold
Come walk the trails and count the birds of this 110 acre tree
farm, then stay to enjoy a potluck lunch. Please bring your pot-
luck contribution. Remember your boots!
in our plane of existence.
First stop was at Midway Beach, but the new channel that Mother
Nature sculpted in the sand last year kept us far from the actual ocean,
and we couldnt walk overland to another access because those areas
were closed for Snowy Plover nesting season, so we just enjoyed a
few Least Sandpipers from afar, many geese heading northward,
Savannah Sparrows in the scrub, and a singing Common Yellowthroat.
Finally stopping at the beach a few more miles down the road,
Caspian Terns were fishing furiously all around us, filling the air with
some rough language. Three Loon species, three Cormorant species,and many Surf Scoters bobbed up and down just offshore.
The weather continued to improve, and when we reached Tokeland,
it was a nice day with no hint of that other dimension we had left
behind. As a member of the Willettes, I was worried we might miss
the Willets as this was right at the time they get restless and head to their
nesting grounds. I neednt have worried, though, because it appears the
Tokeland Willets who winter here are deeply attached to the huge
wintering flock of Marbled Godwits who stick around through the end
of the month. The usual 800 or so Godwits were on hand, and we saw
about 6 Willets as well. However, spring had brought in the Short-
Billed Dowitchers, some Long-Billed Dowitchers, Whimbrels, Dunlin,
and Western Sandpipers to add to flock. The Dowitchers and Dunlin
numbered in the hundreds! The tame shorebird flocks that Tokeland is
famous for have never presented such a variety of spe-
cies as they showed us today! The new arrivals all
took their cues from the Godwits and tolerated
the human gawkers easily. The Peregrine
Falcon and Bald Eagle, however, were
another story. A couple of thousand birds
erupted noisily into the air several times,
changing their roosting site from one side of the
pier to the other, thrilling all onlook-
ers including the neighborhood cat.
Besides the beating of wing s, the
Dowitchers added their flight cries
to the spectacle, not something
the usual Godwits had ever
treated us to. Truly music.
Trip leader Nate Chappellis a noted nature photogra-
pher and international
bird tour guide
(trogontours.net
see news of
upcoming trips to Ecuador and
Thailand!), so he made use of this great opportunity with photogenic
birds and good light. Dressed in camouflage, he scooted on his belly
with his huge heavy camera until he was almost on top of the
Dowitchers and Godwits, and it paid off royally! Unfortunately, his
example did not inspire any of the rest of us to follow suit.
Meanwhile overhea d, more skeins of Geese passed by. We had
been seeing Canadas and Cacklers all day, but now hundreds of
White-Fronted Geese were tootling a different tune. Red-Winged and
Brewers Blackbirds threw in their contributions to the soundtrack.
Western and Mew Gulls, Western Grebes, Common Loons,
Buffleheads, Shovelers, Harbor Seals, and a stunning Horned Grebe
newly arrayed in nuptial plumage were also close at hand.We left Tokeland when a chilly breeze started to blow and headed
for Bottle Beach, where we were thrilled to add several hundred Brant
to our days massive goose list. Black-Bellied Plovers and lots more
Dunlin and Western Sandpipers were on the beach, and Orange-
Crowned Warblers and Yellowthroats studded the path out. Far-off
Peeps formed a flashing tower in the distant sky, alerting us to the
swoop of a Merlin into their formation! Great Blue Herons were
unusual today. We saw them in several locations , and they all seemed
really BLUE. Whoever named that bird must have seen them in the
enchanted light we had today.
Last stop of the day was across the street from Bottle Beach at the
wetlands on Ocosta Third Street just east of Westport. Marsh Wrens
scolded us boldly as we enjoyed Wood Ducks, Ring-Necked Ducks,
a Coot, and two pairs of stunning Cinnamon Teal. The sun
shot a ray of sun directly onto the male teal and just about
knocked the eyes out of our heads. What a great way to
finish up this surreally wonderful birding day. As we drove
home, a shard of rainbow caught our eyes just before we hit
Elma and drove back into the real world.
Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
from page 1
All photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn except photoof Dowitchers directly above taken by Nate Chappell.
From top, counterclockwise:
Caspian Terns on the beach;
Size Comparisons: Large Marbled Godwits at top,
Dowitchers center, Dunlin at bottom, with Western
Sandpiper at very bottom; Flock of Dowitchers;
Our intrepid adventurers; Ken Batker, Nell Batker,
Melissa Sherwood, Faye Hands, Nate Chappell,
Diane Yorgason-Quinn; Godwits landing on piling;
Nate sneaks up on a huge wad of Godwits.
8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
7/11
Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org March 2008
Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2008
Just the other day...Heres what TAS was doing in May, 1983
BIRDSONGS by Phil Buly
making a plannedgift to the TahomaAudubon Societyin the form of a
bequest, a gift ofappreciated stock,or charitablegift annuities.
Pleaseconsider
Ask us how.
(253) 565-9278
The most important char-acteristics to listen for inbird vocalizations are pitch(high or low, rising or fall-ing), quality (harsh, clear,liquid, buzzy, etc.), andrhythm (fast, slow, chop-py, singsong, etc.). Thelength of a song, the lengthof time between songs,and whether subsequentsongs are the same of dif-ferent can also be useful in
identifying species.
Excerpted from: The Sib-ley Guide to Birds, National
Audubon Society, by DavidAllen Sibley.
By Helen Engle
In 1983 TAS office was located ina portable at The Nature Centerat Snake Lake. We shared spacewith personnel of the MetropolitanPark District. Walt Adams andThelma Gilmur were asking TAS mem-
bers to volunteer time at the office, to attend ParkBoard meetings and planning sessions for thefuture of this marvelous natural area park almostin the geographic center of Tacoma. They werealso soliciting helpers for the nature center fund-raiser, a gigantic parking lot rummage sale.Audubon was working at saving places. We
were lobbying for the Washington State WildernessAct of 1983, which was introduced in Congressby Senators Slade Gorton and HenryJackson. This bill includedseveral areas that were sub-
ject to hearings and possibleinclusion in the package. TASwas specifically lobbying for
the Clearwater, Dark Divide,Indian Heaven, and NorsePeak.
Senator Bob Packwoodof Oregon has introduced abill to create a Columbia GorgeNational Scenic Area. Strong protests by develop-ment-minded local officials, especially in SkamaniaCounty, have kept Washington state politicians
from taking a stand on Gorge protec-tion. Audubon would work to protectthe Columbia River from intensivedevelopment.
TAS May meeting at PLUs IngramHall was a presentation by Professor
Steve Herman, Evergreen StateCollege, on Bowerman Basin Shorebirds.
He convinced us that Bowerman Basins shore-bird migration ranks among the greatest wildlifespectaculars in the state.
Nancy Kroening reported on a meeting ofAuduboners with Governor John Spellman togive him our support of an agreement betweenthe state and the US General Services
Administration to settle the McNeil Island owner-ship. The state would pay for the 63+ acres forprison use, and the rest of the island, approxi-mately 4300 acres, would be for wildlife purposes,under state management.
Field Trips included Fort Lewis prairies and lakeswith Jim Stephenson & Jack Beall leading.Jim Scearce led Nisqually Wildlife Refuge;
Steve Williams led Honey Creek/Coal CreekParkway in the Issaquah Alps. Thelma Gilmurorganized a family field trip to China Lake to learnabout its trails, woods, and the creatures that livein China Lake. We went on a bus trip to FortCanby and Long Beach with Elmer Price; FortSteilacoom and Waughop Lake with WaltAdams; Yellow Lake on the Sammamish Plateauwith Harvey Manning; and Carnation, Tolt
River/McDonald CountyPark with KarlLundberg.
In his Presidents ColumnWalt Adams wrote: The Army Corps of
Engineers has given theWeyerhaeuser Company
permission to build a pierfor ocean-going ships nextto the Nisqually NationalWildlife Refuge. This is a hard blow to acceptafter nearly a decade of fighting to keep industryaway from the fragile Nisqually River Delta.The permit does stipulate, however, that the
pier may be used only for the export of timberand forest products --no incoming cargoes of anykind will be allowed. Other conditions are intend-ed to protect Indian fishing nets from damage bythe ships and to assure that hazardous substanc-es are not stored on the pier. The legal action brought earlier by the
Washington Environmental Council and the
Nisqually Delta Association was defeated inWashington Superior Court, but is now underappeal to the State Supreme Court. If we win,Weyerhaeusers permit would be invalidated. Inany event, construction of the pier cannot beginuntil the case is settled.
Senator Packwood
Feedback, comments and reminiscences
welcome, 253-564-3112, [email protected].
worms in the short grasses and irrigated fields, and
is gone by the end of June when the prairie begins
to dry up. Once arrived on its breeding grounds the
males wild cries and spectacular display flights
signal the beginning of spring. The Curlew nest is a
shallow scrape lined with a camouflaging mixture
of bark, grass, fur, hair, pebbles, and leaves. The
parents share incubation of usually four eggs which
hatch in about four weeks. The young leave the nest
within a few hours, but need protection for several
weeks. After a couple of weeks the female leaves
the male to care for the youngsters
until the remaining family also
leaves for the wintering
grounds. Curlews spend
the non-breeding season
mostly on the Gulf and California
coasts, but some also winter inland in
California and Mexico, and in Washington
birders can usually find a few wintering
Curlews at Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay.
Habitat degradation is now the major problem
for the Curlews, not just on the prairie, but also in
their wintering areas. For example, the Curlews
wintering in San Francisco Bay have been
displaced by shoreline development from
much of the intertidal area and now, concentrated
in smaller spaces, theyre more vulnerable to oil
spills and other accidents. And pesticides are haz-
ards for many wintering birds.
Research shows that Curlews are
somewhat flexible, and under some
conditions share fields with
grazing livestock.
Cooperation of wildlife
officials, conservationists, and
ranchers may be our best
chance to ensure that the wild
call of this icon of the North
American prairie does not
fall silent.
... Long-billed Curlewfrom page 1
Photo/Karl King
Extra credit: Think youknow what the kids in thebackpacks are describing?
ItsthesongoftheHermitWarbler.
Helen Engle from daysof yore.
8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
8/11
May 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9
ANNouNceMeNts
Please sign and return this coupon or call and say you will help!
Call Thelma Gilmur today at 253-564-8210.
BIRDATHON 2008Mail to Tahoma Audubon, 2917 Morrison Road West, University Place, WA 98466.
_______I will get at least 5 pledges and do a Birdathon for TAS.
_______I will make a donation.
NAME____________________________________PHONE____________________
ADDRESS___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________ZIP_______________________
WE NEED YOU!
Tahoma Audubon Birdathon in full swing!
Membership Policy ChangeIn December, the Tahoma Audubon Board adopted a
new chapter membership policy. The purpose is to
simplify our current situation, serve you better and
generate more membership revenue at the chapter level
to support our work to conserve habitat and educate the
next generation of conservation leaders.
In the past, membership in National Audubon Society
came with an automatic membership in the local chapter.
A portion of those membership funds were passed onto
the chapter to help support local efforts.
With the rise in the cost of direct mail, National
Audubon has decided to no longer send a portion of each
members dues to the chapter. Each year TahomaAudubon receives financial assistance from National
Audubon but it is no longer tied to your membership.
Your membership in Tahoma Audubon is what makes
us the successful organization that we are. You can
renew your Chapter membership with a donation of$30 or more, or you can renew your Chapter ANDNational membership with a donation of $50 ormore. We will send the $20 for your National member-
ship on to National Audubon.
We will not stuff your mailbox all year long with
solicitations to renew your membership, this is the only
notice you will get.
Health Department offers free
Natural Yard Care WorkshopLearn about environmentally friendly yard and garden
maintenance this spring during a series of fun, informa-
tive and free natural yard care workshops presented by
the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept.
The last of the three workshops will take place from
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium,
5400 N. Pearl, on Wednesday, May 14: Garden Pest
Management & Smart Watering.
The workshops are free, but space is limited. To register,
or for more information, contact Geoff Rinehart at
253-798-4587 or [email protected].
Big Backyard Potluck PicnicJune 26, Thu., 6-9 p.m.
Demonstrations and displays by Pierce County out-
door and environmental allies: Audubon, Mountaineers,
Foothills Trail, Native Plant Society, Cascade Land
Conservancy, Sierra Club, Citizens for A Healthy Bay,
Carbon River Corridor, Chambers-Clover Watershed
Council, Puget Creek Restoration Society, Student
Conservation Association and about eight more.
At the Engle Garden,4011 Alameda Avenue, UniversityPlace south of Fircrest.
Featuring: The Displays by our friends plus, Licensed
Falconers with their Live Birds, Native Plants for sale,
Entertaining program, music and Earth-friendly ideas
for kids of all ages. Children and grandchildren are
MOST welcome. Dont forget how great the food is!
We Furnish: Coffee, punch. Beer and wine is BYO.
You Bring:Hot or coldentree, PLUS salad or des-sert; your own TABLE SERVICEand a situpon.No signup necessary. Rain does not cancel.
For more info: Helen Engle, 253-564-3112, hengle@
iinet.com (e-mail preferred).
DIRECTIONS: 4011 Alameda Ave. is mile south ofFircrest Golf Course. Parking on Alameda and on
Kootnai, the lower street (come in lower gate).
Youre invited!
Wenas campout, May 23-26, 2008For over three decades Audubon families have been
camping over Memorial Day weekend at the Wenas
Creek Campground officially named the Hazel Wolf
Wenas Creek Bird Sanctuary. The location, SW of
Ellensburg, is now in an Important Bird Area which
Auduboners has been assured of protective status in a
major land swap with the timber company ownership.
The free, primitive campground along the north fork
of Wenas Creek has exceptional opportunities for bird-
ing, botanizing and enjoying spring in the eastern foot-
hills of the Cascades.
The campground is about 2,500 elevation, can be cold
at night, hot during day.
Bring water for drinking (the creek is beautiful and
bountiful but not potable). We set up tents or use pick-up type campers.
We all share in the rent of portable toilets for four
days.
Bicycles and Frisbees are fun, telescopes and cameras
standard gear. Please leave pets at home.
There are organized field trips throughout the Wenas
drainage and WA DF&W management areas and some
on private property at owners requests.
In camp we have natural history workshops with some
of the states top birders, WNPS botanists, entomologists
etc. There will be an old-fashioned campfire in our new
approved firepit device each evening. We do singing,
story telling and recapping the sightings of the day.Please visit the beautiful Wenas Website, by Webmaster
Michael Hobbs, to see Hazel Wolfs familiar smiling
face and get lots of downloadable information about our
campout. www.wenasaudubon.org. Theres a bird
checklist, wildflower checklist, outline of field trips and
program, directions to the campground, lots of photos.
If you dont do websites, contact me and Ill send you
printed information.
Bring friends, family, and join us at Wenas Memorial
Day Weekend for as many days as you want to stay -
May 23-26, 2008! See you there!
Helen Engle, [email protected], 253-564-3112.
International Migratory Bird Day2008 Theme - Tundra to Tropics:
Connecting Birds, Habitats, and PeopleIn 2008, IMBD will explore the birds that make fan-
tastic migratory journeys, the habitats on which they
depend, and the people who are important to the conser-
vation of birds and their habitats along the way. The
2008 theme provides a wonderful opportunity to recog-
nize the important habitats in our locale and the groupsand individuals that contribute to their protection.
Explore what each habitat offers migratory birds, wheth-
er it is a place to rest, a nesting site, or a winter home.
IMBD officially takes place on the second Saturday
in May each year. IMBD is now celebrated almost
year-round. Most U.S. and Canada events take place in
April and May, while fall events are the norm in the
Caribbean and Latin America.
Environment for the Americas, home of International
Migratory Bird Day, is a non-profit organization working
to increase awareness of birds and their conservation
throughout the Western Hemisphere. From1995 to 2006,
the program was under the direction of the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation and U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. IMBD isnow the premier education project of
Environment for the Americas.
IMBD continues to focus attention
on one of the most important and
spectacular events in the life of a
migratory bird -- its journey between
its summer and winter homes.
http://www.birdday.org/index.php
http://birdcor.org/imbd.htm
Connecting people to nature is TAS mission and there are
three fundraising Birdathon trips scheduled on May 10.
Please see our field trip page and consider partnering with
Audubon through our fundraising efforts which will help
conserve habitat and provide important education.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.birdday.org/index.phphttp://www.birdday.org/index.phphttp://www.birdday.org/index.phpmailto:[email protected]8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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voluNteer Recognition
Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org May 2008
welcoMe to New and Returning Members
2917 Morrison Rd. W., University Place,253-565-9278
Hope youve come by the Center to enjoyall the sprouting beauty of Spring. Synthyrishas been blooming since February; the tril-liums, fawn lilies, bleeding hearts, wild
ginger, and Oregon grape have been gor-geous. The Indian plum is setting plums,the camas is ready to pop out any day, andat least half of our 30 or more red-flowering
currants have been a riot of red along thestream and trail. May will give us theopportunity to enjoy fairybells, starflower,star-flowered Solomons seal, vanilla-leaf,oxalis, and all the prairie flowers.Weeding invitation: Hope those of you
who are free on Monday, May 19, will comeand help us weed from 10:00 to noon. Theweeds are so busy trying to take over thismonth.
We will have our usual Friday weedingopportunities with a light breakfast at 9:00a.m. and weeding until 11:00 a.m. Hopeto see you!
Volunteer at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Chapter New and Renewing:Jeanne Apffel, Mr and Mrs Robert Arnold, Bert
Brown, Jane Elam, Janet Fry, Luanne Green,
Howard and Shirley Johnson, Jeannette Matthews,Paula Meyer, Georgianna Miller, Martin Nelson,
Carol Rae Smith, Richard A Smith, Bill and
Karen Smitherman, Norita M Stewart, Berta
Thompson, Mel and Judy Urschel, Ryan Wiese.
Chapter Joint with National:Betty Cappa, Kathleen LeGreid, Brad McPhee,
Kris Quinn, Buel and Luana Sever, Audrey
Stacy, Mrs. Robert Whitney.
Introductory: Recruited through TAS:Bill and Gerrie Butman, Jim Comerford, Nicole
de Recat, Stephanie Paulson, Jeffrey Zittel.
Introductory:Recruited through NAS:(Starred names are returning after
a period of lapsed membership.)Doug Abel, Mr and Mrs Dennis
Anderson, Brandon Ball, Roma
Brown*, Norm Clark, Carmen
Dybdahl, E E Grondahl, Sandy Hackett, T J
Haugen, Martha Humphries, Mary McGoldrick*,
Frank Morgan, Joyce and Bruce Murray, Roger
Priem*, Alice Ralph, Donna Rippon, Sonja
Yarborough.
Thanks for all the renewals weve been receiving
at TAS. With much less National financial help
available, TAS is now sending Towhees only to
those persons who renew chapter or joint (TAS
and NAS) through us. On January 2008, we
gave members credit for whichever expiration
date (Chapter or NAS) was the farthest along.
You will be receiving a renewal request when
that date comes around. If, in the meantime, you
respond to a National renewal request, it will not
include the Towhee. Thanks for understanding.
March 16, 2008 to April 15, 2008
So far my time here at Tahoma Audubon has been incredibly
rewarding. I have been able to create new programs, develop
marketing materials, and foster great relationships with volun-
teers. I have grown especially close to Rylla Goldberg whovolunteered to help us update our front desk binder, office
manual, and community resources binder. She was a great
help and has proven to be an excellent friend and support tome. I have also had the pleasure of attending Rosanne
Beckers many card making classes which I have thoroughly
enjoyed. My eyes were opened to the world of birding during
the Great Backyard Bird Count when I went birding at Titlow
with Joann Sims and Rosanne Becker. Dixie Harris and I
have been working to create a green outdoor education shelter
here at Adriana Hess. Dixies perseverance and hard work
shine as she works to better the park. Karen Fischer has done
an incredible job with organizing files and data entry. Front
desk receptionist Janet Bent and I have had very fun interac-
tions in which jokes fly and sarcasm is rich. Loren Webster
has been a huge help when it comes to managing our website.I can count on my go-to volunteer, Jennie Sheridan who is
always willing to help out with whatever she can. There are
many more volunteers that I have had the honor to interact
with as well. I want to thank you all for welcoming me and
creating such a great environment to work in.
Reecting on the wonderful world of Tahoma Audubon
Vaughn Hilliard is a volunteer from Clover Park TechnicalCollege. He will be graduating in June with an associatesin Applied Science and he is volunteering at Adriana Hessto complete his internship hours. He will be helping with
habitat maintenance, special events, Power Points, andeducation activities. He is very enthusiastic and willing tohelp out anyway he can, welcome Vaughn!
Andrew Larson has been volunteering in the Tahoma Audubonoffice for several months now. He has been involved with Audubonsince he was a child. Andrew is helping us to create a more effi-cient system for tracking and applying for grants. From our data-base he has been consolidating grant deadlines, grant criteria andgeneral donor information. He is also in the process of researching
potential grant donors. Already, Andrew has collaborated with ourConservation Coordinator, Krystal Kyer on a grant for thePuget Sound Seabird Survey of Pierce County. This grantwould fund the expansion of the seabird survey, whichwould enable the use of citizen science to conduct furtherresearch needed to protect our seabirds. We truly appre-ciate all of his time and effort. Thank you Andrew!
Volunteer
Spotlight
Andrew Larson Vaughn Hilliard
d
8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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May 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11
Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As
an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National
Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing
your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in
Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub-
scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis-
counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/
National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National
membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of
Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas. Checkspayableto:TahomaAudubon29
17Morrison
Rd.
W.
UniversityPlace,
98466Tahom
aAudubon
Society,establishedin1969,
isa501(c)(3)nonprofit
organization.
Donationsaretaxdeductib
le.
Membership Fee:
___ Introductory (first year) $20
___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50
___ Chapter member renewal $30
___ Other Contributions _____________
Member(s) Name: _______________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City______________________________ Zip__________________
Phone: home ___________________business _________________
e-mail: ________________________________________________
Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
Membership
Sat., May 17, we will have another plant maintenance party. The location forthat event is yet undetermined. we will provide tools, gloves, and refreshments.
The only missing ingredients are energy and a little time to apply some mulcharound previously planted native trees and shrubs to protect them. Please letme know if you would like to join us.2008 Nisqually Stream Stewards TrainingI am doing early recruitment for this years Stream Stewards course. We haveseven evening classes and four field tours scheduled throughout the Nisquallywatershed, some in places where most folks have never had an opportunity tovisit, such as the prairie areas on Fort Lewis, and restoration sites at the BragetMarsh and Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Also this year, we have somevery interesting speakers and dont forget, this valuable course is offered freeand there is limited seating space. This class usually fills fast, so if you orsomeone you know is interested, please reserve a space in the class.Class Schedule and LocationsClass days, starting Jun. 4: Wed. evenings 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Tue., Jul. 1, 6p.m. to 9 p.m.
Field tours: Sat., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.CLASSES Wed. Jun. 4, Yelm School District Office; Wed. Jun. 11, Pack ForestCenter; Wed. Jun. 18,Yelm School District Office; Wed. Jun. 25, Ohop Grange;Tuesday, Jul. 1, Nisqually Reach Nature Center at Luhr Beach; Wed. Jul. 9, YelmSchool District Office; Wed., Jul. 16, Ohop GrangeFIELD TOURS Sat. Jun. 14, various watershed sites; Sat. Jun. 21, NisquallyNational Wildlife Refuge; Sat. Jul. 12, Mt. Rainer National Park; Sat. Jul. 19,graduation at Ohop Grange.
part because of their efforts, TAS has developed into a full-fledged
environmental leader one with a strong voice in local conservation
issues, a commitment to citizen science, and fantastic educational
programs. We are tremendously fortunate to have Bryan, Krystal,
Stephanie and Julie fighting for us on a day-to-day basis.
Our Leadership: With six new members and many more experi-enced ones, the TAS Board of Directors is fully committed to our
mission and to making Tahoma Audubon the best organization it can
be. Combined with our devoted volunteers and our strong executive
leadership, TAS is well poised to tackle future challenges.
Our Members: Without a doubt, our membership is our greatest
strength, our secret weapon. But in fact, the great power of our mem-
bership is not a secret, but is well known across the other Audubon
chapters in our state. During Aprils Audubon Council of Washington
gathering, a Board member from a neighboring Puget Sound chapter
used our members as an example of what can be accomplished and
how to achieve success. Our members! Thats you! It was clear to
me that thats a big part of why TAS has such a great reputation for
being a good organization.
All of these things leave me very encouraged and eager to play agreater role in protecting natural ecosystems and conserving bird
habitat in Pierce County. What have YOU absorbed about the Tahoma
Audubon Society? What is YOUR vision for our future together, and
how do you see yourself being a part of making it happen? I encour-
age you to share your observations with the Board, staff, fellow TAS
members and anyone who shares our commitment to our environ-
ment. Together, we can make a change.
By Audrey Schomer, Seattle Audubon
Disclaimer: The birds listed in this article are
primarily Western migrants; that is, their
native breeding grounds are in primarily
the western United States and
Canada. Among the Eastern
migrants are the Ruby-throated
Hummingbird, Cerulean Warbler, Ovenbird,
American Redstart, Blackburnian Warbler,
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Scarlet Tanager.
To learn more about all the migratory bird
species, go to www.shadecoffee.org.
Imagine it is January, and you find
yourself in the mid-elevation rainfor-
ests of Mexico, Central America, the
Caribbean, or Colombia. Overhead, a dense tree
canopy shelters you from the beating rays of the
sun; underfoot, a nutrient-rich layer of soil. A vari-
ety of birds flit spontaneously from tree to tree,
flashing intoxicatingly colored wings. You are star-
tled to find that you recognize a number of birds
native to summers in the Pacific Northwest. Among
them, theres the fork-tailed Barn Swallow, the cit-
rus-orange Bullocks Oriole, the vest-patternedOlive-sided Flycatcher, the nectar-feeding Rufous
Hummingbird, the black-capped Wilsons Warbler,
the musical Swainsons Thrush, and the flame- and
charcoal-colored Western Tanager.
These are just a few of the species of migra-
tory birds of recognizable beauty that migrate to
tropical regions to winter and
return to north for their
breeding season. Their
twice-annual migra-
tion between the
northern and south-ern hemispheres of
the globe is among
the more incredible
feats of bird instinct,
with bird migration routes
stretching, for some species,
from the northernmost tip of North America to the
southernmost tip of South America.
To prepare for a successful journey and residence,
migrants rely on the habitat of both climates to sup-
port them by providing abundant food and shelter.
Without the sustained viability of either habitat, the
survival of less adaptable species is severely threat-
ened.Forest clear-cutting to convert from traditional
(shade-grown) to technified (sun-grown) coffee
plantations has drastically offset the tenuous, yet
vitally necessary balance of tropical regions. Sun
coffee plantations are responsible for the reduction
of biodiversity, thereby eliminating natural pest-
predator relationships and increasing susceptibility
to disease.
Robbed of its former source of nutrients and
exposed to the stripping effects of open sun, the
technified landscape has introduced the need for
costly, damaging manmade fixes such as chemi-cal fertilization, irrigation, and erosion control.
Research in Colombia and Mexico has found that
94-97% fewer bird species were found in sun coffee
plantations than shade coffee forests.
Conversely, shade coffee plantations maintain a
complex and diverse polyculture of trees and wild-
life. Because the complex structure of the forest is
retained, the presence of native tree and plant spe-
cies protects the coffee plants, helps maintain soil
quality, and reduces the need for weeding, chemical
fertilizers, and pesticides. This sustainable forest
ecosystem also provides habitat that is essential to
great numbers of migratory songbirds, resident
birds, reptiles, ants, butterflies, bats, plants and otherorganisms.
To learn more about the benefits of shade coffee,
visit www.shadecoffee.org.
Environment matters; what you drink matters
Nisqually Stream TeamFor information on the Nisqually Stream Stewards contact Don Perry,Nisqually Stream Stewards Coordinator, at 360-438-8687 ext. 2143,[email protected]
... Reflections from page 1
http://www.shadecoffee.org/http://www.shadecoffee.org/http://www.shadecoffee.org/8/9/2019 05-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society
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Tahoma Audubon Society YO2
2917 Morrison Road West
University Place, WA 98466
Address service requested
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
Tacoma, WA
Permit No. 177
PAID 25 years ago page 8 Announcements page 9
Birdathon field trips page 6
BirdSongs page 8
Bryan Flint column page 2
Education page 4
Environment matters page 3
Field trips page 5
New members page 10
Paul Webster page 1
Volunteer recognition page 10
In this issue:
owhee
The May 2008
T
For additional information on education programs contact Tahoma Audubon at 253-565-9278; on the web at www.tahomaaudubon.org
Or The Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439 or on the web at www.metroparkstacoma.org
Calendar
Sat., May 3 9am 4pm Native Plant Sale at Tacoma
Nature Center, a list of available plants will be posted on
the website by 10:00am, Fri., May 2 (www.metropark-
stacoma.org). Come early for the best selection.
Tue., May 6 10:30am 11:30am Nature Alphabet - Qis for Quack. Tacoma Nature Center. Preschoolers
explore different nature topics.
Tue., May 6 7:00pm 9pm Intermediate BirdingClass at Adriana Hess Audubon Center.Wed., May 7 10:30am 12:00pm Budding Scientists
- The Brightest Star at Adriana Hess Audubon Center
for young children ages 5-7.
Thu., May 8 9:30am 11:30am Beginning Home
School Science - Whats Up at the Tacoma Nature
Center for homeschool students ages 8-10.
Thu., May 8 1:00pm 3pm Beginning Home School
Science at the Tacoma Nature Center for homeschool
students ages 8-10.
Thu., May 8 6:30pm 8:30pm TAS Monthly Board
Meeting at Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Guestswelcome, please call ahead at 253-565-9278.
Fri., May 9 9:00am 11am Breakfast and WorkParty at Adriana Hess Audubon Center to help keep
our wetland park clean, healthy, and free of weeds! V
Fri., May 9 7:00pm Membership Meeting See
Program
Sat., May 10 All day Intl Migratory Bird Day eventsinclude participation in Citizen Science with people
around the world at Pacific Lutheran University. A
spring bird count at PLU with time and location TBD.
Call the office at 253-565-9278 to sign up! Also see: F
& A (Birdathon, Announcements)
Sun., May 1112:00pm 4pmMorse Preserve,Graham,explore this natural treasure during Open Trails.
Mon., May 12 12:00pm 1pm Bird Walk @ AdrianaHess F
Tue., May 13 2:00pm 4pmConservation Committeemeets at Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison
Road W, University Place, WA 98466. M
Tue., May 13 7:00pm 9pm Intermediate BirdingClass at Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Wed., May 14 3:15pm 4:45pm Budding Scientists
- The Brightest Star at Adriana Hess Audubon Center
for young children ages 5-7.
Thu., May 15 1:00pm 3pm Intermediate HomeSchool Science - Star Search at
Tacoma Nature Center for homeschool students ages
10-12.
Fri., May 16 9:00am 11am Breakfast and Work
Partyat the Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Help keepour wetland park clean, healthy, and free of weeds!
Sat., May 17 10:00am 11:30am Discovery Walk atSunrise Beach, Gig Harbor.
Sun., May 18 8:00am 11:30am Nature Walk at Point
Defiance Park in Tacoma.
Mon., May 19 12:00pm 1pm Plant Walk @ AdrianaHess
Tue., May 20 1:30pm 2:30pm Nature Alphabet - Ris for Rain. For preschoolers at Tacoma Nature Center.
Tue., May 20 5:00pm 6pmMorse Force Meeting
atAdriana Hess.
Tue., May 20 7:00pm 9pm Intermediate BirdingClass at Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Wed., May 21 10:30am 12:00pm Budding Scientists
- Nighttime Above at Adriana Hess Audubon Center for
young children ages 5-7.
Thu., May 22 1:00pm 3pm Advanced Home SchoolScience Astronomy at Tacoma Nature Center for
homeschool students ages 12-15.
Fri., May 23 9:00am 11am Breakfast and WorkPartyat Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Help keep our
wetland park clean, healthy, and free of weeds! V
Fri., May 23 10:00am 12pmMorse Wildlife Preserve,
Graham with field trip leader Betty Jones.
Fri., May 23 10:30am 11:30am Nature Story Time- Starlight, Starbright at Adriana Hess Audubon Centeris a wonderful grandparent/grandchild activity!
Fri., May 23 1:00pm 4pm Advanced Home SchoolScienceLab Astronomy at Tacoma Nature Center for
homeschool science students ages 12-15.
Sat., May 24 Sun., May 25 Mon., May 26All day TheWenas Audubon Campout: www.wenasaudubon.orgFor over three decades Audubon families have been