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Mission: To promote the awareness, appreciation and protection of native birds and their habitats through

education, research and environmental activities.

Program Meetings for the general community are normally held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the ChicoCreek Nature Center, 1968 E. 8th St. In December the meeting is held on the second Monday and in July and August there

are no Program Meetings.

Altacal is Going to Nome!Altacal Audubon Society has developed a reputation for great field trips, like last springs trip toPanama. Join Altacal as we venture to the Great White North for a Birding Tour of Nome andDenali, Alaska in June of 2009. For more information on this exciting trip check out the itineraryathttp://bigbirders.com/tour_calendars.htm and attend the October 20 Birding Nome, Alaskapresentation at Altacals General Membership Meeting. For more information email Scott Huber atBirdTours@Altacal.org or call Scott at (530) 321-5579.

October Program - Nome Alaska: Birding the Last Frontier! - Scott Huber

Monday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. at the Chico Creek Nature Center

By virtue of its location, Nome, Alaska isone of North Americas premier birdingdestinations. Many North American birdspecies (and a significant number of Asianspecies!) migrate to or through the Nomearea to breed on the Arctic tundra whichprovides good habitat for ground- or near-ground-nesting birds, an incredibleabundance of food in the form of berriesand insects, and long periods of sunlightfor accomplishing mating, feeding andfledging tasks. A number of species thatspend most of their lives in the Pacific orArctic oceans comes ashore to nest nearNome

Tim Ruckle and Scott Huber near an ice-covered Bering Sea at Nome, AlaskaPhoto by Scott Huber

- Pacific Golden-Plover, Long-Tailed and Parasitic Jaeger - and birders, come from around thecountry to see a bird rarely found anywhere else in the continental United States - Bristle-thighedCurlew. Asian species also choose to cross the short stretch of open ocean to summer in the Nome area.

White-tailed KiteOctober/November, 2008

http://www.northvalley.net/naturecenterhttp://www.northvalley.net/naturecenterhttp://bigbirders.com/tour_calendars.htmmailto:BirdTours@Altacal.orghttp://www.nomealaska.org/http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pacific_Golden-Plover.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/489/_/Long-tailed_Jaeger.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/489/_/Long-tailed_Jaeger.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/491/overview/Parasitic_Jaeger.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/431/overview/Bristle-thighed_Curlew.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/431/overview/Bristle-thighed_Curlew.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/431/overview/Bristle-thighed_Curlew.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/431/overview/Bristle-thighed_Curlew.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/491/overview/Parasitic_Jaeger.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/489/_/Long-tailed_Jaeger.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pacific_Golden-Plover.htmlhttp://www.nomealaska.org/mailto:BirdTours@Altacal.orghttp://bigbirders.com/tour_calendars.htmhttp://www.northvalley.net/naturecenterhttp://www.northvalley.net/naturecenter

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Some, like Bluethroat, Arctic Warbler and Arctic Loon are regular, predictable visitors. Others, likeLesser Sand-Plover, Red-necked Stint and Terek Sandpiperare casual visitors rare guests with aregular record of occurrence. And then there are the hardy Alaska natives species that stay a goodportion of the year in the north country, like American Tree Sparrow, Boreal Chickadee, Commonand Hoary Redpoll, Snow Bunting, Willow and Rock Ptarmigan. Because it is breeding season thebirds are all in their freshest and most colorful plumage. Species that we see in the lower 48 in drabwinter plumage virtually burst into color in Alaska. The brief, condensed summer allows you to watchsome birds change plumage almost overnight, and ptarmigans that are all white when you arrive may be

mottled brown by the time you leave!The lack of tall vegetation in most of thearea means that birds are out on openground where they are easy to spot, andbecause they are displaying for matesand territory are often exhibiting uniqueand sometimes outrageous displaybehavior.

Birds are just one of the reasons to visitNome. One of the fringe benefits is theamazing mammal display! Most visitorsare treated to views ofMoose, Caribouand Grizzly and Nome is home to thesmall North American population of

Harlequin Ducks Cape Nome, AlaskaPhoto by Scott Huber

Musk Ox. Small mammals too are frequently seen by observant visitors andRed Fox, Beaver, Short-tailed Weasel, Spotted Seals and others are typically unaffected by human presence. Wildflowers andedible berries grow in profusion on the tundra.

Scott Huber is the Field Trip Director for Altacal Audubon and owner of BigBirders Birding Tours.

Scott will narrate a photographic account of the three weeks that he spent in the Nome area in May andJune of 2008, a portion of which was spent with another Altacal member, Tim Ruckle. Scott will present

an itinerary for an Altacal-sponsored Tour to Nome and Denali scheduled for June 2009.

November Program Colusa National Wildlife Refuge Mike Peters

Monday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. at the Chico Creek Nature Center

Do you enjoy wildlife viewing and photography? Do you want to see thousands and thousands ofwintering waterfowl while you drive along a three-mile gravel auto tour? Then come and join us forour Monday, November 17th program when Mike Peters, Manager ofColusa National Wildlife Refuge,presents his PowerPoint presentation on the birds and wildlife of CNWR.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bluethroat.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Arctic_Warbler.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/399/_/Arctic_Loon.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/388/_/Lesser_Sand-Plover.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/499/overview/Red-necked_Stint.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/423/overview/Terek_Sandpiper.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/423/overview/Terek_Sandpiper.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Tree_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Boreal_Chickadee.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Redpoll.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Redpoll.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Hoary_Redpoll_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snow_Bunting_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Willow_Ptarmigan.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rock_Ptarmigan.htmlhttp://www.nhptv.org/NatureWorks/moose.htmhttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/biggame/caribou.phphttp://www.nhptv.org/NATUREWORKS/grizzly.htmhttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/biggame/muskoxen.phphttp://www.nhptv.org/NatureWorks/redfox.htmhttp://www.nhptv.org/NatureWorks/redfox.htmhttp://www.nhptv.org/Natureworks/beaver.htmhttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/furbear/weasels.phphttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/furbear/weasels.phphttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/marine/spt-seal.phphttp://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81621http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81621http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/marine/spt-seal.phphttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/furbear/weasels.phphttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/furbear/weasels.phphttp://www.nhptv.org/Natureworks/beaver.htmhttp://www.nhptv.org/NatureWorks/redfox.htmhttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/biggame/muskoxen.phphttp://www.nhptv.org/NATUREWORKS/grizzly.htmhttp://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/biggame/caribou.phphttp://www.nhptv.org/NatureWorks/moose.htmhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Rock_Ptarmigan.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Willow_Ptarmigan.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snow_Bunting_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Hoary_Redpoll_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Redpoll.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Boreal_Chickadee.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/American_Tree_Sparrow.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/423/overview/Terek_Sandpiper.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/499/overview/Red-necked_Stint.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/388/_/Lesser_Sand-Plover.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/399/_/Arctic_Loon.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Arctic_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bluethroat.html

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With 4567 acres including seasonal marshes, permanent ponds and uplands, the wildlife viewing can beexceptional. Visitors can also make use of its new facilities which include a new observation deck,parking area, bathrooms, picnic tables, and a one-mile trail along a lush riparian slough.

Mike Peters has worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 16 years. He is currently the RefugeManager for Colusa andSutter National Wildlife Refuges - part of theSacramento National WildlifeRefuge Complex.

Upcoming Bird Walks and Birding Trips

All of our field trips are open to beginning birders. Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate.

October 4, Saturday Packer and Sul Norte Units of the SRNWR Trip Leader: Mike Fisher

Join us as we explore two of the lesser-known units within the Sacramento River National WildlifeRefuge, the Packer Unit and the Sul Norte Unit, both located near the Butte City area. We will meetat the Park n Ride on 8th/9th Street in the lot nearest the freeway at 8 a.m. for carpooling. Rememberto bring water, hiking shoes (modest flatland terrain 1.5-3 miles) and snacks. We'll be back around 1p.m. For additional information call Mike at (530) 624-4777.

The Packer Unit is located at River Mile 168-R, justsouth of Butte City and Highway 162

October 10-12, Friday-Sunday - Bodega Bay Terrestrial and Pelagic Birding Weekend.

Trip Leaders: Scott Huber (terrestrial) and RichStallcup (pelagic) [The pelagic portion of the tripis full.]

The weekend of October 11-12 promises to be anexciting one for both Altacal members and our out-of-area friends as we combine a long-awaitedPelagic Trip led by the well-respected RichStallcup with a day of land birding in the BodegaBay area.

Well depart mid-morning Friday arriving at thecoast before dark where participants have theoption of camping or staying at a local motel orInn. If theres time well even bird a little in the lateafternoon.

Saturday Morning well board the New Sea Anglerfor our trip to the Cordell Banks where well hopeto see an impressive array ofpelagic birds.

http://www.fws.gov/Refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81623http://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefugeshttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefugeshttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefugeshttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefugeshttp://www.sacramentoriver.org/access_site.php?access_site_id=76http://www.sacramentoriver.org/access_site.php?access_site_id=74http://www.bodegabay.com/visitor_info/overviewmap.htmlhttp://montereybay.com/creagrus/CAwhoRS.htmlhttp://montereybay.com/creagrus/CAwhoRS.htmlhttp://www.sportfishingreport.com/pages/boatdetail.php?boat_id=184http://cordellbank.noaa.gov/http://cordellbank.noaa.gov/http://www.sportfishingreport.com/pages/boatdetail.php?boat_id=184http://montereybay.com/creagrus/CAwhoRS.htmlhttp://montereybay.com/creagrus/CAwhoRS.htmlhttp://www.bodegabay.com/visitor_info/overviewmap.htmlhttp://www.sacramentoriver.org/access_site.php?access_site_id=74http://www.sacramentoriver.org/access_site.php?access_site_id=76http://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefugeshttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefugeshttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefugeshttp://www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefugeshttp://www.fws.gov/Refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81623

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Sunday morning well rise with the morning chorus and proceed to bird the many productive spots in theBodega area including Bodega Head, the bay, the beaches and others. Its quite likely that the afternoonwill find some of us enjoying a bottle of fine wine around the campfire (weather permitting) or at TheTides.

Participants will make their own arrangements for lodging and meals. Some Altacal members will bestaying at Bodega Dunes Campground, please see www.bodegabay.com/discover/camping.htmlformore information and to make reservations. For a list of Bodega Bay Motels go towww.sonoma.com/lodging/sonoma_coastlistings.html.

Please contact Scott Huber at BirdTours@Altacal.org or (530) 321-5579 to let him know whetheryoull be camping or staying at a motel and provide him with your contact information while in theBodega area. The pelagic portion of this trip is full but if others would like to join us for the Sundayportion please let him know. Prepare for a variety of weather possibilities including darn cold and weton the water. Those departing from Chico should plan on meeting Friday October 10th at 10 a.m. at thePark n Ride on Highway 32 (eastern-most lot, second lot from Highway 99). Well rendezvous withthose coming from other areas at the Tides Wharf Restaurant in Bodega Bay between 5-6 p.m. Fridayevening.

October 19, Sunday- Butte Basin Field Trip

Trip Leader: Phil Johnson"Butte Basin" refers to the flat, open landsroughly between Dayton, the Sutter Buttes,the Sacramento River, and Highway 99.Historically, this area was all tule marshes andgrasslands. It is the wintertime "Serengeti"of migratory waterfowl. We will start at theLlano Seco viewing platform and continuealong Rd. Z in search of waterfowl, raptors,rails and Black-crowned Night-Herons.From there we will hit various spots along the

rice fields looking for concentrations ofSandhill Cranes and other of winteringbirds. Meet at the Park n Ride (the lot closestto the freeway) at 7:45 a.m. to carpool.Contact trip leader Phil Johnson atptjptj@gmail.com or at 570-7139.

Butte Basin Habitat

October 31, Friday - Owl-o-weenTrip Leaders: Dawn Garcia and Scott Huber

What better time to go look for things that go bump in the night than on Halloween? Join us for a night

of fun looking and listening for owls in the foothills above Chico. Meet at the Park n Ride on Hwy. 32nearest State Route 99 at 5:00 p.m. We will car pool up to the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve(about 10 miles) and begin our search for owls. First, we will review some owl calls on tape, then try tocall in a Northern Pygmy-Owl, Western Screech-Owl or Great Horned-Owl. At dark we will joinDawn Garcia at her Northern Saw-whet Owlbanding station. Dawn will give us an overview of herowl banding, take groups to the mist nets, and with the luck of the goblins, may witness the capture andprocessing of a Northern Saw-whet or Western Screech-Owl, and maybe a bat or two!

http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/image.cgi?image=12595&mode=sequential&flags=0http://california.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,2,fid,1799567,n,Bodega%20Dunes%20Campground.cfmhttp://www.bodegabay.com/discover/camping.htmlhttp://www.sonoma.com/lodging/sonoma_coastlistings.htmlmailto:BirdTours@Altacal.orghttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/articles/upbuttebasin01.htmlhttp://www.serengeti.org/index_2.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-crowned_Night-Heron.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sandhill_Crane.htmlmailto:ptjptj@gmail.comhttp://www.csuchico.edu/bccerhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/13/_/Northern_Pygmy-Owl.aspxhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Screech-Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Horned_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Great_Horned_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Western_Screech-Owl.htmlhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/13/_/Northern_Pygmy-Owl.aspxhttp://www.csuchico.edu/bccermailto:ptjptj@gmail.comhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sandhill_Crane.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-crowned_Night-Heron.htmlhttp://www.serengeti.org/index_2.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/articles/upbuttebasin01.htmlmailto:BirdTours@Altacal.orghttp://www.sonoma.com/lodging/sonoma_coastlistings.htmlhttp://www.bodegabay.com/discover/camping.htmlhttp://california.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,2,fid,1799567,n,Bodega%20Dunes%20Campground.cfmhttp://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/image.cgi?image=12595&mode=sequential&flags=0

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We will return to the Park n Ride by 9:00 p.m.Bring warm clothes, flashlight or headlamp, foldingchair, hiking shoes, water and binoculars. It can bevery cold up in the foothills at night. This outing

will be limited to a maximum of 10 people due tothe banding operation. Rain cancels the trip. A$5.00 donation to Altacal Audubon is requested.For additional details or to reserve a spot, call or e-mail Scott Huber (530 321-5579,ScottH@bigbirders.com ).

Northern Saw-whet Owl held by Randall PetersonPhoto by Dawn Garcia

November 2, Sunday - Davis/Woodland/Dixon for Mountain Plovers, Waders, Gulls and

More!Trip Leader: Scott Huber

A little more than an hour from Chico, Yolo and Solano counties account for a disproportionate numberof rare bird sightings and provide unique habitat for a number of species with a very limited California

distribution. In recent years such rarities as Ovenbirdand Snowy Owlhave found their way to this area, and the short-grass prairie near Dixonfeatures regular occurrences of Mountain Plovers and raptors likeFerruginous Hawk and Golden Eagle. The wastewater treatmentfacilities and dump near Woodland regularly feature unusual shorebirdsand gulls. Join us for a day-long idyll along the backroads of this regionfor some interesting birds rarely found closer to Butte County. Meet at

the Chico Park n Ride lot closest to Hwy 32 at 7:30 a.m. where we'lldetermine car-pooling arrangements. Most birding will be from thevehicle interspersed with short walks. Weather may be cold; dressaccordingly. Rain cancels. Bring a lunch or take advantage ofopportunities to buy lunch en route.

Davis Wetlands Logo

November 8, Saturday - Butte Creek Ecological Preserve

Trip Leader: Scott Huber

Butte Creek Ecological Preserve is a wonderful slice ofcreek frontage saved from development by California State

University, Chico. The recovering habitat was seriouslydegraded by years of dredger and gravel mining but now upto 50 species of birds may be found there on a good day. Inearly November we will be seeing recent fall migrantssettling in for the winter and numerous other resident birdstypical of foothill riparian habitat. Expect to see a goodselection of birds back from their summer vacations,including Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes,

Butte Creek at BCEP

mailto:ScottH@bigbirders.comhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ovenbird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snowy_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snowy_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mountain_Plover.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ferruginous_Hawk_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden_Eagle_dtl.htmlhttp://www.csuchico.edu/bcephttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ruby-crowned_Kinglet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Hermit_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Hermit_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ruby-crowned_Kinglet.htmlhttp://www.csuchico.edu/bcephttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden_Eagle_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ferruginous_Hawk_dtl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mountain_Plover.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Snowy_Owl.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ovenbird.htmlmailto:ScottH@bigbirders.com

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Black-throated Gray Warblers, White-crowned, Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows as well asresident Nuttalls Woodpeckers, Bewicks Wrens and Oak Titmice along with the first VariedThrushes of the season.

Well meet at the Hwy 32 Park n Ride (the lot nearest Hwy 99) at 8 a.m. and carpool to the preserve. Wear warm

clothes and gloves. Rain will cancel this trip. Bring binoculars or call Scott to arrange to borrow some. Three to

four hours will give us time to thoroughly explore the preserve at a leisurely pace and the walking is easy on

sometimes rocky trails. For more information please call Scott Huber at 321-5579.November 23, Sunday Black Butte LakeTrip Leader: To be determined

We will bird around the lake, hike the Big Oak NatureTrail, then drive up to the dam. Bring a picnic lunchand your binoculars. Dress warm, in layers, and wearsturdy shoes as there will be some hiking. MountainBluebirds, Golden-crowned Kinglets, LewissWoodpeckers, Bald Eagles and LawrencesGoldfinchesare some of the birds we hope to find. Thetrip will end about 2 p.m. Rain cancels. Meet at BurgerKing in Orland (I 5 and Hwy. 32) at 9:00 a.m.Call Scott Huber at 321-5579 for meeting place andmore information.

Black Butte Lake and DamNovember 30, Sunday - Gray Lodge Wildlife

Area Trip Leader: Jennifer Patten

This is sure to be a popular field trip when wetravel down to Gray Lodge Wildlife Area for thebreathtaking event called the "Fly-Out". At duskyou'll witness thousands ofducks and geese risefrom the ponds around Gray Lodge and fly tonearby fields to feed during the night. As theskies fill with birds, the sound of their wing beatsand calls is incredible and something you won'twant to miss.

Waterfowl at the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

Meet at the Chico Park n Ride, first parking lot off highway exit, at 2:00 p.m. We'll car pool to GrayLodge and if there is enough time we'll take the paved trail out to the viewing platform.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is accessible to people with disabilities. Restrooms, designated parking areas,

a visitors museum, and a paved trail leading to a universally accessible viewing platform, can all beaccessed from parking lot #14. A day-use pass is required for public access. The cost is $2.50/person.Fees are waived for visitors under 16 years of age or those having a valid CA hunting, trapping orfishing license. Bring your own folding chair, warm clothing, hot chocolate, binoculars and bird fieldguide. Heavy rain will cancel. For more information please contact field trip leader Jennifer Patten at345-9356 orjpchico@sbcglobal.net

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Fox_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Fox_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Nuttalls_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bewicks_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Oak_Titmouse.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Oak_Titmouse.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Varied_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Varied_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mountain_Bluebird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mountain_Bluebird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Kinglet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Kinglet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Kinglet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lewiss_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lewiss_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lawrences_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lawrences_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.htmlmailto:jpchico@sbcglobal.netmailto:jpchico@sbcglobal.nethttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lawrences_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lawrences_Goldfinch.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lewiss_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lewiss_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Kinglet.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mountain_Bluebird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mountain_Bluebird.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Varied_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Varied_Thrush.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Oak_Titmouse.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bewicks_Wren.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Nuttalls_Woodpecker.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Fox_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-crowned_Sparrow.htmlhttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Gray_Warbler.html

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What Do The Count Data Tell Us?

The primary objective of the Christmas Bird Count is to monitor the status and distribution of birdpopulations across the Western Hemisphere. The count period, which is from December 14th to January5th in North America, is referred to as "early winter," because many birds at this time are still in the latestages of their southward migration, so it is not "true" winter. When we combine these data with othersurveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, BBS - USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, we beginto see a clearer picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the

past hundred years.

The information is also vital for conservation. For example, local trends in bird populations can indicatehabitat fragmentation or signal an immediate environmental threat, such as groundwater contaminationor poisoning from improper use of pesticides. From feeder-watchers and field observers to countcompilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love ofbirds and the excitement of friendly competition and with the knowledge that their efforts are making adifference for science and bird conservation. As long as there are birds to be counted, the ChristmasBird Count will go on being the most popular and rewarding bird census the world over.

Last years 23 Chico volunteers identified 117 species.

Sponsor: Altacal Audubon SocietyCompiler:Phil JohnsonSecondary Compiler(s):Participants:

Skip AugurJon AullScott CampbellMike FisherPam HansenScott HuberLiam HuberPhil JohnsonRuth KennedyRaina KingSteve KingMary Muchowski

Nancy NelsonJoesph ONielJennifer PattenTim RuckleMauricio SchraderJohn ScottSue ScottBruce SteidlLeslie SteidlAndy Tomaselli

Last years 23 Oroville volunteers identified 123 species.

Sponsor:Altacal Audubon Society Phil JohnsonSecondary Compiler(s):Participants:

Mike FisherWayland AugurLariane BarettaSherri BerglundTerry ColbornSarah DaviKaren GrilloBill HaasPhil Johnson

John LewisMary Muchowski

Nancy NelsonGary NielsenJennifer PattenMary SchiedtJohn and Sue ScottJackson SheddLevi SouzaAndy TomacelliBruce Webb

Yvonne Boisclairelarry Boisclaire

For detailed results go to http://cbc.audubon.org/cbccurrent/current_table.html Make a Tablechoose California, then Chico or Oroville for the full species lists.

http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbshttp://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbsmailto:ptjptj@gmail.commailto:ptjptj@gmail.comhttp://cbc.audubon.org/cbccurrent/current_table.htmlhttp://cbc.audubon.org/cbccurrent/current_table.htmlhttp://cbc.audubon.org/cbccurrent/current_table.htmlmailto:ptjptj@gmail.commailto:ptjptj@gmail.comhttp://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbshttp://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs

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Be Careful Out There!

Refuge staff and researchers working on units of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge havesightedMountain Lions on many of the units within the refuge. For example, three Mountain Lion

cubs were born and are living within the Refuge's Pine Creek Unit locatedeast of Hamilton City. This refuge unit, among many others between Red

Bluff and Princeton, has been cooperatively restored to native habitat byThe Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Refugestaff encourage visitors to the publicly accessible refuge units to be awareof possible mountain lion presence; to hike with others during daylighthours; and to avoid early morning or late afternoon walks alone, sincecougars tend to be more active during these hours. Please read theMountain Lion signs and brochures located at the refuge trailheads beforeexploring the areas. Immediately report all encounters or attacks bycalling the California Department of Fish and Games (CDGF) 24-hourdispatch center (916) 445-0045 and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Sacramento NWRC at (530) 934-280l. For further information on

Mountain Lions, visit CDGF's web page - Mountain Lions in California.

Mountain Lion

Altacal Contributions to the Community

On August 4, 2008 the Altacal Audubon Society and the Chico State Birding Club donated seven copiesof Kenn Kaufmans Guide to the Birds of North America written in Spanish (Guia de Campo Kaufman:a las Aves Norteamericanas) to the Butte County Library for use in the Durham, Biggs, Gridley, Chico,Paradise, Oroville libraries and the Bookmobile. Marilyn Gamette, representing Altacal and TimRuckle, representing the Chico State Birding Club, presented them in Oroville to Derek Wolfgram,

Director of the Butte County Library.

Marilyn Gamette (Altacal) Derek Wolfgram, Director, Butte County Library System and Tim Ruckle (CSBC)

http://www.desertusa.com/may96/du_mlion.htmlhttp://www.desertusa.com/may96/du_mlion.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/lion.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/lion.htmlhttp://www.desertusa.com/may96/du_mlion.html

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Altacal Makes Birding Field Guides and Binoculars Available to Bird Walk

Participants

Altacal bought three copies of Kenn Kaufmans field guide,Birds of NorthAmerica, and Mac Mcormick donated several pairs of binoculars for the AltacalTrip Leaders Field Kit so participants on Altacal bird walks could use them ifneeded.

Conservation Corner

Scott Huber, Field Trip Director, Altacal Audubon Society

While not a problem specific to our area, the call for increased domestic oilexploration certainly has a regional impact in terms of the potential effect onshorebirds, waterfowl and migratory bird species. We need only look back a fewmonths to the deaths of numerous scoters, scaups, grebes and others in SanFrancisco Bay to be reminded of the potential devastation that offshore drillingcan bring. As a child of coastal California in the 50s and 60s, the memory of

peeling tar off my feet after a day at the beach adds to the unpleasantness of thenotion of a return to offshore oil platforms.

Untold numbers of birds breed on the arctic tundra. Many of these very samebirds grace the rice fields and refuges of the Sacramento Valley in winter. Therequisite road building, equipment, and toxic waste that accompany oil drilling in

the arctic will soil much of the fragile tundra ecosystem, rendering it unusable as nesting habitat forthese species.

Both of our presidential candidates have yielded to the call for increased drilling. While the rest of usstruggle to adapt to increased across-the-board costs for consumer goods the oil companies continue topost record profits. Our addiction to petroleum must be stemmed andwe need an administration with the vision and the resolve to make theneeded investment in alternative energy sources and a cultural shiftaway from wasteful practices, particularly those that increase globalwarming such as burning of fossil fuels, i.e., petroleum.

The following article comes from National Audubon. Please let yourgovernment representatives know that you are against increaseddomestic oil exploration and for increased investment in sustainable,alternative energy sources and methods.

John McCain Republican Presidential Nominee

http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactFormBarack Obama Democratic Presidential Nomineehttp://obama.senate.gov/contact/Wally Herger U.S. House District 2http://www.house.gov/herger/contact.shtmlBarbara Boxer U.S. Senatehttp://boxer.senate.gov/contact/email/policy.cfmDiane Feinstein U.S. Senatehttp://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMeArnold Schwarzenegger California Governor

http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactFormhttp://obama.senate.gov/contact/http://www.house.gov/herger/contact.shtmlhttp://boxer.senate.gov/contact/email/policy.cfmhttp://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMehttp://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMehttp://boxer.senate.gov/contact/email/policy.cfmhttp://www.house.gov/herger/contact.shtmlhttp://obama.senate.gov/contact/http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

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http://gov.ca.gov/interactRick Keene State Assembly District 3Assemblymember.keene@assembly.ca.govDoug LaMalfa State Assembly District 2

Assemblymember.LaMalfa@assembly.ca.govSam Aanestad State Assembly District 4

Senator.Aanestad@senate.ca.gov

GOP Drill Bill is Wrong Rx for the U.S.

Statement of Betsy Loyless, Audubon's Donal O'Brien Chair for Policy and Advocacy

Washington, DC, July 23, 2008 After millions of acres have been surrendered to oil companies by theBush administration in recent years, with no positive impact for consumers, must we really nowsacrifice the safety of our beaches and our last wild places? The U.S. has an energy crisis on its hands.It's disappointing that Big Oil is dictating the GOP leadership's response in the face of this crisis. It'sstunning that rather than putting consumers first, the response from the industry's allies in Congress is to

pursue the same tired policies that have lucratively served the oil industry while running up gas prices.The energy crisis is profoundly painful, but it is also an opportunity. We have an opportunity to trulyget off of oil and reinvent our economy with clean renewables that will end our addiction, clean up ourskies, create jobs and solve global warming.

More Information

Audubon believes the above announcement is emblematic of the oil industry's strategy to leverage highgas prices to gain ever more drilling rights. This bill introduced by some of the industry's chief allies inCongress comes just days before second quarter profits are announced by the industry. The heart of theGOP bill calls for expanded drilling offshore and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Millions of acres have been made available already for oil development by the Bush administration inrecent years, and that activity has only padded industry profits as gasoline prices have doubled forconsumers. Audubon is recommending policies that lessen the nation's addiction to dirty fossil fuels,such as rapid expansion of renewable energy development in areas like wind and solar.

Recent studies by the Bush Administration's own Energy Information Administration (EIA) have shownthat expanded drilling offshore and in the Arctic Refuge would have little impact on supply before 2030and an "insignificant" impact on prices at the pump. For example, in a May 2008 study, "Analysis ofCrude Oil Production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," the EIA found that if Congress authorizeddrilling this year, no oil would be available before 2018. What's more, the price impact translates to justa penny or two at the gas pump. The study concludes, Arctic Refuge "oil production is not projected to

have a large impact on world oil prices." The report also notes that even this extremely minor priceimpact could be neutralized by OPEC reducing its oil exports by an equal amount.

http://gov.ca.gov/interactmailto:Assemblymember.keene@assembly.ca.govmailto:Assemblymember.LaMalfa@assembly.ca.govmailto:Senator.Aanestad@senate.ca.govmailto:Senator.Aanestad@senate.ca.govmailto:Assemblymember.LaMalfa@assembly.ca.govmailto:Assemblymember.keene@assembly.ca.govhttp://gov.ca.gov/interact

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Banding

Northern Saw-Whet Owl Fall Migration October November, 2008

Just a reminder that owl migration season begins mid-October and for our fourth year, the Northern

Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) constant-effort, mist-netting station will be upand running. Our previous capturesranged from 23 to 61 NSWOs, WesternScreech-Owls, bats and flyingsquirrels. We intend to run five nightsa week, beginning at sunset and closingby midnight.

Members are always welcome! If youare interested in joining the Owl team,or would like to be on an email list that

receives the results of our efforts, pleasesend your email address to DawnGarcia, mel.dawn@sbcglobal.net.

Photo by Nancy Nelson

Sister Society (Cape Cod Bird Club) News

During the summer our Cape Cod Birds Club friends saw a steady amount of uncommon birds with afew real oddities mixed in. The icing on their cake was an adult male Broad-billed Hummingbird thathad been visiting a feeder in Dennis. It was a first state record for Massachusetts and only the second forNew England. The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a somewhat common bird in southeast Arizona and

west Texas, but it is quite rare outside of that area. Most birders safely assume that any hummingbirdthey see in Massachusetts during the spring and summer is a Ruby-throated, but with Black-chinneds,Calliopes, and now this Broad-billed showing up... this may no longer be true. The bird was still inDennis on September 18.

The Broad-billed Hummingbird was not the only bird that was way out of range. In Chatham, there wasa Curlew Sandpiper. These breed in northern Asia and migrate to Africa. It was first seen on August 23on South Beach and seen again on the 25th on North Monomoy. While this is a very odd shorebird theyare almost annual in Chatham, perhaps the same bird each year.

mailto:mel.dawn@sbcglobal.nethttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/430/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/204/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/495/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/495/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/home/?must_change_password:int=0&initial_login:int=1http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/home/?must_change_password:int=0&initial_login:int=1http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/466/_/Curlew_Sandpiper.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/466/_/Curlew_Sandpiper.aspxhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/466/_/Curlew_Sandpiper.aspxhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/home/?must_change_password:int=0&initial_login:int=1http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/495/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/204/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/430/articles/introductionmailto:mel.dawn@sbcglobal.net

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Also on August 23, South Beach was home to aSabine's Gull and a Long-tailed Jaeger. Both of thesespecies are most likely to be seen miles from shore. Sabine's Gulls show up in small numbers offshorearound this time of year but are very uncommon on land. The Long-tailed Jaeger is the smallest andrarest of the three jaegers and is even more unlikely to be seen from shore. The South Beach Long-tailedJaeger is part of a rash of sightings of this uncommon species. Most of the reported individuals areimmature birds however, and the South Beach individual was an adult.

Here is a laundry list of shorebirds seen at many locations on the Cape in late August: Black-belliedPlover, Semipalmated Plover, Piping Plover, Killdeer, American Oystercatcher, GreaterYellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel,Hudsonian Godwit, Marbled Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Sanderling, SemipalmatedSandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper,Dunlin,Long-billed Dowitcher, andShort-billed Dowitcher.

Stellwagen Bank continues to be productive with species such as: Greater Shearwater, Cory'sShearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Northern Gannet, Parasitic Jaeger andPomarine Jaeger.

An antenna-wearing, immature Peregrine Falcon that had been seen in the Nauset area and mostrecently at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary was traced back to a nest on the Kodak building inRochester, New York. The bird's name is Quest, and you can read her story at Imprints Quest

Transmitter . Highlights from a South Beach shorebird sojourn in late August/early Septemberprovided goodies such as American Golden Plover, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper,and Pectoral Sandpiper along with an impressive 13 Stilt Sandpipers, a Long-billed Dowitcher,Whimbrels, and Marbledand Hudsonian Godwits.

While the earliest of the fall songbird migrants, such as Northern Waterthrushes, were on the move ijlate August, the first multi-species pushes of southbound land birds began in earnest in early September,with sightings of Common Nighthawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Black-throatedGreen Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, and Black-throated Blue Warbler. And dropping hints of thefall duck season were two American Wigeonand five Blue-winged Teal in Marston's Mills, along withtwo Green-winged Teal at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

As part of Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary's Cape Cod Osprey Project, a youngOspreynamed GoodyHallet that was banded and fitted with a GPS transmitter in Eastham several weeks ago by ospreyresearcher Rob Bierregaard. Goody has since spent time in eastern Mass, New Hampshire, on theConnecticut River in Turner's Falls, Connecticut, New Jersey, and most recently followed the DelawareRiver north into the New York/Pennsylvania border region! To follow Goody's migration as shehopefully makes her way to South America, check Rob's website at:http://www.bioweb.uncc.edu/bierregaard/migration08.htm

Do You Hear What I Hear?Rex Burress

Aside from that old song title, perhaps the lead line should be, "I don't hear what they hear." Much ofnature seems to operate in silence, at least on levels undetectable to our range of hearing. I thought ofthe mystery of animal communication as I sat by the Forebay at Oroville one November evening waitingfor the sunset. Clouds covered the sun, but there was promise of a break-through at five o'clock, and Iwas ready with my camera on a tripod as I waited in the car. Suddenly, it seemed time for the eveningAmerican Coots to transfer to the West Forebay after foraging in the smaller north sector all day. Asilent signal of understanding seemed to have been struck, and about fifty swam together full speed,under the narrow peninsula bridge, and out into the wide expanse of open water.

http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/593/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/593/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/365/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/186/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/186/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/444/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/002/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/517/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/082/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/355/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/355/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/427/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/156/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/579/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/289/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/219/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/629/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/492/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/537/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/563/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/653/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/006/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/006/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/090/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/115/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/029/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/661/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/203/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/493/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/564/articles/introductionhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/616/overview/Greater_Shearwater.aspxhttp://www.google.com/search?q=cory%27s+shearwater&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1http://www.google.com/search?q=cory%27s+shearwater&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/620/_/Sooty_Shearwater.aspxhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/257/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/693/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/445/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/483/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/660/articles/introductionhttp://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/index.phphttp://rfalconcam.com/imprints/?cat=13http://rfalconcam.com/imprints/?cat=13http://rfalconcam.com/imprints/?cat=13http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/201/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/091/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/661/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/348/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/348/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/341/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/493/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/219/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/492/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/629/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/182/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/213/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/502/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/551/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/055/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/055/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/136/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/087/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/401/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/625/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/193/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/683/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/683/articles/introductionhttp://www.bioweb.uncc.edu/bierregaard/migration08.htmhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/697a/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/697a/articles/introductionhttp://www.bioweb.uncc.edu/bierregaard/migration08.htmhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/683/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/193/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/625/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/401/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/087/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/136/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/055/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/055/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/551/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/502/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/213/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/182/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/629/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/492/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/219/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/493/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/341/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/348/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/661/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/091/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/201/articles/introductionhttp://rfalconcam.com/imprints/?cat=13http://rfalconcam.com/imprints/?cat=13http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/index.phphttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/660/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/483/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/445/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/693/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/257/articles/introductionhttp://identify.whatbird.com/obj/620/_/Sooty_Shearwater.aspxhttp://www.google.com/search?q=cory%27s+shearwater&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1http://www.google.com/search?q=cory%27s+shearwater&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/616/overview/Greater_Shearwater.aspxhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/564/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/493/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/203/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/661/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/029/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/115/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/090/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/006/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/006/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/653/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/563/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/537/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/492/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/629/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/219/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/289/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/579/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/156/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/427/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/355/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/355/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/082/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/517/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/002/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/444/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/186/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/186/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/365/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/593/articles/introduction

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Apparently they feel safer to rest on the more open spaces, and I had seen the same procedure beforeduring their winter presence in that sector. Perhaps they felt comfort in numbers, and there seemed to bea leader, but I had no idea how they chose the captain, conveyed their thoughts, or decided the time.During the day you can hear Coot clucks as they probe the shallows, but this assemblage had simplystruck forth for a destination in a silent ceremony of mystery.

The sunset was evolving into a brilliant affair of "tangerine-colored clouds," as the local paper describedit, and spiraling high over the lake was a flock of several hundred gulls, wheeling and dashing about in agreat unorganized circle as if enjoying the sky show before proceeding onward. Every evening, ofevery November evening every year, the gulls form in flocks to fly to Lake Oroville for the night. It is amagnificent procession, perhaps ten thousand Ring-billed Gulls, Herring Gulls, maybe Thayer'sGulls, flying in duck-like "V" formations in family-like style of two or three dozen in each group,headed directly for Oroville Dam. Sometimes they do that spiraling act in front of the dam, perhaps togain altitude to sail over that 900-foot structure in order to fly to the other side of the lake for a nighttimegathering. You never hear a sound. If they are talking about any decisions, I cannot hear it, partlymaybe attributed to my poor hearing, or maybe they speak on a different wavelength.

In any event, they seem to choose leaders and times to make that ten-mile pilgrimage from far down theriver where they forage on dead salmon all day long. The river is full of dead Chinooks at that time ofyear, and the daily process seems like some kind of system as the early birds next morning proceed to

the nearest salmon deposit, and the rest follow, and like a folding wave, move on down the river,spreading out in proper numbers until all the beaches are occupied. Seldom do you hear a sound,although a noisy individual may strut and squawk over a gravel bar like he owns it during the day. Thevultures that lurk around the edges to help in the clean-up are even more silent, and it seems I've heardthey are without vocal cords, as is the pelican, although they can both hiss loudly. The domesticMuscovy Duckis also a hisser.

Although there are bird-song experts who can readily identify a singing bird without seeing it, during thewinter most of those brush birds are silent. The tiny grayBushtitsare always busily scouring the lowcanopies, and it is amazing how they move from site to site in silence. Suddenly, one bird will dartaway--the leader?--and a long string of maybe 40 will follow. They flutter through the foliage like ashower of wind-blown leaves.

Then the silent Goldeneyes and Bufflehead ducks slip silently into the river shallows every winterabout mid-October. I look forward to them. They are so jaunty and bright - even on gray foggy days - souplifting in the lively life they lead. They merge with the Mergansers to form a silent flotilla plying theriver for a quick meal and then loaf most of the day. Though roaring windstorms thrash the river, andweather pelts down, they are serene in their stylish lifestyles.

Though distant flocks of trailing Canada Goose strings often honk in a plaintive tone echoing the call ofthe wild, most flying waterfowl flocks, especially ducks, streak by in unvocalized passage. Only thewhistling of the Goldeneye wings denotes their flight, and sometimes Mallards quack noisily in theirtake-off. Snow Geese are perhaps the most vocal of the waterfowl - a hearing and visual experience youwill note and treasure if you encounter 500,000 at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area!

At least, that is all I hear, but I am always haunted by the fact that they may speak in foreign tongues andmental telepathy outside my understanding. I can only visualize the assemblage of waterfowl on theArctic tundra when summer family life has ended and the birds nervously watch the skies for storms.Units unite and by some signal take to the sky for the long journey south when the proper time arrives.How long they fly and where they stop - and routes they take - are modes locked up in privacy...andsilence...as they continue the circular pattern of life laid down long ago. They hear what they hear in theway of the wild that is apart from man. May it always be so.

http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/033/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/124/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/699b/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/699b/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/598/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/598/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/170/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/067/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/442/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/682/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/658/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/658/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/682/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/442/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/067/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/170/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/598/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/699b/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/699b/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/124/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/033/articles/introduction

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Bird Walk and Birding Trip Reports

August 16, Saturday - Butte Meadows

Trip Leader: Skip Augur

Four birders joined for a warm half-day in the Butte Meadows area. We were hoping for good migrantaction, but the day was hit-and-miss (as montane habitat can be). Our best birding was at the Boy ScoutCamp, where we were treated to a few dozen Common Nighthawks flying above (belying their name).Other migrants were few and far between - MacGillivray's Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and YellowWarbler were some of the few we lucked into. The camp area itself had some water and shade whichseemed to draw the birds in, and we got great views ofWhite-headed Woodpecker, Williamson's andRed-breasted Sapsucker,Red-breasted Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper, and someoddly-plumaged Yellow-rumped Warblers. Also seen were Song Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Band-tailed Pigeon, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, andTurkey Vulture, among others.

September 14, Sunday Chico State Birding Club Fall Survey (Big Day)Trip Leader: Jay Bogiatto

Altacal members accompanied Chico State Birding Club members on a 13-hour birding day that covered a variety of habitats that included montane, chaparral, wetlands, lotic riparian and arid grasslands. In all,

102 species were seen. Most of the birders saw their first-of-the-season White-crowned Sparrow atLlano Seco and at the Feather River Parkway, more Phainopeplas (c. 20) than any of the participantshad ever seen in one place. The trip will be done again in Winter.

Wheres that pesky Thrasher?Front: Liam Huber and Jay Bogiatto Center: Stevie and Donna Foster and Jackson Shedd

Back: Scott Huber and Shelly Kirn Not in Photo: Mike FisherPhoto by Tim Ruckle

http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/213/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/159/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/205/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/454/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/454/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/252/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/285/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/663a/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/663a/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/459/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/453/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/669/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/376/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/704/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/166a/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/530/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/530/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/052/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/075/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/339/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/339/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/183/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/415/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/415/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/183/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/339/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/075/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/052/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/530/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/530/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/166a/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/704/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/376/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/669/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/453/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/459/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/663a/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/285/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/252/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/454/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/454/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/205/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/159/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/213/articles/introduction

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Opportunities and Events

Western Field Ornithologists ConferenceFriday-Sunday, October 9-12, 2008

Western Field Ornithologists will hold its annual meeting in San Mateo, California, this fall. If you're abirder with an interest in ornithology or an ornithologist with an interest in birding, this is a meeting youwon't want to miss. There will be field trips to many of the SF Bay Areas hotspots. Workshops willcover topics like sketching birds and using GPS in the field. Al Jaramillo will lead an ecologicaltransect of the San Mateo Peninsula. Scientific sessions will give you a glimpse into the most currentornithological research and expert photo and birdsong ID panels will educate and amaze, and vendorswill be showing the latest birding goodies.

The Saturday evening banquet will feature keynote speaker Carla Cicero of UC Berkeley, whose topicwill be The Grinnell Resurvey Project: A Century of Avifaunal Change in California. Full-day fieldtrips on Thursday and Sunday will visit Point Reyes, Half Moon Bay, the Hayward Shoreline, and theGolden Gate Raptor Observatorys hawk monitoring site in the Marin Headlands.

Shearwater Journeys will offer two different pelagic trips in conjunction with the WFO meeting, one tripdeparting from Bodega Bay (north of San Francisco) on Thursday, October 9, and one trip departingfrom Santa Cruz (south of San Mateo) on Monterey Bay on Sunday, October 12. Fall is the peak of theseabird migration and also a great time to see a variety of marine mammals. There will be a $30discount for WFO members on each trip. Pre-registration begins June 16, 2008 and closes October 3,2008. For more specific information see the WFO web site at:

http://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/08ac.php

http://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/08ac.phphttp://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/08ac.php

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12th

Annual Central Valley Birding Symposium

November 20th to 23rd, 2008 - Hosted by the Central Valley Bird Club

It's time to have some fun again! The 12th Annual Central Valley

Birding Symposium will be held Nov. 20-23 in Stockton, Ca.We're back at the Stockton Grand Hotel (a Hilton property).Our evening programs include Hans Peeters "Owls of Californiaand the West" and John Muir Laws "Exploring the Sierra Nevadaas a Naturalist and Artist". We have many workshops such as,"Raptor ID" by Joe Morlan, "Bird ID" by Jon Dunn, "Bird andNature Digiscoping" by Clay Taylor, drawing workshops withJohn Muir Laws, our always popular and informative ID Panelwith the guest experts, and more. We have programs for beginningbirders and for people who want to make their gardens bird-friendly. Field trips frequently turn up chasable goodies. TheBirder's Market is full of artists and vendors with so manywonderful bird and nature related items that you'll be tempted tomax out your credit cards! For more info, check the website athttp://www.cvbs.org or contact Frances Oliver at:hummer52@sbcglobal.net , or (209) 369-2010.

Birding 1, 2, 3

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has, among its many programs, a useful online section on how toidentify birds. It covers silhouette, field marks, posture, size, flight pattern and habitat and it ends withinstruction on how to report your observations. Check it out at:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/birding123/identify/

mailto:hummer52@sbcglobal.nethttp://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/birding123/identify/http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/birding123/identify/mailto:hummer52@sbcglobal.net

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Sightings

(If you have any interesting sightings in your yard, on the way to work, or in the Butte, Glenn or Tehama counties area in general in lateSeptember, October or early November you can send them to the Newsletter Editor at Editor@altacal.org by November 7 for possible

inclusion in the next newsletter.)

Early August - Altacal member Melanie Gerkin, who lives off Nimshew Roadin upper Magalia said she had been searching for a Pileated Woodpecker foralmost six years, wandering around Butte and the surrounding counties. Onemorning while stacking wood, she heard loud knocks almost right above her.She looked up and saw a male Pileated Woodpecker about 25 feet up a deadoak, searching for food. Her binoculars were close-by and she was able toobserve the bird for approximately 10 minutes. Melanie said He looked as bigas a crow. Magnificent!

Late August Liam Huber reported that around his house in Forest Ranch he saw a Warbling Vireo, 3Pileated Woodpeckers, 3 Acorn Woodpeckers, a Mountain Chickadee, a lot of Black-throatedGray Warblers and Western Tanagers and at least 10 Pacific-slope Flycatchers, 25 HairyWoodpeckersand 45 Downy Woodpeckers.

At the Chico Oxidation Ponds he and his dad, Scott, saw MacGillivrays Warblers, Lazuli Buntings, aCoopers Hawk, a Great Horned Owl, some Red-necked Phalaropes and a couple of WilsonsWarblers.

Peregrinations

[Peregrinations reports on birds seen on trips outside the Butte/Glenn/Tehama counties area except for those sponsored bythe Altacal Audubon Society or other local birding groups - Ed]

July/August Liam Huber and family (dad Scott, mom Kathleen and sister, Alita) went on a familyvacation that included the Morro Bay and Salton Sea areas in California and the Chiricahuas in Arizona.They saw 265 species of birds along the way. Liam said that they go to Morro Bay harboroften, andthat it is always enjoyable to get donuts and watch the birds all morning! At Morro Rock they saw,among other species, White-throated Swiftsand Black Oystercatchers.

At the Salton Sea (desert and water's edge and marshy habitat) they saw hundreds ofjuvenile herons.They enjoyed a colony of Black Skimmers skimming the surface of the water with their lowermandibles as they flew. Among the many other birds they saw wereYellow-footed Gulls.

In Arizona they had four unbelievable days at Cave Creek Canyon in Portal. One of the neatest thingswas stopping to eat dinner on a high pass and hearing aSpotted Owl, then locating him! We also got to

hike around Price Canyon Ranch, south of Portal and saw great species there. Some of the species theyidentified were Berylline Hummingbirds and a Flame-colored Tanager at Madera Kubo, ElegantTrogonsat Cave Creek Canyon, Five-striped Sparrows at California Gulch, a Virginia's WarblerinDave Jaspers yard, Bendires Thrashers on Stateline Road and many other birds and mammals.Among the latter were Coati,Sonoran King Snake and Ornate Box Turtle.

mailto:Editor@altacal.orghttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/148/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/551/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/148/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/194/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/453/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/432/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/556a/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/702/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/702/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/702/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/613/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/159/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/232/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/075/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/372/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/538/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/478/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/478/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/478/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/526/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/155/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/108/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/243/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/243/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/179/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/179/articles/introductionhttp://www.hummingbirds.net/berylline.htmlhttp://www.azfo.org/gallery/FCTA_madera_Hallgren_20080229.htmlhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/357/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/357/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/357/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/021/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/477/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/477/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/071/articles/introductionhttp://whozoo.org/AnlifeSS2001/bettsass/BS_Coati.htmhttp://www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recNum=AR0193http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recNum=AR0193http://www.gpnc.org/ornate.htmhttp://www.gpnc.org/ornate.htmhttp://www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recNum=AR0193http://whozoo.org/AnlifeSS2001/bettsass/BS_Coati.htmhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/071/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/477/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/021/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/357/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/357/articles/introductionhttp://www.azfo.org/gallery/FCTA_madera_Hallgren_20080229.htmlhttp://www.hummingbirds.net/berylline.htmlhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/179/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/243/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/108/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/155/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/526/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/478/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/478/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/538/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/372/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/075/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/232/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/159/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/613/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/702/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/702/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/556a/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/432/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/453/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/194/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/148/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/551/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/148/articles/introductionmailto:Editor@altacal.org

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August - Altacal Audubon members Warren and Jennifer Patten, while doing volunteering work inYosemite National Parkfor the month ofAugust sighted hundreds ofWhite-throated Swifts, two NorthernGoshawks,Pine Grosbeaks, Red Crossbills, Pileated,White-headed, Hairy, and

Acorn Woodpeckers,Great HornedandNorthern Pygmy-Owls, CalliopeHummingbirds, Cassin's Finch, SootyGrouse, Western Tanagers, Black-headedGrosbeak, MacGillivray's, Yellow,Nashville, Wilsons,Black-throatedGray,Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warblers,Mountain Chickadeesand Red-breastedand White-breastedNuthatches.

Jennifer and Warren Patten on the John Muir Trail at Yellowstone National Parkwith the South Face of Half Dome in the Background

Submission of Articles

(Notices or articles submitted for publication consideration should be sent by e-mail message to the newsletter editor asMicrosoft Word (if possible) attachments by the 7th of the month prior to the next issue of the newsletter (i.e., Jan, Mar, May,

Jul, Sep and Nov 7th) - Editor@altacal.org Thanks, Ed.)

Altacal Board of Directors

President Phil Johnson 570-7139/ptjptj@gmail.comCo-Vice-Presidents Jennifer Patten 345-9356/jpchico@sbcglobal.netMike Fisher 624-4777/fisherml@pacbell.net

Secretary Kathryn Hood 342-9112/kathrynhood@sbcglobal.netTreasurer John Oswald 342-1651/amoent@aol.comMembership Carolyn Short 345-4224/carolynshort@mac.comFinance Mike Fisher 624-4777/fisherml@pacbell.netPublications/ Tim Ruckle 566-9693/Editor@altacal.orgNewsletterPublicity/Web Site Wayland Augur 893-9222/wba@acm.orgField Trips Scott Huber 321-5579/Scott@ChicoHomesAndLand.comSanctuary, Lands Ruth Kennedy 899-9631/rken1733@sunset.netand RefugeConservation Dawn Garcia 872-2165/mel.dawn@sbcglobal.netEducation vacantDirectors-at-Large John Merz 345-4050/jbmerz@sbcglobal.net

Jackson Shedd 342-5144/jackson_shedd@sbcglobal.netMarilyn Gamette 343-3154/gamettec@aol.comDave Tinker 824-0253/dtinker@cuhsd.tehama.k12.ca.us

Board meetings are held at 5:15 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The usual meeting place is the Altacal AudubonSociety/Snow Goose Festival office at 635 Flume St., Chico. The public is welcome to attend.

http://www.nps.gov/yosehttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/526/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/526/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/298/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/298/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/298/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/456/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/456/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/256/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/148/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/252/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/702/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/194/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/194/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/372/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/372/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/494/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/135/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/135/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/240/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/015/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/015/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/432/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/143/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/143/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/159/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/454/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/205/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/478/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/376/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/101/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/101/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/453/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/453/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/459/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/054/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/054/articles/introductionmailto:345-4224/carolynshort@mac.commailto:899-9631/rken1733@sunset.netmailto:mel.dawn@sbcglobal.netmailto:342-5144/jackson_shedd@sbcglobal.netmailto:343-3154/gamettec@aol.commailto:343-3154/gamettec@aol.commailto:342-5144/jackson_shedd@sbcglobal.netmailto:mel.dawn@sbcglobal.netmailto:899-9631/rken1733@sunset.netmailto:345-4224/carolynshort@mac.comhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/054/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/054/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/459/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/453/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/101/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/101/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/376/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/319/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/478/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/205/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/454/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/159/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/143/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/143/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/432/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/015/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/015/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/240/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/135/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/135/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/494/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/372/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/194/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/702/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/252/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/148/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/256/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/456/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/456/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/298/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/526/articles/introductionhttp://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/526/articles/introductionhttp://www.nps.gov/yose

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Local Chapter Membership Application

Please join us! Your membership will help Altacal Audubon Society (AAS) continue its important work.Altacal is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. In addition, it is a separately incorporated non-profit organization. With a local chapter membership, 100% of your membership dues goes to supportlocal projects and activities. AAS is an all-volunteer organization that conducts all of its programs with

no paid staff. We offer regularly scheduled field trips focused on birds and bird habitats, our ownwebsite, www.altacal.org/, a bi-monthly newsletter (White-tailed Kite), monthly membership meetingswhich include lectures and media presentations on birds and other natural history-related topics, andadvocacy to protect and conserve local habitats as well as special projects and programs. Other AASactivities include:

sponsoring and participating in the annual Snow Goose Festival sponsoring and participating in the annual Endangered Species Faire founding and providing continued support to the Chico Creek Nature Center owning and managing the Arneberg Sanctuary as a wildlife habitat and research area helping to monitor the bird populations at the Del Rio Wildland Preservenear the Sacramento

River paying to maintain public access and a wildlife viewing blind at the Chico Oxidation Ponds leading annual Christmas Bird Counts in Chico and Oroville for the past 51 years

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Welcome to the Altacal Audubon Society! Please indicate your choice of membership options:

$20 Basic Membership $10 Low Income/Student $35 Family

$50 Sponsor $100 Sustaining $500 Patron $1000 Benefactor

Payment method: Cash Check Date: ______________

Important: Membership in Altacal Audubon does not include membership in the National AudubonSociety. We encourage you to also support National Audubon in their important education and lobbyingefforts. To join the National Audubon Society contact them at their website www.audubon.org/

Name: Phone: (_____) _______________

Address: _________________________________ E-mail Address: ____________________________

City: ________________State: ____ Zip Code: _______

Save paper! Send me an e-mail version only Notify me by E-mail about upcoming programs and events I would be interested in volunteering to help

Please make checks payable to Altacal Audubon Society, and mail to: AAS, P.O. Box 3671, Chico, CA 95927

http://www.snowgoosefestival.org/http://www.endangeredspeciesfaire.org/http://www.bidwellpark.org/http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/ea/news_releases/2006%20News%20Releases/RiverPartners--finalSHA_NR.htmhttp://www.fws.gov/sacramento/ea/news_releases/2006%20News%20Releases/RiverPartners--finalSHA_NR.htmhttp://www.bidwellpark.org/http://www.endangeredspeciesfaire.org/http://www.snowgoosefestival.org/

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Dates to Remember

October 4, Saturday Packer & Sul Norte Units of the SRNWR Trip Leader: Gaylord GramsOctober 10-12, Friday-Sunday - Bodega Bay Terrestrial and Pelagic Birding Weekend.

Trip Leaders: Scott Huber & Rich StallcupOctober 9-12, Thursday-Sunday Western Field Ornithologists Conference

October 19, Sunday- Butte Basin Field Trip Trip Leader: Phil JohnsonOctober 20, Monday - Altacal Program - Nome Alaska: Birding the Last Frontier!Scott Huber - 6:30 p.m. at the Chico Creek Nature Center

October 31, Friday - Owl-o-ween - Trip Leaders: Dawn Garcia and Scott HuberNovember 2, Sunday - Davis/Woodland/Dixon for Mountain Plovers, Waders, Gulls and

More! - Trip Leader: Scott HuberNovember 8, Saturday - Butte Creek Ecological Preserve - Trip Leader: Scott HuberNovember 17, Monday Altacal Program Colusa National Wildlife Refuge Mike Peters

6:30 p.m. at the Chico Creek Nature CenterNovember 20th to 23

rd, Thursday-Sunday - 12

thAnnual Central Valley Birding Symposium

November 23, Sunday Black Butte Lake - Trip Leader: To be determined

November 30, Sunday - Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Trip Leader: Jennifer PattenDecember 6, Saturday Raptor Run - Trip Leader: To be determinedDecember 21, Sunday [tentative date] - Chico Christmas Bird CountDecember 28, Sunday [tentative date] - Oroville Christmas Bird Count

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/upperbuttebasin.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.htmlhttp://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/upperbuttebasin.html