In this issue...POACHED --- PVAS Members’ Night w/ Timothy Wheeler

New Members

Annual PVAS Report

Attracting Birds w/ Native Plants

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2015 / Volume 55, No. 1

Belize: by Suzanne Thompson

PVAS 2015-2016 Field Trips

Membership Meetings

“Probably the Best Bird Movie of the YEAR!!!”

...........Poached................

Friday, September 18 thru Friday, September 25 @

Laemmle’s Claremont 5

Claremont’s new resident, documentary filmmaker Timothy Wheeler, is bringing his latest film to Claremont for a special one week Oscar qualifying run. Poached exposes an obsession that can wipe out a species of birds: illegal egg collecting. Poached premiered at the prestigious SXSW film festival 2015, won top prize at the International Wildlife Film Festival, and is a finalist for the upcoming Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. Stay tuned to poachedmovie.com and facebook.com/poachedmovie for announcements about buying tickets and an invitation to a special Q & A and reception for members of the Pomona Valley Audubon Society!

Poached, 91 minutes“A problem as unusual and underreported as it is serious and fascinating” - Indiewire“A serious investigation into the psychology of obsession” – Real screen“A riveting portrait of compulsive human predators” – Austin Chronicle

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PVAS Chapter News

Welcome

New Members!

Chino: Deborah Casarez, John Higgins, Arlene MadridChino Hills: Gary Charlton, Olga De Latorre, S. Drum,Claremont: Barbara Arnold, Gretchen Augustyn, Jim Berke, Barbara Fowler, Robert Keller, George & Susanne Millard, Michael Rosenthal, Cara WingertDiamond Bar: Frank HennessyGlendora: Annie Choi, William Cusker, Daniel Dagen, Shireen Higgins, Kristin Joseph, Nancy Olmsted, Telford Rose,La Verne: Georgia ValdezMontclair: Paula SatherOntario: Diana Grootonk, Richard Holland, Robert Leonard, Robert SpenceNorco: Lynne VoltzPomona: D.S. Brown, David Bruner, Karen Chapmanlenz, Joyce Duda, S.A Scharf, Jose and Delfina Vadi,Rancho Cucamonga: Deborah Bagby, Fiona Barnes, Kimberly Belvedere, Diana CosandSan Dimas: Cecilia Clanahan, Loretta Springer Upland: Doleen Borba, Christine Hayes, Elaine Mulherin, Gregory & Margaret Nelson, Smita Sanghvi, Julis TaborWalnut: Leretta Cronin, West Covina: Rosella Ahearn, Kent Halcromb

We extend a warm welcome to all new members. Subscribers to Audubon Magazine from our area are automatically enrolled in our chapter and receive the Chaparral Naturalist at no additional charge. You are welcome to all our events.

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Name_____________________________________________________ Chapter Code C08Address___________________________________________________ Telephone_____________________________

City, State, Zip_______________________________________________ Mobile_________________________________

Email_______________________________________________________________________________________________

National Audubon Membership / Membership Information UpdateAnnual membership in the National Audubon Society is $30 per year. New membership dues are $20. Members receive the Audubon Magazine and a digital copy of the Chaparral Naturalist newsletter. Renewals of membership for National should NOT be sent to PVAS. However, a new membership may be sent directly to PVAS. Checks should be made payable to National Audubon Society. Mail payment with membership form below and mail to: PVAS, 2058 N. Mills Ave., PMB426, Claremont, CA 91711. (Please note chapter code C08 on your check.)

Information such as mailing address, email address and telephone numbers are used for sending email notifications, electronic versions of the newsletter, and are published in our membership directory. Membership information may be updated by filling out this form and turning it in to any board member. This information will be distributed only to members and will not be sold to other organizations.

o Yes, Please sign me up as a new member! o Yes, I am renewing my membership.o I would like the print version of the Chaparall Naturalist. o Do not publish my information in the chapter directory.

Share YOUR photos and stories with us!Email to Judy at eeyaa@uia.net

Doing Your Bit for Conservation Dan Guthrie

Letter-writing, or I should say sending, has a very beneficial effect on conservation issues. There are several organizations that routinely send out conservation action alerts. If you click on the “take action” button, they ask for your name, address, email and automatically send a letter from you to the appropriate congressperson or office. You can read the letter to be sent and then make modifications to it if you so desire. Here are some of my favorite sites for keeping informed and for writing letters.

Audubon Action; audubonaction@audubon.orgCenter for Biological Diversity; www.biologicaldiversity.orgAmerican Bird Conservancy; info@abcbirds.orgEndangered Habitat League (for Southern California issues); ehleague.org

I urge you all to sign up. Whether you ever ask to send a letter, the informa-tion is usefual for keeping abreast of conservation issues.

September 26-27 are Godwit Days - Arcata & Crescent City. ........................................Full of great field trips. Web site is http://godwitdays.org/attend-events/events/ and registration is at godwitdaysreg@yahoo.com

Stop by our

PVAS booth

at

Village Ve

nture,

Saturday, Oc

tober !

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Attracting Birds with Native PlantsBy Angie Verma

Native plants are the unique indigenous plants from our local area. Birds have grown together with them and are familiar with them. They use them for food, cover, nests, and nesting material. But every year, fields of native plants are replaced by houses, shopping centers, and parks full of ornamental plants that, most of the time, offer nothing to the birds but a place to rest, so why not add native plants to our backyards? Native plants will not only help you attract more birds and other wildlife to your yard, but they are better for the environment. They need less water and no soil amendments or fertilizers.

Registration for Global Shorebird Counting is open

Dear World Shorebirds Day Supporters, With less than 30 days left till the 2nd World Shorebirds Day, we are getting busier. The main event of this special day is the Global Shorebird Counting, which will be held on the weekend 4–6 September 2015. Unlike last year, participants are asked to register their counting site by simply adding a marker, or more, on a dedicated Google Map. The map is open for everyone to edit. Site name with near-est village or town and country have to be added in the header, as well as the name of the participant in the comment field of the marker.For more information, please visit our site: worldshorebirdsday.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/registration-for-the-global-shorebird-counting-2015-is-open/

As of August 10 the only site registered for southern California was Malibu Lagoon! A great time to get out there to count shorebirds!

My top 5 natives for our area:

Manzanitas (arctostaphylos especies) Manzanitas are fast-growing evergreens that come in different sizes and have small delicate pink flowers that attract birds and butterflies.

Fuchsia-flowering Gooseberry (ribes speciosum) It’s a very drought tolerant shrub that goes dormant in summer. Gooseberry is slow-growing and prickly as a cactus. The thorny branches offer the birds protection from predators. The flowers are bright red and the favorite of Anna’s Hummingbird. Some Anna’s Hummingbirds’ territories are cen-tered around gooseberry plants. Wherever there’s a fuchsia-flowering gooseberry, there are Anna’s Hummingbirds fighting over it!

Toyon (heteromeles arbutifolia) It’s also called California Holly and Christmas Berry. Toyon is a large evergreen shrub that can be grown as a tree. It produces masses of red berries in winter. California Thrashers, American Robins, Northern Mockingbirds, Cedar Waxwings eat the red fruits. Some say Hollywood was named after this plant.

California Fuchsia (epilobium canum) Do not confuse it with the fuchsias native to Central and South America. California fuchsia is a low-growing silver-green shrub that blooms from mid-summer to fall. Hummingbirds love the trumpet-shaped orange flowers.

California Sages (salvias)Black sage is the most common sage in California, but all sages, white, purple, alpine, and chia are loved by our chaparral birds. Sages will help you attract butterflies to your backyard, too.

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2015 Annual Report to the Members of PVAS

Presented below is a summary of the income and On the right is a statement of the assets and liabilitiesexpenses of Pomona Valley Audubon Society for the of the Society as of the end of our fiscal year, June 30,Period July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. 2015. Below that is a breakdown of the contributions

made to various conservation programs and otherPomona Valley Audubon Society causes throughout the State.

Income & Expenses07/01/14 through 06/30/15 Pomona Valley Audubon Society

Assets & Liabilities12 Months As of 06/30/15

EndedCategory Description 6/30/2015 Balance

INCOME As ofRecycling Income 867$ Category Description 6/30/2015Books, Must-haves, Auction 1,212 ASSETSAnnual Fundraising 8,741 Cash in Bank 19,962$ Other Contributions 600 Investments 56,478 Booths & Wild Wings Events 277 TOTAL ASSETS 76,440$ NAS Chapter Share 2,771 Chapter Memberships 120 Wild Wings Support 1,052 LIABILITIESAnnual Meeting Income 260 TOTAL LIABILITIES -$ Dividends/Interest 2,025

TOTAL INCOME 17,925$ NET ASSETS 76,440$

OPERATING EXPENSES DESIGNATED FUNDSInsurance 1,986$ Memorial Funds 3,635$ Meeting Expenses 2,757 TOTAL DESIGNATED FUNDS 3,635$ Newsletter Expenses 3,210 Office Exp. & Postage 218 AVAILABLE FUNDS 72,805$ Memberships, Dues 356 Web Site Expense 30 Miscellaneous 121 Total Operating Expenses 8,678$

Grants Given 2013-2014PROGRAM EXPENSES

Grants 3,000$ PROGRAMWild Wings Support 3,903 Wild Wings of California 3,903$ Bird Walks and Field Trips 500 Endangered Habitats League 1,000$ Education 390 California Audubon 2,000 Other Projects 929 Total Program Expenses 8,722$ TOTAL GRANTS GIVEN 6,903$

TOTAL EXPENSES 17,400$

Fundraising Expense 500$ Gain or (Loss) on Investments (2,254)

NET INCOME (DEFICIT) (2,229)$

If you have any questions or comments concerning the above financial statements, or for information on how youcan provide for Pomona Valley Audubon Society in your will or trust, contact Neil Gilbert, President, at:Neil.Gilbert@twc.com or (909) 240-8547.

Look where

our money

goes loc

ally!

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TOUCANS, POTOOS, AND FISHING BATS: YOU’D BETTER BELIZE IT!By Suzanne and Seth ThompsonSeth and I wanted to celebrate our anniversary this year with a family nature trip to a place with good birds for us and fun activities for three teens and their parents. None of us had been to Belize which has plenty of birds, adventures such as ziplining, cave tubing, parasailing, and kayaking, as well as a fascinating culture for all to explore.

Our first stop was Black Rock Lodge, a jungle ecolodge on the Makah River as it winds its way through the mountains in western Belize. The open air dining area overlooks the river, with good views of jungle-covered hillsides. You can rack up some amazing birds just from your breakfast table: black-cheeked woodpeckers, rose-throated becards, and tropical kingbirds were nesting near there and could be seen flying in and out. Colorful trogons (black-headed and gartered) often perched nearby. A gray hawk was nesting across the river, Rufous-tailed hummingbirds flitted into the feeders, and to everyone’s delight, an emerald toucanet showed up in splendid lime green feathers. But not all birding can be done from the breakfast table, so guides at the lodge were always willing to do a bird walk on the extensive grounds or take a van out for a longer trip. We had easy views of clay-colored and white-throated robins, social flycatchers, great kiskadees, blue-gray tanagers, and lineated woodpeckers on the grounds. On one walk we flushed an ornate hawk-eagle out of a low tree. He was a beauty: Rust and striped plumage and a crown of black feathers standing straight up. Our guide wanted to give us a second look so he led us on a cross-country trek. We didn’t find the hawk-eagle again, but stumbled across a boat-billed heron. That is a funny look-ing bird!

The birding was an interesting mix of familiar birds and tropical exotics. It was fun to see usual birds such as meadowlarks, vermilion flycatchers, and hooded orioles in new settings, and to get our first look at Botteri’s sparrows and bronzed cowbirds that had eluded us at home. The excitement level of seeing a bird depends on where you come from, of course. We were blasé when our guide pointed out a black phoebe. On the other hand, it was a thrill to see social flycatchers (the first 100 of them), a bird as common here as yellow-rumped warblers at home.

The big treats, though, were the colorful tropic birds such as toucans, trogons, parrots, and manikins, as well as jabiru storks, bare-throated tiger-herons, and white-necked puffbirds. Meanwhile, while we birded, the younger folk tubed down the river, rode horses to the nearby Xunantunich Mayan ruins, canoed through and explored caves on foot, ziplined, and night hiked.

Our next stop was Ambergris Caye, an island in the Caribbean, a few miles off the coast. It was an hour flight in a 6-passenger plane and one did hope that the pilot was not prone to heart problems as there was no co-pilot. Our destination was Victoria House, a resort that offers snorkeling, kayaking, birding boat tours, and other water sports. We were two miles out of the only town, San Pedro, so we rented golf carts to zip into town and to explore the island.

Birding was not the big attraction here, though we did take a boat trip to Bird Island, a small piece of land that was loaded with nesting white ibis, tricol-ored herons, reddish egrets, and little blue herons. Back at the resort, hooded orioles, rufous-tailed and cinnamon hummingbirds, tropical mockingbirds, golden-fronted woodpeckers, and melodious blackbirds could easily be found. Magnificent frigatebirds trolling along the coast for food to swipe were a common sight. One morning, there was a loud commotion as a frigatebird harried an osprey carrying a nice-sized fish in its talons. I figured that the osprey would not win this fight, but was pleased to see it sitting atop a cabana a few minutes later, calming eating its catch.

The golf carts, snorkeling, swimming, and water sports on the Caye were a big hit, but the weather and bugs were a challenge. June is in the rainy season which didn’t affect us much on the mainland, but hit hard several days on the island. Spectacular lightning storms limited the snorkeling opportunities and one storm hit while we were anchored off Bird Island. There was no rain protection on the boat, so we just got wet. The bugs were a bigger problem. Black flies are delightful little critters who, evidently, find us quite tasty. Seth and I took a golf cart to a remote area and were pleased to find a birdy lagoon. As soon as we hopped off the cart, we were attacked by a swarm of flies and quickly hopped back on and got out of there, nursing our bites.

The family headed back to California from Ambergris Caye while Seth and I flew back to the mainland and met up with guides from Lamanai Outpost Lodge, an ecolodge located on a jungle lagoon. The trip from the airport to the lodge passed through Mennonite country. Horse and buggies on the road and clothing out of “Little House” were common sights.

Like Black Rock Lodge, this lodge has enthusiastic local Mayan guides who are very knowledgeable about history, culture, and local birds, wildlife, and plants. The birding was excellent with a wide variety of trogons, kingfishers, and parrots. The night boat cruise crossed the lagoon in the dark and went up river to find beautiful gray-necked wood-rails, limpkin, and the Northern potoo, an amazing bird. By day it perches atop a dead stump where its wood-grain-like feathers blend in, making it hard to spot. At night it opens its huge eyes, enlarges its pupils (the better to catch moths), and looks spooky. Another fascinating night river critter is the fishing bat, a large cinnamon-colored bat that flies along the river, scooping up fish.

Lamanai is also home to several groups of howler monkeys. Their unearthly howls sound like a giant asthmatic ogre is getting angry, just outside your cabin—a most unnerving sound. One morning a family group was close to the lodge and we were able to video two young ones having a good time on the ground, exploring and play-fighting. The video is on-line https://youtu.be/MxkqZHC2iMw, if you want to have a look.

We like to combine birding with learning about the local culture. Here we toured the Mayan ruins and took a trip to a nearby Mayan village where we learned metate corn-grinding skills with the help of village women. The women have formed a cooperative restaurant for the villagers and visiting arche-ologists. Visiting tourists help keep their cooperative afloat.

We had good food throughout Belize. The jungle lodges featured flavorful Belizean soups, stews, and beans. Breakfast might feature eggs with peppers, onions, chaya (a local herb), fresh fruit, and homemade tortillas. The food was also excellent on the Caye, with wonderful Belizean seafood dishes such as fresh local fish, drenched in a garlic herb sauce and steamed in plantain leaves. Marie Sharp’s tasty hot sauce (made in Belize) was a common table condiment.

Belize is a great place to take an adventure-loving family. The birders will have a grand time and there are many attractions to amuse everyone else.

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Pomona Valley Audubon field trips are offered at no cost (unless otherwise specified) and open to all individuals. ALWAYS call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to verify start time, meeting location, and confirm trip status. In case of rain, call the trip leader the night before. For your comfort and enjoyment, participants should plan to bring the following item

Fourth Sunday----Frank G. Bonelli Nature Walks--- Join us for a monthly nature walk at Frank G. Bonelli Park. This is an easy, two-hour walk for beginners as well as experts. The diverse habitat makes this a great place to find Greater Roadrunner, Cactus Wren, and California Gnatcatcher, along with raptors and wintering waterfowl. Meets at 8:00 a.m. at the Bonelli Park headquarters on Via Verde near the 57 Fwy. Entry fee waved for all participants. Leader: Rod Higbie (909) 599-6526.

Sunday, August 23, 2015Sunday, September 27, 2015Sunday, October 25, 2015Sunday, November 22, 2015Sunday, December 27, 2015Sunday, January 24, 2016Sunday, February 28, 2016Sunday, March 27, 2016Sunday, April 24, 2016Sunday, May 22, 2016

First Sunday Birdwalk----at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens Join us for our monthly bird walk. Family friendly, the walk is slow paced and lasts approximately two hours. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meets 8:00 a.m. at the front entry gate (north end of College Ave. above Foothill Blvd. 1500 N. College Ave.) . Entry fee waved for all participants. Leader: Fraser Pemberton (909) 624-6451.

Sunday, September 6, 2015Sunday, October 4, 2015Sunday, November 1, 2015Sunday, December 6, 2015Sunday, January 3, 2016Sunday, February 7, 2016Sunday, March 6, 2016Sunday, April 3, 2016Sunday, May 1, 2016Sunday, June 5, 2016

Day & Weekend PVAS trips---- Check with leader for any additions or changes.

Saturday, September 5, 2015 Huntington Central Park and Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Join trip leader Dan Gregory as we search for local migrants at the peak of fall migration. Many great birds have been found throughout the park at this time of year. We’ll finish with a trip to Bolsa Chica for newly returned shorebirds. Meets 6:00 a.m. at Memorial Park (we’ll carpool from there) and trip is limited to 12 persons. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259 or danrcenee@verizon.net

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 San Dimas Canyon

Join Eric for a walk in the canyon to look for local species and migrants. Meets 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park (we’ll carpool from there) and trip is limited to 12 persons. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or bird4life28@yahoo.com.

Thursday, October 1, 2015North Etiwanda Preserve

The NEP is home to Rufous-crowned and Sage Sparrows, California Thrasher, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers and a variety of other chaparral and coastal sage species. The San Bernardino Special Districts Department has requested that PVAS conduct a semi-annual bird survey for them at the NEP. Enjoy a great day of local birding knowing you contributed to citizen science at its finest. There’s even a chance of seeing Golden Eagle. Meets 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park (we’ll carpool from there) and trip is limited to 12 persons. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Sturdy shoes and sun protection recommended. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Leader: Tina Stoner (909) 292-3900.

Saturday, October 3, 2015Prado Regional Park & Chino Creek Wetlands

Join Dan for a visit to these popular parks in Chino for Vermillion Flycatchers, Least Bittern, hawks, gulls, and wintering vagrants. There is $10/car entrance fee so carpooling is encouraged. Meets 6:00 a.m. at Memorial Park (we’ll carpool from there) and trip is limited to 12 persons. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259. or danrcenee@verizon.net

Saturday, October 10, 2015Santa Fe Dam and Recreation Area

A trip toward the end of autumn migration to search for western migrants and wintering waterfowl. There is a $10/car entrance fee so carpooling is encouraged. Meets 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park (we’ll carpool from there) and trip is limited to 12 persons. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or bird4life28@yahoo.com.

Saturday, October 17, 2015 Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Eric will take us to the coast for shorebirds and local specialties. Meets 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park (we’ll carpool from there) and trip is limited to 12 persons. Bring water, snacks, lunch, and sun protection. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or bird4life28@yahoo.com.

PVAS Field Trips --- 2015-2016 W

inte

r m

igra

tio

n i

s N

OW

!

• Binoculars/spotting scope/camera (as desired)• Water• Snacks and lunch • Dress in layers (Bring extra clothing in case

of unexpected weather changes)• Walking/Hiking shoes• Sunscreen• Hat• Full tank of gas

PVAS LEADERS 2015President .................Neil Gilbert ................... Neil.Gilbert@twc.com Vice-President .........Ed Babcock............... ed.babcock@icloud.comSecretary .................Angie Verma .......... rosegoddess@prodigy.net Treasurer .................Chuck Burt ............. chuckburt6@hotmail.com

COMMITTEE CHAIRSField Trips ................Pam Kling-Trier ............. pamtone@verizon.net Membership/Outreach.. ................................. Suzanne & Seth Thompson sthompson@pomona.eduWebmaster ..............Mike Klein ....................mklein14@verizon.netPublicity ...................Shirley Harris ......... muggins1637@yahoo.comHospitality ...............Gloria Slosberg ............... gslosberg@mac.com Chapter Promotions .Nancy & Bruce Strang...... bstrang51@aol.comPrograms .................Dan Guthrie ........ dguthrie@jsd.claremont.eduEducation ................Chris Verma .........wbu.claremont@verizon.net Conservation ...........Dan Guthrie ........ dguthrie@jsd.claremont.eduFund Raising ............Neil Gilbert ................... Neil.Gilbert@twc.comSocial Media Coordinator.....Brian Elliott ..............brianelli@aol.comMeeting Activities....Hank Feilen .............. henry.feilen@verizon.net Board Member ........Jim Herman .....................jhfinwing@msn.com Board Member ........Tina Stoner ...............tinastoner@earthlink.net

CHAPARRAL NATURALIST NEWSLETTER Editor ......................Judy Sugden ............................ eeyaa@uia.net

The Chaparral Naturalist is published bimonthly, except July and August by the Pomona Valley Audubon Society. Copy deadline is the second to last Thursday of the month. Articles may be reprinted without permission, however we require the author and Chaparral Naturalist be credited. We encourage members to submit articles and photos by email to Judy, eeyaa@uia.net. Photos should be saved at 300 dpi and in jpg format. Articles should be provided in .doc, .rtf, or .xls format. Sorry, we cannot retype your copy.Chapter only memberships are available for $20 per year. Make checks payable to PVAS and mail to: Pomona Valley Audubon 2058 N Mills Ave., PMB426 Claremont, CA 91711

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PVAS Field Trips --- 2015-2016

Saturday, November 7, 2015Mt. Baldy Village and Vicinity

Join Dan for a trip to the Mt. Baldy area for species such as White-headed Woodpecker, Steller’s Jay, nuthatches, Mountain Chickadee, American Dipper, and Townsend’s Solitaire. Meets 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park (we’ll carpool from there) and trip is limited to 12 persons. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259 or danrcenee@verizon.net

Saturday, November 21, 2015 Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Join Eric for a fun day at the botanic garden. This varied habitat plays host to a variety of species. There is a $9/person entrance fee (free for RSABG members!). Meets 7:00 a.m. at Memorial Park (we’ll carpool from there) and trip is limited to 12 persons. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or bird4life28@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, Decemberr16, 2015Bonelli Park Pre-Christmas Trip

Meet near room 8 off Via Verde in West Picnic Valley at 7:00 a.m. for a morning search for goodies prior to our Christmas Census. Participants should bring water and snacks. Trip is limited to 12 participants. Call the trip leader if you plan to attend and to check trip status. Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or bird4life28@yahoo.com.

Saturday, December 19, 2015 Annual Christmas BIRD COUNT – Stay tuned for more info!

Saturday, January 9, 2016 Orange County Area

A tour of coastal migrant traps and hot spots for wintering specialties and a New Year start with a big list. Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or bird4life28@yahoo.com

Saturday, January 16, 2016Whittier Narrows/Legg Lake

Join Dan as we search for wintering waterfowl, sparrows, and flycatchers. This is a great place to find winter vagrants.Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259 or danrcenee@verizon.net

Saturday, February 13, 2016Lake Perris and San Jacinto Wilderness

A walk for wintering waterfowl, gulls, raptors, and sparrows. Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, and Sage Thrasher are not uncommon. Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259 or danrcenee@verizon.net

Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Join Eric for a walk at this botanic garden as we search for early spring migrants. Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or bird4life28@yahoo.com.

Saturday, March 12, 2016Peck Road Water Conservation Park

This hidden gem in Arcadia boasts a surprising variety of year-round and migrant species. Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259 or danrcenee@verizon.net

Saturday, April 16, 2016 San Dimas Canyon

Join Eric for a moderate walk in the canyon to look for local species and migrants. Leader: Eric Smith (909) 477-7976 or bird4life28@yahoo.com.

Saturday, April 23, 2016North Etiwanda Preserve

PVAS will conduct a semi-annual bird survey at the NEP. Enjoy a great day of local birding knowing you contributed to citizen science at its finest. Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259 or danrcenee@verizon.net

Saturday, May 7, 2016Big Morongo Canyon

A famous desert oasis at the height of western migration. Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259 or danrcenee@verizon.net.

Saturday, June 4, 2016Big Bear Lake Area

A trip to the Big Bear Lake area during breeding season. Leader: Dan Gregory (909) 944-2259 or danrcenee@verizon.net.

This is an excellent program for your friends who might be interested in knowing more about birds. And it’s a wonderful reminder of the extraordinary beauty that we have outdoors. So bring a friend. If you have yet to attend a meeting, this program is for you.

Thursday, October 1, 2015Atlantic Forests in Brazil by Cathy McFadden and Paul Clarke Member and Professor of biology Cathy McFadden and Paul Clarke will present a program on the Atlantic Forests of Brazil, as area they visited this past summer. This should be a well illustrated introduction to a fabulous birding area and under-studied region.

Thursday, November 5, 2015Jewels of Nature - Hummingbirds in Your Gardenby Monique ReaMonique Rea will present a program“Jewels of Nature, Hummingbirds in Your Garden.” Monique has worked with and rehabilitated hum-mingbirds, for the past 20 years in South Orange County and is a volunteer for Songbird Care and Education Center. Shewill have a Power-Point presentation to share pictures of rescued hummingbirds and the hummingbirds that have nested in her yard. There will be examples of nests demonstrating some of the different materials female hummingbirds have used.

Steve Kaye

General Meetings are held in the Padua Room in the Alexander Hughes Center, 1700 Danbury Drive, Claremont. From Foothill Blvd., head north on Mountain or Towne Ave. and turn onto Scripps Drive. Turn south on Danbury, the Alexander Hughes Center will be on the east side. Our meetings begin with a bird identification session at 7 p.m. followed by refreshments, a short business meeting, and our evening program.

Bring a friend? Non-members are welcome!

PVAS General Membership Meetings

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Pomona Valley Audubon Society2058 N Mills Ave., PMB426Claremont, CA 91711www.pomonavalleyaudubon.org

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S .POSTAGE

PAIDCLAREMONT, CA.PERMIT NO. 240

Thursday, September 3, 2015Why We Watch Birds

by Steve KayeJoin us for an enjoyable photo tour of amazing birds.

Professional photographer Steve Kaye will show his photos of mostly locabirds. He’ll also share information about these birds, tell the stories behind the

photos, and offer practical tips on how to take better photos.

Steve Kaye