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White-tailed KiteNEWSLETTER OF THE ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties of Northern California
April • May 2020
ALTACAL ProgramsPrograms for the general community are normally held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Chico Creek Nature Center, 1968 E. 8th St. Chico.In December the program is held on the second Monday and in June, July, and August there are no programs.
AprilMonday, April 20, 2020 • 6:30 p.m. Chico Creek Nature Center
Are we polarized? Birders and Bird PhotographersPresenters: Joan Robins and John Seid
Although birders might become irate when bird photographers venture too close and flush a special species, and bird photographers might not welcome a large group of birders to remote spot where they have remained silent and immobile for hours hoping for a peek at a shy rail, we are all aligned in our love of the natural world. Joan and John will talk about some of the differences and similarities in the two areas of expertise, show where there is much overlap, and discuss how each can learn from the other. They plan to illustrate each point with many photos, most taken locally and a few from afar. As John and Joan are both bird photographers, they’ll be counting on birders in the audience to help fill in any gaps in their comparison—we all have stories!
Joan Robins has been a wildlife and nature photographer for over twenty years, traveling the world and exploring the nooks and crannies in nearby mountains, fields, and lakes. She has photographed Bald Eagles along the Sacramento River, Bushtits and Ruby-crowned Kinglets along the paths at the Indian Fisheries, Osprey and dancing Grebes at Black Butte Lake, and Sandhill Cranes at dawn at Llano Seco. The beauty of the natural world never loses its allure and nothing delights her more than sharing this beauty with others through her photographs.
John Seid taught elementary school children for 35 years and made it a point to teach them about the wonders of our natural world and our place in this amazing world. Since we live in the Pacific Flyway, many units were done around birds that migrate here, and also our local ones. John believes that if you know the name of something it brings you closer. He is an avid photographer, and you can find him all summer kayaking and all winter at the refuges around us with his faithful dog Lucy.
MayMonday, May 18, 2020 • 6:30 p.m. Chico Creek Nature Center
Altacal Audubon’s Potluck Come join us and celebrate friendships and our common love for birds and the natural world at our annual potluck dinner, Monday, May 18, 6:30 p.m. at Chico Creek Nature Center. We’ll have a chance to visit with old friends and new ones, talk about birds and birding and share stories of recent and future adventures and travels. It’s been another remarkable year for Altacal Audubon and this will be our last chance to get together as a group until our next program in September. Remember there are no programs in June, July and August so you don’t want to miss this one. Bring a dish to share, a beverage for yourself or to share, a plate and fork, and a chair if you like. See you there!
Hooded Merganser by John Seid
Join Altacal’s Board of Directors in 2020 and Help Birds in Your Community!Elections are in September for the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer*/Bookkeeper
Other open board positions: Lands & Sanctuary Sacramento NWR Bookstore Liaison Submit your letter of interest no later than July 1, 2020 by emailing Altacal Audubon President Steve Overlock at [email protected]
Bald Eagle by John Seid
Joan and John in Yellowstone
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Board Meetings6 p.m. Spring/Summer • 5:15 p.m. Fall/Winter
2nd Wednesday of each month
Altacal Audubon Society / Snow Goose Festival Office
635 Flume Street, Chico
Altacal Audubon Members are welcome to attend
Altacal Audubon & AmazonSmile The next time you shop online, set your shopping cart to Amazon Smile, (smile.amazon.com) and support Altacal Audubon with your purchase.
ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETYStaffExecutive Director Mary Muchowski [email protected]
Board of DirectorsPresident Steve Overlock (530) 828-0966 [email protected]
Vice President Ken Sobon [email protected]
Secretary Carla Resnick [email protected]
Treasurer Vacant
Membership Cathy Carter (530) 342-9152 [email protected]
Publications/Newsletter Carla Resnick [email protected]
Sanctuary/Lands/Refuge Vacant
Conservation Chair John Merz (530) 345-4050 [email protected]
Education Chair John Seid [email protected]
Programs Jennifer Patten (530) 345-9356 [email protected]
Sac NWR Bookstore Vacant
Director-at-Large Kathryn Hood (530) 321-2852 [email protected]
Neighborhood Habitat Melinda Teves [email protected]
Consulting Biologist Dawn Garcia (530) 513-1785 [email protected]
Director-Emeritus Marylin Gamette
Water-Wise and Habitat Friendly Garden Tour
Sunday, May 39am–3:30pm Chico
Hosted by Altacal Audubon & Mount Lassen Chapter of CNPS
Visit beautiful local gardens and learn a variety of valuable strategies for creating habitat for birds
and wildlife
Come Join UsTickets available at eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/94026492771
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Altacal Notes by Mary Muchowski, Executive Director
April showers bring May flowers. Well, I sure hope that’s the case, especially after our very dry February. The breeding birds are back or will be soon. While I always get sad when the geese and ducks leave, I do truly enjoy hearing and seeing my first Western Kingbird or Bullock’s Oriole! The sandhill cranes are catching thermals over the office today as I write this, journeying back north to their breeding grounds. Jennifer and I went outside to admire them from below – there is something special about their loud, ancient trumpeting calls that instills a sense of awe in me. Awe that they have been around on this earth for 2.5 million years, with ancestors as far back as 10 million years!
As usual, we have some great birding field trips lined up for April and May— join us sometime! Additionally, Altacal is co-hosting the Water-Wise and Habitat-Friendly Garden Tour on May 3, 2020 with the Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Find more information on the Altacal Audubon Society webpage under events, or on the CNPS website: mountlassen.cnps.org. Please come out and experience these beautiful gardens that provide habitat and food for pollinators and birds – who knows, you might even be inspired to replace your own lawn with native and/or drought-tolerant plants.
World Migratory Bird Day and the Global Big Day are both held on Saturday, May 9, 2020. This year’s theme for Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World” – a great theme. Altacal has a fun Big Day event planned for Saturday, May 9. Contact Matt Forster or myself for more information on how to participate in this coordinated effort to get as many species in Butte County as we can. You can find more details in the Field Trip section.
Altacal also has a great need for volunteers, so if you have a few hours a month, give us a call. We need help with staffing booths
at local events, entering data, leading field trips, helping with surveys, assisting/researching advocacy issues, building bird boxes, and much more. There is no time better than the present to step up and become involved in your community!
There are lots of Spring Festivals going on in Butte County, and you can visit the Altacal Booth at a couple of them. We’ll be at the Wildflower & Nature Festival on April 4 in Oroville, and at the Endangered Species Faire in Cedar Grove in Chico on May 2.
Education by John SeidI’m going out to Orland to present in five classes in March and hope to schedule more in April and May. We’re also going to be at the Open House at Fairview School in April, to invite people to join Altacal and promote activities and meetings in Glenn County. We’re currently exploring the costs of buses for field trips next winter to the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge with instruction and presentations leading up to the field trips.
Wood Duck in Upper Park photo by John Seid
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UpcomingBirding Trips All of our field trips are open to beginning birders.
Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate.Altacal Audbuon’s scheduled field trips are a great way to experience a variety of birding areas, with an experienced trip leader. Occasionally “Pop-up” Birding Field Trips, that aren’t listed here, will be posted on the Altacal Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/altacalaudubon/) and the Altacal Audubon webpage (http://www.altacal.org).
Tricolored Blackbird Statewide SurveyFriday, April 3 – Sunday April 5Volunteers are needed to help Altacal and UC Davis conduct a Statewide Survey of Tricolored Blackbirds. This is a large effort and we need at least 8 volunteers. Contact Mary Muchowski, [email protected] or text (530) 228-0625 to become part of this important survey. You can sign up for as many hours and days as you want. Llano Seco Viewing PlatformsSunday, April 5, 10am-1pmTrip Leaders: Matt Forster and Ross SchaeferWe will meet at the parking lot of Llano Seco and view shorebirds from the first platform, then travel along the short walking trail to the second platform. We will be in search of waterfowl and shorebirds including: Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Dunlin, Long-billed Dowitcher, and the return of some other great shorebirds. This is around the time that unusual shorebirds have shown up: Snowy Plover, Willet, Marbled Godwit, etc. Please bring water, snacks, and binoculars. There is a restroom at the location. Hard rain will cancel. Meet at the parking lot at 10am. Contact Matt Forster, [email protected], for more information.Gray Lodge Wildlife AreaSaturday, April 11, 10amTrip Leader: Skip AugurGray Lodge Wildlife Area can be interesting and beautiful even in the “off season.” We’ll see what stragglers are still around, and what local residents and spring migrants might be breeding. Please bring your binoculars, a lunch, and plenty of water. A Lands Pass is required, you can purchase a Day Pass or Annual Pass here: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Lands-Pass.We will meet at the first parking area at the Chico Park & Ride at 10am. Contact Skip Augur with any questions: [email protected] Butte Lake Camp and BirdFriday-Sunday, May 8-10Trip Leader: Jennifer PattenThis will be a full weekend of camping, birding, hiking and kayaking (bring your own) at Black Butte Lake. Camping will be at the Orland Buttes Campground Friday and Saturday nights. We’ll bird mornings, kayaking evenings and in-between, siestas. Spring is in the air so we should see plenty of songbirds, raptors, ducks, and grebes on the lake. Limited campsites reserved. Contact Jennifer Patten, [email protected], for more details and to reserve your spot. If you have a trailer or RV please make your own reservations.
Global Big DaySaturday, May 9 (anytime between 6am and 7pm)Let’s divide into teams and cover as much as of Butte County as we can. This will be a more casual style Big Day. Each team will have an experienced leader and each team will cover a specific section of Butte County. We will all meet back for a pizza dinner to tally all the birds at 7pm! The more teams we have, the easier it will be to cover our sections. We can expect to tally over 150 combined species! Contact Mary Muchowski, [email protected] or Matt Forster, [email protected] if you want to participate.Slacker Sunday at the Genetic Resource Center!Sunday, May 17, 10amTrip Leader: Skip AugurSleep in and still be able to join us, at 10am, for Slacker Sunday! Walk the paths and treat your eyes and ears to our wintering birds on this leisurely morning walk at the Genetic Resource Center. Meet at the GRC entrance, which is owned by the Mendocino National Forest and is located at 2741 Cramer Lane. (From Skyway, go south on Notre Dame, then left on Morrow Rd, then right on Cramer. Meet at the gate to the GRC). Contact Skip Augur at [email protected] for more information. Yolo County Birding and Wine TastingSaturday, May 30, 7:30am-5pmTrip Leaders: Matt Forster and Ross SchaeferWe’ll take a drive to Yolo County to Putah Creek or the Capay Valley to look for migrants and foothill birds, and end at either Matchbook Winery or Grindstone Winery off of the 595 freeway just west of Dunnigan, for some wine tasting. The locations may change due to migrants being found in the county. We will be leaving Butte County at 7am from the first Park and Ride closest to Hwy 99. Please bring a lunch and plenty of water. We will try to make it back to Chico by 4-5pm. Contact Matt Forster, [email protected] to confirm participaton
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Post Camp Fire Avian Monitoring by Dawn Garcia
February 2020 Birds and Burns, What are we doing at the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve? In November 2018, 95% of the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve (BCEP) was burned during the Camp Fire, eliminating vegetation used by many nesting birds. The local group, River Partners is writing a grant proposal to help restore the property and document vegetation success. With permission from the CSU Research Foundation, Altacal has taken the opportunity to document post-fire bird use of the Preserve, with the goal to compare bird diversity and abundance between pre and post-fire events, and avian response to restoration and as the vegetation grows.
Historical Data - Banding and Point CountsWhen I first moved to the area I established a banding program and point count locations across the mile of creek at the BCEP. With a great crew of dedicated volunteers, we banded over 1,300 individuals of 45 species from 2006-2011. We banded in each of the 12 months, with some months having more banding days than others. Banding was conducted randomly, based on volunteer availability, and nets were open on a standardized protocol, for four hours beginning at sunrise. To note, at least one California endangered species, Willow Flycatcher (Epidonax trailii), and two California species of concern, Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) and Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) were encountered during banding activities (Figure 1). The willow flycatcher used the BCEP during migration. The chats were breeding on site likely in the blackberry and other shrubs making up the dense understory along the creek. We found evidence that the yellow warbler may be nesting on-site; noting singing males and juvenile birds that we banded. Many Altacal members volunteered with the core group including Julie Nelson, Michelle Ocken, Colleen Martin, Steve and Raina King, Mike Fisher, Randall Peterson, Scott and Liam Huber, and Ken Sobon. WOW, a HUGE effort!
In tandem with the banding, a volunteer—when available—conducted point counts on 24 days and during 9 different months, from 2006–2010. Points were surveyed typically during banding mornings and based on volunteer availability. This method requires people to be able to document all bird individuals by sight and sound. My main volunteers were Altacal members Mike Skram and Scott Huber who mentored Liam along the way, a now proficient auditory birder.
Project Goals• Compile and present historical data in report and graphic
form
• Gather eBird data for the property
• Compare bird diversity and species richness using pre- and post-burn data
• Continue long-term monitoring (at least 5 years) to track observed changes in avian communities as the vegetation grows
• Provide CSU, Chico or Butte College students with field biology opportunities
• Use results to advise restoration
Volunteer with us!Since last spring we have conducted point counts post-burn. In order to access the site we need two people each visit for safety reasons. It’s a great opportunity to see the seasonal changes at BCEP, learn survey methods, and help us document birds. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Executive Director Mary Muchowski at [email protected].
Thanks for efforts from our current crew of volunteers; Julie Newman, Ken Sobon, Matt Forster, Ross Schaefer, Scott and Liam Huber, Charlie Giannini, Steve King and Mary Muchowski.
Figure 1. yellow-breasted chat banded at BCEP photo by Steve King
Great-horned Owl photo by Steve King
Dawn Garcia volunteering at BCEP
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From the Sacramento NWR Bookstore by Lorraine Smith, Altacal SNWR Bookstore Volunteer
In addition to numerous and varied field guides, children’s books, and gifts, the Altacal Bookstore offers a selection of books that invite us to ponder the big questions and to seek an understanding of the history, the “hows” and “whys” of these places we treasure – the Refuges, the Pacific Flyway, the Central Valley, the Sacramento River. Though I’d rather spend time with binoculars than books in hand, I am discovering that my relationship with the natural world – and my birding skills - can also deepen and come into focus as I turn the pages.
As Robert M. Wilson points out in Seeking Refuge, the contrasting geographical scales of flyways and refuges are a potent reminder that the boundaries between the human and the natural exist far more in our minds than in the real world. So, how do we “protect nature” when nature perennially ignores the places we’ve set aside for it? A different, though not incompatible thought posed by Bob Madgic in The Sacramento – A Transcendent River, is that “humankind has learned that there are no substitutes, no technological fixes, which sustain the health of the planet better than nature functioning on its own terms.”
And then there are “just for fun” questions to be explored. What did the Sacramento NWR look like less than a century ago? Have we restored wetlands that once existed there? Or, was this land ever a wetland before the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps began work on the site in 1937? (This site used to be an arid plain of alkaline land, with short grasses and no trees.) We know that “over a million birds can’t be wrong,” one of many reasons to visit our Refuge. But how many waterfowl wintered in this area 75 years ago? (Ornithologists estimate that fifty to sixty million waterfowl may have wintered in the area during the late 1940s.) What are the 16 focal species of birds that are important indicators of the health of riparian habitats? (I’ll let you discover this answer on your own…).
Seeking Refuge: Birds and Landscapes of the Pacific Flyway by Robert M. Wilson $35.00 ISBN-13: 978-0295992112
The Sacramento: A Transcendent River by Bob Madgic $24.95 ISBN-13: 978-0988271111
by Dakota Johnson Visitor Services Assistant
Get to know Your National Wildlife Refuges!American Kestrel
Imagine driving down a country road, barbed wire fences on either side of you. As you drive by a fence post you notice a small bird of prey sitting on the weathered, run down post. “What is that small hawk?’’ you might think. That “hawk” is actually a falcon, the smallest and most colorful in North America— the American kestrel! Don’t let their size fool you, because although they are small in stature they are mighty in attitude.
Since kestrels are small, similar to mourning doves in weight, they are limited to what they are able to hunt and eat. Kestrels typically hunt by sitting and waiting for prey to show itself but will also hunt by hovering in up drafts if perching areas are limited. Using their powerful eyesight, kestrels can pick up on small insects and animals moving at long distances. Kestrels commonly eat grasshoppers and other insects, mice, and small birds such as sparrows. Kestrels used to commonly be called sparrow hawks, even though that is not
their most common prey item. A more appropriate nickname for them would be a grasshopper hawk. A bold kestrel may try to take larger prey such as doves and quail, which can be just as big as them! Quite a feat for such a small bird.
Kestrels tend to have an “I am not afraid of anything” attitude. They are not frightened of people and often let you get quite close to them. Kestrels can also be seen harassing hawks and eagles during migration, as well as attacking larger bird of prey during nesting season.
While American kestrels prefer drier habitat than what is available at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex, you can see them commonly on the Sacramento NWR auto tour in the upland fields between the start of the auto tour and the first park and stretch. They can be seen regularly at the Llano Seco Unit of the North Central Valley Wildlife Management Area.
The next time you are driving on a country road or the Sacramento NWR auto tour, keep an eye out for an American kestrel. If you have a moment, stop and observe the kestrel. You may be surprised to see how fierce these small raptors can be.
American kestrel stretching photo by Steve Emmons
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Name _______________________________________________________________________________________
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Save Paper! Send me an email only New Member Renewal Gift email me Altacal in Action Alerts I would be interested in volunteering to help Cash Check Date _____________
Local Chapter Membership ApplicationPlease join us!Your membership will help Altacal Audubon Society continue its important work.
Altacal Audubon SocietyMembership Application
$30 gold�nchBasic $40 quail Household $15 Student/Low Income
$50 Sponsor $100 falcon Sustaining $____ Soar Higher
with Additional Donation
SubmissionsWhite-tailed KiteArticles, reports, signtings, and photos for publication should be sent by email to: Carla Resnick at [email protected],on the first of the month, prior to the next issue.
Please make check payable to ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETYMail to AAS, P.O. BOX 3671, CHICO, CA 95927-3671
IMPORTANT: Membership in Altacal Audubon Society does not include membership in the National AudubonSociety. We encourage you to also support National Audubon in their important education and lobbying efforts.To join the National Audubon Society contact them at their website www.audubon.org
Other Altacal ActivitiesMajor sponsor, participant and fiscal agent for the annual
Snow Goose Festival
Founder and ongoing supporter of theChico Creek Nature Center
Sponsor of the City of ChicoOxidation Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary
Leading annual Christmas Bird Countsin Chico and Oroville for over 55 years
Focusing on our Youth throughScholarships and Environmental Education
Advocating for Birds & Wildlife when they are threatened
Conducting surveys and participating inAvian Research Projects
American
robinacornwoodpecker
lesser gold�nch Californiaquailperegrinefalcon
Altacal Audubon Society (AAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. AAS is a separately incorporated non-profit organization with a local chapter membership. 100% of membership dues goes to support local projects and activities. We offer regularly scheduled field trips that focus on birds and bird habitats; membership programs with media presentations on birds and related topics; a bi-monthly newsletter, the White-tailed Kite; website www.altacal.org; and advocacy to protect and conserve local habitats as well as special programs.
Promoting bird-friendly yards through theNeighborhood Habitat Certification Program
Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDPermit No. 86
Chico, Calif 95927
ALTACAL AUDUBON SOCIETY, INCPOST OFFICE BOX 3671CHICO, CA 95927-3671
RequestedIn-home Delivery3/29/20–03/31/203-Day Window
CURRENT RESIDENT
DATES TO REMEMBERApril/May 2020
April 3 Tricolored Blackbird Statewide SurveyApril 5 Llano Seco Viewing Platforms April 8 Altacal Audubon Board April 11 Gray Lodge Wildlife AreaApril 20 Altaca ProgramMay 8–10 Black Butte Lake Camp and BirdMay 9 Global Big DayMay 13 Altacal Audubon Board MeetingMay 17 Slacker Sunday at the Genetic Resource CenterMay 18 Altacal Audubon’s PotluckMay 30 Yolo County Birding and Wine TastingFor updated information check the Altacal website
altacal.orgPRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
White-tailed Kite Submission Deadlines
Do you have a birding story to share? Check out our Membership page on how to submit articles.
Issue Due DateJune/July May 1August/Sept July 1Oct/Nov Sept 1Dec/Jan Nov 1Feb/Mar Jan 1April/May Mar 1
