Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969.

Vol. 40 No. 1 February 2009

Snow Geese driven by the snow By Diane Yorgason-Quinn

O
ur Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on December 20th was in the middle of
the Big Snow Event of this winter, by which I mean both actual snow
and Snow Geese.
When I met my group in Area 3 to gather up Christmas Bird
the CBC numbers at the end of the day, Jeff
Feagin riveted me with a report of 153 Snow
Count ‘08 - page 6
Geese over Fox Island! What!!!!??? I made
him fill out a Rare Bird Report because I figured there might some challenges.
Heck, Snow Geese weren’t even on the tally list we were using for expected spe-
cies in Pierce County in December. Fox Islanders got to enjoy these geese for
several days more, to the delight of many.
That wasn’t the end of it, though. Turned out Snow Geese were seen in MANY
places on our CBC that day! Areas 2, 4, and 7 also turned in large numbers as well,
with close to 200 in each of these areas!
Photo/Bryan Hanson
Snow Geese gather on a playfield at Chief Leschi School. See "Geese" on page 7

Great Backyard Bird Count – Feb. 13 - 16

People from all across the United States and Canada will be
watching and counting birds during the Great Backyard Bird
Count (GBBC) – for fun and for conservation.
National Audubon and the Cornell Lab of ornithology are
hosting the GBBC with sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited.
During the event, everyone who enjoys birds can submit their
observations through www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Be sure to go
to the website before you count to see the very important,
easy-to-follow instructions and local checklists.
To have more fun, join Tahoma Audubon Society’s annual
GBBC Special. It is free, but we encourage non-members to
take out an introductory membership for the family at $20.00
($15.00 for seniors or students.)
The national count is in its twelth year and Tahoma Audubon
will for the eighth year have its special crash course led by a
Master Birder, the count, and a meal each day of Presidents’
Day weekend. Please call Tahoma Audubon Society, 253-565-
9278, or Thelma Gilmur, 253-564-8210 to sign up and to get
contact information for leaders and meals. Also call TAS early
to sign up so that hosts will know how much food to plan on.
Feb. 13, Friday, 9:00-11:00 Birder Betty Jones will lead at
Mary Blyton’s home in Puyallup, overlooking the Orting Valley.
Mary saw bluebirds as late as December 23 this winter. Mary
will furnish a 10:30 brunch.
Feb. 14, Saturday, 9:00-11:00 Birder Art Wang will prepare
brunch and lead the crash course and count in the
Commencement Bay area across from his home.
Feb. 15, Sunday, 9:00-11:00 Ken and Nell Batker will lead
crash course and count on Minter Creek in Gig Harbor where
Judy and Ken Austin will furnish brunch.
Feb 16, Monday, 10:00-12:00 or 12:30 Rosanne Becker
and Joann Sims will lead crash course and count at University
Place and possibly a couple other places if group wishes.
Lunch will be served by Helen Engle at her and Stan’s home.
Another opportunity to do the GBBC with a group, but
without the crash course and meal, will be on Sunday, the 15th
at PLU. Meet Julie Smith, biology professor, at 9:00 a.m. on
the east side of the Reike Science Center. The count will be
finished and the records reported online at www.birdcount.org
by 11:00.
Great Backyard Bird Count--for fun and for conservation.
National Audubon and the Cornell Lab

Great Blue Heron are vulnerable to disturbance by Bald Eagles and

By Paul Webster
North America’s largest heron is a familiar sight on
the waterfront and other damp areas around Tacoma.
In The Birds of Washington (1909) William L.
Dawson described the Great Blue as picturesque a
word he felt meant both graceful and majestic. Dawson
continued that the Great Blue was a typical feature of
our Northwest landscape, whether standing motionless
in shallow water waiting for prey or slowly flapping its
way across the sky. Wary, adaptable, at home either in
marine or fresh water habitats, the Great Blue in the
century since Dawson’s time has co-existed rather well
with modern civilization. However, its nesting colonies
human activity.
Those who usually watch wildlife through binocu-
lars may find the Great Blue up close something of a
surprise. This large heron stands just under three feet
high; it’s the Great Blue’s broad wings that spread to
nearly six feet and some of its neck stretches that make
it seem larger than it really is. In flight the bird’s neck
is pulled back into a Z, so that it becomes parallel to the
bill, and its legs trail out behind. The plumage is
mostly grayish, the neck streaked with white, black,
and rust. Behind the long yellowish, tapered bill adults
have a white crown with black plumes extending back
from above the eye, and longish feathers on the neck
See "Great Blue” on page 8 Photo/Mathew Hull

We’re celebrating
and you’re invited.
Please turn to page 9 for details on the big event!
In this issue:
25 years ago page 8
Announcements page 9
BirdSongs page 8
Christmas Bird Count pages 1, 6, 7
Education page 4
Environment matters page 3
Executive Director’s column page 2
Field trips page 5
New members page 10
Volunteer recognition page 10
 executive director’s Corner
Changes are afoot
On a frosty tion to its highest self.  He reminded us of the struggles this
cold  January  morn- country has risen above in its short life on this planet.  He
ing a new presi- called all of us to participate in rising above the issues we
dent was sworn face today.   Species Act, such as the controversial decision to
in  before a  hope- No greater challenge faces us then that of climate change
ful crowd, nation and and its possible effects on our societies, natural habitats and
world.   Many  elo- the wildlife that depends on them.   With strong leadership,
quent  words have a hopeful and engaged citizenry, and collective action we
been written and can tackle this issue as we have many others in our past.   endangered species.
spoken about the in- As we have for the last forty years, Tahoma Audubon
auguration  of the will be a leader at the local level to help bring about posi-
first African-Amer- tive change to protect habitat.  With the support of you, our
ican President.  It would be hard to know what could be members, volunteers, and donors, we will work tirelessly
added.  Probably the best words were those I saw on a with our partners to bring about environmental justice.
banner held up in the crowd that day, “We HAVE over- The following is taken from a statement of priority is-
come.”  For those who have had to fight for the right to sit sues from National Audubon for the first months of the
in the front of the bus, it is a crystal clear articulation of the new administration.
joy of finding one of their own sitting in the highest office Global Warming and Renewable Energy:
in the land. For me it touches a resonant chord, strung be- • We welcome the opportunity to help the President
tween a belief that history and democracy conspire to bring deliver his promised $150 billion plan for clean energy
about justice and a faith that through collective action we technologies that will protect our environment and stim-
can hasten it’s arrival.
As his first act, President Barack Obama called the na-
ulate the economy, with up to 5 million new green jobs.
• The Congress should pass legislation providing
significant incentives for development of renewable
energy and pass significant legislation to address global
warming with a comprehensive cap-and-trade program.
Endangered Species Conservation:
• We’ll work with theAdministration to secure reversal of
the Bush administration’s weakening of the Endangered
allow agencies to self-consult regarding the impacts of
federally-approved projects on endangered species.
• Congress should pass new tax incentives to encourage
private landowners to work toward recovery of
Bird and Habitat Conservation:
• The Administration and the Congress should reinvest
in the National Wildlife Refuge System and address
the unacceptable $3.5 billion maintenance backlog
crippling this critical tool for conservation.
• The Congress should pass legislation to conserve
neotropical migratory birds and address the steep declines
in America’s common birds that are disappearing from
parks, farms, and backyards across the country.
Ecosystem Restoration:
• The Administration and Congress should fund signifi-
cant new restoration projects to improve America’s great
natural ecosystems: The Mississippi River, Everglades,
Long Island Sound, and the Great Lakes.
ENVIRONMENT Matters
Conserving urban habitats for people and wildlife
Last November, Tacoma took not one, but two big steps
forward to help conserve urban habitats across the city. The
Tacoma City Council unanimously passed several
Comprehensive Plan amendments, and included among
them was a new Open Space Habitat and Recreation Plan
or OSHRP.  Council eagerly and unanimously passed a resolution
The OSHRP is a policy document that will lay out policies
and plans that will help Tacoma acquire, restore, and manage
publicly-owned open spaces throughout the city.  This plan is
the product of over two years of work by the planning staff,
various city agencies, Metro Parks Tacoma, and extensive
outreach and involvement with the Green Tacoma Partnership
(GTP), a public-private partnership working together to
create a network of urban open spaces and habitats sustained
by community involvement.
One product of the OSHRP is an inventory and
evaluation of urban open spaces citywide. These spaces
identified in the plan are the best natural areas Tacoma has
– lots of parks, gulches, creeks, lakes, steep slopes,
wetlands, and shorelines.  Together, many of these areas
have the potential to be habitat corridors for both wildlife
Get ready to BioBlitz!
By Krystal Kyer
and people. Point Defiance Park, Puget Gardens, Swan group and other
Creek Park, Wapato Hills Wildlife Preserve, and First existing groups, they
Creek Watershed are just a few of Tacoma’s urban natural will transform the area
areas identified in the plan. from one of misuse,
In fact, shortly after adopting the OSHRP, the City neglect, and crime, to
a neighborhood jewel
(No. 37656) “declaring the City’s intent to work that can be enjoyed by
collaboratively with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on a all – people and
community stewardship plan for the cleanup” of the First wildlife.
Creek Watershed, located in Tacoma’s Eastside Kudos to Tacoma’s
Neighborhood. City Council for
Representing the Tribe at the November 18 City taking these important Contact Krystal at 253-232-9978.
Council meeting, Tribal planner David Whited emphasized steps to  improve our Or kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
that the identity of the area must be reclaimed if it is to be urban quality of life,
restored. The First Creek Watershed exists today as a protect our water quality and natural areas.
series of stormwater drainages with various names Get involved! More information, including how to get
referencing the street it intersects, such as “T Street involved, can be found online at: OSHRP:
Gulch” and “R Street Gulch.” Yet, it is a watershed in its http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=7612
entirety, and must be recognized as one. The Puyallup Tribe: http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/
Shortly afterward, the Puyallup Tribe passed a similar First Creek Neighbors: http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/
resolution. Together, with the new First Creek Neighbors Green Tacoma Partnership: www.greentacoma.org
Citizen science:  Citizen science engages volunteers in the collection of ecological information, often
under the leadership of conservation agencies or organizations. Use of citizen scientists is growing
the University of for several reasons:  (1) Conservation agencies and organizations often do not have enough resourc-

Growing From Our Roots: Tahoma Audubon is excited to announce that we will be
Wa s h i n g t o n ’s
Nature Mapping
es to conduct all of the monitoring they need; (2) Many citizens have expert skills in fish, wildlife, and
plant observation as a result of a hobby or avocation; (3) Much more data can be collected by

40 Years of the Tahoma

conducting a BioBlitz in late spring 2009 in the Nisqually program. That enabling or training citizen scientists to work with conservation agencies and organizations, helping
River Watershed. This exciting project will engage local information will to achieve a more robust and comprehensive understanding of biodiversity status and trends.
landowners, schools, professional scientists, and citizens in a then be available to
Audubon Society rapid biodiversity assessment of the flora and fauna in the
area.
scientists and regu-
lators across Washington State, as it
Get Involved!
Training in Nature Mapping is not required to par-
The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society In recent years, the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance is integrated into the Washington ticipate in the BioBlitz, but it is helpful. Two trainings
By John Garner Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park (PCBA) has conducted BioBlitz’s in Natural are being offered this spring:
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
Crescent Valley (Gig Harbor) and the Heritage Nature Mapping - data collection &
On behalf of the board of Tahoma Audubon, it’s my privilege to Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
Lower White River watershed. As a Rapid biodiversity assessment:  Program data- monitoring - March 20-21, 2009 at
invite you to an exciting month of celebrations honoring our past
result of landowner and community The term “rapid biodiversity assess- base. In this way, Tacoma Nature Center in Tacoma.
and looking to our future as we continue our work to “conserve and Tahoma Audubon Staff outreach and engagement in the ment” was coined to describe a moni- citizen scientists Register by calling 591-6439.
restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for  
BioBlitz’s, new community groups toring approach that relies on a subset make valuable con- Nature Mapping - data collec-
the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.” By Flint, Bryan Executive Director                        
have formed to protect these areas. The of indicators (for example, selected tributions to scientif- tion & monitoring - May 30-31, 2009
now I’m sure your calendars are marked for an open house recep- bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129
Crescent Valley Alliance formed in species) to be able to quickly draw ic knowledge at NW Trek in Eatonville. Contact Jessica
tion honoring Thelma Gilmur on Sunday, February 15th from 1:00 Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator 2006 and continues today to imple- conclusions about the health, richness, and manage- Moore at 360-832-7160 to register.
to 4:00 at the Mountaineers Clubhouse in Tacoma. This reception ment its community stewardship plan. or diversity of a biological feature. ment, while Ages 12 and up, $70 per person, no
John Garner kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978                    
is offered in response to an enthusiastic demand from our members The Friends of the Lower White River Several methods have been developed gaining personal charge for additional family members. This
to recognize, thank and express our love for our own ‘grand dame’ of conservation and Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator formed in 2007 spurring a Lower for use in both terrestrial and aquatic knowledge and workshop is for citizens interested in using the Nature
education. It is also a celebration to honor all the good work accomplished by those StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-327-9480                       White River BioBlitz in 2008, and environments. A “bioblitz” is a rapid experiences of a par- Mapping process to keep track of wildlife in their backyard,
of you who have connected with Tahoma Audubon through an invitation from Thelma they are in the final stages of complet- biological inventory of plant and animal ticular place. local parks and forests, or any other natural area. This two-day
to join in a bird count, or that request from her to staff a shift at the Fair, or the other Taylor, Graham Volunteer 253-565-1884 ing their stewardship plan. PCBA’s diversity found in a designated area Tahoma Audubon has hands-on environmental learning workshop helps people take
favor or task she asked of you, and of course, you couldn’t say no. That just may cover Kerrigan, Julie Coordinator 253-223-0039 stewardship plans can serve as tem- within a 24-hour period. received a $10,000 Green Partnership the next step after learning to enjoy wildlife.
the entire Tahoma Audubon membership! gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org plates for new projects, as in the case of Fund grant from the Greater Tacoma To participate in the Nisqually BioBlitz contact Krystal
Our celebration continues at our 40th Anniversary Banquet on Saturday, February 28 the Nisqually BioBlitz project. Community Foundation and Pierce at 253-232-9978 or email kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
              Tahoma Audubon Board Officers
at 5:30 at the McGavick Center at Clover Park Technical College. Our theme, The area we will be blitzing is located in the Nisqually Conservation District to conduct the BioBlitz. This award is
John Garner President Biodiversity Management Area (BMA), known as region matched by $10,000 from The Zoo Society to the PCBA, as Crescent Valley Alliance: call Lucinda Wingard at 253-858-3647 or
‘Growing From Our Roots’, promises an enjoyable evening as we reflect back, and online at http://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/
look ahead to the future of Tahoma Audubon. Marjorie Shea Vice President 10E, in the Roy/McKenna area. Volunteers will be teamed well as additional funds pending. The Nisqually BMA
Friends of the Lower White River website:
I want to assure you that your board, volunteers and staff are not resting on their laurels, up with professionals and work together to identify species BioBlitz is a cooperative project of the PCBA, NW Trek, http://www.biodiversity.wa.gov/ourbiodiversity/updatewhite_river.html
Wayne Larsen Past President in a defined area over a 24-hour period. Data from the Tahoma Audubon, UW’s NatureMapping program, WA Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance:
and if we do distinguish ourselves, it’s because we stand on the shoulders of those who
Jane Brosius Secretary BioBlitz will immediately be recorded using handheld Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and the Nisqually River http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/projects/bma/overview.html
have come before. As we look to our future, we do so with these plans and aspirations:
CyberTracker software, and uploaded into computers using Watershed Council. UW’s Nature Mapping program: http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/
• To effectively influence public policy issues that impact our mission. Specifically, Kathleen Nelson Treasurer
to sharpen our focus on shorelines, stewardship of our open space and natural areas,
Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008
and to expand the role that citizen science plays in natural resource management.
• To conserve the biological diversity of Pierce County by preserving and restoring
habitat and ecosystems – our commitment to the Green Tacoma Partnership is a
Rob McNair-Huff
Thelma Gilmur
Field Trip Chair
Membership Co-chair
Free rain garden workshops
tangible expression of our work in urban environments. A rain garden is a shallow depression to gain further hands-on experience by helping
Dick Carkner
• To expand education programs and empower citizens to protect and preserve in a yard planted with a variety of flow- create rain gardens later in the summer.
ecosystems and habitats – our Osprey Club and summer day camps are wonderful Sally Larson ers, shrubs and grasses that “don’t mind Choose from these dates -
examples of how we engage our youth to become the stewards of tomorrow. Marcus Roening getting their feet wet.” (All classes held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
• To ensure that adequate financial and human resources are available to sustain our Learn how rain gardens help soak up Thursday, February 5 Orting
organization. To that end, the board has Peggy L. Kopf
rainwater from downspouts, driveways, Thursday, February 19 Tacoma
committed itself to a goal of growing both Darby Veeck
and sidewalks, while protecting our lo- Thursday, March 5 Buckley
the membership and the financial support Ione Clagett cal waterways. When planted with the Thursday, March 19 Lakewood
that is needed to ensure our work continues.
Melissa Paulson right types of plants, rain gardens also Monday, April 20 University Place
On behalf of the board, thank you for your
attract birds, butterflies and bees. Thursday, April 30 Edgewood
steadfast support of an organization that’s 40 Loren Webster Calendar Editor loren@lorenwebster.net
You’ll receive a FREE rain garden Workshops are FREE, but advanced registra-
years old and still growing strong!
manual and additional materials. tion is required. For more information, work-
You’ll also have a chance to start de- shop locations, or to register, contact Pierce
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society. The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with a be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed. signing your own rain garden during Stream Team, at (253) 845-2973 or e-mail
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issue. Submissions of articles and E-mail submissions to: editor@tahomaaudubon.org the class! There are opportunities streamteam@ piercecountycd.org.
advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conserva- photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, and Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
tion through education and activities that enrich its member’s environmental education are reviewed and considered for inclu- Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com hn Pitcher. Co-sponsored by: Pierce Stream Team, Stewardship Partners, WSU Native Plant Salvage Project/Foundation,
poster designed by Jo
experiences in and with the natural world. sion by the editor. Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may Printing: Consolidated Press Rain garden Chambers- Clover Watershed Council, Puyallup River Watershed Council, and Pierce County Public Works and Utilities.

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009 February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3


Holiday travels: Nature on the Hillsborough River, FL
stephanieSWAIM
Education Coordinator
Call Steph @ 253-565-5479. Or
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org
Education Matters
I hope that you don’t imagine that Florida is nothing but strip malls
and theme parks. For many that travel to the land of the Big Mouse,
this is all that they get to see. And I do admit, my guilty pleasure in
Orlando is visiting my favorite theme park, riding rides and sampling
the foods from all the tiny faux nations along its boardwalk. But as
a former resident naturalist of the Sunshine State, I’m going to tell
you about a gem of a nature trip to take if you’re ever in the Tampa/
Orlando vicinity.
Florida is flat. Formed in a calm sea millions of years ago, its calcium
carbonate bedrock is filled with fossils of seashells and ancient sea
creatures. When Florida emerged from the ocean as warmer climates
gave rise to the cycles of ice ages, it allowed terrestrial plants and
animals to flourish. Freshwater aquifers permeate the porous bedrock
and rise to the surface through cracks and springs in the weak rock.
Calm rivers amble for miles across the flat surface, fed by springs and
the rains of the rainy season.
Photos/Scott Swaim
field trips and Events
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wednesdays 8:00 am to 11:30 am
One hour’s drive from the theme parks near Orlando lies access to
the Hillsborough River in Northeast Tampa at the edge of the largest Leader: Phil Kelley
metropolitan area in Florida. My husband, Scott, and I took a half- Big changes are happening at Nisqually National
Wildlife Refuge!
day to visit the river by kayak. For four hours and covering about
nine miles, we rode the slow currents down river watching wildlife Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
and taking pictures. This was my second time down the river, which birds at Nisqually NWR. On the first Wednesday
Scott had introduced me to years before we moved to Washington. of the month, the group takes a longer hike on the
It was unbelieveable. In those four full loop, at least for a while this spring depend-
hours we saw Black Vultures, Roseate ing on construction. The other weeks, the trip is
Spoonbills, Wood Storks, Red- shorter, totaling about 4 miles. On these weeks, the
shouldered Hawks, Osprey, Anhinga,
group walks out to McAllister Creek via the new
Double-crested Cormorants, Limpkin,
White Ibis, Great Blue Herons, Little cross dike trail. Then it takes the boardwalk/trail to
Blue Herons, Tri-colored Herons, the Twin Barns, the Nisqually overlook area, and
Black-Crowned Night Herons, Great out past where the ring dike used to be.
Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, wa-
And we heard Barred Owls echoing ter, snacks, and $3 for entry fee
through the cypress. If you’re into unless you have a pass. Scopes are welcome.
animals BESIDES birds, we drifted Meet: At the Visitor’s Center.
by alligators, turtles, snakes and otters Directions: Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exit
as well. I kid you not. It was truly
to Nisqually NWR at exit 114. Turn right at light.
awesome. Here are some photos to Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm de-
convince you!
tails during the trail construction period, and about
the start time which may change to 7:30am.
Right: Black Vultures in a Bald Cypress;
Below: Alligator and Turtle; Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@
aol.com. During the 3-4 year estuary reconstruc-
Left: Red-shouldered Hawk with snake.
Far Left: Roseate Spoonbill & Great Blue Heron. Photo/Steph Swaim
tion project, go to http://www.fws.gov/nisqually/
and click on Events and News. During the recon-
struction, some trails may be closed temporarily.
Skagit and Samish flats field trip
Enjoy the wintering waterfowl, swans, thousands
Wild Edible Plant Walks
Come and eat
Stinging Net-
tles and other
plants, on our
Wild Edible
Plant walks!
We will have
two walks in
February both starting at 2 PM and meeting in
the big parking lots One at Kopachuck on the
Saturday the 14th of February (so bring your
Valentine!) and the other at Penrose Point on
Saturday the 28th of February. What better
way to start the new year than to learn how to
spot all sorts of healthy greens for free! Bot
h walks will be led by rangers Dan Christian
and Matt Smith. Each walk will be limited to
15 people, so you need to call in advance to
register. For Kopachuck call 253-265-3606 and
for Penrose call 253-884-2514.
trails in the Gig Harbor area. We will visit The
Tacoma Narrows, Pt. Fosdick, Raft Island (by per-
mission), and Kopachuk State Park. We will look
for sea birds and waterfowl, loons, and woodland
birds. We hope to see all five woodpeckers, and
even a possible Mute Swan. We may be hearing
some early spring bird song. We may walk up to
1.5 miles. We’ll stop at a restaurant for a lunch, or
you can bring your own lunch.
Bring: Warm clothes, lunch if desired (or some
money for a restaurant lunch), snacks, drinks.
rules
Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are
people limited out of necessity.
Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come.
Field trip leaders put in a lot of time and planning and
no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 no-shows a
year can result in revoking opportunity to participate.
Arrive at the meeting place early.
No pets are allowed.
Be prepared for seasonal weather.
Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is
scheduled past mid-day.
All passengers divide total carpooling expenses.
Current guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car, not
including driver.
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Come prepared for a
healthy walk through the park in changeable weath-
er conditions. Winter bird highlights can include
waterfowl, Bald Eagles and forest birds. For more
information, e-mail rob@whiterabbits.com.
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival
Friday - Sunday, March 20-22, 2009
Othello, Washington
Reported by Carol Schulz
The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is a wonder-

of snow geese, raptors and other specialites of this Car toll is $4. if you return home on the Tacoma ful birding festival in Eastern Washington. The
area by joining us on Feb. 7th. The meeting place Narrows bridge. Scopes are very welcome. field trips, lectures, and banquet served at the high
for carpooling is the park and ride parking garage Meet: At 8:00 AM at McDonald’s in Gig Harbor. school are famous now; and quite a few partici-
by Freighthouse Square, near the Tacoma Dome. Take hwy 16 north from the Narrows Bridge to pants and speakers come from out-of-state. The
Meet at 7:00 a.m for an early start. exit 10. Turn right, and then take a quick left into field trips leave in school buses, vans, and cars
This trip is quite popular, so sign up soon by call- Olympic Plaza. McDonald’s is on the left. from the high school.
2917 Morrison Road W.,
ing the Tahoma Audubon Center.
1919 South Tyler Street,
Tacoma WA 98338 University Pl. WA 98466 Sign-up: Email or call Jeff Cohen, 206-354-5542, Registration information and tour info is available
253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org 253-565-9278 Trip leaders are Bruce LaBar and Charlie Wright. kokobean2@hotmail.com at www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org or call
Open Tues. – Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. www.TahomaAudubon.org
1-866-726-3445 toll free (after 4pm). The most
Gig Harbor Exploration Nature Walk at Point Defiance Park
& Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Open Mon – Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.
popular trips and accomodations fill early, so reg-
Saturday, February 21 Feb 22 Sun 8:00-11:30 AM ister ASAP.
Introducing Nature Snapshots at Tacoma Nature Center Tahoma Audubon Workshop series at Fircrest Community Ctr. 8:00 AM to Mid Afternoon Join author Rob McNair-Huff for a 5-mile walk For more information about the festival, call or e-
Have you ever wondered what you might find on a short walk or in your backyard, but didn’t The Fircrest Community Center will be hosting three workshops this Spring, inviting neigh- Leader: Jeff Cohen through the forests at Point Defiance Park. The trip mail Carol Schulz, linusq@att.net, 206-824-7618.
know where to look or who to ask? Become your own naturalist with these evening workshops bors to learn about natural habitats and native gardens. Workshops will be led by Tahoma Join Jeff Cohen as we explore parks, beaches, and starts at the back of the parking lot for the Point E-mail is preferred.
throughout the winter and spring! Each month we will offer a 2-hour program on a specific Audubon volunteers and staff. Register by calling the Fircrest Community Center at 253-564-
theme so that you will leave with the basics of how to identify the critters you didn’t know 8177 or in person at the Center located at 555 Contra Costa Ave., Fircrest, WA 98466.
you saw everyday. You’ll notice that you notice a lot more on the walk to school or the trip
Bird Feeding Basics
to the mailbox everyday! These programs are informal and geared to families but everyone is
welcome. Fees: $15 per person, $30 per family (max of 4). Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Please
register through the Tacoma Nature Center, 591-6439.
Learn about local birds and how to use a field guide. Ensure that a variety of birds visit your
backyard with the information provided in this class.
The Art & Nature of Native Plants – Spring Class
• January 13th: Birds • February 20th: Mammals • March 10th: Herps (Reptiles & Amphibians) Age: All. Fri Feb. 27th 6:00PM - 8:00PM Cost: $5.00 Tahoma Audubon Society This field-based class brings together the natural the South Puget Sound. Mary Sue has an MLA
Fee: $75 member; $95 non-member includes class
• April 14th: Invertebrates • May 12th: Tidepools Container Gardening Workshop world and the artist’s perspective. Native plant degree in landscape architecture and extensive
instruction and three field trips. Optional field trips may be
specialist, Mary Sue Gee, will provide hands-on training and experience in wildlife habitat restora-
Upcoming Adult Birding Classes Container gardening with native plants adds a touch of natural beauty to any home, and can
instruction in identification and ecological rela- tion, urban and wetlands ecology. She combines
scheduled with additional fee.
Get ready! Spring will soon be here and you will want to be able to identify those new birds brighten the smallest of outdoor spaces. Learn about which plants attract wildlife, including Required Text: Plants of the Pacific Northwest
at your feeders. This Spring we will be offering another set of Adult Birding Classes so that birds. Also learn about the best locations for containers, watering and light requirements and tionships during one classroom session and three her interest in art and nature in her presentations
Coast, Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, 1994. Book will be
you can hone your birdwatching skills. Register for both at the Tacoma Nature Center, online how to choose appropriate plants. Workshop will also include tips on how to keep interest in field trips. She will be joined by Monica Weidman, and stories. Monica has a BA in Art Education
the pots by the use of texture and color. available at class for $19.95. Discount for Tahoma Audubon
at www.metroparkstacoma.org or by calling 253-591-6439. You may also become a member watercolor artist and botanical illustrator, to and is a certified Scientific Illustrator. She finds
of Tahoma Audubon Society at the time of registration. Sat March 21st 2:00PM - 4:00PM Cost: $5.00 Tahoma Audubon Society members.
engage the students in a deeper appreciation and pleasure in nature’s serene pace and its simple
Native Plants Tour
Suggested Text: Flora of the Pacific Northwest, C.L.
Beginning Birdwatching: Backyard Basics understanding of the native plant ecosystem of yet complex beauty.
Hitchcock and A. Cronquist, 1973.
This class takes place at the Tacoma Nature Center at Snake Lake Learn about native and non-native plant species growing in our yards and woods. Workshop
includes a walk through Whittier trails with Thelma as she indentifies plants native to our area. Other field guides are useful if students have favorites.
Mondays March 3rd to the 23rd, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Curious about birds, but don’t know your crown from your tail feather? All are welcome to Sat April 4th 9:00AM - 11:00AM Cost: $5.00 Tahoma Audubon Society Thelma Gilmur Suggested Tools: Any type of sketch book, pencils,
this introduction to the joy of identifying the birds that are all around us. You will learn how charcoal, colored pencils, watercolors, magnifying glass/
to identify common birds, use field guides as well as binoculars. Learn, too, about some of the lens, binoculars, camera
best places to see birds and practice your newfound skills. Local field trip Saturday, March 21,
9am-1pm. Call the Tacoma Nature Center to register, 253-591-6439.
Nurture in Nature Preschool Class Date: 7-9 pm, Wed. April 15, Adriana Hess Audubon
Center, University Place
$45.00 for Tahoma Audubon Members - $55.00 for Non-Members Ages 18+ at the Tacoma Nature Center Field Trips: 9am-3pm; Sat. April 18, Sat. May 2. Third
Intermediate Birding Now enrolling students ages 3-6 date to be scheduled with class.
This class takes place at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center in University Place Scholarship assistance is available. Contact the
Tuesdays, April 21st to June 9th, 2009, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm First session begins September 2009 education committee chair, Margie Shea, at 591-
This class is for those who have completed an introductory birder’s class or have a good Details at www.metroparkstacoma.org Or call 253-591-6439 6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com
background in bird identification. In addition to the scheduled class days, there are three field
study sessions. Field Trips: 2-day trip to Washington coast on May 2-3; 2-day trip to Wenas Partners in providing the To Register: Call 591-6439 to register. Pre-registration is
on June 6-7; 3-day trip to Eastern Washington June 20-22. Participants are responsible for trip best in nature required. Deadline to register is April 8.
transportation and expenses. Call the Tacoma Nature Center to register, 253-591-6439. programming
$55.00 for Tahoma Audubon Members - $75.00 for Non-Members Ages 18+

Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009 February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5

 Christmas Bird Count Carol Smith, Jim O’Donnell
Belted Kingfisher
Red-breasted Sapsucker
sapsucker sp.
Downy Woodpecker
2
6

2
3
4

7
5
7

5
1
2

10
2

2
3 2
3
1

4
3 19
25

30

2008
& Cindy Smith. Hairy Woodpecker 2 2
Area 1: Joe McGuire

CBC in the frozen tundra!

Northern Flicker (red sh.) 11 10 27 26 4 6 10 20 1 115
Area 2: Carol Schulz
(yellow shafted/int.)
Area 3: Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Area 4: Roxy & Bill Giddings
Pileated Woodpecker 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 9 By Faye McAdams Hands
Area 5: Rolan Nelson *Tree Swallow 2 2
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn Or at least, that’s how it felt! Our Christmas Bird Count for
Area 6: Marcus Roening swallow species 2008 fell right in the middle of our chilling December tempera-
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 1 3
Area 7: Stan & Sharon Johnson Horned Lark tures and snow-covered roads. I’d like to personally thank all of
Cooper's Hawk 2 1 4 1 1 9
Count Compiler: Faye McAdams Hands Area 8: Ruth Sullivan the Area Coordinators -- Joe McGuire & Art Wang, Carol Schulz,
Steller's Jay 9 11 22 52 6 9 3 11 1 124
Accipiter sp. 1 1
Western Scrub-Jay 3 1 5 9 4 6 4 32 Diane Yorgason-Quinn, Roxy & Bill Giddings, Rolan Nelson,
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total Red-tailed Hawk 13 13 4 4 2 36
American Crow 160 421 353 321 200 65 200 464 6 2190 Marcus Roening, Ed Pullen for Stan & Sharon Johnson, and Ruth
Species Rough-legged Hawk Common Raven 1 1 Sullivan – and ALL of our Counters, for persevering and making
Red-throated Loon 25 25 American Kestrel 1 1 it happen!
Black-capped Chickadee 37 53 32 136 32 38 12 81 421
Pacific Loon 1 58 59 Merlin 1 1 1 1 4 We actually did quite well – coming in with all time high
Chestnut-bk.Chickadee 29 22 137 24 6 2 3 223
Common Loon 3 1 6 10 Peregrine Falcon 1 2 1 1 5
counts encompassing the 35 years of Tahoma Audubon’s CBC
Bushtit 32 60 25 18 3 10 148
loon sp. 1 1 for a number of species: Anna’s Hummingbird, Red-breasted
Ring-necked Pheasant 2 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 4 1 20 9 3 2 2 6 47
Pied-billed Grebe 1 1 4 14 2 1 1 23
Sapsucker, and Snow Geese. We also had a first this year as our
Ruffed Grouse Brown Creeper 1 3 3 1 2 10
own Charlie Wright spotted a Cassin’s Auklet from the Boat.
Horned Grebe 10 13 26 11 1 3 1 65 California Quail 13 13 Bewick's Wren 2 2 1 4 5 3 4 21
The Tally Dinner was well attended, considering the thicken-
Red-necked Grebe 2 4 1 4 1 241 253
Virginia Rail Winter Wren 8 8 17 11 1 2 1 1 49 ing snow that started about 1pm and refused to let up. We
Eared Grebe 47 47 Sora Marsh Wren 4 2 1 7 tallied, ate fast, re-lived the day and our high points, and drove
Western Grebe 4 52 1 4 1179 1240 American Coot 6 17 9 1732 1764 wren sp. carefully home.
Clark's Grebe Black-bellied Plover American Dipper See you next year, when we’re all hoping for weather in the
Dbl-crested Cormorant 46 45 48 6 259 1 34 268 707 Killdeer 8 31 1 27 6 7 16 5 101 Golden-crowned Kinglet 31 4 5 38 45 49 10 13 195 mid-60’s for our 2009 CBC!
Brandt's Cormorant 22 4 349 375 Greater Yellowlegs Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10 5 7 12 2 1 37
Pelagic Cormorant 1 2 49 5 100 157 Spotted Sandpiper 1 1 2 Townsend's Solitaire
cormorant sp. Ruddy Turnstone Hermit Thrush 2 1 3 1 1 8
Great Blue Heron 19 13 7 6 5 4 1 12 67 Black Turnstone 5 3 8 American Robin 1203 152 2906 151 41 15 12 101 212 4793
Mute Swan 1 1 Sanderling Varied Thrush 7 7 12 8 2 2 4 42
Trumpeter Swan 5 5 Western Sandpiper American Pipit 1 1 8 10
Swan species 41 5 46 Least Sandpiper Cedar Waxwing 290 200 1 491
Canada Goose 240 116 6 35 170 151 490 97 19 1324 Dunlin 315 60 6 381 Northern Shrike
Cackling Goose 4 82 27 113 calidris sp. European Starling 60 347 274 169 17 53 400 1364 20 2704
Snow Goose 183 153 187 523 Long-billed Dowitcher Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total
Wood Duck 60 9 3 72 dowitcher sp. Species
Green-winged Teal 28 2 3 5 52 1 91 Wilson's (Common) Snipe 1 1 2 2 6 Hutton's Vireo 2 2
Mallard 80 166 93 134 85 226 70 253 76 1183 sandpiper sp.
Orange-crowned Warbler Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Northern Pintail 2 6 4 1 20 33 Parasitic Jaeger Top: Song Sparrow in the snow.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 20 2 1 26
Cinnamon Teal Little Gull Above: Our water crew on tugboat “Joe,” December 20, 2008.
…..Audubon's subsp.
Northern Shoveler 1 2 5 567 575 Left to right: Reporter from the Peninsula Gateway , Marian La-
Bonaparte's Gull 400 50 500 60 1596 2606
…..Myrtle's subsp. Bar, Bruce LaBar, Faye McAdams Hands, Charlie Wright, barely
Gadwall 8 11 58 14 5 96 Heermann's Gull seen is skipper Robin, and on the dock Jim O’Donnell
Townsend's Warbler 1 4 1 4 1 11
Eurasian Wigeon 1 6 1 1 1 10 Mew Gull 94 103 20 1579 1796
American Wigeon 215 360 66 95 49 73 37 232 158 1285 warbler sp.

... Geese
Ring-billed Gull 50 1 147 198 Spotted Towhee 15 16 44 37 9 3 17 32 173
Canvasback 30 30
California Gull 6 9 10 1 4 30 *American Tree Sparrow
Redhead 4 4
Ring-necked Duck 26 4 1 447 10 488 Herring Gull 2 2 Savannah Sparrow 3 3 from page 1
Greater Scaup 6 19 25 Thayer's Gull 1 10 7 4 22 Fox Sparrow 9 8 21 18 10 3 10 4 83
Western Gull 1 1 2
That day was just the beginning. Reports from all over western
Song Sparrow 18 52 42 62 46 7 16 27 270
Lesser Scaup 12 114 2 128 Washington, but most right here in the South Sound, continued to roll
Glaucous-winged Gull 135 144 125 67 45 22 40 28 286 892 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 1
scaup sp. in through early January, then slowly dissipated as the snow did like-
W. X Glaucous-winged 10 42 2 169 223 *Swamp Sparrow wise. Geese were reported at Titlow, Nisqually, Puyallup, Fife, Gog-Le-
Harlequin Duck 1 5 6 Hi-Te at the port, Belfair, Eatonville, Federal Way, and huge numbers in
gull species 1700 3 20 1723 *White-throated Sparrow 1 1
Long-tailed Duck 6 6 Kent (650 in one flock). There were also reports south to Julia Butler
Common Murre 1 96 97 Golden-crowned Sparrow 5 64 19 8 14 70 180 Hansen National Wildlife Refuge, west to Grays Harbor, and the
Black Scoter 11 11
Pigeon Guillemot 14 3 204 221 White-crowned Sparrow 8 3 2 2 15 greater Seattle area.
Surf Scoter 32 10 70 24 6 19 575 736
Bryan Hanson saw 107 with Ed Pullen on the CBC in Fife. He said,
White-winged Scoter 1 3 3 17 24 Ancient Murrelet 24 24 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 112 91 293 219 35 45 53 122 970
“It was a big surprise and a real treat to see those beautiful Snow
Marbled Murrelet 1 1 ….. slate-colored subsp. 1 1
scoter sp. Geese in Fife. As unusual as it was, they did look quite at home in
Common Goldeneye 8 36 15 43 134 27 351 614 Rhinocerous Auklet 1 2 56 59 Red-winged Blackbird 50 3 18 8 42 35 156 the snowy field.”
CASSIN'S AUKLET 1 1 Though we have had Geese before on our CBC, this year has been
Barrow's Goldeneye 110 28 34 7 5 44 228 Western Meadowlark 7 1 8
unprecedented in numbers and distribution in the south sound, just
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total Brewer's Blackbird 50 16 5 71
goldeneye sp. one more way this has been an unusual winter.
Rock Pigeon 555 82 58 289 20 58 2 150 23 1237 blackbird sp. In an attempt to solve the mystery, I turned to Dr. Dennis Paulson,
Bufflehead 5 20 50 9 72 131 38 4 141 470
Band-tailed Pigeon 1 4 2 Director Emeritus at the UPS Slater Museum of Natural History and
Hooded Merganser 7 3 6 38 4 4 1 63 Brown-headed Cowbird
friend to Tahoma Audubon, who had of course been following the
Mourning Dove 1 40 2 2 45
Common Merganser 7 61 18 210 27 316 639 Purple Finch 4 7 23 34 phenomenon. His analysis: “The first thing that occurred to me
Barn Owl CW when this invasion of the south Sound began to happen was that the
Red-breast. Merganser 9 4 3 9 25 289 339 House Finch 14 111 23 105 20 18 32 323
Western Screech-Owl 1 1 2 heavy snow was completely covering their feeding areas on the
merganser sp. Red Crossbill 3 3
Skagit Flats and northward. I don’t have confirmation of this, but I
Great Horned Owl 1 2 1 4
Ruddy Duck 11 11 Pine Siskin 55 118 55 50 105 383 think it’s the best guess. I think it explains Trumpeter Swans also
Short-eared Owl American Goldfinch 2 3 1 75 81 being seen in many more areas than usual and the repeated sighting
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total
No. Saw-whet Owl of flocks of both species flying just about everywhere.”
Bald Eagle, adult 6 4 5 2 3 2 1 12 35 Evening Grosbeak
They’re gone now. Hope you didn’t miss them! If so, come on
Bald Eagle, immature 3 1 4 Barred Owl 1 1 finch sp. our field trip to the Skagit Valley February 7th. One mission will be to
Northern Harrier 1 1 Anna's Hummingbird 15 9 21 8 4 9 66 House Sparrow 76 27 16 106 10 21 20 51 327 discover whether the Snow Geese are back where they belong!

Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7


Just the other day... Here’s what TAS was doing in February 1984
By Helen Engle
25
Dennis Paulson did the program for
our 15th Anniversary Banquet on
February 10, 1984 at the Sherwood
Inn. He called his program a
Years Ago
“photographic essay “ entitled “Follow
the Wind Birds,” covering the biology of
shorebirds, the plovers, sandpipers, and their
relatives.
Our Christmas Bird Count, presided over by Ken
Brown on December 18, 1983 resulted in “average”
numbers: 116 species. The excitement was that Joe
Quinn, Mary Layman and Rich Bowers spotted the
first ever Peregrine Falcon in Area 1. Other goodies
included an Oldsquaw (now Long-tailed Duck), two
Virginia Rails, two Ancient Murrelets, 200 Water Pipits,
one Red Crossbill, one White-fronted Goose. No
Merlins. The birders gathered to do the count totals at
Helen Engle’s home where they enjoyed the chili
dinner she prepared for them.
For several years Dr. Henry Kyle, physician at McNeil
Island Federal Penitentiary for over three decades, had
been asking for support in finding a way to preserve
the naturalness of McNeil Island against the possibility
of private development. On January 4, 1984 papers
quizzical ... Great Blue
the
wl
By Thais Bock
1. Formerly known as “Fish Hawk” what
is its name today?
2. The word “passerine” means _______.
3. Waterfowl are found on every conti-
nent except this one.
4. A young falcon is called an _________.
5. Which goldeneye species has a round
white spot on its face?
(Answers below cartoon.)
by Phil Buly
BIRDSONGS
Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009
were signed which transferred most of the
McNeil Island Complex to the State of
Washington. The Game Commission,
with positive recommendation from the
Non-game Advisory Council, gave
Director Frank Lockard the authority to
negotiate with the State and to accept
ownership of the bulk of the island complex.
The transfer was made subject to the condition that
the property transferred shall continue to be used for
wildlife conservation. Decision makers who stuck to
their promises received our thanks: Governor John
Spellman, Rep. Norm Dicks, Rep. Sid Morrison, Sen.
Slade Gorton, and Sen. Dan Evans.
Auduboners across the state were working to pass
the Washington Wilderness Bill of 1984. Mary Fries,
our Wildflower Specialist, wrote some beautiful words
about what wildness means to us.
“It is enough for me to know that somewhere there
is room for the cougar to roam though I will never see
him. There are wildflowers I will never learn to
identify because I can’t get near enough but I cheer
them on and wish them well on this spaceship Earth.
There are wild fish I will never eat. There are birds
singing in the deep woods, making nests, guided by
some age-old pattern I cannot know. There are
from page 1
and upper body give adults a slightly shaggy appear-
ance. Juveniles have a dark crown, a foreneck heavily-
streaked with brown, and lack the adult plumes.
The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is at home
across most of North America. It breeds from south-
east Alaska to Canada’s Maritime Provinces, and
south across the United States well into Mexico. On
the Pacific Coast the Great Blue ranges from Alaska’s
Kenai Peninsula to Baja California. Birds east of the
Rockies are migratory and winter
roughly from the Ohio Valley
to northern South
America.
Great Blues are
common residents in
suitable habitat throughout our
state, and a February visit to a local
heron colony can be a fascinating
experience. Great Blues entertain
observers with a large reper-
toire of stylized behaviors and
Answers: 1. Osprey 2. perching bird 3. Antarctica 4. eyass 5. Common goldeneye
announcements
sweet cascades of water
Tahoma Audubon Society is turning 40!
moving toward me from
higher ground. I take a drink
who is it? In recognition of this milestone, we invite What: TAS 40th Anniversary Banquet
of it and taste the essence of you to join us for an evening of great and Annual Membership Meeting
the mountains.” food, unbeatable company and hearty When: Saturday, February 28th, 2009.
Our field trips were celebration of our accomplishments Cocktails & auction - 5:30 p.m.
coordinated by Cathy Jerbic, over the last four decades. We’ll Dinner and program - 7 p.m.
Field Trip Chair. We went to reflect on our past and future...and Where: Clover Park
see Art Wolfe’s wildlife Helen Engle we’ll have fun doing it! Technical College
photography at Pier 59 Gallery from days of yore. The evening’s program includes a cock- McGavick Student Center
near the Seattle Aquarium; tail hour, fantastic silent auction items and a 4500 Steilacoom Blvd, SW
plus a family outing to the Aquarium with Snake Lake delicious buffet meal. Then we’ll elect new board Lakewood, WA 98499
Nature center (Now Tacoma Nature Center). Jim members, recognize our distinguished volunteers Cost: $40 per person
Scearce led the trip to Nisqually Wildlife Refuge; Ken and kick off this year’s Birdathon. RSVP: Order tickets at
Brown led the Skagit River and Padilla Bay trip. Thais We sincerely look forward to seeing you www.TahomaAudubon.org.
Bock took us to West Seattle’s Lincoln Park and at this 40th Anniversary event! Deadline for registration is Tuesday, Feb. 17th.
Honoring Keith Schwyhart
Vashon Island, walking onto the Fauntleroy-Vashon
Ferry to look for alcids and seabirds. Cathy Jerbic took
us to explore the Wilkeson Coke Ovens and have
lunch at the Wilkeson “City Restaurant” for some local
history. Snake Lake Nature Center took us to San
Birdathon is knocking! A plaque honoring Keith Schwyhart will be installed at our recirculating stream,
at the Adriana Hess Wetland Park, where Tahoma Audubon provides educational
Juan Island for a visit to the Whale museum, plus Think Birdathon now so you’ll be ready with programs. To give you a bit of history on this: University Place became a city in
birding for Eagles, Skylarks, and seabirds. pledges when it comes time between April 25 and 1995, and wanting open-space in the new city, they purchased this land from Dr.
May 31 to go out on a given day to count the birds. George Hess and his wife Adriana. The mayor asked Tahoma Audubon if they
You can count alone, with a group of your friends, would be the educational presence for the Park. This role was finalized on paper
Feedback, comments and reminiscences or choose to go with an expert birder and get the
in 1997. Sometime soon after that, Keith was appointed to the AHWP Committee
welcome, 253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com. help you need to really find a good number of
birds. Choices of trips will be listed in future
even though Audubon did not come into the building until December, 1999.
In late 2008, Keith
The AHWP Committee continued the planning and the accomplishing of the
Towhees. Please watch for them and call TAS to Schwyhart was diag-
sounds to maintain territory and attract the opposite sign up. mitigation required because the trail and the deck were placed within the 100 foot nosed with lymphoma,
sex. An unattached male shows his availability in the Many sponsors prefer to pledge a flat amount wetland buffer. As the Committee met monthly, Keith started sharing how he’d and died peacefully in
“stretch display” by extending his neck, raising his bill and that works well, too. visited centers where one could watch the birds from the Center’s windows. He the company of family
to vertical, erecting neck plumes, and then retracting It’s fun, you learn a whole lot about birds, and was sold on the difference in number of birds when water was present. The Com-
December 15, 2008.
meet people with the same interests as you have mittee agreed. The architect had planned for an amphitheater at this spot. As the
his neck while moaning Goo-goo. He also claps his His Wife, Betty Bruce
when you sign on as a Birder/Counter. If you can’t Committee kept planning, it was agreed we’d have a stream and we began looking
bill together audibly, preens demonstratively, and go out to find the birds, you are encouraged to and his family request-
for various companies to give us plans. Keith brought forth a firm with whom he
makes circular flights above the colony with neck send a Birdathon contribution. Tahoma Audubon ed that memorials be
had had experience and the Committee and Park chose his candidate. The project
extended. Herons have an entire series of calls; some needs many dedicated sponsors to help support sent to Tahoma Audu-
was finshed in 2004. We may have had an amphitheater and many fewer birds on
examples are the repeated Frawnk which expresses our conservation and education work.
this site if it had not been for Keith.
bon in his honor.
alarm or threatens. The clucking
Go-go-go is a contact call at the
colony and foraging sites, and a
two-syllable Ee call is uttered in flight.
Celebrate
Great Blues don’t need much from us,
but they do need space around their
colonies, about three hundred meters,
especially early in the breeding
season when the birds are quick to
abandon their huge nests. Beyond
that they need only some wet meadows, marsh-
es and shorelines, where – if you think William
Dawson was right – they actually lend
their touch of picturesque tran- Come Celebrate!
quility to our busy world. The Conservation & Education Legacy
and Leadership of Thelma Gilmur
Open House
Audubon strongly supports properly-sited wind power as a clean alter-
– National Audubon Society Wind Power Policy
native energy source that reduces the threat of global warming. Wind
power facilities should be planned, sited and operated to minimize
Sunday, February 15, 2009
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mountaineers Clubhouse
2302 North 30th Street,
Tacoma, WA
negative impacts on bird and wildlife populations.
Thanks to you, we have lots and lots of books in
our library at the Adriana Hess
office ... but now we need
another bookcase!
Do you have a
bookcase to donate?
If so, please call us 24 hours before donating
your bookcase so that we will be ready for your
delivery. We’re in the office from 10am - 1pm.
253-565-9278
February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9
 volunteer Recognition
Welcome to Jill Eikenhorst Natural Area Stewardship Training
By Julie Kerrigan
Recently, I have had the privilege to work with
Anna Thurston on the Natural Area Stewardship
Training developed by the Washington Native
Plant Society, in conjunction with the Cascade
Land Conservancy, Green Tacoma Partnership,
City of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma. The
training is an 11 week course offered on Fridays at
free to participants with the understanding that
participants will volunteer their time (100 hours)
and new gained knowledge to work as stewards on
a variety of natural areas around Tacoma.
Participants receive a wonderful assortment of free
resources in the form of maps, books and bro-
chures. We have about 20 participants in the train- Photo/Loren Webster Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
ing who are eager to learn and volunteer their time. Red-Throated loon, Point Wilson,January 11, 2009 Ruth Sullivan, Leslie and Loren Webster at the Kah Tai Lagoon near Port Townsend.
While I’m there to assist with set-up, preparing for

High and dry birding in flood season

A student at the University of Puget Sound, Jill is
interning with Tahoma Audubon as editor of the
Towhee for her spring semester. She has already
jumped into the work with both feet for this issue.
We look forward to her contributions in the coming
month. Jill is looking for volunteers who want to help
with editing the Towhee now and in the future.
the Tacoma Nature Center in which participants
learn about native and invasive plants, soils, site
management plans, geology, site monitoring, map-
ping and a variety of other topics. Experts in their
fields provide the classroom and field trainings.
Throughout the training Saturday field trips are
scheduled to provide a variety of hands-on volun-
teer experiences, habitat exploration and plant
identification opportunities. This training is offered
presentations and volunteer check-in, I am learn-
ing like the participants about our natural world
and how we can make it a better place. I love
learning new things and I’m really excited that I
have the chance to soak it all in and put my knowl-
edge to good use.
In the coming months the Green Tacoma
Partnership will be offering free one day trainings
with similar content. Look for more details soon.
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
The January floods were beating us down after the
record December snows, so Ruth Sullivan led the first
chapter field trip of 2009 out of the weather into the
Olympic rain shadow, and it worked!
We had found the ark, and we stayed
nice and dry all day with nary a drop.
the noisy Turnstones. Ruth described the Turnstone knit group of six Great Blue Herons across the water on a
vocalization as a “guttural rattle,” but at least it was hap-
small patch of beach made us wonder what they were up
py-sounding rattle. What was really unusual, though, was to with their unusual cooperative behavior.
the single Marbled Godwit standing like King Kong Then working our way to Fort Flagler, we finally found
among the bantam Turnstones and Sandpipers, perhaps the flock of little birds we’d been listening for all day. We
were surrounded by both Kinglets,
Downy Woodpecker, Brown Creeper,
Varied Thrushes, both Chickadees,

2009 Pierce County Global Youth Service Day
What is Global Youth Service Day? Global Youth 3.) To educate the public, the media,
Pierce County Global Youth Service
Day is a time for hundreds of youth
volunteers from throughout Pierce
County to join local nonprofit and other
community organizations to work on
service projects. Participating organiza-
tions are matched with volunteers who
Service Day '09
give their time, talents and services to
make a hands-on difference in our com-
munity.
Not only does Global Youth Service Day have a sig-
nificant impact on the needs of local nonprofits and
schools, it also enables volunteers to meet new
people, work as a team, gain new experiences, and
see first-hand the caring power of our community.
It’s about coming together for a common purpose to
improve the lives of others and advance the com-
mon good.
The goals of Global Youth Service Day are:
1.) To mobilize youth to identify and address the
needs of their communities through service.
2.) To support youth on a life-long path of service
and civic engagement.
and policymakers about the year-round
contributions of young people as com-
munity leaders.
What Kind of Projects are
Encouraged?
Organizations are encouraged to sub-
mit project applications to utilize teams
of 10 to 50 individuals. We encourage
service-learning projects in areas rang-
ing from literacy and the environment, to healthcare,
hunger, and help for the elderly.
Agencies are welcome to submit applications for
multiple projects. Specific projects might include:
• Serving a meal at a homeless shelter
• Home repair or construction for a low-income family
• Assisting at the local food bank
• Collecting books for kids and spending time reading
with them.
• Painting
• Landscaping
• Environmental education
• Park, school or playground clean-up
• Collection Drives for food, clothing, etc.
• Graffiti clean up
Tacoma Goodwill will mobilize more than 750 young
people to participate in the 21st Annual Global Youth Ser-
vice Day, Fri.-Sun., April 24-26, 2009, in Pierce County.
Tacoma Goodwill will receive $2,000, provided by State
Farm Companies Foundation, to help with planning local
GYSD projects. Youth from around the county will lead,
design and carry out several projects at schools and non-
profits throughout
the area.
When & Where
Projects can take place anytime between February
16 and April 26, 2009. A Volunteer Celebration event
will occur on Friday, April 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm
at Mount Tahoma High School.
Who Can Volunteer?
Youth ages 12 to 24 are welcome to participate. We
have a goal of having more than 750 youth partici-
pate along with 250 adult mentors.
Have a project? Want to volunteer?
For more information contact: Sarah Oliver at
soliver@tacomagoodwill.org. Or call(253)
284-3380.
Extra high tides coinciding with the
nearly full moon reminded us that we
were in fact still living in a water
world, though. Beaches were mostly
submerged, so there were very few
shorebirds. Luckily, the abundant
waterfowl made up for it.
Ruth’s first stop was Point Wilson
at Fort Worden, near Port Townsend.
This site has become quite famous
this winter for providing guaranteed
looks at large numbers of Ancient
Murrelets, and this day was no excep-
tion. We saw several lines of these
sought-after cousins of the Puffins
flying single-file low over the water,
though of course not very close!
Three species of Loons, Cormorants, Marbled Godwit trying to blend in with a hundred Black Turnstones at Port Townsend.
Surf Scoters, Red-Breasted
Mergansers, Western and Horned Grebes, Gulls, and
stunning Harlequins rounded out the species here, with
large numbers of Buffleheads. Buffles were everywhere
we went, both salt and fresh water. Luckily it’s hard to get better positions just as we were doing above them.
tired of them!
At Port Hudson
in town, we found
the expected huge
flock of Black
Turnstones on the
pilings and among
Photo/Ruth Sullivan We were smiling all the way home.
thinking himself as a god among shorebirds, something
we couldn’t argue with. Dapper Hooded Mergansers
cruised back and forth through the pilings, jockeying for
For the freshwater point of view, we visited the Kah Tai back in the saddle.
Lagoon, where Ruddy Ducks amused us greatly, as well
as a Pied-Billed Grebe, Scaup, Gadwall, Coots, and a
Great Blue Heron. We had a few Song and Fox Sparrows
as well, our first Passerine spot of the day. The light was
pretty good here, especially considering our gray day, so
cameras came out. Loren Webster had brought some
and best of all 300 Pine Siskins in
two intersecting flocks, patrolling the
skies above us and some fenced-in
chickens, domestic geese, and goats
who were valiantly guarding the fort.
Some of us have been missing the
Siskins for the last couple of winters,
but now we know where they are.
New Purple Martin boxes had been
installed and made us look twice at
what looked like out-of-season
Martins that turned out to be decoys.
Hope they work to bring the birds to
these great nest boxes.
We ended our day at Oak Bay with
hundreds of Pintail! What a sight!
Ruth calculated 65 species for the
day, with terrific numbers especially
of the most-wanted Brant, Pintail, and Ancient Murrelets!
Wow! As we headed south, the sky darkened and the
heavens opened up again, but they didn’t dampen our
birding experience. Thanks, Ruth! It’s good to have you

welcome to New and Returning Members

them the previ- pretty nice camera equipment, and it was hard to tear him
ously reported away. Of course, Ruth is one of the premier bird photog-
two Rock raphers in the region, as we all know. Leslie Webster just

November 16, 2008 to January 15, 2008

We are so pleased to welcome you to Tahoma Audu-
bon Society. Our mission is to conserve and restore
natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife,
and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the
earth’s biological diversity.
Chapter New and Renewing:
Sandpipers, hard looked on with amusement. She was getting life birds
birds to see even today!
when you’re look- Heading out of Port Townsend, we hit the jackpot at
McHugh, William Mitchell, Gary & Sharon ing right at them, Indian Island Lagoon Beach with 450 Brant!! A Pileated
Nestegard, Herman K Nickel, Jim & Jeanne Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn their heads tucked Woodpecker, Cackling Geese, and several Bald Eagles Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
O’Donnell, John & Karen Parks, Alex Petty, Decoys adorn new Purple Martin Houses. in to drown out (by now becoming junk birds!) were also at hand. A tight- We found the missing Pine Siskins near Fort Flagler.
Robyn Ryan, Fred & Louise Schumock, Tan-
ja Scott, Gretta Stanfill, Evelyn Svendsen,
Mike Walker, Alan B Zimmerschied.

Checks payable to: Tahoma Audubon 2917 Morrison

Lynn Arthur & Galen Stark, Amy Bettesworth, Bent &
Marie Blichfeldt, Carole Breedlove, John & Catherine
Bunger, Jennifer L Burklund, Loretta Chivers, Don &
Chapter Joint with National:
Christine Anderson, Robert Annon, Patricia Bergen,
Nels & Winifred Bjarke, Judy Blatt, Jack & Billie
Rd. W. University Place, 98466 Tahoma Audubon
Society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
& Adele Tirhi, Alex Wang. Membership Fee:
Introductory, Recruited through NAS: ___ Introductory (first year) $20
Mary Boatwright, Charles R Cludesson, Theresa Du- ___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50

organization. Donations are tax deductible.

Pat Clifford, Kathryn Cooper, Susan C Dawson, Rhona Brown, Nate & Angie Chappell, Gerald L Cozad, Lois fault, Abigail Jarman, Lawrence P Lake, D Page, Wade
Diehl, Edith Drylie, Gloria Ellis, Lloyd & Patricia Fet-
terly, Bill & Roxy Giddings, Barbara Guller, Correne
Currie, Jo Egan, John T English, Robert M Ferguson,
Willena Ferguson, Philip O Frazer, Al Gray, Phillip &
Spear, Constance K Till, Elaine Tomita, Julie Veeck,
Geoff Walker.
Membership

___
___
Chapter member renewal
Other Contributions _____________
$30

Hall & Alan Hurr, Thomas M Hargrove, Danielle E
Harrington, Gail Hemphill, Valerie Higgins, Barbara &
Michael Hill, Millard & Becky Hixson, Rita L Hum-
mel & Jim Hansen, Robert Husted, Wayne Jackson,
Brooke A & Brian Johnson, Byrna Klavano, Phyl-
lis Knopp, Margaret Kraft, Mardi Krusemark, Dillon
Leggett, Robert & Rosemary Lenigan, Jean O Loomis,
Paul & Lauretta Lucien, Ferm Lundberg, Carol Mack-
innon, Marilyn Mahoney, David Marshall, Susan Mat-
tern, Brian & Sue McCluskey, Jean McCord, Sally
Shirley Healy, Sherrie Kilborn, Jim & Ann Leighty,
Julie & David Lucas, Robert Mack, Betty J Main, San-
dra T Martin, Mary Pat Minor, June & Wayne Mosby,
John Nelson, Richard & Janet Nelson, Tedd & Sally
Nesheim, Ann Post, Ed & Kay Pullen, William Scheer,
Jon G Wagner, William Weber, Joel Wingard.
Introductory, Recruited through TAS:
Mickey Allen, Mark & Kathy Baldridge, Curt Black,
Lynn de la Maza, Jay Erickson, Ronald Groves, Marian
Hagener, Rocky Hauge, Bill Ludwig, Michelle J Tirhi
Hope you will attend our very special 40th anniversary
membership meeting and banquet on February 28th.
NOTE: 82 TAS members renewed their membership
through NAS as shown in the latest NAS report to us.
These 82 members will not receive the Towhee.
REMEMBER: Since policy started in January 2008,
the Towhee is sent only to those who have renewed lo-
cally through Tahoma Audubon. This is because we do
not get a share of fees when members renew through
the national Audubon organization.
Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As
an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National Member(s) Name: _______________________________________
Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing
Address: _______________________________________________
your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in
Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub- City______________________________ Zip__________________
scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis- Phone: home ___________________business _________________
counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/
e-mail: ________________________________________________
National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National
membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of
Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas.

Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2009 February 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11


february 2009
Feb 6 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,
invasive species removal, pruning).
Feb 7 Sat 11:58 AM to 3:58 PM. Seabird Survey 5. Location:
assigned survey sites.
Feb 9 Mon 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird Walk at Hess
Feb 10 Tue 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Nature Alphabet: C is for
Colorful Critters. Tacoma Nature Center. Preschoolers explore
different nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature
walks, and crafts at the Tacoma Nature Center. Adult participation
is recommended, children under four require an adult present.
Please note alternating times. Register by the Saturday before the
program by calling 591-6439.
Feb 10 Tue 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Conservation Committee.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Road W,
University Place, WA 98466 M
Feb 10 Tue 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Valentine Card Class. Adriana
Hess Center. Rosanne Becker: Instructor. Valentine Iris Fold
Card Class. Fill in Valentine shapes with colorful strips of paper
or ribbon that spiral to the center or iris. Leave class with at least
two cards and patterns to make your own! Just bring scotch
magic tape (green plaid dispensor), small scissors and a craft
cutting mat if possible! Cost: $15 paid at class. Call 565-9278 to
reserve your spot! Email: tatkimmah@aol.com or call 253-564-
7115 for questions.
Nature Snapshots: Mammals
Feb 10 Tue 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Tacoma Nature Center. Ages
12 and up, $15 per person or $30 per family (4 people max)
Join us for a “snapshot” of nature as we explore the basics of
identification and help families learn a few of the local native
wildlife. Call 591-6439 to register. E
Feb 11 Wed 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks at
Nisqually Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
birds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitor’s Center. The
group may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail is open.
Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, the
Nisqually overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about
3 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,
snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm details
(especially during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley,
Lacey, (360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com. F
Feb 11 Wed 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding Scientists
“Adaptations for Life”
Feb 11 Wed 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding Scientists
“Adaptations for Life”
Feb 12 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. TAS Board Meeting. Adriana Hess
Audubon Center. Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board. Guest Welcome, please call ahead at (253) 565-9278.
Feb 12 Thu 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Beginning Homeschool
Science: Amazing Animal Adaptations. Location: Tacoma
Nature Center. Homeschool students explore science through
hands-on experiments, activities and inquiry-based learning.
Register early, these classes fill quickly! Call 591-6439. Ages
8-10, $10, 9:30-11:30 or 1-3 pm. To participate in this class,
students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Feb 12 Thu 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Beginning Homeschool Science:
Amazing Animal Adaptations. Tacoma Nature Center.
Feb 13 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,
invasive species removal, pruning).
Feb 13 Fri 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Membership Meeting. Tacoma
Nature Center, 1919 S. Tylor Street. Monthly membership
meeting of Tahoma Audubon. All welcome. Check web site for
program - www.TahomaAudubon.org. Call (253) 565-9278.
Feb 15 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Open House for Thelma Gilmur.
Location: Mountaineers Clubhouse, Tacoma. A
Feb 16, 2009 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plant Walk at Hess.
Location: Hess
Feb 17 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Snake Lake Science Club: Got
science? Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Ages 10-14, no charge for club meetings, $10 per student to join
the club. Snake Lake Science Club is for homeschool and other
sudents age 10-14 years old who want to learn more about science
and the natural world. Students pay a once-per-school-year fee
of $10 to join the Science Club and are then free to participate in
any program offerings, including the 2009 Snake Lake Science
Fair. The following programs are designed to help students learn
more about science and the scientific process through hands-on
discovery. Pre-registration for each program is required as space
is limited.
Feb 18 Wed 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks at
Nisqually Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Calendar
no program for february
Instead, plan on coming to our banquet honoring
the 40th anniversary of Tahoma Audubon.
Join us for an evening of fun, food and reflection.
You can find more details about this celebration of
the last four decades on pages 2 and 9.
birds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitor’s Center. The
group may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail is open.
Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, the
Nisqually overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about
3 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,
snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm details
(especially during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley,
Lacey, (360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com. F
Feb 19 Thu. Enviro. Lobby Day. Location: WA State Capitol,
Olympia. www.environmentalpriorities.org. A
Feb 19 Thu. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Intermediate science: All about
Animals. Location: Tacoma nature Center.Homeschool students
explore science through hands-on experiments, activities and
inquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes fill quickly!
Call 591-6439. Ages 8-10, $10. To participate in this class,
students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Feb 19 Thu. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Intermediate science: All
about Animals. Location: Tacoma nature Center
Feb 19 Thu 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Education Committee Meeting.
Adriana Hess Conference Room.
Feb 20 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,
invasive species removal, pruning).
Feb 24 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Nature Alphabet: D is for Dragonfly.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories,
hands-on activities, nature walks, and crafts at the Tacoma Nature
Center. Adult participation is recommended, children under four
require and adult present. Please note alternating times. Register
by the Saturday before the program by calling 591-6439.
Feb 25 Wed 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks at
Nisqually Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
birds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitor’s Center. The
group may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail is open.
Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, the
Nisqually overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about
3 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,
snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm details
(especially during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley,
Lacey, (360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com. F
Feb 25 Thu 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Budding Scientists:
“Animals, Animals Everywhere”
Feb 25 Thu 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM. Budding Scientists: “Animals,
Animals Everywhere”
Feb 26 Fri 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Advanced Science: Bio-Science:
Zoology. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Homeschool students
explore science through hands-on experiments, activities and
inquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes fill quickly!
Ages 12-15, $12. Older homeschool students will continue their
science studies with challenging and engaging experiments and
activities. To participate in this class, students should be able to
calculate averages, percentages and solve simple equations.
Feb 27 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,
invasive species removal, pruning).
Feb 27 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Nature Storytime “Starry Night”
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon center
Join us as we explore the park at the Adriana Hess Audubon
Center in University Place with nature stories based-on the
current theme. Adults are welcome with the children. This is a
wonderful grandparent/grandchild activity! Space is limited to
the first 20 registered guests (adults and children!), so call early
to sign up! 591-6439. $6.00 per child non-member. $3.00 for
Tahoma Audubon Member. Adults and U.P. residents FREE
(registration at Tacoma Nature Center requested, 591-6439)
Feb 27 Fri 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Advanced Science Lab:
Zoology. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Homeschool students explore science through hands-on
experiments, activities and inquiry-based learning. Register
early, these classes fill quickly! Call 591-6439. Ages 12-15, $12.
An expanded science class for Advanced Homeschool Science
students which includes an integrated laboratory session as an
extension of the two hour classroom session. Students get greater
in-depth investigation of the monthly topic, practice in problem-
Do you have recommendations for future pro-
grams: contact Katrina at katweihs@earthlink.net or
253-304-6422.
Be sure to include contacts, topics, and best times
to reach you for further information.
solving and research skills and hands-on experimentation.
Attendance in the class session is required for participation in
a lab session. Lab sessions are not required for participation in
class sessions.
Feb 28 Sat 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Self-guided Tour Workshop at
the Tacoma Nature Center
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. For the self-guided tours at the
Tacoma Nature Center at Snake Lake, specially trained group
leaders like YOU learn natural history and ecology information
and activities to share with your class on your field trip. You will
have access to your science lab and equipment, our hands-on
exhibit area, our 71-acre nature preserve and our nature biofacts,
field guides and more! $50.00 per person. Ages 18+ Call the
Tacoma Nature Center to register, 253-591-6439
February 28 Sat 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. 40th Anniversary Banquet.
Location: McGavick Student Center at Clover Park. “Growing
Form Our Roots” Come join in the celebration of 40 years of
steadfast advocacy and education on behalf of the environment.
The festive evening will have a silent auction, delectable buffet
and recognition of four decades of achievements. But we are
not stopping there, and we look forward to the next forty years
and the joy of growing from our roots. The address is 4500
Steilacoom Blvd. Call our office at (253) 565-9278 for more
information. A
March 2009
Mar 2 Mon 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Beginning Birdwatching -
Backyard Basics. Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Curious
about birds, but don’t know your crown from your tail feather?
All are welcome to this introduction to the joy of identifying
the birds that are all around us. You will learn how to identify
common birds, use field guides as well as binoculars. Learn, too,
about some of the best places to see birds and practice your new
found stills. Local field trip Saturday, Mar 21, 9am-1pm. $45.00
for Tahoma Audubon Members, $55.00 for Non-Members.
Ages 18+. Call the Tacoma Nature Center to register, 253-591-
6439. E
Mar 4 Wed 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Weekly Bird Walks at
Nisqually Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
birds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitor’s Center. The
group may walk out to McAllister Creek if that trail is open.
Then it takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, the
Nisqually overlook area, and the riparian area, totaling about
3 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,
snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass. Scopes are
welcome. Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm details
(especially during the trail construction period). Phil Kelley,
Lacey, (360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com. F
Mar 6 Fri 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. TGIF Work Party. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,
invasive species removal, pruning).
Mar 7 10:58 AM to 2:58 PM. Seabird Survey 6. Location:
assigned survey sites.
Mar 7 Sat 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Snake Lake Science Fair.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Join us for the Snake Lake
Science Fair at the Tacoma Nature Center. Students age 6-18 will
be able to create their own science projects and participate in this
exciting community event. Homeschool students and students
from public and private schools are welcome. $10 per student
fee to participate, scholarships available. For more information,
visit us online at www.metroparkstacoma.org or stop by for an
information packet.
Mar 9 Mon 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Bird Walk at Hess. F
Mar 9 Mon 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Beginning Birdwatching -
Backyard Basics. See Mar 2.
F Field Trip Page
V Volunteer page
M Environment Matters Page
A Related article in Towhee
E Education Page