Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 39 No.

3 April 2008

Bird is the word!

EYE SPY
One of the
many items
found at the

Thirty-ninth Annual Banquet of the Tahoma Audubon Society

silent auction

By Kathleen LeGreid The Silent Auction was competitive, with people

Tahoma Audubon was chartered March, 1969 and sitting on the edges of their seats, watching and
its 39th annual banquet brought together over waiting to see if their competition was making a
200 of its members for a night of food and fun move on their coveted prize.
that was topped off with an informative and The Audubon mission is “To conserve and
educational lecture by Dr. Nalini Nadkarni.
See "Banquet” on page 7
Candidates for the board were introduced and
enthusiastically, unanimously elected to a three-
year term. New board members:
• Elizabeth Rando Beer BOARD TALK
• Melissa Paulson From left:
• Ione Clagett Elizabeth Rando Beer,
• Darby Veeck Melissa Paulson,
Ione Clagett,
• Peggy L. Kopf Darby Veeck and
• Kathleen Nelson Kathleen Nelson

Photos by Lenny Zimmerman

Ohop Creek c Birdathon is coming! April 25-May 31

i • Birdathon is our largest fundraiser. • Birdathon expenses are kept at 1%. • Birdathon asks

restoration t you to gather sponsors-be a Birder/Counter (There’s lots of help identifying the birds.)
• Birdathon Sponsor is so necessary. • Birdathon Sponsors can join trips! What do you say?

Exciting news for

i We are so pleased that so far 72 of you have said you will be Birders this
z year. Thank you so very much! We’re on the road to have a success-

birds and birders e ful Birdathon that will help us keep our excellent education and
conservation work going. 200 have committed to be Sponsors at
By Candi Ziegert n this time. We have work to do because last year we had about 1100.
Thank-you to the 200 early birds---you are so appreciated. We are
Ohop Creek has the opportunity to be
restored to its former meandering glory after S
hoping for more Birders. If we get 20 more Birders and all Birders
generations of ditching and straightening of the c average out at 12 Sponsors each, we will have 1100 contributors this
channel, but the project needs your help. The year. But, we can beat that this year, can’t we? Please come help!
creek, an important salmon stream in the i Let us hear what you are saying! Call Thelma, 253-564-8210
Nisqually River basin, was channelized and the e or e-mail, thelma@tahomaaudubon.org. Call TAS office, 253-565-9278, to register and to sign
wetlands that dominated the valley drained by up for trips and get directions. If a special Birdathon trip won’t fit your schedule, choose one
early pioneers who farmed the Ohop Valley. n of TAS’s regular field trips. Leaders will help you with identification.
In cooperation with landowners and area c See page 6 for Birdathon field trips; page 9 for more info and a clipable volunteer form.
residents, a multi-organizational effort is under-
way by the Nisqually Land Trust, South Puget
e
Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Washington
State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nisqually
Indian Tribe, Tacoma Nature Center, Northwest Trek,
Sage Thrasher
Citizens Restoring the Ohop Watershed, Tacoma Nature By Paul Webster
Center and Tahoma Audubon Society to naturalize the
As this edition of The Towhee reaches its readers the breeding season of the Sage
creek bed and restore important native plants and
Thrasher has just begun. Birders who arrive before sunrise can enjoy the male’s court-
habitat for birds, wildlife, and salmonids.
ship display. He flies about his territory in circles, figure-eights, or zigzags, rising
Construction on the first of three sections is scheduled
repeatedly as high as thirty feet and then descending to the tops of the sagebrush,
to begin this summer, and will involve digging out the
singing all the w ause, lasting up to several minutes. As the bird alights it may raise
new channel and planting riparian vegetation and there-
one or both wings and flutter them as the song continues. The naturalist William
fore restoring 100 acres of the historic valley.
Dawson a century ago was moved to write that the dawn song of the Sage Thrasher
Before the habitat restoration is underway, there
expressed the very soul of the sagelands.
needs to be a baseline survey conducted of the plant
At first sight the Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) at 8.5 inches may resem-
and animal life already in the area. This information is
ble a small, pale robin. Males are somewhat larger than females, but both have drab,
critical to success of the project, and Audubon members
gray-brownish, indistinctly-streaked plumage above. Below, the chin, breast, and belly
are being called upon to use their unique talents to
have brown spots that form dark streaks. Whitish edging frames the face, and the eye
provide quality bird data. We need volunteers like you
color varies from yellow to amber. The wings show two narrow white bars, and the
to participate in citizen science field trips that will iden-
tail – though short, compared to other thrashers – is long and often held cocked-up.
tify the bird species on site.
The Sage Thrasher breeds in the sagelands of western North America, at elevations
Birders may encounter Pine Siskins, Bushtits, Bald
up to over 6,000 feet. It winters from the southwestern United States into northern
Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, ducks,
Mexico. In Washington it is a fairly common summer resident of the eastern Cascades,
See "Citizen science" on page 8 See "Sage Thrasher" on page 8
 executive Director’s Corner
A Leprechaun on Earth Day
I have to admit
that I am just a
little bit
ambivalent about
Earth Day. When
I was in college I
helped organize
Earth Day events
in Santa Clara
County, CA. The
committee was
headed by an old
guard County Councilman who was the best friend
to the development community on the council.
After a day of speechifying and painting himself
green he would spend the rest of the year making
the world safe for sprawl.
Look, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s
Day, everyone is Christian on Easter, and everyone
one sings “we shall overcome” on Martin Luther
King Day. But the reality is that the hard work to
move society forward happens in quiet ways 365
days a year. Okay, so my perspective is colored by
growing up Catholic and finding the family pew
filled by strangers on Easter and actually being in
Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day and attending
an uneventful parade on a cold-wet day in
Cork City. Turns out the life of the Irish
is not all about drinking beer in a pub and
wearing a silly green and white felt hat.
The reality is that the first Earth Day in
1970 helped put the environmental
movement on the map. Each year, the
week surrounding Earth Day is a wonderful
time of spring when a wide variety of people
participate in active ways to leave the
planet just a little better off then the
day before. There is nothing like
seeing more than 100 people remove
every last remnant of blackberries from a hillside at that allows us to connect people to nature. Without
Oak Tree Park, leaving only beautiful oak trees and the support of our donors, corporate sponsors, or
native grasses. It is all worth it because on this day foundations this work would not be possible.
we get to connect people with nature: getting them So we throw the doors open. All are welcome.
hooked on its wonders; engaging them in its Come be part of the fun, the work, and the
stewardship; fostering the conservation ethic that is fellowship. Come help conserve and restore.
vital to a livable future. Come and connect with nature, meet new people,
We could not live out this mission, on Earth Day, and get some dirt under your nails.
or any other day, without the support of our Earth Day is a day to celebrate: a day to celebrate
volunteers and our members. It is your labor that the environmental movement, our connection to
makes us successful. It is your financial support nature, and all of your hard work.

TAS adds another talented intern to staff

My name is Claire-Marie Krug and I am one of the
Tahoma Audubon Society interns this spring. I am a
student at Pacific Lutheran University in my final semes-
The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society ter. I will graduate in May with a major in environmen-
Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park tal studies and a minor in economics. As a California
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466 native, I have enjoyed living in and getting to know the
Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278
e-mail: contact@TahomaAudubon.org Pacific Northwest. College has also afforded me the
opportunity to intern at the McHenry County Conservation
tahoma Audubon staff District in Illinois and study abroad in Salzburg, Austria. Claire-Marie Krug
In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies and doing a variety of
Flint, Bryan Executive Director
crafting projects. I also enjoy getting updates from my father on the
bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129
California Towhee, named ‘Hoppy’, who lives in our backyard. I will be
Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator working to input the data that has been collected during field trips since the
kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978 start of the TAS. The information will be entered into eBird, a national
online bird database. I hope to help the Tahoma Audubon Society figure
Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator
out which birds need the most attention in this area and also highlight any
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-5479
success stories.
Kerrigan, Julie Volunteer Coordinator The big project I’m working on this spring is data entry. I will be putting
jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-1884 all the collected bird counts into eBird, an online bird database. This will
be valuable because it makes the data more available. I will also be putting
tahoma Audubon Board officers together reports on specific sites with long term data to see how the bird
Wayne Larson President populations have changed over time. I will also be working with field trip
leaders to develop an effective system of gathering data from current field
Vacant Vice President
trips. The National Audubon Society published a 2007 Audubon WatchList
Jane Brosius Secretary / Membership Co-chair of North American birds most at risk as well as the “State of the Birds
Margie Shea Treasurer / Education Chair 2007—Common Birds in Decline” report. I will be looking at these bird
tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008 lists and comparing national trends to observed trends here in Tacoma.
Rob McNair-Huff Field Trip Chair This information will be valuable in directing the goals of the Tacoma
Audubon Society.
Thelma Gilmur Membership Co-chair
Kathleen LeGreid Towhee Editor
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
Dick Carkner The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS advocates for the protection
Sally Larson of wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its mem-
ber’s experiences in and with the natural world.
John Garner The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with a combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan
Marcus Roening issue. Submissions of articles and photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conserva-
tion, and environmental education are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor.
Kathleen Nelson
Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.
Peggy L. Kopf
Darby Veeck Editor: Kathleen Ann LeGreid: phone 360-458-1483
E-mail:kaleditor@ mindspring.com
Ione Clagett Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Melissa Paulson Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: robert_kelton@ mac.com
Printing: Consolidated Press
Elizabeth Beer Printed on recycled newsprint

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org April 2008

 eNviroNMeNt Matters
Updates: Shorelines and climate change
Shorelines In additions to these changes and threats, new provi- Tacoma appoint-
Pierce County has begun the process of updating its sions in the Shoreline Master Act call for better protec- ed citizens and
Shoreline Master Plan by the end of 2009, two years tions of our marine and freshwater shorelines. Among stakeholders to
ahead of schedule. The county’s Shoreline Master Plan, these new required considerations are ‘no net loss’ of the Green Ribbon
drafted in 1974, is being updated for the first time ever! ecological functions and considerations of cumulative Task Force on cli-
Over thirty years have gone by, and many changes have impacts. These important changes were made, in part, mate change last
occurred on our shorelines, including increased popula- due to the failure of current SMP’s to protect shorelines. March. The
tion, urban sprawl, storm water run-off into streams and Tahoma Audubon will be working with others to ensure group is made up
Sound, more failing septic systems, increased number of that the SMP update does a better job of protecting our of over 20 diverse
residential shoreline properties with lawns and docks, shorelines for birds, fish, wildlife, and people! stakeholders,
and emerging aquaculture markets. All off these factors Public participation is encouraged through attendance including Tahoma
contribute to the health of the Puget Sound. and testimony at the recently convened Shorelines Audubon. We
Citizen’s Advisory have been work-
Committee (SCAC). After ing with others to put together a ranked list of recom-
The environment wins big in Olympia! its initial meeting in March, mendations for concrete actions that city agencies, busi-
Members of the Priorities for a Healthy Washington Coalition are pleased to report that
appointed stakeholder nesses, and residents can take to reduce our region’s
despite a short session and a tight budget progress was made on all four of the envi-
ronmental community’s Priorities for a Healthy Washington. Whether you made phone members agreed to meet on greenhouse gas emissions. Out of this process comes
calls, sent emails, testified at hearings, or met with your legislators throughout the the 2nd and 4th Thursdays over seventy recommended actions!
session, your efforts made a big difference. of each month, starting at Your input is needed as we narrow down the recom-
On behalf of the broad coalition of the over twenty groups that make up the Priorities 5PM at the Pierce County mendations to the best and most effective ones. A series
coalition, thank you so much for all of your work! Check out a quick description of the Annex, 2401 S 35 St., of public open houses are scheduled starting at 6pm on
Priorities below. Meeting Room A. This April 9, 10, 16, and 17. Locations are yet to be deter-
Climate Action & Green Jobs (HB2815) – this big win sets responsible limits on
climate pollution, sets a path for creating a “green jobs” economy, and reduces miles
month’s SCAC meetings mined. As soon as we know the locations, they will be
traveled – a key step given ½ of our global warming pollution comes from cars and are scheduled for April 10 posted on our website (www.TahomaAudubon.org) under
trucks. and April 24. the Conservation page.
Local Solutions to Global Warming (SB6580) – this modest win develops tools For more information on Information on the task force and its recommenda-
that will help local governments make land use and zoning decisions that reduce driv- the Pierce County SMP tions can be found online at: http://www.cityoftacoma.
ing and meet the growing demand for green, walkable communities. update visit: http://www.co. org/Page.aspx?hid=6891
Evergreen Communities (HB2844) – this modest win helps retain and replant
pierce.wa.us/pc/services/ We encourage our members to get involved in public
trees in urban areas to reduce stormwater flooding and pollution as well as increase
quality of life. home/property/pals/lan- processes that protect habitat and species in Pierce
Local Farms - Healthy Kids (SB6483) – this big win will make Washington a duse/smp.htm County, across the state, country, and globe. If these top-
national leader in the local food movement by getting more Washington grown pro- Climate Change ics or others interest you, please consider attending our
duce into our schools and food banks, thus improving children’s health and creating Another topic, which will next Conservation Committee meeting on Tuesday,
new and thriving markets for our farmers. impact our shorelines, is cli- April 8, 2008 from 2-4pm at our office in the Adriana
More details about these big wins online at http://environmentalpriorities.org/
mate change. The City of Hess Wetland Park.

Celebrate Earth Day the whole month of April

Members of the Green Tacoma Partnership and others have
planned several volunteer opportunities throughout the month of
April. Come and celebrate our Earth this month by spending
some time to help protect and restore our environment. Every
little bit helps. You can make a difference!
Mowich Estuary Planting
Saturday, April 5th - 9:30am- 3:30pm Mowitch Estuary Planting
@ Mowitch Estuary. Call Krystal, 253-232-9978 for directions.
Join Citizens for a Healthy Bay to participate in a restoration
project on Commencement Bay. Along with music and celebra-
tion, CHB will be doing a major salt marsh vegetation planting to
increase the salt marsh habitat. Please call Jeanine Riss,
Restoration Program Manager, at jriss@healthybay.org or at
253-383-2429 to participate or for questions.
Green Tacoma Partnership Quarterly Meeting
Tuesday, April 8th 6pm-8pm. Tacoma Nature Center at 1919 S.
Tyler St., Tacoma. Neighbors, concerned citizens, and grassroots
groups as we celebrate all things Earth Day. We will be having a
potluck, so please bring a dish to share. If you are planning a
work party or event for Earth Day, Parks Appreciation Day or any
other day in April, please bring details to share with others.Along
with spring, its grant writing season! In addition to our potluck,
we will have guest speakers sharing information and answering
your questions on funding opportunities such as: Greater Tacoma
Community Foundation’s management of Pierce Conservation
District grants, Tacoma’s Make a Splash! Grant, and the Small
Innovative Grant Program.
Puget Creek Restoration Society Work Parties
Saturday April 12th 9:00am- 12:00pm
Saturday April 19th 9:00am-12:00pm
Saturday April 26th 9:00am-12:00pm
Join the Puget Creek Restoration Society on the above dates for
habitat restoration work on Puget Creek in North Tacoma off of
Ruston Way. Please contact Scott Hansen at pugetcreek@yahoo.
com or 253-779-8890.
Swan Creek Earth Day Clean-Up
Saturday April 19th 9:00am-12:00pm
Swan Creek Park, meet at Lister Elementary School .
Join The Green Tacoma Partnership, Friends of Swan Creek, and
REI for a volunteer work party and Earth Day celebration at
Swan Creek Park. Volunteers can help by picking up litter, taking
photos, and/or doing an inventory of the area. Participants can
also join the Stinky Bob Brigade and remove invasive species.
Tools, equipment, snacks, and training will be provided. Please
call Krystal Kyer for more information at 253-232-9978.
Blueberry Park Park’s Appreciation Day Event
Saturday April 19th 9:00am-Noon
Blueberry Park at S. 72nd and E. D St., Tacoma
Join the Blueberry Park Volunteers and Metro Parks Tacoma as
they work to restore this historic blueberry farm, remove invasive
species and overgrown area, weed, and prune blueberry bushes.
Tools and equipment provided. Call Charlotte @
253-474-6575.
Earth Day Trails Day
Tuesday April 22nd 1:00pm-6:00pm. Tacoma Nature Center &
Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Celebrate the earth and discover
the special features of the Adriana Hess Audubon Center and the
Tacoma Nature Center by joining us for one of several nature
walks. Families can learn about nature and how to help the earth
during this special event, all for free! Donations to support the
educational programs are welcome. Advance registration
requested. Call (253) 591-6439.
Nature Walks at Adriana Hess Audubon Center, U.P. 1:00, 2:00
& 3:00pm. Nature Walks at Tacoma Nature Center 3:00, 4:00 &
5:00pm
Oak Tree Park Clean-Up
Saturday April 26th 9:00am-12:00pm
Oak Tree Park, S. 74th and S. Cedar, Tacoma
Join The Green Tacoma Partnership and Metro Parks Tacoma to
clean up this unique Oak Woodland habitat in South Tacoma.
Volunteers are needed to remove invasive species such as Holly,
Himalayan Blackberry, and English Ivy. Tools and equipment
will be provided. Call Krystal for more information at
253-232-9978.
Land Conservation Options
Saturday April 26th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma
If you are a landowner in Pierce Country seeking to protect and
steward your property, this event is for you! Come learn about
your options regarding:
Protection of habitat parcels important to wildlife
Conservation of open spaces,
Support of farming and forestry management practices
Ownership retention of land
Financial benefits such as tax reductions.
Representatives will be on hand to discuss how they can help.
Please call Rene’ or Erin at the Pierce Conservation District at
253-845-9770 to register. Free workshop.
You can find more information on these events and others at
www.greentacoma.org. Just click on the link to the calendar!
Wait, there’s more! For a complete list of Parks Appreciation Day
project sites throughout Pierce County, visit: http://www.
metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=293
The Green Tacoma Partnership is a public private partnership
between the City of Tacoma, Metro Parks, Tahoma Audubon
Society, Cascade Land Conservancy, citizens, educational organi-
zations, neighborhood groups, non-profits, faith-based organiza-
tions and businesses all working together to sustain a viable
healthy network of natural spaces throughout Tacoma.
Legislature Passes Evergreen Com-
munities Act to Protect Urban Trees
Olympia, WA – The state House sent the Evergreen Com-
munities Act to Governor Gregoire’s desk today with a final
concurrence vote. “We hope this is the first step in a long-
term state commitment to prioritize urban tree protection,
management and canopy expansion” said Audubon Wash-
ington executive director, Nina Carter. “Trees are one of the
most cost effective ways for cities to reduce stormwater run-
off pollution, the leading source of pollution in Puget Sound.
Trees clean our air, reduce energy through shade, absorb
greenhouse gases.”
Many interests have supported this bill for reasons as di-
verse as the coalition itself which includes Avista Utilities,
Puget Sound Energy, Weyerhaeuser, Quadrant Homes, Asso-
ciation of Washington Cities, Macomb Gardens Nursery (Se-
quim), the Cascade Agenda, Washington’s Community For-
estry Council and the State Department of Natural Resources.
“The Evergreen Communities Act recognizes the importance
of protecting utility infrastructure within the planning process.
Utility system reliability is critical to the health, safety and eco-
nomic vibrancy of communities across the state.
The Evergreen Communities Act, one of the environmental
community’s top four legislative priorities for 2008 will help cit-
ies restore forested park lands, retain urban trees, and estab-
lish more trees to expand Washington’s urban forest canopy.
“The incentives and tools in the Evergreen Communities bill
will help communities across Washington protect and plant
trees that are essential to our future air quality, water quality
and quality of life,” said Prime Sponsor Ruth Kagi (D-32).
The bill establishes an Evergreen Communities recognition
program that designates cities, towns or counties doing good
urban forest management. Model urban forest plans and or-
dinances will be developed by the Department of Commu-
nity, Trade and Economic Development, and the Department.
of Natural Resources will conduct a statewide urban forest
inventory and assessment to help local Governments’ plan-
ning processes. The program provides recognition, technical
assistance and incentives for local governments to maximize
the economic and ecological return on their city tree invest-
ments.

April 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3


Education highlights
Seabird Workshop participants spend a day at the water’s edge
Staff and volun-
teers spent a chilly
Saturday in March
learning how to
identify the 43 most
commonly seen
marine birds in Puget
Sound. After a
morning of bird
identification led by
Dr. Dennis Paulson at the Slater Museum of Natural
History in Tacoma, we hopped in vans and headed
out to identify as many seabirds as we could find in
locations around Pierce County. Our goal was to
become familiar with these birds so that we can
participate in the Puget Sound Seabird Survey next
winter.
Seattle Audubon began the Puget Sound Seabird
Survey in October of 2007, to collect baseline data
about the dynamics of seabird populations in King
County. The collection of this data is the first push
in identifying the fluctuations in seabird populations
in the Central and South Sound. Tahoma Audubon
plans to increase the study area of the Puget Sound
Seabird Survey into Pierce County, and with the
help of knowledgeable volunteers, provide accurate
and plentiful data about the status of seabirds on
our shores. Surveys will begin in October of 2008
Tahoma Audubon’s ninth
annual bird drawing contest
This is the ninth year of the popular drawing contest
sponsored by Tahoma Audubon which began as a sug-
gestion from a young birding enthusiast. The three age
categories which students in Pierce County can enter
are grades 2-3, 4-5 and 6-7. Ho Ho-
meschool students and youth
organizations are welcome to
participate.
The three birds selected for
this year were chosen to bring
attention to the decline in popu-
lation of birds across the nation
One of last year
’s and in our own Pacific North-
winning entries
.
west. Each of these birds can be found
in the Puget Sound area. Students are asked
to research one of the birds and must include its native
habitat in their artwork. The 2008 birds are the Greater
Scaup, Anna’s Hummingbird or Evening Grosbeak.
Submissions must be postmarked or delivered by
05/23/08 to the Tahoma Audubon office at Adriana Hess
Audubon Center. Rules of the contest and entry form
are available at www.TahomaAudubon.org or by con-
tacting the education coordinator at stephswaim@Taho-
maAudubon.org or 253-565-5479.
Winners will be notified by May 30 and awards will
be presented at the June 13 membership meeting of Ta-
homa Audubon at Tacoma Nature Center. Winners will
also be recognized in the June issue of The Towhee. So
get out your paints and crayons and binoculars and start
drawing!
For class times and dates, please check the Calendar listing on the back page of the Towhee or on our website, www.TahomaAudubon.org
2917 Morrison Road W.,
University Pl. WA 98466
www.TahomaAudubon.org
Open Mon – Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.
Page 4
eDucAtioN Page
and continue throughout the winter months. If you
would like to participate in these surveys, in the
Seabird Workshops or in other Citizen Science
projects with Tahoma Audubon, please visit www.
TahomaAudubon.org and follow the link to Citizen
Science. Krystal Kyer and Rosanne Becker scope things out.
Osprey Club reaches four more schools
with the help of two excellent leaders
I am pleased to announce that Osprey Club is now
underway at four middle schools in Tacoma. Osprey
Club is an after-school club that introduces environ-
mental topics through hands-on activities and games.
We are in our second successful year in the Narrows
View Intermediate School in University Place. And
now with the help of two education interns, Tahoma
Audubon provides this after-school club in the SPARX
program through Metro Parks Tacoma. We are able to
offer this program in the Tacoma
School District through a generous
grant from the Greater Tacoma
Community Foundation.
Jess Stewart leads Osprey Club
at McIlvaigh and Truman Middle
schools. She has been teaching
and leading Day Camp programs
for the city of University Place for
Jess Stewart
the past five summers. She graduated from the Running
Start Program at Curtis High School in University
Summer Day Camps for Kids
Tahoma Audubon and Tacoma Nature Center summer day camps for ages 4-11 are the perfect way
for kids to play in and enjoy a natural setting while learning about their environment and making new
friends. Descriptions of each camp and registration information are available at www.TahomaAudubon.
org and at www.metroparkstacoma.org on the link to Tacoma Nature Center. You can also pick up
a flyer from Adriana Hess Audubon Center or the Tacoma Nature Center, or call 253- 591-6439.
Camps for ages 4-6 are held at Adriana
Hess Audubon Center, University Place.
Each camp is Monday through Wednesday, 9
am – 1 pm. Fee: $90
 Little Explorers: The Perfect Place –
June 30, July 1 & 2
 Little Explorers: The Perfect Place – July
28, 29 & 30
 Little Explorers: Striders & Gliders –
Aug 4, 5 & 6
 Little Explorers: Striders & Gliders – Aug
25, 26 & 27
Camps for ages 5-7 are held at Tacoma
Nature Center. Each camp is Monday
through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Fee:
$150
 Kaleidoscope of Nature – July 14-18
 Oceans of Fun – July 21-25
 It’s Art, Naturally – Aug 11-15
Camps for ages 8-11 are held at Tacoma
Nature Center. Each camp is Monday
through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Fee:
$150
 Kaleidoscope of Nature – July 7-11
 Oceans of Fun – July 28-Aug 1
 It’s Art, Naturally – Aug 18-22
253-565-9278
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Place in 2007. She’s currently in her Junior Year at UW
Tacoma. She hopes to graduate in two years with her
Masters in Teaching and plans to be an elementary
school teacher. In her free time she enjoys spending
time with her family and friends, gardening, and
exploring the outdoors through camping, fishing, hik-
ing, and beachcombing.
Meagan Van Horn leads the Osprey Club at Giaudrone
and Baker Middle Schools. She graduated from
Summit High School in Oregon in 2006 and is cur-
rently in her sophomore year at the University of Puget
Sound in Tacoma where she is pursuing a degree in
Comparative Sociology and Environmental Studies.
She is an avid native-gardener at her home in Bend and
loves to go skiing, hiking and camping. She also enjoys
languages, dance and traveling and hopes to spend part
of her junior year in Madagascar. Though she doesn’t
know exactly what she wants to do, she knows that she
wants to have a positive impact on the natural world.
Stephanie Swaim, Education Coordinator
253-565-5479 StephSwaim@TahomaAudu bon.org
Finding Your Future in the Wild:
Teen Career Camp
Teens ages 12-15 can explore careers in natural
resources such as marine science, zookeeping, jour-
nalism and wildlife biology. Daily field trips, hands-
on activities and an overnight are all included in this
camp. Fee is $245. Scholarship assistance is avail-
able. Camp runs August 4-8, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
For more information and registration visit
www.metroparkstacoma.org or call Tacoma Nature
Center at 253-591-6439.
Summer Camp Scholarships
Wild Birds Unlimited and the National Fish & Wildlife
Foundation have joined with National Audubon to
support nature summer camps
across the country with scholarship
assistance for campers. Tahoma
Audubon members and friends in
our local community have also
generously donated funds to pro-
vide children and teens with the
experience of discovering the won-
ders of our natural world and learning to be good
stewards of the land. If you’d like to apply or have
questions, please contact Margie Shea, the chair of
the education committee, at marjories@tacoma-
parks.com or call 253-591-6439. Donations to sup-
port the John Slipp Scholarship Fund are always
welcome at any time!
1919 South Tyler Street,
Tacoma WA 98338
253-591-6439 www.metroparkstacoma.org
Open Tues. – Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
& Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 2008
 fielD trips and Events
Adriana Hess Audubon Center
2917 Morrison Rd. W., University Place
253-565-9278
Spring is peeking out all over the Center
grounds. Have you seen the teeny, tiny
magenta flower on the Hazelnut? The
Synthyris has been a riot of blooms.
Indian Plum is in full dress. The Red-
flowering Currant will be in full bloom
soon and the Rufous Hummingbird will
be hovering close by.
Bird Walk: Monday, Apr. 14, noon to
1:00 p.m.
Park Appreciation Day: Saturday
morning, Apr. 19. Come help spiff up the
grounds, 9:00 a.m. until noon.
Plant Walk: Monday, Apr. 21, noon to
1:00 p.m.
See the Volunteer page about the light break-
fast for volunteers every Friday morning at
9:00 am. Hope to see you on a Friday!
Birdathon Month!! Please consider gathering
sponsors for our biggest fundraiser of the year
and joining one of our special Birdathon Field
Trips. For more Field Trip information and
details on these Tahoma Audubon trips, please
check the website at www.tahomaaudubon.org
For Birdathon information and a clipable volun-
teer form, see page 9. Birdathon field trips are
listed on the following page.
Sat, Apr 5, 1pm. “March showers bring
Kopachuck flowers!”
Discoveries are hiding in the Kopachuck forests
waiting to be uncovered !!! Come on a walk to
identify early spring flowers with Ranger’s Matt
Smith and Dan Christian at Kopachuck State
Park. Some plants get everything done in the
early spring and then mostly disappear in the
summer; come to Kopachuck and find out why!
The Kopachuck forest holds some unusual spe-
cies for our area which we will also point out.
We will meet in the Kopachuck big parking lot
near the first bulletin board as you drive in. The
first 15 people who call to register will be taken
Environment matters: Students in Tacoma take action
By Lindsey Webb
Students around Puget Sound aren’t focusing
just on school and friends; they’re taking action
on important environmental issues, too. Students
at Pacific Lutheran University and at Clover Park
High School have formed action and service
groups that seek to address and educate others
about these issues.
Monika Maier, a junior at PLU and leader of
Grassroots Environmental Action Now (GREAN)
says that the mission of her group is to “bring
environmental sustainability to campus and to
the community.” The foci this semester are coal
and transportation. Last week, said Maier, they
were part of a statewide photo petition against a
proposed coal plant in Walla Walla, Washington.
GREAN members were stationed outside the
main cafeteria and asked students to pose with
paper speech bubbles that said things like “green
April 2008
(no charge). Call 253-265-3606 to register, and
ask for Matt Smith.
Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am – 11:30am, Discovery
Walk, Naches Trail, Frederickson,
for families and friends of all ages, recommended
for families with children age 4 and up, call
253-591-6439 to register and get directions., free
to members, $5/person non-members, pre-regis-
tration required
Sun, Apr 13, 12pm – 4pm, Morse Preserve
Open Trails, Morse Wildlife Preserve, Graham,
discover the beauty of the five habitat zones in
the preserve, all ages, free
Sat, Apr 19, 8am – 4pm, Tokeland bird trip
with Nate Chappell, call the Tahoma Audubon
office at 253-565-9278 to register
Sat, Apr 19 & 26, 1pm, “Celebrate Earth Day
and help us fight invasive species at Penrose
Point!!!” Do you like to go to Penrose Point State
Park and walk in the woods? What if the woods
were all covered with English Ivy and nothing else?
Ivy is slowly, but surely, taking over the forest
Penrose Point, and smothering native plants. Please
come and help cut back and pull up Ivy plants. You
can make a real difference for the future by helping
our park. We are having two different “earth day”
battles against the Ivy. Please call us and let us know
you are coming at 253-884-2514, and ask for Dan
Christian or Janet Shonk.
Sun, Apr 20, 8:00am – 11:30am Nature Walk at
Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Point Defiance
Park in Tacoma, for information, e-mail rob@
whiterabbits.com
Tue, Apr 22, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, Discovery
Walk, Adriana Hess Audubon Center,
University Place, for families and friends of all
ages, recommended for families with children
age 4 and up, call 253-591-6439 to register and
get directions, free to members, $5/person non-
members, pre-registration required
Fri, Apr 25, 10am – 12pm, Morse Bird Walk,
Morse Wildlife Preserve. Graham WA,
field trip leader Betty Jones will lead a walk at
Morse Wildlife Preserve, call 253-565-9278 to
register and for directions
jobs, not coal.” How did students react? Said
Maier, “some people got really excited and said
‘I hope we make a difference!’ It was fun to hear
that.” This petition is a collaborative effort with
several schools in Washington, including Whitman
College, Evergreen State College, and University
of Puget Sound. Altogether, these groups are
hoping to send 1000 photos of students to Walla
Walla, the Washington state legislature, and
United Power, the energy company in charge of
the coal project.
GREAN is also organizing events for Earth
Week at PLU, coming up in April. GREAN will be
conducting workshops on alternative transporta-
tion, including how to fix and ride bicycles. There
will be a representative from Pierce County
Transit there to talk about the bus system. Maier
is hopeful that many students will attend.
Activism isn’t just a university activity. Anthony
Ahn, president of International Action (InterAct)
www.tahomaaudubon.org
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 three no-shows a year can result in revoking
the opportunity to participate.
Arrive at the meeting place early.
No pets are allowed.
Be prepared for seasonal weather.
Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is scheduled
past mid-day.
All passengers divide total carpooling expenses. Current
guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car, not including driver.
Beginners are always welcome.
Have fun.
Sat, Apr 26, 6am – 5pm, Tokeland birding trip
with Ruth Sullivan, call the Tahoma Audubon
office at 253-565-9278 to sign up
Tue, Apr 29, 7pm – 9pm. Intermediate Birding
Class, Adriana Hess Audubon Center, 2917
Morrison Road West, register by calling the
Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439
Wed, Apr & May, Weekly Bird Walks at
Nisqually, 8:15am-12:30pm, $3. entry
fee unless you have a pass, call or email Phil
Kelley to confirm details, Phil Kelley, Lacey,
360-459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com
Leader: Phil Kelley
[Please note: Nisqually walks have been changed
to WEDNESDAY starting in April, 2008]
Join Phil on his weekly bird walk as he counts
the birds at Nisqually NWR. On the first
Wednesday of the month, the group walks fairly
quickly around the full loop, a distance of over
five miles. Other weeks, the trip is shorter; walk-
ing out to McAllister Creek, back to the visitor
center, then out to the Twin Barns and the Ring
Dike Trail, totaling about four miles. Bring:
Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,
snacks, and $3. entry fee unless you have a pass.
Scopes are welcome. Meet: At the Visitor’s
Center. Directions: Take I-5 south from Tacoma
and exit to Nisqually NWR at exit 114. Take a
right at the light. Sign-up: Call or email Phil
Kelley to confirm details. Phil Kelley, Lacey,
(360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com.
at Clover Park High School, says that students
attend meetings “ready and excited with ideas to
support understanding and goodwill throughout
[their] communities.” This club, which is support-
ed by Rotary International, works to participate in
at least two community service projects per year
(although, Ahn says, they of course try to do
more). Although InterAct isn’t specifically focused
on environmental issues, its members recognize
their importance. Said Ahn, “we have been
researching environmental service projects in and
around our community, and taking part in the
events we can, as leaving a clean environment
not only for ourselves and our community, but for
the world, is a very important aspect of leading
healthy, enjoyable lives.” A past project, for exam-
ple, was cleaning up community streets.
Both of these student-run groups seek to edu-
cate and make a difference, and in small steps
they are certainly doing this.
Page 5
 BirDAthoN fielD trips
BIRDATHON IS COMING--
APRIL 25-MAY 31
Birdathon is our largest fundraiser. Birdathon
expenses are kept at 1%.
How do you join Birdathon? You, the Birder/
Counter, gather sponsors for your Birdathon Trip
and the sponsors pledge a donation to Tahoma
Audubon based on the species seen (or a flat rate).
If our special Birdathon trips don’t fit your sched-
ule, choose one of TAS’s regular field trips. Leaders
will help you with identification. For more informa-
tion call Thelma, 253-564-8210 or e-mail, thelma@
tahomaaudubon.org.
Check out the announcements page for more
information. Be sure to call TAS, 253-565-9278, to
register and get directions. (There’s lots of help
identifying the birds.)
Morse Wildlife Preserve
When: Friday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Leader: Betty Jones
Ocean Shores to Puyallup
When: Friday, April 25, early until late afternoon or
early evening.
Leaders: Ed and Kay Pullen
Meet at the I-5/512 Park and Ride near McDonalds
at 5:30 a.m. and we’ll drive to Ocean Shores to start
birding and spend the morning there. Birding will
continue back to Hoquiam, Elma, Brady Loop,
Wenzel Slough, and Nisqually NWR. If energy
holds up, we will try for the barn owls at Chief
Leschi School at dusk. Anticipate 80-100 species,
and bring everything you’ll need to eat/drink/wear.
Ideally limited to just our 7 passenger van, but if
enough interest, we could take 2 vehicles.
Point Defiance Birdathon Kickoff Event
When: Saturday, April 26, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Meet at Owens Beach. Come one and come all for
birding and fun Activities for everyone, all ages.
Contact office to leave a message for Amy
Bettesworth for more information.
Nisqually River and
Nisqually Land Trust Lands
When: Saturday, April 26, 8:00 a.m. to early after-
noon.
Count birds up river along the Thurston County side,
enjoying Robert and Marjorie Smiths’ 2000 feet of
beach which starts at mile 30 of the river. Bird the land
trust lands, explore River Bar and see the various
movements of the river over the years, viewing land
that once was Pierce County but now is Thurston
County. We should see a good number of birds---
warblers, bluebirds, hummingbirds, and a surprising
number of river birds. Meet Robert in McKenna at the
McKenna Y Restaurant on the left at the only light in
McKenna where Highway 507 and 702 intersect. He
will lead the caravan to his home. Bring a lunch.
Meadow Park Golf Course
When: Sunday, April 27, with Joe McGuire, 9:00
a.m. to noon.
Joe has worked with students to install birdhouses.
Let’s see who resides in them. Meet at the golf
course, 7108 Lakewood Dr. W.
Titlow Park
When: Monday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Leaders: Rosanne Becker and Joann Sims
Families Welcome! Enjoy both water and song-
birds at this Tacoma park. A variety of habitats
include salt water, pond, and forest. Meet at the
Page 6
lodge at Titlow Park which is at the west end of 6th
Avenue in Tacoma.
3 CHOICES ON MAY 10 -
International Migratory Bird Day
Nisqually NWR and/or Ocean Shores
When: Saturday, May 10, 7:00 a.m. to evening
Leaders: Ken and Nell Batker.
The trip will begin by walking the Nisqually dike
trail on the Refuge followed by a sack lunch (bring
your own). We will then carpool to Gray’s Harbor
National Wildlife Refuge and from there to the
Ocean Shores area to cap a good day’s birding.
Everyone is welcome to come along on all or any
part(s) of the day’s activities. We usually finish at
Nisqually between 11:00 a.m. and noon so anyone
wishing to join us for only the Gray’s Harbor and/
or Ocean Shores segments can meet us then at
Nisqually. We usually finish the day with the
optional activity of a meal at a nice restaurant in
Aberdeen where we can total up, check our bird
lists, and recall fun sightings of the day. Meet at the
flagpole by the visitor’s center at Nisqually NWR
Tacoma to Potholes (Overnight in Moses Lake)
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11, 5:30
a.m. Saturday to Sunday afternoon.
Leaders: Marcus Roening and Heather Ballash
Marcus and Heather lead an exciting, full-day trip
from Tacoma to the Potholes in Moses Lake. The
trip will cover 15 habitat zones, with special empha-
sis on migratory birds in the Columbia Basin sage,
pinelands, and wetlands. Expect to see at least 120
species in one fast-paced day. Meet at 5:30 a.m. and
arrive in Moses Lake at 8:30 p.m., where we will
stay overnight. …Leisurely return through favorite
bird areas on Sunday. Please provide e-mail address
when you sign up in order to coordinate lodging
detailsandmeetingplace. E-mail Marcus.D.Roening
@gsk.com for further details.
Pierce County Big Day, “Purdy to Paradise”
When: Saturday, May 10, 5:15 a.m. till dusk
Leader: Bruce LaBar.
Starting at Purdy Spit, this trip visits Point Defiance,
McChord, and other points of interest on the way to
the Mountain. We aim each year to show that you
can find 100 species by birding just in Pierce County.
Meet at the far end of Purdy Spit at 5:15 a.m.
Adriana Hess Wetland Park--Audubon Center
When: Monday, May 12, noon to 2:00 p.m.
Leader: Ruth Sullivan
Ruth Sullivan will lead this regular bird identifica-
tion visit at this small, unique park at 2917 Morrison
Rd W. in University Place. Come if you are count-
ing for Birdathon or just to enjoy the day’s count.
Last year we got 40 birds on this count.
Fort Lewis
When: Wednesday, May 14, 8:00 a.m. to noon.
Leader: Fort Lewis’s Jim Lynch
Jim Lynch, from the Fort’s Wildlife Department,
will meet the group at the Roy Y Park and Ride at
8:00 a.m. We will carpool to visit the open oak
woodlands and riparian habitats found among the
prairies of the Fort Lewis Training Grounds. Expect
to identify 55-60 species.
Waughop Lake and Fort Steilacoom Park
and/or 176th Spanaway Marsh
When: Saturday, May 17 at Waughop Lake at 8:30
a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and the Cross-base, 176th
Marsh, noon to 2:00 p.m.
www.tahomaaudubon.org
Leader: Betty Jones
Meeting spot in the morning will be the parking lot
by the barns at Fort Steilacoom Park. Meet at the
end of 176th Street S. for the afternoon session.
Birding by Ear for Birdathon
When: Saturday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Leader: Melissa Sherwood
Explore McCormick Forest, the old growth pre-
serve off Bujacich Dr near Gig Harbor. Melissa
Sherwood will be leading a Birding by Ear walk for
the Birdathon. If you know our local birds by sight
and would like to get to know their songs and calls,
please join her. We’ll meet at the Swede Hill Fire
Station just west of Hwy. 16 at the Burnham Dr.
exit. We’ll walk through the forest, some steep
trails; time permitting we may explore a couple of
other birdy areas nearby. Hopefully we’ll pick up
on some of the migrating warblers and flycatchers
moving through as well. Wear comfortable hiking/
walking shoes and dress comfortably for whatever
the weather.
Point Defiance Park
When: Sunday, May 18, 8:00 a.m. to noon
Leaders: Rob and Natalie McNair-Huff
Join Rob and Natalie for the Birdathon version of
their monthly nature walk at Point Defiance Park on
May 18. They will set out at 8:00 a. m. from the zoo
parking lot and walk through the forest trails along
Five Mile Drive, walking a little more than four
miles. This Birdathon trip will end with birding
along the ponds near the park entrance and with a
drive down to Owen Beach. The trip should wrap
up around noon.
Morse Wildlife Preserve
When: Friday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Leader: Betty Jones.
Walk the trails and check out the marsh, dry
Douglas-fir forest, moist lowland forest, prairie, and
meadow. Take a look at the pond in the marsh and
the forested wetland from the bird tower. Be sure to
ask for directions when you sign up.
Green River Watershed
When: Saturday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Leader: Jeff Gillard and friend
Join us for a day of birding in the Green River
Watershed, Nolte State Park, and Auburn Narrows
wetlands. This is a rare opportunity to see the pro-
tected watershed managed by Tacoma Water. We’ll
leave the Tacoma Public Utilities Administration
Building at 8:00 a.m. in two vans, visit Nolte State
Park on the way to the watershed, and arrive at the
watershed gate at about 10:00 a.m. We’ll bird the
forests and fields around Howard Hanson Reservoir
(elevation 1200 feet), then visit Eagle Lake (eleva-
tion 2200 feet) before heading to Auburn Narrows.
We’ll plan on returning to Tacoma by 4:30 p.m.
Space is limited; this trip is open to the first 12
people to sign up. Meet at the Tacoma Public utili-
ties lot A1 on the west end of the administration
building. The building is located at 3628 South
35th Street. Limit 12 participants.
Rapjohn Wood Co Tree Farm
When: Saturday, May 31, 10:00 a.m. until 1:00
p.m.
Leaders: Owners Mariella and Bob Arnold
Come walk the trails and count the birds of this 110
acre tree farm, then stay to enjoy a potluck lunch.
Please bring your pot-luck contribution. Remember
your boots!
April 2008
 ... Banquet from page 1

restore ecosystems focusing on birds and wildlife for the
benefit of humanity and earth’s biological diversity.”
Awards and recognition were given to those whose ser-
vices have enhanced Audubon’s mission:
Distinguished Service Awards- Dixie Harris
and Molly Hukari
Legacy Award- Sally Sloat
Community Service Award- Laurie Brauneis
Distinguished Community Service Award-
Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg
Our guest speaker, Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, shared her passion
for forest canopy organisms and processes. She not only
helped us gain a better understanding of the importance of the
forest canopy, but helped us deepen our appreciation for its
organisms and processes. We were introduced to efforts
being made to reach non-traditional audiences with science
and conservation messages using messages that these audi-
ences (not typically targeted) can embrace. Tahoma Audubon
members were entertained by concepts to accomplish this.
We were introduced to TreeTop Barbie, a modern-girl Barbie
doll prepared with all the accoutrements she will need to
access the forest canopy and discover its mysteries. The
International Canopy Network that Dr. Nadkarni introduced
to us has worked with minimum security prisoners and
school children to learn to grow mosses in a sustainable fash-
ion. ICAN and Research Ambassador Program representa-
tives have brought legislative aides to the forest canopy as
well as artists and musicians to allow opportunities for learn-
ing and new views of the forest canopy.
The Banquet team that included Nell Batker, Jenny
Curtiss, Alexis Edwards, Moelicia Edwards, Helen Engle,
Wendy Evans, Bryan Flint, Janine Gates, Roxy, Bill, and
Winfield Giddings, Thelma Gilmur, Sue Goering, Dixie
Harris, Jenny Jeliff, Amanda Johnson, Julie Kerrigan, Pam
and Mark Knight, Jeri Lindstrom, Sarah Lloyd, Blake
Marzloff, Jonathon and Kasey Puppe, Jennie Sheridan,
Sue Summers, Candi Zieger, and Lenny Zimmerman
deserves a big thank you for a grand gathering.

SO MANY PICTURES, SO LITTLE ROOM...

This is all that will fit here, but we do have a link on our website to more
photos: http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/Default.aspx?pageId=52136
From top left; Anna T. and Helen Engle; Joanne and Sally on the awards
stage; people checking out items for the silent auction; Bryan introduces
some of the camp kids; Thelma Gilmur; Cecelia and friends; Dr. Nalini
sharing her passion.
Photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn

April 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9

 Just the other day... Here’s what TAS was doing in April, 1983
By Helen Engle
The biggest news in birding was the
return of the shorebirds to Grays Har-
bor’s tidal mudflats. Seattle Audubon
sponsored a major presentation at the
Seattle Aquarium of Dr. Steven Her-
man’s presentation featuring slides by
Robert Kothenbutel and other NW pho-
tographers. Dr. Herman discussed his findings,
and those of his Evergreen State College students,
of spring shorebird censuses including timing, mag-
nitude and the finding that the migration exceeded
one million birds. This is the largest concentration
of migrating shorebirds in the continental U.S.
The next week Tahoma Audubon sponsored a
field trip to Bowerman Basin, led by Mike Finger
of Friends of the Earth and a participant of Dr. Her-
man’s bird census. The field trip attendees were
promised 500,000 shorebirds of 24 species, plus oc-
casional Peregrine Falcons and Merlins that hunt the
shorebirds on the mudflats.
Carla Hansmann wrote of Tacoma-Pierce
County’s troubled water quality. In 1981 Well 12A
in Lakewood was discovered to have contamination
with volatile organic solvents. The City of Tacoma
Water Division removed the water well from service.
Other wells in the area continued to pump, but soon
Well 9A was discovered to have the volatile organics
as well. A proposal to build five aeration towers at
a cost of $1.2 million was thought to be the most
cost-effective of the systems evaluated.
The Membership Meeting featured Joan and
Paul Carson’s “Birding in Yorkshire.” Paul Car-
son’s excellent pictorial record and Joan’s ac-
curate narration, gave us a report on a group trip
of Tahoma, Kitsap and Seattle Audubon Chapters
participating with members of the Royal Society for
the Preservation of Birds (RSPB). The trip
was arranged through “Nature Guide”
by Ilene and Francis Marckx, with
Dr Tom Lawson from Yorkshire.
After consultation with the Ameri-
can Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) the
American Birding Association (ABA) has
incorporated changes in the second edi-
tion of the ABA Checklist.
Here are a few that apply to some familiar birds:
Former Name 1983 Name
Whistling Swan Tundra Swan
Common Pintail Northern Pintail
Saw-whet Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl
Western Pewee Western Wood-Pewee
Northern Junco Dark-eyed Junco
Field Trip Committee Chair Thais Bock laid out
the following schedule:
McNeil Island with Henry Kyle; Sequalitchew
Lake with Wally Wilkins, Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
with Karl Lundberg; Dungeness Spit bus trip with
Elmer Price; Chambers Creek with Art Peterson.
And the special trip to Grays Harbor-Bowerman Ba-
sin led by Mike Finger. There was a Family Trip
to Point Defiance Park with Thelma Gilmur and
John Slipp -- so much to explore there: Salmon
beach, Sorex Gulch, Big Tee Trail, Rhododendron
and Native Plant Gardens, camp 6 & Fort Nisqually,
plus the forest birds and plants.
TAS was rounding up sponsors for its third annual
Birdathon with Thelma Gilmur and Gayle Taylor
heading up the Birdathon Committee. Special Birda-
thon field trips were being planned for the weekend
of April 23-24. Prizes were promised to those with
highest species counts and most donors, etc. This
event continues as one of
most fun ways of support-
ing the programs and ac-
tivities of the chapter.
The second go-around
over development in
Chambers Creek Canyon
was written up by Adriana
Hess of Serve Our Univer-
sity place (SOUP). Own-
ers of the Canyon’s steep Helen Engle from days
walls, Joint Venture in the of yore.
persons of Lee Van Riley
and Robert Davis, propose to build 641 dwelling
units with additional plans for marine development.
Opposing the granting of permits are: Friends of
Chambers Creek, Oakbrook Townhouse Association,
Pierce County-Northwest Steelhead and Salmon
Council, SOUP, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife,
Tahoma Audubon, University Place Park & Recre-
ation District, and Washington Native Plant Society.
TAS President Walt Adams and his wife Nona
attended the annual meeting of the Protection Is-
land Beach Club. Prior to the regular meeting, a
caucus was held with representatives of other
Audubon chapters owning lots on Protection Island.
They discussed the orderly transfer of the lots to
the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and prepared a list
of nominees for election to the board of directors
of the Protection Island Beach Club. The Audubon
members of the Beach Club are in agreement and
accord with the Fish and Wildlife Service’s plans for
the transition to federal ownership and a Wildlife
Refuge status.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences
welcome, 253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.

... Citizen science from page 1
wrens, hummingbirds, and everything in between! A variety of
habitats are present in the area to accommodate these and many,
many other species.
The information collected will help identify species presence/
absence and contribute to the growing database of bird data for the
region. Additional taxa, including plants, amphibians, and mammals,
will also be surveyed by other teams, utilizing Nature Mapping.
Field trips to the restoration site are being scheduled for April thru
June, with exact dates for these excellent citizen science opportunities
to be announced soon. If you are interested in making Washington a
little more bird-friendly by contributing to this important habitat recla-
mation endeavor, contact Krystal Kyer at 253-232-9978 or kkyer@
tahomaaudubon.org. Your fellow birders, neighbors, and feath-
ered friends look forward to seeing you at Ohop Creek!
To learn more about the Ohop restorations site, visit:
http://www.nisquallylandtrust.org/ohop_creek.php
To learn more about NatureMapping, see:
http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/
... Sage Thrasher
from page 1
the Columbia Basin, and other places where the
sagelands are still intact. Birders often find Sage
Thrashers on Umtanum Ridge and along the Old
Vantage Highway east of Ellensburg. Early or late
in the day is best, though even then you may not
see the birds right away, because much of
their movement is on foot;
they forage on the ground
for insects, adding berries to
their diet when available.
In their breeding territory the
pair usually locates a nest site in
a big sage bush, just below the
densest top growth that provides
shade and conceals the nest from
aerial predators. If dense cover is lack-
ing the birds build a sun-shade over it.
The nest is a bulky bunch of sticks, lined with grass
and other soft material. The female usually lays 4 or
5 eggs that hatch after about two weeks, and the
young leave the nest some 10 to 12 days later.
Though fully fledged, they can’t fly for about
another week, so at this critical time they’re espe-
cially vulnerable to predation as they forage on
foot.
The lands that this species depends on are being
cleared for agriculture and residential development.
In Washington about half of the original shrub-
steppe is gone, and much of what remains is frag-
mented. For Sage Thrashers the most serious threat
is disturbance of the soil that allows non-native
grasses to spread into otherwise good sage habitat;
they abandon these areas. Birds of the shrub-steppe
depend on our support to preserve good habitat
where it still remains. And as we preserve the space
they need, the Sage Thrashers will return each
spring to draw us into the sagelands to watch and
listen as they greet the rising sun.

BIRDSONGS by Phil Buly

Birdwatchers have long joked about warbler
neck, but the ailment may be more serious
than people believe. Neurologists have dis-
covered that when people assume extreme
neck positions for extended periods of time,
blood flow through the vertebral arteries is
reduced, leading to an increased vulnerability
to strokes. Researchers singled out the tilted-
back head position of women having a sham-
poo at a beauty salon. But it happens to be
the very posture of birdwatchers craning to
see a warbler at the top of a tree.

From Red-Tails in Love

A Wildlife Drama in Central Park
By Marie Winn (Pantheon Books)

Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org
www.tahomaaudubon.org March
April 2008
 ANNouNceMeNts
woo-hoo!
Time to think about Wenas campout!
And you’re invited! Wenas Campout, May 23-26, 2008.
(www.wenasaudubon.org ) For over three decades
Audubon families have been camping over Memorial
Day weekend at the Wenas Creek Campground.
Officially named the Hazel Wolf Wenas Creek Bird
Sanctuary, the location, SW of Ellensburg, is now in an
“Important Bird Area” which Auduboners has been assured
of protective status in a major land swap with the timber
company ownership. The free, “primitive” campground
along the north fork of Wenas Creek has exceptional oppor-
tunities for birding, botanizing and enjoying spring in the
eastern foothills of the Cascades.
• The campground is about 2,500’ elevation, can be cold at
night, hot during day.
• Bring water for drinking (the creek is beautiful and bounti-
ful but not potable).
• We set up tents or use “pick-up” type campers.
• We all share in the rent of portable toilets for 4 days.
• Bicycles and Frisbees are fun, telescopes and cameras
standard gear.
• Please leave pets at home.
• There are organized field trips throughout the Wenas drain-
age and WA DF&W management areas and some on private
property at owners’ requests.
• In camp we have natural history workshops with some of
the state’s top birders, WNPS botanists, entomologists etc.
• There will be an old-fashioned campfire in our new
“approved” firepit device each evening. We do singing,
story telling and recapping the sightings of the day. Please
visit the beautiful Wenas Website, by Webmaster Michael
Hobbs, to see Hazel Wolf’s familiar smiling face and get lots
of information about our campout. www.wenasaudubon.
org. There’s a bird checklist, wildflower checklist, outline of
field trips and program, directions and lots of photos. If you
don’t do websites, contact me and I’ll send you info.
Bring friends, family, and join us at Wenas Memorial Day
Weekend for as many days as you want to stay - May 23-26,
2008! See you there! Helen Engle, hengle@iinet.com,
253-564-3112.
The Art & Nature of Native Plants – Spring Class
This field-based class brings together the natural
world and the artist’s perspective. Native plant spe-
cialist, Mary Sue Gee, will provide hands-on
instruction in identification and ecological relation-
ships during one classroom session and four field
trips. She will be joined by Monica Weidman,
watercolor artist and botanical illustrator, to engage
the students in a deeper appreciation and under-
standing of the native plant ecosystem of the South
Puget Sound. Mary Sue has an MLA degree in
landscape architecture and extensive training and
experience in wildlife habitat restoration, urban and
wetlands ecology. She combines her interest in art
and nature in her presentations and stories. Monica
has a BA in Art Education and is a certified Scientific
Illustrator. She finds pleasure in nature’s serene
pace and its simple yet complex beauty.
Fee: $75 member; $95 non-member includes class
instruction and four field trips. Optional field trips
may be scheduled with additional fee.
Required Text: Plants of the Pacific Northwest
April 2008
Tahoma Audubon Birdathon Kick-Off Event
By Shoe, Car, Bike and Boat; COME HELP natural habitat.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. What: Tahoma Audubon
Join the Tahoma Audubon Society in kicking Birdathon Kick-off
off The Birdathon. You don’t have to know Where: Pt. Defiance
a thing about birds to join one of the many Park, at Owens Beach
teams that will be walking, hiking, biking, When: Saturday, April
boating or driving to raise money to protect 26, 2008 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Pierce County’s precious environment. Registration starts at 8:30am.
Each team will be competing to see the How: Come and enjoy the fun! Pre-
largest number of different bird species registration is appreciated but not required.
using a variety of transportation options. Please plan to join us on April 26th. For
This family fun event provides an opportu- more information contact Tahoma Audubon
nity to learn from experienced volunteers Society at 253-565-9278. Hot Beverages
about the area’s bird species, and how you and snacks provided. Prizes will be given
can become involved in protecting our vital out to the first 30 participants!
WE NEED YOU!
Please sign and return this coupon or call and say you will help,
Thelma Gilmur, 253-564-8210.
BIRDATHON 2008
Mail to Tahoma Audubon, 2917 Morrison Road West, University Place, WA 98466.
_______I will get at least 5 pledges and do a Birdathon for TAS.
_______I will make a donation.
NAME____________________________________PHONE____________________
ADDRESS___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________ZIP_______________________
Parks Appreciation Day
Coast, Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, 1994. April 19, 2008
Book will be available at class for $19.95. Discount 9:00am - noon
for Tahoma Audubon members. Family Service Activity*
Suggested Text: Flora of the Pacific Northwest,
C.L. Hitchcock and A. Cronquist, 1973. Join Parks Appreciation Day and come to the Tacoma Nature
Other field guides are useful if students have favor- Center with your family to help us celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day,
ites. National Parks Week and your local parks all in one fun event.
Suggested Tools: Any type of sketch book, pencils,
charcoal, colored pencils, watercolors, magnifying PROJECTS MAY INCLUDE: Painting, invasive plant pulling, litter pick-
glass/lens, binoculars, camera up, pruning, raking, sign cleaning, birdhouse building, materials prep and
more! Families will work as a group on several different projects.
Class Date: 7-9 pm, Mon. April 21, Adriana Hess WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Audubon Center, University Place • Volunteers can help by wearing warm, appropriate clothes.
Field Trips: 9am-3pm; Sat. April 26, Sat. & Sun. • By bringing tools from their homes such as small hand tools, loppers,
May 3 & 4 in conjunction with the Native Plant pruners, gloves, rakes, shovels, small pitch forks and even wheelbarrows
Society. Two more dates mid-May to early June (make sure and label them!).
will be scheduled with class. • Volunteers are encouraged to carpool to the site they chose.
• We will provide snacks and water for volunteers. Those with
Scholarship assistance is available. Contact the
special dietary needs might want to bring their own snacks.
education committee chair, Margie Shea, at • Most of all bring your enthusiasm, smiles and be ready to burn some
253-591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com calories and have fun!
To Register: Call 253-591-6439 Pre-registration is BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING AS A FAMILY
required. Deadline to register is April 18. • You can improve your community.
• You can help beautify your neighborhood park.
• You can get active and enhance your own health and well-being.
Native Plant Sale • You can help bring communities, businesses and neighborhoods
together towards one common cause.
Landscape your yard with plants that • You can increase family and children awareness of nature and their
environment.
are native to our area. Get advice, • You can make a difference, because together we can achieve more.
plants and more!
Other sites throughout Pierce County are also available.
Come early for *Not all sites welcome family groups. Check with individual coordinators for details.
the best selection. Visit www.metroparkstacoma.org for a list of contacts.
May 3, 2008 9:00am – 4:00pm Please help us plan for your family by registering in advance in person at
the Nature Center, or by phone. (253) 591-6439
253-591-6439
www.metroparkstacoma.org Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9
NoforSwa
SwaNN
Trip leader Ed Pullen at Swan Creek Park
From left: Chestnut-backed Chickadee checks out natural cavities for nesting sites; Varied Thrush at the bottom of the Swan Creek
gorge; Spotted Towhee singing its heart out; Krystal Kyer gets excited about birds at Swan Creek Restoration Area.
M
arch 8th found a dozen people joining Ed
Pullen for an adventure in an exotic land.
The fact that this exotic land was inside the
city limits of Tacoma made it even more remarkable.
Swan Creek cuts a deep gorge before it flows into the
Puyallup River, and the City has wisely stayed away
from the edge, providing a wide margin of safety for
their citizens as well as safety for the sanctity of this
natural oasis. The gorge is lined with an astonishing
assortment of native species of trees in all stages of
life including venerable woodpecker snags, all of it
lined all in mosses and ferns. It is so removed that
even traffic noise is rarely heard. It is watched over
from above by its nesting pair of Red-tailed Hawks,
which we glimpsed off and on during our trek, doing
their courting.
Ed is a great trip leader, too. This trek can be quite
challenging with the gains in elevation to the top of
the gorge, so he had us driven to the top, leaving
most of the cars at the bottom, to avoid our having to
backtrack the hard way. Then the drivers were
driven back up to retrieve their cars. Whatta guy!!
Of course having to retrace the path the cars had to
take to the top would be impossible for me, as I felt
like one of those kidnapping victims who is being
purposely driven around in circles so I will never,
ever be able to reveal the secret route. So you’ll have
to ask somebody else for the directions...
We started along the top of the gorge with the
creek way, way below us. Tall trees growing
creekside offered their canopies to us at eye level,
and we enjoyed finch song there, Purple Finch,
Red Crossbills, and Pine Siskins. As we descend-
ed via mossy switchbacks slowly to the bottom,
we entered different flora and fauna zones.
Although we had already had Pileated
The group checks out flora and fauna at one of the switchbacks down to Swan Creek.
Page 10
song
Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Woodpeckers and flickers at the parking area, we
heard them both again, and then Ryan Hanson
spotted a Hairy Woodpecker for us! This wood-
pecker zone was also full of high-pitched Brown
Creeper song and both kinglets. There were so
many creepers in fact that amazingly we all got a
chance to see at least one of these usually invisible
birds. Dropping down to the next level, we were
suddenly surrounded by wrens. Winter Wrens
were kissing busily at us and then bursting into
that best of all songs of any species. Bewick’s
Wrens were skulky, but watching us closely.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees checked out a pos-
sible nest hole right next to the path! We descend-
ed further to the creek and ran into a salamander
and a banana slug, as well as many, many Spotted
Towhees singing and calling. A flock of Yellow-
rumped Warblers (Butterbutts) reminded us that
spring is coming and more warblers, too. Walking
along the banks of the creek, there was Skunk
Cabbage in full bloom! Bleeding Hearts were
sending foliage out, but were still far from bloom-
ing. This was after all supposed to be a “Last of
Winter” birding trip, but don’t tell the critters and
plants! The weather was supposed to be misera-
ble, too, but Spring did an audition for us instead!
At the creek level, the gorge was a little muddy,
which is where I found there is Devil’s Club
growing there, when I reached out to grab some-
thing to steady myself! Ow! We were a pretty big
band of hikers, but if one were alone or just with
a couple of people, you might see some of the
other fabled wildlife that hid from us this day.
There are tales of bears, dippers, and Orchids...
After we made it down, we spent a little time
across Pioneer Way at the Swan Creek Restoration
Area, where we found almost every
possible freshwater duck in beautiful
breeding plumages. Then Ed took
us over to the Chief Leschi School
for a completely different habitat by
way of the locally famous Pioneer
Way Eagle’s nest and Great Blue
Heronry, where herons were seen
occupying dozens of nests, clearly
visible before the leafing-out alders
will screen them from view. One
has to wonder why the herons built
right next to the Eagle’s nest, though,
Above: Melissa Sherwood and Kay Pullen sight something wonderful!
www.tahomaaudubon.org
which Ed tells me was the chronology. Maybe
there’s some kind of offering made that buys
immunity for the rest of the community, Mafia-
like. Leader Ed Pullen was “really pleased to see
so much interest in a late winter walk in this beauti-
ful urban canyon.” It truly was an enthusiastic
group! Krystal Kyer, TAS Conservation
Coordinator, really had a ball. “The highlight of the
day for me was when a solitary Varied Thrush
Another kind of bird at Chief Leschi School where the group went after Swan Creek
perched on a stump and sang for all to see and hear.
Two days later, the species was featured on
BirdNote, and I learned that we were very lucky to
see the Varied Thrush in the city of Tacoma, as its
forested habitats are dwindling in the Pacific
Northwest. Being the second largest park in
Tacoma, and wholly undeveloped, it is important to
protect this remaining bit of urban forest,” she said.
But wait!! It’s not over yet!! For those of you
now curious to see this jewel of the Metro Parks,
come and celebrate Earth Day at Swan Creek!!
April 19th, 9-noon, Earth Day clean up and work
party at Swan Creek Park will be a re-creation of
the first one organized in the 1970s by Thelma
Gilmur. The Friends of Swan Creek and Green
Tacoma Partnership are coor coor- dinating the
effort with help from
Metro Parks Tacoma.
See the Tahoma
Audubon on-line calen-
dar for more details or
call the office. This will
be a wonderful experi-
ence for all of you, but I
have a bit of advice
– No bathrooms.
Go first!
April 2008
 voluNteer Recognition
Volunteers help at the banquet Meet Laura
Volunteer cashiers check out the lucky winners of the Silent Laura Livingston is a se-
Auction and Audubon supporters whose donations will help birds nior at Charles Wright. She
and other wildlife and is thinking about studying
habitat. Below, Thelma environmental science in
Gilmur lays out name college. Laura helped us
tags for the event par- organize and print impor-
tant articles about Tahoma
ticipants; over two hun-
Audubon and environmen-
dred attended the 39th
tal issues. The articles are
annual banquet. placed in an archive portfo-
lio located
Photos by Lenny Zimmerman here at
Adriana
Hess.

Rufous Hummingbird will be hovering close by.

Volunteer at Adriana Hess Wetland Park Light breakfasts for volunteers every Friday morn
ing at 9:00. Hope to see you on some Fridays!
morn-

2917 Morrison Rd. W., University Place Fri, Apr 4, 9am – 11am, Breakfast and Work
253-565-9278 Party, Adriana Hess Audubon Center,
Spring is peeking out all over the Center grounds. Help keep our wetland park clean, healthy, and free
Have you seen the teeny, tiny magenta flower on of weeds!
the Hazelnut? The Synthyris has been a riot of Fri, Apr 11, 9am – 11am
blooms. Indian Plum is in full dress. The Red- Fri, Apr 25, 9am – 11am
flowering Currant will be in full bloom soon and the Fri, May 2, 9am – 11am

welcoMe to New and Returning Members

February 16, 2008 to March 15, 2008
Chapter New and Renewing:
Barbara Beaver, Colin and Joyce Ehli, Charlie Griffin,
Debby Hyde and Bob Hennings, N L Kirkland, Mr
and Mrs John Miller, Joe and Nancy Peters, Janice
Pittman, Hazel C Robinson, Marjorie Shea and Bill
Richards, Mary Siegenthaler, Nancy Jean White,
Gretchen Wilbert.
Joint Chapter and National:
Lynne Glad, Jodie Hess, Jo Ann Hunter, Ernie
Karlstrom, Karen Povey, Carol Woodman.
Introductory: Recruited through TAS
Hal and Kate Amundson, Judy Eaton, Barbara Frey,
Kent Graybeal, Duane Hatch, Stephanie and Thomas
Kirkland, Melissa and Jamie Paulson, Kelly
and Mark Stave.
Recruited through NAS
(Starred names are returning after a
period of lapsed membership) Rigg,
Earl Altes, Bruce and Joyce Barr, Arthur
Antonelli, Sharon Bell*, Pattie Bolser,
June Camp, Twyla Dickson, Lorey Donaldson*, Sumey*, Nancy Thomas, Cathy Thome, David and
Brenda Dunlap, Janice Dunn, Micki Freeston*, Teresa Barbara Uberuaga, Rachel Vance, Crane Walters*,
Fromm, Lena Gibson, Len Guyt, Fred Hacker*, Julia Wentz, Sharon Westman*, Charles Zartman.
Donna Hagen, Lucia Harrison, Stan and Diana Hiller,
Grace Keam, Virginia Kingston, Dorothy Leyden, There were 45 renewals through National.
Mary Lou Ferguson, Deborah Main, Cheryl Maunu,
John Ott, Irene Owens, Raymond Owings, Roy Pryor, Welcome all; we appreciate your commitment and
George Riecan*, Steven Russell, Lewis Scott, Elaine support!
Checks payable to: Tahoma Audubon 2917 Morrison
Rd. W. University Place, 98466 Tahoma Audubon
Society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Membership Fee:
___ Introductory (first year) $20
___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50
organization. Donations are tax deductible.

Membership ___
___
Chapter member renewal
Other Contributions _____________
$30

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.

April 2008 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11


April 2008
Fri, Apr 4, 9am – 11am, Breakfast and Work Party, Adriana Hess
Audubon Center. Help keep our wetland park clean, healthy, and
free of weeds! v call the Tahoma Audubon office at 253-565-9278 to register
Tue, Apr 8, 2pm – 4pm, Conservation Committee, Adriana Hess
Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Road W, University Place. m Creek Park, Tacoma, The Green Tacoma Partnership, Friends of
Wed, Apr 9, 10:30am – 12:00pm, Budding Scientists - Weather
Report, Adriana Hess Audubon Center, children ages 5-7, register
two days before class, call 253-591-6439. $7.00 per child
Wed, Apr 9, 10, 16, 6pm, Task force on Climate Change’s open
house for the public, locations are yet to be determined, check the
TAS website (www.tahomaaudubon.org) under the Conservation
page for updates. Information on the task force and its recommenda-
tions can be found online at: http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.
aspx?hid=6891 m Tue, Apr 22, 1pm – 6pm, Earth Day Trail Day, Tacoma Nature
Thu, Apr 10, 9:30am – 11:30am, Beginning Home School Science
- Head in the Clouds, Tacoma Nature Center, homeschool students
ages 8-10, call 253-591-6439 for information and registration. $10
Thu, Apr 10, 1pm – 3pm Beginning Home School Science - Head
in the Clouds, Tacoma Nature Center, homeschool students ages
8-10, call 253-591-6439 for information and registration. Fee $10.
Thu, Apr 10, 6:30pm – 8:30pm TAS Board Meeting, Adriana Hess
Audubon Center, monthly meeting of the Tahoma Audubon Board,
guests welcome, please call ahead at 253-565-9278.
Fri, Apr 11 – 13 2008, ACOW Conference, Sleeping Lady Resort,
Leavenworth, WA bi-annual conference of the Audubon Council of
Washington.
Fri, Apr 11, 9am – 11am, Breakfast and Work Party, Adriana
Hess Audubon Center. Help keep our wetland park clean! V
Fri, Apr 11, 7pm – 9pm, Membership Meeting, Tacoma Nature
Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street, monthly membership meeting of
Tahoma Audubon, all welcome, check web site for program - www.
TahomaAudubon.org or call 253-565-9278
Sat, Apr 12, ACOW Conference
Sat, Apr 12, 10:00am – 11:30am, Discovery Walk, Naches Trail,
Frederickson, for families and friends of all ages, recommended for
families with children age 4 and up, call 253-591-6439 to register
and get directions., free to members, $5/person non-members, pre-
registration required
Calendar
Weather Rules! Tacoma Nature Center, homeschool students Not, Adriana Hess Audubon
10-12, call 253-591-6439 for information and registration, fee $10.
Fri, Apr 18, 9am – 11am, Breakfast and Work Party, Adriana
Center, adults are welcome
with the children, wonderful
Key
f Field Trip Page
grandparent/grandchild activ-
Hess Audubon Center help keep our wetland park clean, healthy v Volunteer page
ity!, space is limited to 20
Sat, Apr 19, 8am – 4pm, Tokeland bird trip with Nate Chappell, registered guests, call m Environment Matters Page
253-591-6439 to ensure your a Related article in Towhee
place, members, adults and
Sat, Apr 19, 9am – 12pm , Swan Creek Earth Day clean-up, Swan UP residents are free, non- E Education Page
member children age 2-17
Swan Creek, and REI, are hosting a volunteer work party and Earth are $5.00 each
Day celebration, all abilities and ages are welcome, children must be
supervised by parent or guardian, call Krystal Kyer for information Fri, Apr 25, 1pm – 4pm, Advanced Home School Science Lab –
at: 253-232-9978 Meteorology, Tacoma Nature Center, homeschool science students
ages 12-15, must be registered for the class session to register for the
Sun, Apr 20, 8:00am – 11:30am Nature Walk at Point Defiance
lab session. 253-591-6439 for information and registration. $10.
Park in Tacoma, Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, for information,
e-mail rob@whiterabbits.com f Sat, Apr 26, 6am – 5pm, Tokeland birding trip with Ruth Sullivan,
Mon, Apr 21, 12pm – 1pm, Plant Walk @ Adriana Hess F call the Tahoma Audubon office at 253-565-9278 to sign up
Sat, Apr 26, 9am – 12pm, Oak Tree Park clean-up, Oak Tree
Center & Adriana Hess Audubon Center, donations to support the Park, S. Tacoma. Join the Green Tacoma Partnership and Metro
educational programs are welcome, advance registration is request- Parks Tacoma, tools and equipment provided
ed, call 253-591-6439
Tue, Apr 29, 7pm – 9pm. Intermediate Birding Class, Adriana
Tue, Apr 22, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, Discovery Walk, Adriana Hess Hess Audubon Center, 2917 Morrison Road West, register by call-
Audubon Center, University Place, for families and friends of all ing the Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439
ages, recommended for families with children age 4 and up, call
253-591-6439 to register and get directions, free to members, $5/
person non-members, pre-registration required
Wed, Apr 23, 10:30am – 12:00pm Budding Scientists - Extreme MAy 2008
Earth, Adriana Hess Audubon Center, children ages 5-7, register
Wed, Apr 30, 3:15pm – 4:45pm, Budding Scientists - Extreme
two days before class, call 253-591-6439, $7.00 per child
Earth, Adriana Hess Audubon Center, children ages 5-7, register
Thu, Apr 24, 1pm – 3pm, Advanced Home School Science – two days before class by calling 253-591-6439, $7.00 per child
Meteorology, Tacoma Nature Center, homeschool students ages
12-15, call 253-591-6439 for more information and registration, fee Fri, May 2, 9am – 11am, Breakfast and Work Party, Adriana Hess
$10/student Audubon Center, help keep our wetland park clean, healthy, and free
Apr 25, 9am – 11am, Breakfast and Work Party, Adriana Hess
Audubon Center, help keep our wetland park clean, healthy, and free of weeds! v
of weeds! v Sat, May 3, 9am – 4pm, Native Plant Sale, Tacoma Nature Center,
Fri, Apr 25, 10am – 12pm, Morse Bird Walk, Morse Wildlife available plants will be posted on the website by 10:00am on Fri,
May 2 (www.metroparkstacoma.org).
Preserve. Graham WA,
field trip leader Betty Jones will lead a walk at Morse Wildlife
Preserve, call 253-565-9278 to register and for directions Make this Wed, Apr & May, Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually, 8:15am-
12:30pm, $3. entry fee unless you have a pass, call or email Phil
event a Birdathon Fundraiser! f Kelley to confirm details, Phil Kelley, Lacey, 360-459-1499, scrub-
Fri, Apr 25, 10:30am – 11:30am, Nature Story Time - Weather or jay323@aol.com. f

tAhoMA AuDuBoN Programs

Sun, Apr 13, ACOW Conference
Sun, Apr 13, 12pm – 4pm, Morse Preserve Open Trails, Morse
Wildlife Preserve, Graham, discover the beauty of the five habitat
zones in the preserve, all ages, free
Mon, Apr 14, 12pm – 1pm, Bird Walk @ Adriana Hess f Topic: Birding the Hot Spots of Costa Rica
Tue, Apr 15, 1:30pm – 2:30pm, Nature Alphabet - P is for
Predator, Tacoma Nature Center, preschoolers explore different
nature topics, adult participation recommended, children under
four require an adult present, fee $6.00/child, register at
253-591-6439
Tue, Apr 15, 5pm – 6pm, Morse Force Meeting, Adriana Hess
Wed, Apr 16, 3:15pm – 4:45pm, Budding Scientists - Weather
Report. Adriana Hess Audubon Center, children ages 5-7, register
two days before class, call 253-591-6439, $7.00 per child
Thu, Apr 17, 1pm – 3pm, Intermediate Home School Science -
TAS April Program Presentation
Presenters: Ken and Nell Batker
Date: Friday ~ April 11, 2008
Time: 7 pm ~ refreshments; 7:30 ~ announce-
ments ~ followed by the program
Location: Tacoma Nature Center 1919 S. Tyler St,
Tacoma, WA 98405
From lowland jungles to hot dry forests to cool
mountain cloud forests, Costa Rica has it all. A tiny
hospitable country (a little smaller than West
Virginia with a population a little larger than half
that of Washington), it is migratory or permanent
home to over 800 species of birds. Join Ken and
Nell Batker for an evening of birding in this beauti-
ful section of Central America.
If you have recommendations or would like to be considered for
a presentation, please 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. She is also seeking
individuals who may be interested in joining the program com-
mittee (a committee which may only host 1 at this time).
Plan to join us in May to answer the question,
“What’s that lurking under your bird feeder?” Rob
Sandelin will present the secret lives of WA mam-
mals at the May meeting.”

For additional information on education programs contact Tahoma Audubon at 253-565-9278; on the web at www.tahomaaudubon.org
Or The Tacoma Nature Center at 253-591-6439 or on the web at www.metroparkstacoma.org

Towhee The April 2008

Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
In this issue:
Tahoma Audubon Society YO2
PAID 25 years ago page 8
Tacoma, WA Birdathon field trips page 6
2917 Morrison Road West Permit No. 177
University Place, WA 98466 BirdSongs page 8
Bryan Flint column page 2
Address service requested
Education page 4
Environment matters page 3

Not applicable on the internets Field trips

New members
page 5
page 11
Paul Webster page 1
Volunteer recognition page 11