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Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 39 No. 10 Dec. 2008/Jan. 2009

Disc very

Voyage ofLand

ve been curious about the Discovery

Walks offered by our sister organiza-

tion, the Tacoma Nature Center at Snake

Lake and often featured in The Towhee, so I

finally went on one. On October 18th, our own

Stephanie Swaim led one to the Crescent Creek

watershed in Gig Harbor, practically in my own

back yard and definitely in the peninsula por-

tion of the Vashon Christmas Bird Count,

which I try to cover (it will be on December 28th

if youre interested!). Although these Discovery

Walks are offered for $5, TAS members can

sign up free. Membership carries its privileges!

These are NOT bird walks (what?!!), but nature

walks of discovery, so its kind of allowable

to bird a little, thank goodness! Open to people

of all ages, it was kind of a pleasant shock to see

Valerie Edwards of the Nature Center show up

with her extended family of three generations!

Wow! And every one of them could do a con-

vincing Flicker call!

Our trek started off down a dirt road a few

blocks from Crescent Valley Road, one of the

peninsulas thoroughfares. However, we were

almost immediately in the woods and out of

Story and photos by Diane Yorgason-Quinn

I

See "Discovery" on page 7

Youve waited all year and now

Christmas Bird Count 2008

By Faye McAdams Hands

As always, our chapter has our CBC on the 3rd Saturday in

December, so this year it is December 20. This is a part of the

Holiday tradition that we all look forward to. Whaaaat?!? Youvenever participated before? Well then, this is the year to get started!

Each year, Audubon chapters throughout the US and Canada, and many countries in

Central and South America, choose a day 2 weeks prior to or after Christmas to census

all birds heard and seen. Besides being a fun day of birding, this is also the longest

standing citizen science project on the planet (this is the 109th year), and provides valu-

able data to the scientific community that is used in a variety of ways.

We welcome our returning counters as well as anyone new to the experience. You can

even count birds at your feeder if you choose to stay home instead! (Just give me a call

with your numbers the next day and they will be added to that Areas numbers!)

Check out the map of our Count Circle and call the Area Coordinator listed to sign

See "Christmas Bird Count" on page 6

Evergreen huckleberriesare abundant in theCrescent Valley woods.

TAS is about to achieve a major milestone! In 2009, we will mark the

40th anniversary of Tahoma Audubon Society. What started in 1969 as a

small group of concerned citizens gathered in a living room has grown into

Pierce Countys oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization.

To celebrate this achievement, we are throwing a party! This years annu-

al membership banquet will be a celebration of the past 40 years of con-necting people to nature, with an eye to the next 40 to come. Please mark

your calendar for this fun event!

Save the Date:40th Anniversary Banquet

Sat. Feb. 28th, 2009, 5:30 pm

McGavick Student Center

Clover Park Technical College

Major anniversaries are a

great opportunity to reflect on

our shared past. Over the last

four decades, we haveworked

See "TAS 40th on page 2

2009 membership banquet tocelebrate TAS 40th anniversary

Growing From Our Roots:40 Years of the Tahoma Audubon Society

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Tahoma Audubon Staff

Flint, Bryan Executive Directorbryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129

Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinatorkkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978

Swaim, Stephanie Education CoordinatorStephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-5479

Taylor, Graham Volunteer 253-565-1884Kerrigan, Julie Coordinatorgtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org

Tahoma Audubon Board Officers

John Garner President

Marjorie Shea Vice President

Wayne Larsen Past President

Jane Brosius Secretary

Kathleen Nelson Treasurer

Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2008

Rob McNair-Huff Field Trip Chair

Thelma Gilmur Membership Co-chairDick Carkner

Sally Larson

Marcus Roening

Peggy L. Kopf

Darby Veeck

Ione Clagett

Melissa Paulson

Elizabeth Beer

Loren Webster Calendar Editor loren@lorenwebster.net

The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon SocietyLocated in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park

2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278

e-mail: contact@TahomaAudubon.org

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org December 2008/January 2009

executive directorsCorner

Success is possible

The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.

The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TASadvocates for the protectionof wildlife and promotes conservation through education and activities that enrich its mem-

bers experiences in and with the natural world.

The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with a combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan

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.

Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed.

Editor: editor@tahomaaudubon.org

Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings

Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: E-mail: robert_kelton@ mac.com

Printing: Consolidated PressPrinted on recycled newsprint

Thanks to the

leadership of the

Tacoma Metro

Parks Commis-

sioners there will

be more habitat forsalmon and birds

in the future.

Near the west-

ern, dead-end of 6th

Ave in Tacoma is

Titlow Park and Titlow Pool. Many bird watchers

are familiar with Titlow Park because of the lagoon

that is often teaming with ducks and other shorebirds.

A short stroll from there is a forested trail and many

additional bird species can be spotted. A round trip

can take you past the shoreline where you can see

seabirds and the purple martin boxes.

Also at Titlow is an aging, Olympic size swim-

ming pool. Replacement of the pool was on a listof projects in the 2005 bond measure passed by vot-

ers. Driven largely by the need to protect the estu-

ary, and seeing the opportunity for future habitat

restoration, the Metro Parks Commissioners decid-

ed to build the new pool in a different location.

Kendle Park will be the new home of the pool.

The estuary at Titlow lagoon is significant habitat

for salmon. It is one of very few large tidal influ-

enced lagoons providing refuge and foraging habi-

tat for South Puget Sound salmon. It is on restora-

tion lists for the Chamber Clover Watershed and the

Puget Sound Partnership. With the renewed focusof the Puget Sound Partnership, the lagoon pro-

vides a unique opportunity to create more habitat

for salmon and birds.

What a great story it tells: that it is possible to

actually increase wildlife habitat in the urban area;

that in a city park at the end of a major city street,

accessible to anyone who can drive ride or walk, we

can witness the restoration of prime habitat for the

wonderful species that define the northwest.

We applauded MetroParks for recognizing the

opportunity and making the right decision. It was a

tough call guaranteed not to please everyone. But it

was one that allows us to do right by the environ-

ment and have the recreational opportunities pro-vided by a pool.

Lets party like its 1969!

Two thousand and nine is the reason I am Director

of Tahoma Audubon. This next year is the 40th

anniversary of Tahoma Audubon Society.

Just imagine working for an organization that is

just a little younger than I am. Working with people

who were my age when they sat down in a living

room and contemplated forming a local chapter of

the Audubon Society. It is a joy to be part of an

organization that is still going strong, surrounded by

the people who were there at the beginning.

Just image the challenge and opportunity of

working with an organization going through a gen-

erational shift. One generation of environmental

leadership passing the torch to the next, combiningthe wisdom of those who have struggled for decades

with the optimism of those who see endless possi-

bilities for the coming decades.

Lets celebrate together, in 2009, the wonderful

work of Tahoma Audubon that has been and that

lies ahead.

hard to protect placesas precious as Swan Creek and Snake Lake and have edu-

cated generations of young people on the wonders of birds and nature. We have

explored Pierce County and Washington State together through field trips and are

proud of the legacy of the Tahoma Audubon Society.

This time is also a wonderful time to dream about the good work still to be done

and commit to making it happen. Every day we learn about new threats to habi-

tat that must be addressed and meet new people who are ready to help protect the

environment. Our successful history indicates that Tahoma Audubon is well

poised to protect important bird habitat in Pierce County for future generations.

It has been you, our members and supporters, who have made all of this pos-sible. In celebration, well start the evening of February 28th off with a cocktail

reception and silent auction, followed by a delicious buffet dinner prepared by the

Clover Park Culinary Arts Program. The program will also include a special

presentation celebrating TASs 40-year history, our 2009 Birdathon Kickoff and

election of new board members. The banquet is part of a week-long series of

anniversary events planned around the theme, Growing From Our Roots: 40

Years of the Tahoma Audubon Society.

Whether youre part of Tahoma Audubons root or growth years, we hope

you will join us in celebrating our accomplishments and the successes on the

horizon!

Bill and Barbara Griffin would like to publicly thank those individuals who

made a memorial gift to Tahoma Audubon Society in the name of Marjorie

Griffin, who passed away earlier this year. They are gratified that by honoring

Marjorie you are supporting Tahoma Audubon.

A heartfelt thank you

... TAS 40th from page 1

It was a tough callguaranteed not toplease everyone. Butit was one that allowsus to do right by the

environment.

mailto:kkyer@tahomaaudubon.orgmailto:%20StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.orgmailto:robert_kelton@mac.commailto:robert_kelton@mac.commailto:%20StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.orgmailto:kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org

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By Rein Attemann

This year was the year of the activist. Citizen

involvement blossomed from political activism to

labor activism, from social activism to environ-

mental activism. Washington State saw it all.

In the environmental arena, People For Puget

Sound in January organized the annual citizen

lobby day for the environmental community.

Priorities for a Healthy Washington brought

together over 350 citizens from throughout the

state to meet one-on-one with

their elected representatives

and to engage them with theirpowers of persuasion. Some

were seasoned citizen lobby-

ists, but many newcomers

experienced the sense of

Olympia politics for the very

first time and were empow-

ered by this lobby day.

However, one day was not

enough to ensure that all four

environmental priorities

would pass the state legisla-

ture. Constituent activists used emails, phone calls

and letters during session and helped pass all four

environmental priorities.Thanks to heavy citizen involvement, several

other environmental measures also passed:

A toxic-free toys bill, the first of its kind in the

nation to safeguard children from toys containing

with toxic chemicals. Year-round funding for a rescue tug at the

mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to help dis-

tressed vessels and reduce the risk of a catastrophic

oil spill.

An Orca protection bill keeping all vessels

300 away from the endangered whales.

What a successful 2008 legislative session

indeed!

Looking ahead to 2009, citizen activists will con-

tinue to hold our elected officials accountable for

doing the right things for the health of Puget Sound.

The legislature will be grappling with tough finan-

cial decisions which will mean funding the Puget

Sound Partnerships Action Agenda for the nexttwo years will be a huge challenge. What worries

us and our readers is that The Sound and its critters

will not survive another round of broken promises

and inaction.

The 2009 priorities include legislation to cappollution and invest in a clean energy economy,

promote energy efficiency first, create transit-

oriented communities, and invest in clean water.

For additional information on the priorities please

visit http://www.environmentalpriorities.org/.

You can make your voice heard for a healthier

Washington by attending Citizens Lobby Day

2009, Thursday, February 19th, in Olympia. To

register, go to http://pugetsound.org/index/lobbyday

or contact Rein Attemann, People For Puget Sound,

rattemann@pugetsound.org, (206) 382-7005

x213.

Rein Attemann is Field Director for People ForPuget Sound.

Cap and Invest

By implementing real lim-

its on global warming pol-

lution, we will create new

jobs and stimulate the

growth of a clean energy

economy here in Washington State. This effort

starts by putting a cap on greenhouse gas emissions,

and then having polluters pay when they pollute. This

new revenue will be invested to reduce fossil fuel

dependence and spur new clean-tech innovation,

while assisting moderate- and low-income peoplewith volatile energy prices. Through state action now,

we will reduce global warming pollution in a manner

that benefits Washingtons economy, helps us shape

regional and national programs, and situates us at the

cutting edge of the new clean energy economy.

Efficiency First

Promoting energy efficient homes, businesses and

public institutions will save money, enhance energy

security, and significantly reduce global-warming pol-

lution. Energy efficiency is the cheapest and most

immediate way to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions

and will create thousands of good, family-wage jobs

in Washington. This bill will put efficiency first by

promoting super-efficient, low-energy-use buildings,

providing incentives to maximize energy efficiency,

requiring energy use information on buildings offeredfor sale or lease; and making our public buildings

models of energy efficiency. This policy will also help

to ensure that low-income consumers can cope with

rising energy costs.

Transit-Oriented Communities

Washingtonians want to live in affordable, walkable

and transit-oriented communities. With population

growth, we are facing increased traffic congestion,

diminished quality of life, and ever-increasing

greenhouse gas emissions. Transit-Oriented

Communities would

revise the states trans-

portation and land-use

planning framework to

assist local jurisdictions

to plan for growth in a

sustainable and climate-friendly way. The bill will

provide incentives for cities and developers to cre-

ate affordable, livable, transit-oriented develop-

ment, increasing transportation choices.

Invest in Clean WaterFrom Puget Sound to the Spokane River, clean water is

Washingtons lifeblood and our communities cant thrive

without it. This package of targeted polluter-pays fees

will protect the taxpaying public and ensure that pollut-

ers take responsibility for the impacts of their actions. The

effort will raise new revenue to fund critical projects to

save Puget Sound and restore Washingtons rivers and

lakes. By investing in stormwater infrastructure, toxics

prevention and other programs, we create new jobs,

relieve financial pressure on local government, and pro-

mote new economic stimulus.

eNviroNMeNtMatters

December 2008/January 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

Photo/RobertKe

lton

krystalKYERConservation Coordinator

Contact Krystal at 253-232-9978. Or you can e-mail her @ kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org

2009 Environmental Priorities

Environmental concerns such as Clean Air/Clean Fuels, Saving Puget Sound, Eliminating Toxic Flame

Retardants and Wildlife and Recreation programs were why I had gone to Lobby Day and visit

Representative Goodman. My passion is for the environment. But when I left from that meeting, I

knew that if I ever had any concerns about the direction the Washington State Legislature was tak-

ing on any topic, I would be able to knock on Rogers door, and make those concerns known.

Representative Goodman embodies the concept of government for the people and by the people.

Kat Crowley-York, 45thLegislative District

mailto:rattemann@pugetsound.orgmailto:rattemann@pugetsound.orgmailto:rattemann@pugetsound.org

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Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org December 2008/January 2009

educatioNMatters

2917 Morrison Road W.,

University Pl. WA 98466

253-565-9278

www.TahomaAudubon.org

Open Mon Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.

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.

TogetherGreen Fellowship awarded

stephanieSWAIMEducation Coordinator

Nature AlphabetAges 3-6, $6, One hour. Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories,

hands-on activities, nature walks and crafts at the Tacoma Nature Center. Adult partici-

pation is recommended, children under four require an adult present. Please note that

there are alternating times. Register by the Saturday before the program.

Tacoma Nature Center-1919 South Tyler St. Tacoma, WA 98405

(253) 591-6439 tnc@tacomaparks.com

Dec 2 Tue 10:3011:30 AM Y is for Yippy Coyotes

Dec 16 Tue 1:30-2:30 PM Nature Alphabet Z is for Zany.

Jan 13 Tue 10:3011:30 AM Nature Alphabet: A is for Apple

Jan 27 Tue 1:302: 30 PM Nature Alphabet: B is for Busy Beavers

Feb 10 Tue 10:30 11:30 AM Nature Alphabet: C is for Colorful Critters

Feb 24 Tue 1:302:30 PM Nature Alphabet: D is for Dragony

As many of you

now know, I have

been awarded a

National Fellowship

from TogetherGreen,

an alliance between

National Audubonand Toyota. In late

October I attended a

professional devel-

opment training at

the National

C o n s e r v a t i o n

Training Center in

Shepherdstown,

West Virginia with the 39 other conservation profession-

als selected for this award. During the five-day training,

we were treated to workshops by experts in communica-

tions, community leadership, conservation planning, and

engaging diverse audiences. We also had the opportunity

to hear from some of the innovators of this program

from the Toyota family. I left the training very excited to

represent Tahoma Audubon through this fellowship. It is

both an opportunity to improve my effectiveness as a

conservation leader in Pierce County, and a vehicle to

expand our education programs a novel way. In addition

to the training, I have received a grant from the fellow-

ship to pilot a conservation project here in our commu-nity.

I need to share with you another experience I had at

the training: how inspiring it was to be among some of

the most passionate individuals in our world-wide con-

servation community. Their experiences and successes

guided me to rework and improve my plan for my proj-

ect. It was encouraging to know that so many others

across the country and around the world are as passion-

ate as I am. For example, in this first year of this fellow-

ship we will be protecting thousands of acres of land in

Vermont, restoring native grasslands in California,

encouraging skateboarders to become park stewards in

the Bronx, restoring streams on private lands in New

Mexico and reducing bird-collisions with building in

Philadelphia, to name a few. My plan is to bring the

Osprey Club, our after-school ecology-service club, to

families and students of Fort Lewis. Each one of these

projects plants a seed in their community with the poten-

tial to reach hundreds or thousands of people and affect

the community for generations.

And this is only the first year! At the end of five years,over 200 fellows will have been funded through the

generous donation from Toyota. Two hundred individu-

als will have created new projects in their communities

and reached new audiences. Make no mistake this is a

powerful movement of which we are a part! If you

would like to help with my project at Fort Lewis, or learn

more about the fellowship, please call. I would love to

tell you more about it and get you involved!

Be sure and check out the Charley Harper

Exhibit and Auction at Tacoma Nature Center:

Bidding closes on December 20th! So make sure

you bid on these gorgeous nature prints from the

famous artist, Charley Harper.

Call Steph @ 253-565-5479. Or

StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org

Nature Hikes

Games and Crafts

Hot Cocoa

Storytellers

Wildlife Discovery!

WinterFest2008

Brought to you by: Tahoma Audubon Society. Call (253) 565-9278 for more information.

On December 30th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.At the Morse Wildlife Preserve in Graham, WA

Join us as we celebrate thenatural beauty and wonder

of the winter season.

mailto:tnc@tacomaparks.commailto:tnc@tacomaparks.commailto:StephSwaim@TahomaAudubon.orgmailto:StephSwaim@TahomaAudubon.orgmailto:StephSwaim@TahomaAudubon.orgmailto:tnc@tacomaparks.com

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field trips and Events

People from all across the United States and

Canada will be watching and counting birds during

the Great Backyard Bird Count--for fun and for con-

servation. Last year, the top 10 Birds for 2008 GBBC

on the most frequently reported list were Northern

Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy

Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, House

Finch, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee,

and American Crow. The top 10 Birds for 2008 GBBC

in the most numerous reported list were Snow

Goose, Canada Goose, European Starling, American

Robin, Common Grackle, American Crow, American

Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird,

and Mourning Dove. (http://www.birdsource.org/

gbbc/learning/topbirds)

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 instruc-

tions and local checklists.

To have more fun, join Tahoma Audubon

Societys 8th annual GBBC Special which we

hope will again feature four separate days

events. Our January flyer will give place,

time, etc. Call TAS, 253-565-9278, to get direc-

tions and let us know which days activity you wish

to join. There will be a meal, a crash course, and

birding with a Master Birder. It is free, though we

encourage non-members to take out an introduc-

tory membership for the family at $20.00 ($15.00

for seniors or students.)

Do you wish to offer the use of your yard for this

GBBC? You will be asked to choose whether you

would like to make a breakfast, lunch, or supper.

You will be supplied a Master Birder unless that

is a job that someone in your family can do.

Thanks for considering this and letting us know

as soon as possible.

Please call Thelma Gilmur, 253-564-

8210, to offer to help or for more infor-

mation. Call TAS, 253-565-9278,

early to sign up so that hosts will

know how much food to plan on.

Weekly Bird Walks at NisquallyDec 3 Wed 7:30-11:00 AM

Join Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the

birds at Nisqually NWR. Meet: At the Visitors

Center. The group may walk out to McAllister

Creek if that trail is open. Then it takes the board-

walk/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, wa-

ter, snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a

pass. Scopes are welcome.

Sign-up: Call or email Phil Kelley to conrm

details (especially during the trail construction

period). Phil Kelley, Lacey, 360-459-1499, scrub-

jay323@aol.com.

Weekly trips- Dec 10, 17, 24, 31 and Jan 7, 14,

21, 28 and Feb 4, 11, 18

Kittitas County Birding in Winter.Dec 7 Sun 6:30 AM-5:00 PM

Co-Leaders -Charlie Wright and Roger Orness.Come enjoy a day of winter-season birding in cen-

tral Washington. We will venture over Snoqualmie

Pass and visit areas including Swauk Prairie and

South Cle Elum along our route. Large numbers of

raptors including Rough-legged Hawks and Prai-

rie Falcons are seen wintering in the open, snow-

covered elds of Kittitas. Proceeding east we will

reach the Columbia River at Vantage, where wa-

terfowl are sometimes present in vast numbers.

Some target species will include unusual loons,

ducks, American White Pelicans, and possibly rare

gulls. Chukar are occasionally seen in the basalt

outcroppings here.

Bring many layers of clothing for cold weatherconditions, a lunch, and snacks. Scopes are wel-

come. Space is limited.

Meet: At 6:30 AM at Auburn Safeway at Auburn

Way and Main St. Take Hwy. 18 to Auburn and

exit at Auburn Way. (Hwy 164). Turn north (right)

on Auburn Way and drive three blocks north. Safe-

way sign and gas station will be on the left. Park

in the Safeway lot just beyond the gas station and

straight out from the Safeway door. We will meet

and carpool (promptly) from there.

Sign-up: Contact Roger Orness, r.orness@com-

cast.net, 253-922-7516. E-mail is preferred.

Weekly Bird Walk @ Adriana HessDec 8 Jan 12 Feb 9 Mon 12:00-1:00 PM

Weekly Plant Walk @ Adriana HessDec 15 Jan 19 Feb 16 Mon 12:00-1:00 PM

Nature Walk at Point Defance ParkDec 21 Sun 8:00-11:30 AM

Join author Rob McNair-Huff for a 5-mile walk

through the forests at Point Deance Park. The trip

starts at the back of the parking lot for the Point

Deance Zoo and Aquarium. Come prepared for

a healthy walk through the park in changeable

weather conditions. Winter bird highlights can

include waterfowl, Bald Eagles and forest birds.

For more information, e-mail rob@whiterab-

bits.com.

Point WilsonJan 11 Sun 7:00 AM-2:00 PM..

Location: Point Wilson, Fort Flagler, Port

Townsend area.

Leader: Ruth Sullivan.The primary targets for this eld trip are winter

waterfowl in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and theNorth Puget Sound. Hope for Marbled and An-

cient Murrelet, Pigeon Guillemont, Rhinoceros

Auklet, Common Murre, Harlequin Ducks, Long-

tailed Ducks, Brants, 3 species of Loon, and many

shorebirds on the spit of Fort Flagler. Dress for

cold wind and the ever present possibility of rain.

This is an all-day trip.

We meet at 7:00 am at the Park and Ride at 6th

Ave. close to the Narrows Bridge. For reserva-

tions call 253-565-9278.

Great Backyard Bird Count - February 13-16, 2009

December 2008/January 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5

A red-winged blackbird, one

of the more numerous species

seen during the GBBC in 2008.

Photo/Diane Mayzak

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.

rules

Tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the

Americas will take part in an adventure that has

become a family tradition among generations.

Families and students, birders and scientists,

armed with binoculars, bird guides and check-

lists will head out on an annual mission - often

before dawn. For over one hundred years, the

desire to both make a difference and to experi-

ence the beauty of nature has driven dedicated

people to leave the comfort of a warm house in

the middle of winter.

Saturday, December 20: CHRISTMAS BIRDCOUNT!! See article in Towhee. For more infor-

mation, contact Faye McAdams Hands at (253)

942-9233 or zest4parus@hotmail.com.

Sunday, December 28: Please join one of our

partner Audubon chapters for their Christmas

Bird Count!

Vashon CBC: For the Gig Harbor portion, con-

tact Diane Yorgason-Quinn at (253) 857-3367 or

avosetta@hotmail.com. For island count, con-

tact Sue Trevathan at (206) 463-1484 or sue.

trevathan@centurytel.net.

Rainier (Kent/Auburn): Contact Nancy Stre-

iffert at (253) 796-2203 or nancy_streiffert@hotmail.com.

Want to know how to identify those birds out on the

water? Want to see what the birds are up to at Pen-

rose Point? If so then join us on Saturday the 13th of

December at 11 AM, we will meet at Penrose Point

State Park in the big parking lot near the lawn. We

will have one scope and a few pairs of binoculars for

folks to use. Please call to register at (253) 884-2514;

the group size is limited to 15 people (it is free!).

Waterbirds Walk

The 109th Christmas Bird Count: Citizen Science in action

Sunday, December 14, 2008 to Monday, January 5, 2009

mailto:scrubjay323@aol.commailto:scrubjay323@aol.commailto:scrubjay323@aol.commailto:scrubjay323@aol.commailto:r.orness@comcast.netmailto:r.orness@comcast.netmailto:r.orness@comcast.netmailto:r.orness@comcast.netmailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:zest4parus@hotmail.commailto:avosetta@hotmail.commailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:nancy_streiffert@hotmail.commailto:nancy_streiffert@hotmail.commailto:nancy_streiffert@hotmail.commailto:nancy_streiffert@hotmail.commailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:avosetta@hotmail.commailto:zest4parus@hotmail.commailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:r.orness@comcast.netmailto:r.orness@comcast.netmailto:scrubjay323@aol.commailto:scrubjay323@aol.com

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Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org December 2008/January 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7

Area 1: Joe McGuire 253-537-4790Area 2: Carol Schulz 206-824-7618

linusq@att.net

Area 3: Diane Yorgason-Quinn 253-857-3367avosetta@hotmail.com

Area 4: Roxy & Bill Giddings 253-537-3075

Area 5: Rolan Nelson 360-709-0503

rnbuffle@yahoo.com

Area 6: Marcus Roening 253-756-0215Area 7: Stan & Sharon Johnson 253-848-2 090

Area 8: Ruth Sullivan 253-564-7419godwit513@msn.com

Count Compiler: Faye McAdams Hands253-942-9233 zest4parus@hotmail.com

... Christmas Bird Count from page 1up and get the details on when and where to

meet. If you arent sure, or would like to

offer your help and talent in an Area that

might need someone else to join their team,

please feel free to call or e-mail me, the

Count Compiler.

We also enjoy a Tally Dinner at Snake

Lake Nature Center, starting at 5:00pm (we

offer dinner at $6.00 per person.) Our flock

gathers here at the end of the day to refuel,

warm up, total our numbers and share our

experiences. See you on the 20th!

From December 14, 2008

through January 5, 2009,

tens of thousands of vol-

unteers throughout the

Americas will take part

in an adventure that has

become a family tradition

among generations. Families

and students, birders and scien-

tists, armed with binoculars, bird

guides and checklists will head out

on an annual mission - often before

dawn. For over one hundred years,

the desire to both make a differenceand to experience the beauty of nature

has driven dedicated people to leave the

comfort of a warm house in the middle

of winter.

Each of the citizen scientists who brave

snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the

Christmas Bird Count make an enor-

mous contribution to conservation.

Audubon and other organiza-

tions use data collected in this

longest-running wildlife census

to assess the health of bird

populations - and to help guide

conservation action.

From feeder-watchers

and feld observers to

count compilers and re-

gional editors, everyone

who takes part in the

Christmas Bird Count does

it for love of birds and the ex-citement of friendly competition -- and

with the knowledge that their efforts are

making a difference for science and bird

conservation.

Explore the CBC Photo Gallery of birds

seen during counts. http://www.audu-

bon.org/Bird/cbc/cbcPhotos.php

A tradition and an adventure

By Diane Yorgason-Quinn

Since I last wrote about the Monk

Parakeets in Port Orchard (The Towhee,

February 2005), the cell tower where they

had built their huge stick nest/roost was

indeed torn down and replaced with a big-

ger tower on Mitchell Road, south of

South Kitsap High School. Local author-

ities tried to capture the dozen or so

birds, but couldnt get them all. The

new tower soon had a large stick nest!

Recently, that nest is missing, wheth-

er by natural or foul means remains

unknown. How-

ever, there

are still

Monk

Parakeets on that tower!

On October 25, a warm sunny fall day,

Adam Trent and I passed by and saw three

birds at 5:30 p.m. No nest was seen, but

the new tower has large rectangular open-

ings where conduits enter, and one of those

appeared to have a couple of sticks protrud-

ing. Later we saw one of the birds enter

that hole. This is pretty confusing because

Monks are almost known among parrot

species for NOTbeing cavity nesters. They

prefer to build their own apartment houses

in the open. Maybe when nesting time rolls

around again, a new structure will appear,

or maybe theyll adapt to cavity nesting, or

maybe theyll all be caught and live in cages

by then. So far they have been amazingly

resilient for presumably captive-bred escap-

ees from a pet store. So the story continues

to evolve!

Monk Parakeets in Port Orchard

Right:

The newcell towerat Monkheadquar-ters, PortOrchard.

Left:Detailof Monkenteringthe tower

conduitand pump-ing his tail.

Walk leader Stephanie Swaim.

Downy Woodpecker

Deciduous huckleberries were also abundant.

Work of Pileated Woodpeckers.

Jeff Feagin and many mushrooms.

Gorgeous golden Tussock Moth caterpillar. Valerie stops for a snack.

Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn

sound and sight of civilization on really great trails, part of

the private land parcels which make up the Crescent ValleyAlliance, a stewardship project similar to local land trusts.

Only in America! When neighbors band together, things

really do happen! This alliance was just born in 2006 onthe heels of a BioBlitz designed to identify whether it was

something special biologically (and of course it is!; seetheir website: http://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/). It

has already been winning awards (Department of Fish and

Wildlife Organization of the Year and Arbor DayStewardship Award!) and has energized the long Crescent

Creek valley that connects Crescent Lake on the north andGig Harbor on the south. This mostly undeveloped and

pristine watershed will assuredly be watched over andprotected for as long as any of us can see ahead, thanks to

this dedicated group of neighbors and property owners.

Stephanie, dressed in autumnal Halloween colors oforange, led her small force into the woods on a warm

autumn day. As befitting a Voyage of Discovery, ourleader was an actual oceanographer! She seemed happy

enough to be exploring the watersheds rather than water-

ways today, although as an amphibian herself, she madecertain we opened our ears to the sounds of the Pacific

Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris regilla). To hear what we heard,

click on the sound bites on this informative website thatSteph directed us to later: http://www.mister-toad.com/PacificTreeFrog.html.

At first birds seemed scarce. Jeff Feagin predicted

theyd all get active at noontime, and sure enough, thelonger we spent, the bolder the birds. Woodpeckers,

wrens, kinglets, sparrows, thrushes, crossbills, and fincheswere soon our constant companions, but except for the

predictably bold Song Sparrows, they were quite skulky. I

saw and heard my first Varied Thrush of the season, animportant sign of passage. A Hermit Thrush was seen

close-up by Jeff and Adam. Fox Sparrows allowed com-parisons of their chevron breast markings with the streaks

of the Song Sparrows. Siskins appeared and reappeared asif part of a magic trick. Brown Creepers tested our obser-

vation skills, but we passed the test. Kinglets made us pivot

our necks upwards in an unnatural position.It was difficult to get through the walk for reasons other

than birds, too. Berries had to be identified and tasted, twokinds of huckleberries and at least two kinds of blackber-

ries, all at perfect ripeness. You wouldnt starve here!

Plenty of inedible fruits, too, but tasty to the birds. It wasthe height of mushroom season, and there was an amazing

variety. Although Jeff knew a lot of the mushrooms, noone actually saw him eat one! Thats a warning in itself!

A gorgeous golden caterpillar with plumes presenteditself on an eye-level leaf and asked to be admired. Later

Stephanie, with the help of Krystal Kyer at TAS, was able

to narrow down its ID to one of the instars (phases betweenexoskeleton molts) of the Spotted Tussock Moth

(Lophocampa maculate). Al so called Yellow Wooly Bear,it is not to be confused with the prognosticating orange-

and-black Wooly Bears and their renowned weather pre-

dicting abilities, although perhaps this gorgeous creaturedid know something she wasnt telling us. Such a stunning

creature, this caterpillar will metamorphosis into a drabmoth, just the opposite of the ugly duckling story.

This lovely nature trail accessed on Drummond Streethas welcomed bikers, joggers, and equestrians as well, and

you can go explore it yourself. Contact the Alliance (web-

site above) or come with us to inventory the birds onDecember 28th (Vashon CBC). The trails are well main-

tained, and users seem intent on keeping the area wellpreserved for all of us.

from page 1

... disc very

update:

VermillionFlycatcher,CBC, 2008,

Econlockhatchee, FLPhoto/Roy Halpin

Explorers disappear into the woods.

Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn

mailto:rnbuffle@yahoo.comhttp://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/http://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/http://www.mister-toad.com/PacificTreeFrog.htmlhttp://www.mister-toad.com/PacificTreeFrog.htmlhttp://www.mister-toad.com/PacificTreeFrog.htmlhttp://www.mister-toad.com/PacificTreeFrog.htmlhttp://www.mister-toad.com/PacificTreeFrog.htmlhttp://www.mister-toad.com/PacificTreeFrog.htmlhttp://www.crescentvalleyalliance.org/mailto:rnbuffle@yahoo.com

8/9/2019 12-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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quizzicalthe

By Thais Bock

Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org December 2008/January 2009

BIRDSONGS

byPhilBuly

Answers:1.AmericanKestrel2.Chachalaca3.rectrices4.rain5.SnowyOwl

The TAS 1983 Christmas Bird Count

was on Sunday, December 18. The

goal was to beat the previous years

total of 113 species, and 70,223

individual birds. Our CBC Chair was

Ken Brown, the traditional 15-mile radius

circle was the CBC count. The eight sections leaders

were Joe Quinn, Thais Bock,Ken Batker/Fred

Tobiason, Carla Hansmann, Nathan Chapell,

Burt Ostenson, Stan Johnson, Betty Hietman.

The CBC birders gathered at dusk near the count

circle center to total up birds counted and share the

CBC chili dinner at the home of Helen & Stan

Engle.

The Membership Meeting on Dec. 9 was at PLUs

Ingram Hall and featured Libby Mills with a

presentation on The Real Alaska Brown Bear: Not

Ferocious, and Not Teddy. A veteran of five summers

as a National Park Service naturalist at Katmai and

Denali National Parks, she has observed and

photographed these bears. In the winter she is The

Nature Conservancys Steward for the Skagit River

Bald Eagle Preserve.

In 1982, Washington State Audubon members

hired a legislative coordinator to represent Audubons

conservation concerns in the state capitol. After three

years of having a state office in Olympia, we have

grown and become an effective force there. And in

one year Audubons novice Legislative Coordinator,

Pam Crocker-Davis, spent a lot of time learning the

ropes at the legislature, finding out how seasoned

white-hat lobbyists operate, how the legislative

system really works, and how to organize and work

against environmentally damaging legislation.

As the 1984 session approaches, Audubon will bein Olympia on the defensive, to protect against

environmental losses, and on the offensive, working

for environmental gains.

TAS was well represented at a crowded

public hearing in the Tacoma Bicentennial

Pavilion on the subject of arsenic

emissions from the American Smelting

& Refining Company (ASARCO ) copper

smelter in Ruston. Bill Giddings

presented our arguments and portions of our

comments appeared in the New York Timesand on

television. TAS believes that it is possible both to

protect the public and protect jobs. People in the

neighborhood of the smelter

must not continue to be

exposed to arsenic dust levels

which require workers in the

plant to wear respirators. The

Clean Air Act requires that the

public be provided an ample

margin of safety, not just

minimal protection from

proven damage.

Writing of the wonderfully varied wilderness areas

proposed for official designation, Mary Fries listed

the attractions of Cougar Lakes, Norse Peak/

Greenwater and Lake Chelan/Sawtooth Ridge.

Familiar with these areas from numerous

backpacking trips through them on a labyrinth of

wilderness trails, Mary lists the lakes, ponds, and

tarns; the slopes, crags, and basins in the tumultuous

landscapes. Her special emphasis is on the wildlife

--elk, deer, coyotes, marmots, incredible birds and

wildflowers.

Field trips included Nisqually NWR census, led by

Karl Lundberg; Kreger Lake, John Piper; McNeil

Island walk, Henry Kyle; Commencement Bay

waterfront, John Slipp &Thelma Gilmur; plus the

Kent-Auburn CBC, led by Thais Bockon Dec. 31.TAS President Walt Adams did a wonderful job of

keeping members informed of the major environmental

issues of our community.

Heres an excerpt from his

presidents report in

December 1983.

In October 1981 Com-

mencement Bay was listed

as the top priority hazardous

waste site in the State of

Washington, and placed with

the top 10 highest priority

sites in the nation, for consideration for federal

funding of necessary remedial

action under Superfund. April

1983 EPA announced that it

finalized the EPA/State

Cooperative Agreement for 1.3

million dollars, allowing

Washington Department of

Ecology to implement the

investigation of hazardous

waste pollution along the

nearshore/tideflats industrial area of Commencement

Bay.

Agencies that have made studies of Commencement

Bay are EPA, NOAA, WA Dept. of Ecology, Tacoma-

Pierce County Health Department, US Corps of

Engineers, and other groups. A Citizens Advisory

committee for Nearshore/Tideflats Superfund Project

has been formed. The members of this committee

represent various segments of the public such as the

Tacoma Medical Society, League of Women Voters,

Vashon/Maury Island Community Council, Tahomans

for Healthy Environment, Tahoma Audubon and

private citizens. Meetings with the agency people are

held about once a month and reports are given bri

nging the members up to date.

By Helen Engle

Helen Englefrom days of yore.

Feedback, comments and reminiscences

welcome, 253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.

Just the other day... Heres what TAS was doing in November 1983

1. Which falcon is our smallest and most colorful?

2. What large arboreal long-tailed species of the southwest constantly

repeats its name?

3. What are the tail feathers of a bird called?

4. The word plover from the Latin pluvia means ________.

5. What owl is closely related to the Great Horned Owl?(Answers below cartoon.)

American Smelting And Refning Company.

8/9/2019 12-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

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December 2008/January 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9

aNNouNceMeNts

Our TAS bookstore will have special holiday hours.

We will be open from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. on

Saturdays, December 6, 13, and 20 to help you have

more opportunities to purchase your Christmas and

holiday gifts. The usual hours for Monday through

Friday will remain the same, opening at 10:00a.m.

and closing at 1:00p.m.

We have bird field guides, plant and animal guides,

childrens books, posters, t-shirts, Rite-in-the-Rain

notebooks, bird houses, gift certificates, Tahoma

Audubon Society memberships, and various activity

books.We also have our 2009 Tahoma Audubon

Calendars for $4.00!!!

Come visit us at 2917 Morrison Road W in University

Place. There is a 10% discount for members.

On Main Post of McChord Air Force Base we currently

monitor 71 boxes in 39 locations.

Two boxes within 12 inches of each other are consid-

ered double boxed locations. We also had 7 single

boxes. In the south area, we still have 4 boxes in 2

locations.

During the fall of 2007 and the spring of 2008 we

replaced and relocated 8 Bluebird (BB) boxes.

Total: 73 boxes in 41 locations.During the nesting season (late April to early August)

boxes known to attract BB were monitored twice

weekly when possible. This year we provided freeze-

dried mealworms as our usual food source, medium size

live worms, was in short supply nationwide.

Each year, access to our nesting area has become

more difficult as post security, specifically gate and road

closures, increases. Since 2004 we have not banded

any young BB largely due to the difficulty with increased

security. By September we had cleaned and scraped

out all our boxes and made final calculations.

Bluebirds nested successfully in 11 locations:

10 double boxes: numbers 3, 17, 22, 24, 28, 41, 59,

70, 79, and 102.

1 single box: number 8.

Two BB pairs had a first brood in one box and then

moved to the adjacent box for a second brood.

Estimate: 60 BB fledglings for the year. A good year!

In 5 locations BB were unsuccessful as evidenced by old

eggs and dead nestlings in boxes 7, 14, 58, 61, & 101.

Tree swallows nested successfully in 24 locations and

were unsuccessful at 11 other sites. Chickadees were

unsuccessful at 3 locations. Seventeen boxes showedlittle or no use.

Note: Our use of double boxes seems to be success-

ful. Since the BB are ground feeders there is no com-

petition for food from the tree swallows, who are aerial

feeders. Occasionally tree swallows will nest right next

to each other, thus minimizing housing for the BB.

Though the BB seem to start nesting a week earlier that

the tree swallows, swallows tend to be more aggressive

and will drive BB away or nest over a BB start.

Summary: From our observations we estimate that

14-16 pairs of BB nested on McChord Air Force Base in

2008, fledging approximately 60 young.

Care deLeeuw Rosemary Lenigan

Thanks to Valerie Elliott for her support and assistance.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has just released its

newly revised, FREE Homeschoolers Guide toProject FeederWatch.

For more than 20 years, Project FeederWatch has

been an easy, fun way for children to learn about birds

and strengthen their skills in observation, identification,

research, computation, writing, creativity, and more.

FeederWatchers keep track of the numbers and kinds

of birds at their feeders through the winter and report

what they see to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

TheHomeschoolers Guide to Project FeederWatch

will guide you through bird-related activities that pro-

mote learning across many disciplines, including sci-

ence, math, history, and the arts. Examples of these

activities include:

Natural history: Observe and research a birds

behavior and life cycle Math: Calculate average seed consumption rate and

graph data

Writing: Keep a nature journal to write stories and

poetry Geography: Research the geographic ranges of

birds

Art: Keep a feeder-bird sketch book or create a

papier mache mask

To download theHomeschoolers Guide to Project

FeederWatch, visit www.FeederWatch.org and click

on the Education/Home School button. Youll be

able to download the PDF in low (2.2MB) or high

(6.7MB) resolutions.

You may choose to use the free guide as a stand-

alone resource, or sign up for Project FeederWatch to

submit the data you gather. If you would like to be a

project participant, the signup fee is $12 for members

of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, $15 for non-mem-

bers. There are discounts for group participation.If you have any questions, please let us know how we

can help by emailing feederwatch@cornell.edu.

Adriana Hess PlantingsColumbia Lily aka Tiger Lily (Lilium columbianum)

Native plants are being planted at the park and

exotic spec ies are being removed. There is now a

perfect place to showcase our native Columbia

Lily. Please contact Thelma Gilmur at 253-564-

8210 if you have lilies that you would like to

donate to that project.

Christmas Iris Folding Card ClassesRosanne Becker, Instructor

Wed., Dec. 10 & Mon. Dec. 156:30-9:00 PM

Adriana Hess Center

Cost: $15.00 (to be paid at the class)

Fill in holiday shapes with colorful strips of paper or

ribbon that spiral to center of iris. Leave class with

at least two cards and patterns to make your own.

Supplies needed: small scissors, Scotch Magic Tape

(green plaid dispenser), and a small craft cutting mat

(if you have one).

Valentine Iris Folding Card ClassesRosanne Becker, Instructor

Wed., Feb. 4 & Tues. Feb. 106:30-9:00 PM

Adriana Hess Center

Cost: $15.00 (to be paid at the class)

Fill in Valentine shapes with colorful strips of paper

or ribbon that spiral to center of iris. Leave class with

at least two cards and patterns to make your own.

Supplies needed: small scissors, Scotch Magic Tape(green plaid dispenser), and a small craft cutting mat

(if you have one).

Tahoma Audubon Society

December/January HappeningsEvery Friday you are invited to a light brunch at

10:00 am. at Adriana Hess Wetland Park in

University Place. Please stay till noon or so and

help us beautify the grounds.

Birding Walk, December, Monday the 8th and

January, Monday the 12th, 12:00noon to 1:00pm.

with Ruth Sullivan at Adriana Hess Wetland Park

in University Place. Free.

Plant Walk, December, Monday the 15th and

January, Monday the 19th, 12:00noon to 1:00pm.

with George Schonhard at Adriana Hess Wetland

Park in University Place. Free.

Tahoma Audubon special December Bookstore hours

Homeschoolers Guide to Project FeederWatch

2008 McChord Air Force Base Bluebird study summary

Dont tell Thelma!

Anyone who has been

involved in Tahoma

Audubon knows,

loves and respects

Thelma Gilmur.

Please join us for anopen house, Sunday,

Feb. 15, 2009, 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Open House, Mountaineers Clubhouse,

2302 North 30th Street, Tacoma, WA

Bryan Flint, Executive Director

Shhhh....

Any member who brings in 3 new member-

ships or buys and gives 3 memberships as

gifts, will get a $10.00 gift certificate.

Note to readers of the Towhee:The Towhee is uploaded each month to Tahoma

Audubons website. The PDF is in full color, but an-other good reason to check out the online version isthat all the websites and e-mail addresses in eachissue are accessible by just clicking on them.

http://www.feederwatch.org/http://www.feederwatch.org/mailto:feederwatch@cornell.edumailto:feederwatch@cornell.edumailto:feederwatch@cornell.eduhttp://www.feederwatch.org/

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voluNteerRecognition

Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org December 2008/January 2009

welcoMe to New and Returning Members

Green Tacoma Day

at Julias GulchThe Green Tacoma

Partnerships first

Green Tacoma Day

brought a diversegroup of volunteers,

c o m m u n i t y

organizations and

environmental groups

together to begin

restoration work at

Julias Gulch. Located in North East Tacoma near the Port

of Tacoma, Julias Gulch is one of the few pockets of

urban open space that has not been turned into a residential

or commercial site. In fact, the Gulch provides essential

buffer space between the heavily industrialized port and

nearby housing developments. After realizing the inherent

value of this space and perhaps, more importantly, that

communities will protect and restore it, the Green Tacoma

Partnership Steering Committee identified it to be theperfect site for our November 15th Green Tacoma Day.

As more and more people arrived, the diversity and size

of our work force became apparent. New and familiar

faces from groups like the Cascade Land Conservancy,

Earthcorps, Native Plant Salvage Alliance, REI, the Port

of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma all gathered around

to launch the event. Altogether, at least 120 people were

eager to restore Julias Gulch.

While there were a few different speakers to welcome

volunteers to the event, Tacoma City Councilwoman Julie

Anderson and Port Commissioner Clare Petrich offered

particularly thought provoking perspectives. Commissioner

Petrich spoke to the value of Julias

Gulch as an essential buffer zone

between the Port of Tacoma and

neighboring communities. Sheemphasized the interdependent

relationship between communities,

economies and urban open spaces,

recognizing that Julias Gulch and other

urban open spaces directly improve

both the communitys domestic and

industrial environments.

Similarly, City Councilwoman Julie Anderson

encouraged everyone to think differently about urban

open space, considering it to be an essential part of our

communitys infrastructure, rather than merely wasted

space, or a place to be developed in the future. She

credited these natural areas for their ability to filter the

water and air that pass through themprocesses that

government and industry would have to spendtremendous time and money to engineer. Her

characterization of urban open space as irreplaceable

community treasure communicated the fundamental

motivation behind the Green Tacoma Partnership and its

volunteers efforts to preserve and protect urban spaces

like Julias Gulch.

Additionally, Congressman Norm Dicks District

Director Clark Mather offered his praise, giving both his

thanks and continued support for restoration work in the

community. Shortly after, REI presented a $5,000.00

check to the Green Tacoma Partnership, acknowledging

and applauding GTPs work. The confluence of speakers

demonstrated the Green

Tacoma Partnerships ability

to bring government, business,and non-profit environmental

organizations together in order

to effectively serve the

community. However, the

event wasnt all talk.

As volunteers became

anxious, eager to get their

hands dirty, the opening

ceremony came to a close.

Volunteers split into four work

parties, stationing themselves

at the various areas above and

down in the gulch. The four

stations were designed to

represent the various stages of

restoration work: evaluation of the site, removal techniques

for invasive species, native planting, and future

maintenance. After evaluating the area and learning

invasive species removal techniques, volunteers eagerly

launched their assault on the Himalayan Blackberry

bushes, English Ivy and Scotch Broom that littered the

area. While the thorny vines clung to volunteers, often

piercing through work gloves and prickling skin, theblackberry bushes gradually retreated, making room for

the native plants volunteers would replace them with later

in the day.

As our day at Julias Gulch ended, everyone could see

their positive impact. The invasive species that had

thoroughly entrenched themselves at the top of the Gulch

were uprooted and replaced by native plants. A new

network, the Friends of Julias Gulch was expanded,

gaining the support of business, government, environmental

groups and the surrounding community. Perhaps most

importantly, everyone present was reminded of the vast

power embedded in cooperation and teamwork. Tahoma

Audubon thanks all the volunteers and organizations that

helped make Green Tacoma Day at Julias Gulch happen.

We pledge to continue protecting and restoring theseundeveloped urban spaces that make up our communities

environmental infrastructure.

You can join the community effort to restore Julias

Gulch by contacting volunteer and neighbor Heather

Halabisky, who is leading the new Friends ofJulias Gulch

group. She canbe reached at 253-927-4968 orhalabcoles@

nventure.com.

If you would like to learn more about volunteer

opportunities throughout Tacoma or want to get connected

with a local friends of group at your favorite park or open

space, contact Julie Kerrigan, GTP Volunteer Coordinator,

at: 253-565-1884 orjkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org .

Chapter New and Renewing:

Mr and Mrs. Charles D Bronson, Anne and Bob

Caughey, Ronald T Dyson, Robert Flint and Letha

Schwiesow, Kim Freeman and Ian Kaminsky,

Albertina (Tina) Ferguson, M Henry and M Purcell,

Molly Hukari, Myrna and Ed Hume, Alan Hultengren,

Howard and Doreen Johnson, Jonathan Kemp,

Dorothy Leyden, Emmalou Lyle, Annette D

Pinkerton, Janet Roller, Wilma Rosenow,

Carol Schulz, Fred Tobiason, Carter Wells.

Chapter Joint with National:

Christine Anderson, Nels and Winnie

Bjarke, Judy Blatt, Nate and Angie

Chappell, Lois Currie, Eric Davis, Connie Decker, Al Gray, Julie and David Lucas, Sandra T

Martin.

Introductory, Recruited through TAS:David Schutt and Margaret Sullivan. We have not

received any lists of Introductory members recruited

through National for 3 months as National is rework-

ing their data base. We are sorry that we can not

welcome or send Towhees to what we presume are at

least 45 to 50 new members.

We are so pleased to welcome you to Tahoma

Audubon 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 earths biological diversity.

October 16, 2008 to November 15, 2008

You can call Graham @ 253-565-1884.

or E-mail him: GTaylor@TahomaAudu bon.org

You, our members are important to us. We want

you! Starting in 2008 each member must renew with

our chapter directly to stay a member of the chapter.

A renewal with National Audubon will not automati-

cally renew with the Chapter. If you love receiving

the Towhee please renew your membership once a

year by sending a contribution of $30 or more to

Tahoma Audubon at 2917 Morrison Red West,

University Place, Wa, 98466.

We dont want to lose you! We have made some changes to memberships.We dont want to lose you. If you renew yourannual membership with National Audubon,you are no longer automatically renewed withTahoma Audubon. Please renew directly withthe chapter. We will send you a renew letter themonth before your renewal date. Please sendyou membership renewal directly to the chapterat 2917 Morrison Rd., University Place, WA98466.

Thank you,Thelma Gilmur, membership co-chair.

Earthcorps and Anna Thurston.

John Garner. Julie Anderson.

mailto:halabcoles@nventure.commailto:halabcoles@nventure.commailto:halabcoles@nventure.commailto:halabcoles@nventure.commailto:jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.orgmailto:jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.orgmailto:StephSwaim@TahomaAudubon.orgmailto:StephSwaim@TahomaAudubon.orgmailto:StephSwaim@TahomaAudubon.orgmailto:jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.orgmailto:halabcoles@nventure.commailto:halabcoles@nventure.com

8/9/2019 12-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

10/11

Dec 16 Tue 3:305:00 PM Snake Lake Science Club at Tacoma NatureCenter. Ages 10-14, no charge for club meetings, $10 per student to

join the club. Snake Lake Science Club is for homeschool and otherstudents 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 $10to join the Science Club and are then free to participate in any program

offerings, including the 2009 Snake Lake Science Fair. The followingprograms are designed to help students learn more about science and

the scientic process through hands-on discovery. Pre-registration for

each program is required as space is limited. Also:

Jan 20 Thinking Like a ScientistFeb 17 Got science?

Dec 16 Tue 5:00-6:00 PM Morse Force Meeting Location: Adriana

Hess

Dec 18 Thu 1:00-3:00 PM Advanced Science Physiology at Tacoma

Nature Center. Call 253-591-6439 to register. Homeschool studentsexplore science through hands-on experiments, activities and inquiry-

based learning. Register early, these classes ll quickly! Ages 12-15,

$12. Older homeschool students will continue their science studies with

challenging and engaging experiments and activities. To participate inthis class, students should be able to calculate averages, percentages

and solve simple equations.Also: Feb 26 Advanced Science: Bio-Science: Zoology

Dec 18 Thu 5:00-6:00 PM Education Committee Meeting. Location:Adriana Hess Conference Room.

Dec 19 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TGIF Breakfast & Work Party

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning.) V

Dec 19 Fri 10:30-11:30 AM Nature Storytime-call Hess for details.-Natures Naptime

Dec 19 Fri 1:00-4:00 PM Advanced Lab Physiology. Location:Tacoma Nature Center. Call 253-591-6439 to register. Homeschool

students explore science through hands-on experiments, activities andinquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes ll quickly! Ages

12-15, $12. An expanded science class for Advanced HomeschoolScience 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-solving

and research skills and hands-on experimentation. Attendance in theclass session is required for participation in a lab session. Lab sessions

are not required for participation in class sessions. Also:Jan 30 Taxonomy

Feb 27 Zoology

Dec 20 Sat: CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT!! See article in Towhee.For more information, contact Faye McAdams Hands at 253-942-

9233 or zest4parus@hotmail.com.

Dec 21 Sun 8:00-11:30 AM Nature Walk at Point Deance Park.

Join author Rob McNair-Huff for a 5-mile walk through the forests atPoint Deance Park. The trip starts at the back of the parking lot for

the Point Deance Zoo and Aquarium. Come prepared for a healthy

walk through the park in changeable weather conditions. Winter bird

highlights can include waterfowl, Bald Eagles and forest birds. Formore information, e-mail rob@whiterabbits.com.

Dec 26 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TGIF Breakfast & Work Party.

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning.) V

Dec 28 Sun: Please join one of our partner Audubon chapters for theirChristmas Bird Count! F

Vashon CBC: For the Gig Harbor portion, contact Diane Yorgason-Quinn at 253-857-3367 or avosetta@hotmail.com. For island count,

contact Sue Trevathan at 206-463-1484 or sue.trevathan@centurytel.net. Rainier (Kent/Auburn): Contact Nancy Streiffert at 253-796-2203

ornancy_streiffert@hotmail.com.

Jan 2 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. TGIF Breakfast & Work Party.

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning) V

Jan 3 Sat 7:21-11:21 AM. Seabird Survey 4 Location: assigned sites.

Jan 8 Thu 6:30-8:30 PM. TAS Board Meeting. Location: Adriana HessAudubon Center Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon Board.

Guest Welcome, please call ahead at 253-565-9278.

Jan 9 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. TGIF Breakfast & Work Party.

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,

invasive species removal, pruning)V

Jan 9 Fri 7:00-9:00 PM. Membership Meeting. Location: TacomaNature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street. All welcome. Check web site for

prograM-www.TahomaAudubon.org. Call 253-565-9278

Jan 11 Sun 7:00 AM-2:00 PM. Point Wilson eld trip. Location: Point

Wilson, Fort Flagler, Port Townsend area. Leader: Ruth Sullivan. The

primary targets for this eld trip are winter waterfowl in the Strait of

Juan de Fuca and the North Puget Sound. Hope for Marbled and

Ancient Murrelet, Pigeon Guillemont, Rhinoceros Auklet, CommonMurre, Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Brants, 3 species of

Loon, and many shorebirds on the spit of Fort Flagler. Dress for coldwind and the ever present possibility of rain. This is an all-day trip. We

meet at 7:00 am at the Park and Ride at 6th Ave. close to the NarrowsBridge. For reservations call 253-565-9278. F

Jan 12 Mon 12:00-1:00 PM Bird Walk at Hess. F

Jan 13 Tue 4:00-5:30 PM. Conservation Committee. Location: Adriana

Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Road W, University Place.Jan 13 Tue 6:30-8:30 PM Nature Snapshots: Birds at Tacoma NatureCenter. 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 ofidentication and help families learn a few of the local native wildlife.

Call 253-591-6439 to register.

Jan 15 Thu 5:00-6:00 PM. Education Committee Meeting. Location:

Adriana Hess Conference Room.

Jan 16 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. TGIF Breakfast & Work Party.

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning). V

Jan 17 Sat 2:00-4:00 PM Snake Lake Science Fair Parent/ Student

Workshop.

Jan 19 Mon 12:00-1:00 PM Plant walk at Hess. F

Jan 20 Tue 6:008:00 PM Snake Lake Science Fair Parent/ Studentworkshop at T.N.C.

Jan 23 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. TGIF Breakfast & Work Party.

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,invasive species removal, pruning). V

Jan 23 Fri 10:3011:30 AM Nature Storytime-call Hess for details.Snow & Ice.

Jan 30 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. TGIF Breakfast & Work Party.Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,

invasive species removal, pruning). V

Feb 4 Wed 6:30-9:00 PM Valentine Card Class at Adriana Hess

Center. Rosanne Becker shows you how to ll 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 bringscotch magic tape (green plaid dispenser), small scissors and a craft

cutting mat if possible! Cost: $15 paid at class. Call 253-565-9278 toreserve your spot! Email: tatkimmah@aol.com or call 253-564-7115

for questions.

Feb 6 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. TGIF Breakfast & Work Party.Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,

invasive species removal, pruning). V

Feb 7 Sat 11:58 AM-3:58 PM. Seabird Survey 5. Location: assigned

survey sites.

Feb 9 Mon 12:00-1:00 PM Bird Walk at Hess. F

Feb 10 Tue 4:00-5:30 PM. Conservation Committee. Location:Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Road W, University Place,

WA 98466

Feb 10 Tue 6:30 8:30 PM Nature Snapshots: Mammals at Tacoma

Nature Center Ages 12 and up, $15 per person or $30 per family (4people max) Join us for a snapshot of nature as we explore the

basics of identication and help families learn a few of the local native

wildlife. Call 253-591-6439 to register.

Feb 10 Tue 6:30-9:00 PM. Valentine Card Class. Adriana Hess Center.Rosanne Beckershows you how to ll in Valentine shapes with colorful

strips of paper or ribbon that spiral to the center or iris. Leave class withat least two cards and patterns to make your own! Just bring scotch

magic tape (green plaid dispenser), small scissors and a craft cuttingmat 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.

Feb 12 6:30 PM-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.

December 2008/January 2009 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11

Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As

an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National

Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing

your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in

Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub-

scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis-

counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/

National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National

membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of

Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas. Checkspayableto:TahomaAudubon2

917Morrison

Rd.

W.

UniversityPlace,

98466Taho

maAudubon

Society,establishedin1969,

isa501(c

)(3)nonprofit

organization.

Donationsaretaxdeductible.

Membership Fee:

___ Introductory (first year) $20

___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50

___ Chapter member renewal $30

___ Other Contributions _____________

Member(s) Name: _______________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City______________________________ Zip__________________

Phone: home ___________________business _________________

e-mail: ________________________________________________

Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)

Membership

Calendar- continued from back page

Welcome home Swan Creek salmon!

jaNuary 2009

february 2009

Friends of Swan Creek Watershed

invite you to join them in welcoming

Swan Creek salmon as they return

home to spawn. Saturday, December

13, 2008, is the fifth annual,

Salmon Saturday in Swan

Creek Park, from 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. at the

Pioneer Way East

entrance to SwanCreek Park (located

between River and

Waller Roads, near Barkers

Barn and the Clay Art Center). Experience

the special wonder of watching salmon

make their way upstream in an urban

setting!

The event includes tours of the park to

see the spawning salmon, childrens

activities, salmon-friendly home & gar-

dening information and more. Also par-

ticipating are Tahoma Audubon Society,

Green Tacoma Partnership and CascadeLand Conservancy. Take a tour, stroll or

hike on your own, or simply stop by to

pick up free resource materials. But dont

miss this great event!

Friends of Swan Creek Watersheds

mission is to cultivate environmental

stewardship through educational and

volunteer opportunities. They welcome

the participation of individuals, families,

groups and schools to learn and work

together to preserve this valuable natural

resource in our urban landscape.

For more information about their activ-ities,or to sign up for email notices, con-

tact Sue Bernstein, 253-472-7264 or

e-mail her at swancreek@pr

odigy.net.

mailto:zest4parus@hotmail.commailto:zest4parus@hotmail.commailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:avosetta@hotmail.commailto:avosetta@hotmail.commailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:nancy_streiffert@hotmail.commailto:nancy_streiffert@hotmail.comhttp://www.tahomaaudubon.org/http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:tatkimmah@aol.commailto:tatkimmah@aol.commailto:tatkimmah@aol.comhttp://www.tahomaaudubon.org/mailto:nancy_streiffert@hotmail.commailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:sue.trevathan@centurytel.netmailto:avosetta@hotmail.commailto:rob@whiterabbits.commailto:zest4parus@hotmail.com

8/9/2019 12-2008 Towhee Newsletter Tahoma Audubon Society

11/11

December 2008/January 2009

owheeThe

T

For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.orgOr The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org

Calendar

Dec 2 Tue 10:3011:30 AM Nature Alphabet: Y is for Yippy

Coyotes at Tacoma Nature Center. Preschoolers explore different

nature stories, hands-on activities, nature walks, and crafts. Register

by the Sat before the program by calling 253-591-6439. Also:

Dec 16 Tue 1:30-2:30 PM Nature Alphabet Z is for Zany.

Jan 13 Tue 10:3011:30 AM Nature Alphabet: A is for AppleJan 27 Tue 1:302:30 PM Nature Alphabet: B is for Busy Beavers

Feb 10 Tue 10:30 11:30 AM Nature Alphabet: C is for Colorful

Critters

Feb 24 Tue 1:302:30 PM Nature Alphabet: D is for Dragony

Dec 3 Wed 7:30-11:00 AM Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually Join

Phil on his weekly bird walks as he counts the birds at Nisqually

NWR. Meet: At the Visitors Center. The group may walk out to

McAllister Creek if trail is open. Then, 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

conrm details (especially during the trail construction period). PhilKelley, Lacey, 360-459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com .F

Weekly trips: Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 24Dec 31

Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28

Feb 4 Feb 11 Feb 18

Dec 3 Wed 10:30 AM-12:00 PM and 3:15 -4:45 PM Budding

Scientists -The 5+ Senses. Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center.

Call 253-591-6439 to register. Homeschool students explore science

through hands-on experiments, activities and inquiry-based learning.

Register early, these classes ll quickly! Ages 5-7, $8 per child,10:30 AM-noon or 3:15 pm4:45 Young homeschoolers and other

children begin science and nature exploration through games, walks

and crafts. Register at least two days prior to the session. This class is

held at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center, University Place.

Also: Jan 14 Bunches & Groups

Jan 28 Naming Names.

Feb 11 Adaptations for Life

Feb 25 Animals, Animals Everywhere

Dec 4 Thu 9:30-11:30 AM and Beginning Science -The Inside Story

at Tacoma Nature Center. Call 253-591-6439 to register. Homeschool

students explore science through hands-on experiments, activities

and inquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes ll quickly!Ages 8-10, $10 To participate in this class, students should be able to

add and subtract numbers. Also:

Jan 15 Thu 9:3011:30 AM and 13:00 PM Whats in a Name?

Feb 12 Thu 9:30 11:30 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM Amazing Animal

Dec 4 Thu 5:30-8:00 PM Green Drinks Tacoma Location: Woodys

on the Water, 1715 Dock St, Tacoma. Drinks is hosted by Tahoma

Audubon in December! Monthly social gathering meetings on

the rst Thursday of each month at various locations in Tacoma,starting at 6:00 PM. Join others with an interest in the environment,

conservation and sustainability for our monthly social gathering! If

youd like to receive future announcements about Tacoma Green

Drinks gatherings, consider taking advantage of our new list, hosted

by One/NW. This is an announcements-only list for occasional

reminders about our monthly gatherings. To subscribe, contact Karin

atearthoutreach@yahoo.com. Monthly announcements also appear

atwww.greendrinks.org.

Dec 5 Thu 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TGIF Breakfast & Work Party

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park Habitat restoration (planting,

invasive species removal, pruning) V

Dec 6 Sat 9:06 AM-1:06 PM Seabird Survey 3 Location: assigned

survey sites

Dec 7 Sun 6:30 AM-5:00 PM Kittitas County Birding in Winter.

Co-Leaders -Charlie Wright and Roger Orness. Come enjoy a day

of winter-season birding in central Washington. We will venture

over Snoqualmie Pass and visit areas including Swauk Prairie and

South Cle Elum along our route. Large numbers of raptors are seen

wintering in the open, snow-covered elds of Kittitas. Proceedingeast we will reach the Columbia River at Vantage, where waterfowl

are sometimes present in vast numbers. Some target species will

include unusual loons, ducks, American White Pelicans, and possibly

rare gulls. Chukar are occasionally seen. Bring many layers ofclothing for cold weather conditions, a lunch, and snacks. Scopes are

welcome. Space is limited. Meet: At 6:30 AM at Auburn Safeway

at Auburn Way and Main St. Take Hwy. 18 to Auburn and exit at

Auburn Way. (Hwy 164). Turn north (right) on Auburn Way and

drive three blocks north. Safeway sign and gas station will be on the

left. Park in the Safeway lot just beyond the gas station and straight

out from the Safeway door. We will meet and carpool (promptly)

from there. Contact Roger Orness to sign-up, r.orness@comcast.net,

253-922-7516. E-mail is preferred. F

Dec 7 Sun 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Ohop Field Trip/NatureMapping

Location: Ohop Creek

Dec 8 Mon 12:00-1:00 PM Bird Walk @ Adriana Hess F

Dec 9 Tue 4:00-5:30 PM Conservation Committee Location:

Adriana Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Road W, University

Place, WA 98466

Dec 10 Wed 6:30-9:00 PM Card Class Location: Adriana Hess

Center. Rosanne Becker: Instructor. Christmas Iris Fold Card Class.

Fill in holiday 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, small

scissors and a craft cutting mat if possible! Cost: $15 paid at class.

Email: tatkimmah@aol.com for questions/comments

Dec 11 Thu 1:00-3:00 PM Intermediate Science -All Systems Go! at

Tacoma Nature Center. Call 253-591-6439 to register. Homeschool

students explore science through hands-on experiments, activities

and inquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes ll quickly!Ages 8-10, $10, To participate in this class, students should be able

to add and subtract numbers.

Also: Jan 22 Thu 1:003:00 PM How to tell a Gnat from a Gnu

Dec 11 Thu 6:30-8:30 PM TAS Board Meeting Location: Adriana

Hess Audubon Center. Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon

Board. Guest Welcome, please call ahead at 253-565-9278.

Dec 12 Fri 10:00 AM-12:00 PM TGIF Breakfast & Work Party

Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Habitat restoration (planting,

invasive species removal, pruning.) V

Dec 12 Fri 7:00-9:00 PM Membership Meeting Location: Tacoma

Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street Monthly membership meeting

of Tahoma Audubon. All welcome.

Dec 15 Mon 12:00-1:00 PM Plant Walk @ Adriana Hess F

Dec 15 Mon 6:30-9:00 PM Rosanne Becker: Instructor Christmas

Iris Fold Card Class. Fill in holiday 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, small scissors and a craft cutting mat if possible! Cost:

$15 paid at class. Call 253-565-9278 to reserve your spot! Email:

tatkimmah@aol.com or call 253-564-7115 for questions.

tahoMa auduboN prograMs

F Field Trip PageV Volunteer page

M Environment Matters Page

A Related article in Towhee

E Education Page

deceMber 2008

Calendar continued inside on page 11.

FREE to members and non-members!!

Topic: Binoculars, scopes, and diopters. Oh my!

~ Informative presentation in time for the holidays!

When: Friday, December 12, 2008Where: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 South Tyler

Who: Jim Danzenbaker, Kowa Optics and Jim Ullrich,

Wild Birds Unlimited owner

Time: Refreshments@ 7:15 P.M. Meeting@ 7:30 P.M.

Interpupillary Distance, Eye Relief, Exit Pupil,

Diopter.. if these terms make your head start to

spin, attend this informative workshop which will

cover the how-tos and whys of optics. We will dis-

cuss the questions you need to ask yourself about

your own optics usage, delve into the technical terms

used in the optics world and finally, the best ways to

test optics. After this workshop, you will be armed

with the information that you need to make an

informed optics purchase and also youll know

exactly how to effectively use optics that you have.Jim Danzenbaker is the Sales Manager at Kowa

Optimed, Inc. He has presented this workshop at

many different venues across the country.

Topic: On The Wing, The story and spectacle of

birds that gave a city a spectacular show and the

people who gave the flock a place to stay

When: Friday, January 9, 2009Where: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 South Tyler

Who: Dan Viens, Real Earl Productions. More details

at swiftsmovie.com

Time: Refreshments@ 7:15 P.M. Meeting@ 7:30 P.M..

On The Wing tells the story of a remarkable flock of

tiny birds called Vaux Swifts that made the chimney

of a Portland, Oregon elementary school their home.

The city responded by turning the Swift spectacle

into a cult phenomenon and a wonderful example of

how we can all live sustainably in harmony with

nature. The film captures the community, energy and

excitement of the Swift experience and the quirky

city where it all happens.

Recommendations for future programs: contactKatrina at katweihs@earthlink.net or 253-304-6422.

Be sure to include contacts, topics, and best times to

reach you for further information.

25 years ago page 8

Announcements page 9

BirdSongs page 8

Bryan Flint column page 2

Christmas Bird Count page 1

Education page 4

Environment matters page 3

Field trips page 5

New members page 10

Volunteer recognition page 10

In this issue:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

From allyour

friendsat the

TahomaAudubonSociety!

R. Kelton

mailto:scrubjay323@aol.commailto:scrubjay323@aol.commailto:earthoutreach@yahoo.comhttp://www.greendrinks.org/mailto:earthoutreach@yahoo.comhttp://www.greendrinks.org/mailto:r.orness@comcast.netmailto:r.orness@comcast.netmailto:tatkimmah@aol.commailto:tatkimmah@aol.commai