Check out

the numbers;
Christmas Bird
Count Tally
on page 6.

Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 41 No. 2 February 2010

Male House Finch. (Photo/Pat Damron)

C hristmas Bird Count:

By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
One hundred ten years and counting ...
Where were you 110 years ago, and where will you
be 110 years from now? That answer is easy, but the
degrees of separation are tight, and you’re part of it.
Even Tahoma Audubon has a pretty long history these
ings. His coordinates will become part of the permanent
record, but they’re not yet required. Coordinator Faye
Hands said he was showing us the future of the CBC,
and it’s creeping up fast. Any of you who want to try
this next year, let’s do it!
Many birds were seen this year, though
don’t come back, having been there and done that.
When I first met Kathy Best that morning, I wondered
whether she would fall in that category. She was good
natured and very interested during her day in Area 3
with veteran counters Melissa Sherwood and Carol
Smith, often snapping photos to document her
GPS
devices
are part
of the future
of birding.

days since Jim O’Donnell drew our count circle around
forty years ago. A few of our old-timers are indeed still
with us, but as birders “retire” from counting, young
ones are born!
Methods of counting change as well, sometimes
pretty drastically, beginning with that first count when
the tool changed to field glasses instead of shotguns.
We’re now in another rapidly-changing technological
shift, and one of these days you’ll be doing what
John Riegsecker, retired Puget Sound professor, did
for his first count this year. He used his GPS on his
route in Area 3 to plot his team’s route and sites of sight-
nothing unusual – but then that’s not the experience. She said she learned more
point, is it? We set a record at our count about birds that day than any other time in
dinner, where all the food left over in previ- her life, and she even got a life bird – Red
ous bad weather years turned out to be just Crossbill! She attended the record-
right for this happy crowd. No “new” breaking count dinner and enjoyed her-
birds this year, but a few new birders. self thoroughly, especially knowing there
Every year we have a few new coun- were all these other crazy birders out
ters who have read about it in the there! Then, to make sure I
newspaper. Most are happy to Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn understood her commitment, she
have this be a once-in-a-lifetime Kathy Best, the quintessential first time signed up for the Vashon CBC a
CBC'er. In the circle above is her photo
experience, and we’re happy to
of a Golden-Crowned Kinglet
have their help, but they often See "CBC” on page 7

Bird watchers coast to coast are invited to take part in the 13th 93,600 checklists online, creating the continent's largest instanta-

The Great annual Great Backyard Bird Count, Friday, Feb. 12, through Mon-
day, Feb. 15, 2010. Participants in the free event will join tens of
neous snapshot of bird populations ever recorded.
Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from
novice bird watchers to experts. Participants count birds for as

Backyard
thousands of volunteers of all levels of birding experience to count
birds in their own backyards, local parks or wildlife refuges. little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days
Each checklist submitted by these "citizen scientists" helps of the event and report their sightings online at www.birdcount.

Bird Count researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National
Audubon Society learn more about how the birds are doing—and
how to protect them. Last year, participants turned in more than
org. The site also has tips and special materials for educators.
See Field trips on page 5 for details on several GBBC events. Also
see page 3 for details on a GBBC event at Chambers Creek Properties.

Bonus page in PDF

Ahhhh... the beauty of the internets ....
This month's Towhee was pretty tight due to
a large volume of content, including the tally in
spread sheet format from the Christmas Bird
Count. So in our black and white print edition,
several photos from the CBC had to be left out.
But in our online edition, space is endless, so
another page was added to accomodate those
poor, left-out pictures. You'll find them on the
last page of this PDF.
In this issue:
25 Years Ago page 8
BirdSongs page 8
Calendar page 12
Education page 4
Environment Matters page 3
Executive Director's corner page 2
Field trips page 5
New Members page 10
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Quizzical Owl page 8
 executive director’s Corner
There is something in the air
People are hun-
gry. They are hun-
gry to learn about
nature. They are
hungry to learn
about birds. They
are hungry to have
fun doing it.
The proof is in
the pile of waiting
list we have col-
lected in recent
years. Last year we added a new begging birding class
for adults. It had a waiting list. We moved our
Intermediate birding class to The Nature Center to have
more room. It had a waiting list. It is clear that people
are still reading the Tacoma News Tribune, because
every time our birding classes are printed in the paper,
it has a waiting list.
We have expanded our adult birding classes so that
we now have two beginning, a new intermediate class
starting this February, and an advanced class. Thank
you to Rolan Nelson and Marcus Roening for doing
Tahoma Audubon Society's
‘‘
such a great job with our beginners. Thank you to
Fred Matthaei for stepping up to the new intermediate.
And thank you to Ken Brown for all his years of class
leadership of what has become the advanced class.
If you want to participate in these classes make sure
you sign up for them right away, ‘cause they keep end-
ing up with waiting list.
Naturalist Training
Starting this month we are hosting Volunteer
Naturalist Training. The popularity and need for our
education programs cannot be met with staff only. We
cannot do it without the amazing work of volunteers.
We have set an ambitious goal of reaching 40,000
people with our education programs in 2014. We will
only do that with a strong group of volunteer naturalist
who can deliver programming to young and old alike
across the County.
So, our wonderful Education Coordinator has been
working hard to put together our Naturalist volunteer
training program. It started in January with space for
30 people. Guess what happened.
Thanks right: a waiting list. On the day the course
started we had 60 people signed up. Don’t try and tell
The popularity and
need for our education
programs cannot be met
with staff only. We cannot
do it without the amazing
work of volunteers
‘‘
me that people don’t want to get involved and make a
difference and educate future generations. I will hear
none of it. I have all the proof I need.
Why so Popular?
Despite a sputtering economy and our own budget
woes, people deeply care about the environment and
the legacy we are leaving future generations. Folks
desire to be active in positive solutions and to work
with likeminded individuals. People know that Tahoma
Audubon is a vehicle to put their passion into action
and see good things come out of it.
We are a vibrant collection of committed people who
share their time and treasure to connect with and pro-
tect nature.
ENVIRONMENT Matters
Conservation at a glance: 2010
In 2010, the United Nations celebrates the year of
Biodiversity. Coincidentally, in 2010 Tahoma Audubon
Society’s conservation efforts focus on biodiversity.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH,
EDUCATION and ACTION
Our new five year goals look to protect biodiversity
in Pierce County by protecting the best remaining hab-
itats for wildlife across the county. These areas are
identified as Biodiversity Management Areas or BMAs.
There are 16 BMAs in the county. Each year we will be
reaching out to communities located in three BMAs.
We will organize and educate area residents on biodi-
versity and simple steps that can be taken at home to
protect the best of what’s left.
We recently received two grants to begin this work in
the Crescent Valley BMA, located near Gig Harbor.
We will be working with Peninsula High School stu-
dents, area residents and Audubon members, and
Crescent Valley Alliance members to do a variety of
citizen science, education, and outreach projects on
Crescent Lake. This work is made possible through
grants received from the Green Partnership Funds
awarded by The Greater Tacoma Community
Foundation and the Pierce Conservation District, as
well as a Lu Winsor Memorial Environmental Grant
science projects.
Both Project
FeederWatch volun-
teers and Puget
Sound Seabird
Survey volunteers
continue to conduct
monthly surveys
through April. Work
is underway on a
“Biological diversity - or biodiversity - is the term given to the
proposal to expand
variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms” Contact Krystal at 253-232-9978.
– United Nations the Nisqually Or kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
Important Bird Area
(IBA) to extend along
cies to develop a ten year plan to conserve and acquire the shoreline of Anderson Island thanks to effort and
open space for preservation countywide. Pierce coordination of Evergreen graduate student Lindsay
County Parks and Recreation is fostering this effort Raab and other volunteers. The Great Backyard Bird
with a grant from the Department of Interior and staff Count is this month, so enjoy the unusually warm
support from Mt. Rainier National Park. weather and get outside counting birds!
BUILDING COMMUNITY CAPACITY FOR IN 2010, CONSERVATION MATTERS
URBAN HABITAT RESTORATION As I mentioned earlier, 2010 is the international year
In 2010 we continue conserving and restoring urban of biodiversity. In 2010, the Conservation Matters
habitats in Tacoma through our work with Cascade column will host a series of articles related to biodiver-
Land Conservancy and the Green Tacoma Partnership. sity. Be sure to read it throughout the year to learn
We will be training the next two cohorts of Habitat more about topics such as biodiversity defined, creat-

Feathered Nest Circle

awarded by the KGI Watershed Council and Peninsula Stewards beginning in February. We aim to train 25 ing backyard habitats, policy and regulatory issues,
Light. new volunteers this year, along with the 10 trained last land use practices and habitat corridors, threats and
10 YEAR FUNDING fall. We are building the capacity of Tacoma residents actions, funding conservation programs, climate
AND ACQUISITION PLANNING to steward our natural urban environments both politi- change in Washington, and much more.
We are pleased to honor our visionaries who have named
In 2010, we also look forward to identifying the best cally and on the ground, with habitat restoration proj- RESOURCES
Tahoma Audubon in their estate plans making them The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society areas across Pierce County for prioritizing funding, ects at dozens of sites across the city and throughout Learn more about the United Nations Inter-national
members of the Feathered Nest Circle. Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park acquisition, and conservation of habitats by participat- the year. Year of Biodiversity and related facts, articles, and
Thank you current members: Cami Kesinger 2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466 ing in the newly formed Open Space Task Force. We CITIZEN SCIENCE educational resources by visiting: http://www.cbd.
Anonymous (3) Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278 will work with diverse stakeholders, cities, and agen- Last but not least, in 2010 we carry on several citizen int/2010/about/
Peggy Kopf/Pat Mail
Jane Brosius

Spring 2010 ACOW

Jean McCord
Helen Engle Guy and Cecile Montgomery Tahoma Audubon Staff
Bryan Flint
Green Drinks
 
Gary and Sharon Nestegard
John Garner/Caroline Harris
Flint, Bryan Executive Director                        
Melissa and Jamie Paulson
bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129 March 19-21, Our Theme: Your Backyard – It’s Habitat! Guest
Thelma and Chuck Gilmur Donna Cooper Pepos* Speaker: Russell Link, author of Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific
Marjorie Griffin* Sarah C. Sloat Kyer, Krystal Conservation Coordinator Northwest and Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. Tahoma Audubon Society is hosting organizations to talk about what is
Noel & Bill Hagens Beatrice E. Thompson* kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978                     The Spring 2010 ACOW meeting will be hosted by Rainier Audubon Green Drinks in March! going on in our community, share
Frances Heidner* Darby Veeck/Kristin Lynett (South King County). Hospitality is through San Juan Island Audubon. We will be meeting Thursday, ideas, and have fun!
David R. Hirst *Deceased Swaim, Stephanie Education Coordinator It will be based at Hawthorn Suites, 6329 So. 212th St., Kent March 4, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Happy Hour will be extended to
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-327-9480 WA 98032. Hawthorn Suites is offering a special Woody's on the Water, located at 7pm for our party, so make
discount of $79/night for a large double room, 1715 Dock Street, Tacoma. sure to arrive before
Kesinger, Cami Development Coordinator which includes a full buffet breakfast. They Come visit with us and other GREEN then for a bargain!
have set aside a block of 30 rooms for meet-
ckesinger@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129                      
ing attendees at this rate. To reserve a room,
Taylor, Graham Volunteer Coordinator 253-565-1884 please contact the hotel at (253) 395-3800 or
visit their website at the address below, which

The Great Backyard Bird Count

gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org
should provide you with the $79 rate:
Benton, Ken Education Intern http://www.hawthorn.com/Hawthorn/control/Booking/property_
kbenton@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-1884 info?sid=&p_brandBH&p_pid=30824&as_srp=LKRA
If you wish to camp, there is a KOA just a block away at 5801 So. Grab your binoculars and join us for the Great Backyard Bird Count at the

Tahoma Audubon Board Officers 212th St. in Kent. Website is at www.koa.com/where/wa/47161 and
phone number is (253) 872-8652.
John Garner President BIRDING ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Marjorie Shea Vice President SATURDAY
Hawthorn Suites is adjacent to the Green River Natural Resource
Jane Brosius Secretary Area (aka Kent Ponds). We will offer a birding field trip to the area on
Chambers Creek Properties! All ages and skill levels are welcome to join staff
and volunteers to count birds along Grandview and Soundview Trails, the
Chambers Creek Canyon, and the grounds in the vicinity of the ESB.
Refreshments will be provided. The Great Backyard Bird Count
is an annual event led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS
advocates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conserva-
tion through education and activities that enrich its member’s
experiences in and with the natural world.
Kathleen Nelson Treasurer Saturday morning, March 20. and National Audubon Society. Volunteers across North
SUNDAY America count birds in their area during the four-day
Tahoma Audubon Board Members 2009 Charlie Wright will lead a field trip on Sunday morning, focusing event. Each checklist submitted helps researchers
on Birds Along Puget Sound Waterways. learn more about how the birds are doing —
Thelma Gilmur Ione Clagett Matt Knox will lead a field trip to the Green River Natural
and how to protect them.
Dick Carkner
Melissa Paulson Resource Area (aka Kent Ponds).
Carol Schulz will lead a trip along Hylebos Creek, which winds Saturday, February 13th, 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
Marcus Roening
Bill Smith
from Federal Way all the way down to Commencement Bay in Environmental Services Building, Training Room
Peggy L. Kopf Tanja Scott Tacoma. 9850 64th Street West, University Place
Darby Veeck Charles Griffin Adele Freeland will take us to see the birds and wildlife at Shadow
Lake Bog, a unique 90+ acre restored peat bog in Renton. Please RSVP to Sheryl Purdy by Feb. 10.
For more information and a downloadable registration form, go to: sheryl.purdy@co.pierce.wa.us
The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with and may be sent by e-mail, disk, or typed. E-mail submissions http://www.rainieraudubon.org/spring2010acow.doc. Or contact Nancy or (253) 798-4141
combined Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issues. Submissions of articles to editor@tahomaaudubon.org. Editor: David Cohn Streiffert, (253) 796-2203 or nancy_streiffert@hotmail.com.
and photographs of birds, bird lore, natural history, conserva- Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings For more information about
Please note: To assure the success of this conference, we require that the Great Backyard Bird
tion, and environmental education are reviewed and considered Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com
at least 40 people be registered by February 15, or we will have to Count project, please visit
for inclusion by the editor. Copy is due by the 15th of the month Printing: Consolidated Press
cancel this meeting and refund all registration fees. www.birdcount.org

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2010 February 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3


How to spend more time outside
10 things you can do to get the children in your life outdoors.
This is the hardest
time of year to think
about spending more
time outdoors. Days
are short (but they
are getting longer!),
the skies are gray and
the air is cold (but it
stephanieSWAIM will be warm and
sunny soon!).  We
Education Coordinator
know that we feel
Call Steph @ 253-327-9480. Or
better when we go
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org outside for even a
short amount of time.
The same is true for the children in our lives.  Research
shows that children who spend time outdoors in creative
play tend to focus better, get less bored, and exhibit better
health habits.  Here, from the Education.com website, are
ten ways that you can spread the benefits of a healthy
outdoor life to the children whom you love, and ideas how
Tahoma Audubon and Tacoma Nature Center can help!
1.  Be a role model!
  Remember, children will get excited about something
when you are genuinely excited about it, too! Model
the behavior you want your children to emulate.
Demonstrate your own curiosity about nature sharing
what you love to do in the outdoors with your kids. You
can model respect for nature through simple everyday
activities like recycling and not littering. Sharing your
natural interests is the best motivation a child can have
to participate.   American Camp Association has hundreds of great
2. Plan surprise outdoor adventures!  outdoor camps that your child can attend across the
Every Sunday, or once a month, plan a surprise
outdoor trip with your kids. You could go to your local
river, beach, forest, nature preserve, or city park!
Planning surprise family fun time builds kids’
excitement for the next adventure, and helps demonstrate
how you value your time with them.
3. Organize a monthly outing with your child’s school.
  Be the parent who plans the monthly outing with
families in your child’s class. Exploring the great
outdoors can be easier and closer than you think. Trips
can include beaches, local preserves, state parks, or
even fly fishing! Do some research on beautiful areas
Education Highlights
The Greater Tacoma Community supports
the OSPREY Club for another year!
We would like to thank the Greater Tacoma Community
Foundation for supporting The OSPREY After-School
Environmental Club programs for 2010 through their
Vibrant Community Grantmaking Program. Their support
allows us to directly reach over 100 youth in the Fife,
Tacoma, and University Place School Districts. The
youth participate in hands-on environmental lessons and
activities and draw from these lessons the knowledge they
need to also promote and lead restoration and conservation
service projects in their schoolyards and neighborhoods.
The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation is a trusted-
partner with the Pierce County community, fostering
generosity by connecting people who care with causes
that matter. Established in 1981, the Community
Foundation provides individuals, families, and
corporations with the resources and expertise to connect
their own values with the philanthropic intent of their
choosing. For more information, visit their website
at www.gtcf.org or call (253) 383-5622.   inspiring your life as an environmental educator will be!
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.
Check our websites for the latest updates on classes and schedules.
Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2010
Education Matters
near your school. Build community with your child’s
class and instill in them a love of nature.  Can’t go
along but want to share nature with your child’s
classroom? Purchase a field trip or classroom
presentation for the class from the Tacoma Nature
Center! A naturalist from Tahoma Audubon or Tacoma
Nature Center will lead the class in nature exploration.  garden in your backyard, at your child’s school, or take
4. Follow the AAP’s guidelines.
Limit TV and video games to 1-2 hours a day!  home food gardens teach kids how to be smart about
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no
more than 1-2 hours of quality programming per day.
Just think of how much more time your child will have
for unstructured, imagination-fueled play time outside!  vegetable, herb, or plant garden. It’s a great way to
5. Take a daily or weekly family walk.
In the evenings after dinner, go for a nice family stroll
with your kids. A walk around the neighborhood,
saying hello to neighbors, pointing out flowers or birds,
and catching up on the days’ events is a great way to
spend quality time with your kids outside and get a
little exercise together.  During the winter evenings
when the darkness comes early walk with flashlights.
Even on well-lit streets flashlights fuel a sense of
adventure!  for you and your children. Both Tahoma Audubon and
6. Register your child for an outdoor summer camp.
Tahoma Audubon and Tacoma Nature Center hold
summer camps for 4-12 year-olds from mid-June to the
end of August. Our day camps are held outdoors at
Adriana Hess Wetland Park and Snake Lake Park. Our
staff are passionate about guiding youth in creative
outdoor play and nature exploration. Additionally, the
country or in your region. Give them a dose of the
outdoors, a chance to make new friends, and fall in love
with nature during summer vacation this year. Camps
cost as little as $90 per week.
7.  Go camping!  • Geography Action
State and national parks are being used less and less
every year. Grab your tent, sleeping bag, and camp
stove and teach your child how to camp! Camping in
national parks is a great cost-effective family vacation
that can fun and educational. Go out and enjoy local
parks or take a road trip and discover national treasure
around the country.  Don’t have time? Camp in the
The NEW Volunteer Naturalist Training
Workshops attracts the m asses!
Tuesday, January 12th  and Saturday, January 16th  we
held our first Volunteer Naturalist Training workshops
with a full house. Over 40 people registered for these
trainings and we still had a waiting list of thirty. This
overwhelming response tells us that the people of Pierce
and Thurston counties are primed and ready to share their
passion for nature with the people in their community. We
introduced ourselves with stories of our first memories of
being outside. Everyone spoke longingly of the days they
climbed trees, watched birds, explored under rocks and
fished or hunted with their parents. And everyone noted
that their primary reasons for attending the workshops
were to learn more about the natural areas they visit
frequently and to pass on their excitement for nature to
others.
Thank you to all of the new volunteer naturalists who
have committed to share their experience with our
students and families. This is only the beginning of how
backyard! Exploring the backyard from the perspective
of the family dog and cat creates a new admiration for
the patch of grass between the fence and the porch.  Field trip leaders put in a lot of time and planning and
8. Plant a garden.
Follow in the footsteps of First Lady Michelle
Obama’s kitchen garden and plant a vegetable or herb
part in an urban community garden plot. School or
nature, nutrition, and make better food choices. Take
advantage of whatever small amount of outdoor space
to which you have access and experiment with a
learn about nature alongside your children and get your
hands dirty in rich soil.
9. Buy a field guide.
Field guides make every walk in the park an educational
experience! A good quality field or nature guide helps
you name and identify what you find outside. Guides
can teach you about the favorite foods of the animals or
the flowering and fruiting times of plants. That walk
around the block can become an educational experience
Tacoma Nature Center sell the highest quality field
guides for young learners. Check us out!
10. Link up with local or national organizations!
• Children and Nature Network
• Boy Scouts
• Girl Scouts
• Outward Bound
• Wildlife Conservation Society
• Earth Explore Adventures
• National Audubon Society
and Tahoma Audubon Society!
• Into the Outside
• Ecological Literacy Program
• Sierra Club
• The Society for Amateur Scientist
• National Environmental Directory  Location: Commencement Bay Area
Remember, even ten minutes spent exploring the
outdoors on the grayest, drizzliest days provides the
type of positive stimulation to calm, focus, and restore
your child’s busy mind, as well as yours. Have fun!
Intermediate Birding Course begins
February 1 at the Tacoma Nature Center
Fred Matthaei will be teaching the NEW Intermediate
Birding Class at the Tacoma Nature Center on Monday
evenings from February 1 through February 22, 7-9 p.m.
He brings a wealth of knowledge about local birds as well
as years of experience birding in our area. This course is
designed for the graduates of our Beginning Birding and
Basic Birding classes.  Fred will be building on what you
have learned from Marcus and Rolan, as well as
introducing you to more birding areas during field trips,
and heightening your bird identification skills. This
course is also perfect for avid backyard birders who wish
to expand their scope of knowledge and veteran birders
who are new to this area and want to learn which birds
live here. To sign up for this course, please register at the
Tacoma Nature Center by calling 253-591-6439. Fees:
$50.00 for members of Tahoma Audubon Society; $65.00
for nonmembers.   Membership may be added to your
registration for $20.00 which will give you discounts on
this and future classes for one year.
2917 Morrison Road W.,
University Pl. WA 98466
253-565-9278
www.TahomaAudubon.org
Open Mon – Sat. 10a.m.-1p.m.
field trips and Events
February
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
rules
Great Backyard Bird Count - Batkers
Sun Feb 14, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Chambers Creek Canyon Rim
Wed Feb 3 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips
are people limited out of necessity.
Feb. 14, Sunday, 9:00-11:00. 
Wed Feb 10 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM Birders Ken and Nell Batker will lead the crash course and
Wed Feb 17 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come. count at the Wear home on the Chambers Creek Canyon
Wed Feb 24 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM rim.  First 4 to call will get chance to participate.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Please see above entry for details.
no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 no-shows a
Leader: Phil Kelley.  
year can result in revoking opportunity to participate.
Birdwalk hikes changed in spring, 2009.  The boardwalk Great Backyard Bird Count -Engle
loop, including the twin barns and riparian overlook, Arrive at the meeting place early. Mon. Feb 15, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
are now the only areas open to the public due to Location: Engle Residence
No pets are allowed.
construction related to dike removal. Even so, bird Feb. 15, Monday, 10:00-12:00.  Master Birders will
watching has been good. Join Phil on his weekly bird Be prepared for seasonal weather. lead this crash course and count at the Engle home's
walks as he counts the birds at Nisqually NWR. The backyard sanctuary.  Lunch will be served by Helen
group takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is Engle.  First 10 to call will participate. We'll be waiting
Barns, the Nisqually overlook   area, and the riparian scheduled past mid-day. to hear from you! Please see above entry for details
area, totaling about 2 miles. Bring: Good walking
All passengers divide total carpooling expenses.
shoes or boots, raingear, water, snacks, and $3   for Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
entry fee unless you have a pass.  Scopes are welcome. Current guidelines are 20 cents a mile per car, not Mon Feb 15 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Meet: At the Visitor’s Center. including driver. Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park!
Directions:  Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exit to
Beginners are always welcome. Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Nisqually NWR at exit 114.  Take a right at the light.
Sun Feb 28, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sign-up:   Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm Have fun.
A family program to encourage families to appreciate
details.   Phil Kelley, Lacey, (360) 459-1499,
the park by providing information with a guided
scrubjay323@aol.com.
Birder Betty Jones will lead at Mary Blyton's home in walking tour. Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373
Nisqually NWR has started a 3-4 year estuary
Puyallup, overlooking the Orting Valley.  Mary will
reconstruction project.   For more information about
furnish a 10:30 brunch.The first 6 to call will get a March
trail closures for the reconstruction project, go to http://
chance to participate. Free, but we encourage non-
www.fws.gov/nisqually/ and click on Events and
members to take out an introductory membership for Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
News. During reconstruction, some trails are closed.
the family at $20.00 ($15.00 seniors or students.) Wed Mar 3 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
The national count is in its thirteenth year and Tahoma Wed Mar 10 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Skagit Birding Trip
Audubon will for the ninth year have its special crash Wed Mar 17 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Sat Feb 6, 2010 from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
course led by a Master Birder, the count, and a meal Wed Mar 24 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Join Bruce LaBar for a day of birding in Skagit – THE
each day of Presidents' Day weekend. Wed Mar 31 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
destination for winter birding. Expect to see birds of
Please call Tahoma Audubon Society, 253-565-9278, Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Leader:
prey – Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, falcons --  as
or Thelma Gilmur, 253-564-8210, to sign up or get Phil Kelley.
well as Snow Geese and Swans. We usually enjoy
contact information for leaders and meals. Call early to See earlier description for details.
ducks, alcids and loons as well. Bring warm clothes
sign up so hosts will know how much food to plan
and sunglasses, and a lunch.
on. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
Meet: 6:30am at the Sound Transit/Tacoma Dome
  Sat Mar 6 8:00am to approximately noon.
Station parking garage, located at 610 Puyallup Ave
Great Backyard Bird Count - Art Wong Leader: Shep Thorp. Check out the changes on the
(Puyallup Ave & G) in Tacoma. We will carpool from
Sat Feb 13, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM NEW DIKE and get reacquainted with this local jewel. 
here. Call the TAS office at 253-565-9278 to sign up.
We will be looking for raptors, bittern/heron, waterfowl,
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park Feb. 13, Saturday, 9:00-11:00.  Birder Art Wang will owl, shrike, shorebirds, gulls, passerines and migrants. 
Mon Feb 8 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM prepare brunch and lead the crash course and count in We will meet at the Visitor Center Pond Overlook at
Enjoy a guided bird walk through the park! the Commencement Bay area across from his home. 8am. The walk is approximately 2 miles, please wear
Please see above entry for details. warm clothing and be prepared for rain.  It can become
Great Backyard Bird Count -   breezy and cold on the dike. Bring drinks and snacks. 
Betty Jones & Mary Blyton Great Backyard Bird Count - Chambers Creek Scopes are encouraged. Directions: http://www.fws.
Fri  Feb 12, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Sat Feb 13, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM gov/nisqually/  Sign up:  Contact Shep Thorp, sthorp@
Location: Mary Blyton's in Puyallup See details on page 3. theaec.com, 253-370-3742.
class Schedule
February field guide and binocular use desired. In Homeschool students explore science Snake Lake Science Club
February
addition to scheduled classes there are through hands-on experiments and Feb 16 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Adriana Hess Park Photography class two field trips planned: a day trip to activities. Register Early - these classes
Mon Feb 1, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Morse Wildlife Preserve on Feb. 6, and fill quickly! Note - topics are repeated Intermediate Homeschool Science
Location: Adriana Hess Park. An adult a day trip to Henderson Bay Feb. 27. during the month, so select class “Mountains: Top to Bottom”
program encouraging people to Both field Trips are from 8-noon. appropriate for your child’s knowledge Thu Feb 18 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and
appreciate nature and how they can and abilities. Contact Margie for more 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
incorporate it into their photography. Budding Scientists information at 591-6439 or marjories@
Homeschool students explore science
Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373. “Alpine Exploration” tacomaparks.com. Beginning science
through hands-on experiments and
Wed Feb, 10 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM students should be able to add and
activities. Register Early - these classes
Intermediate Birder’s Class and 3:15 to 4:45 PM subtract numbers.
fill quickly! Note - topics are repeated
Feb 1, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Location: Adriana Hess Audubon
during the month, so select class
February 8, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Center. Ages 5-7, $9.00 per student. Nature Alphabet
appropriate for your child’s knowledge
February 15, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Young homeschoolers and other children “U is for Underground”
and abilities. Contact Margie with
February 22, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM begin science and nature exploration Feb 12, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
questions or for more information at 591-
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. through games, walks, and crafts. Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Graduates of our Beginning Birding Register at least two days prior to the Preschoolers explore different nature 6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com.
classes, avid backyard birders,  and session. 253-591-6439. topics through stories, hands-on activities, Ages 10-12, $12 per student. Intermediate
veteran birders new to the area will love nature walks and crafts at the Tacoma Science Students should be able to
this class! Our expert birding instructor Beginning Homeschool Science Nature Center. Adult participation is multiply and divide numbers, add and
will guide you to a cache of birding “Seasons of Mt. Tahoma” recommended, children under four subtract fractions.
areas in the  South Sound region and Thu Feb 11, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and require an adult present. Please note
Class schedule
introduce you to a variety of birds in a 1:00 PM to 3 PM alternating times. Register by the Saturday
wide range of habitats. Knowledge of Location: Tacoma Nature Center before class. 253-591-6439.
continued on page 11.
February 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5
 Christmas Bird Count 2009
American Dipper Thank you to all that participated
Golden-crowned Kinglet 112 53 149 72 6 98 4 34 528
in this year's Christmas Bird Count!
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6 2 20 31 23 3 10 95
Townsend's Solitaire
AREA 1 - Leader: Art
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total
Wang. Joe McGuire,
American Coot 3 31 13 704 751 Hermit Thrush 1 4 1 6
Ken Brown, Ryan
Species Black-bellied Plover American Robin 13 89 520 206 10 266 124 195 1423
Weise, Edie Kroha,
Red-throated Loon 1 14 15 Killdeer 5 2 7 Varied Thrush 2 3 18 15 1 39 Lindsay Raab, Joe
Pacific Loon 1 32 33 Greater Yellowlegs American Pipit McCaffery, Robert
Common Loon 1 1 10 12 Spotted Sandpiper 1 1 Cedar Waxwing 17 8 25 McCaffery-Lent, Rob
loon sp. Ruddy Turnstone Northern Shrike 1 1 McNair-Huff.
Pied-billed Grebe 5 3 66 2 76 Black Turnstone 3 19 22 European Starling 140 322 304 463 81 55 167 652 2184 AREA 2 - Leader:
Horned Grebe 13 16 42 11 1 2 52 137 Sanderling Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total Faye McAdams
Red-necked Grebe 4 3 7 8 217 239 Western Sandpiper Hands. Margie
Species
Slaydek, Shep Thorpe,
Eared Grebe 64 64 Least Sandpiper Hutton's Vireo
Adele Free-land, Lucia
Western Grebe 255 53 66 1 1136 1511 Dunlin 1 1 Orange-crowned Warbler Faithfull, Roger
Clark's Grebe 2 2 calidris sp. Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 30 1 34 Orness, Joe Terlouw, Carol Schulz. AREA 3 - Leader: Diane
Dbl-crested Cormorant 41 78 205 17 140 6 258 745 Long-billed Dowitcher …..Audubon's subsp. Yorgason-Quinn. Carol Smith, Jeff Feagin, Terry Mace, Melissa
Brandt's Cormorant 21 286 307 dowitcher sp. …..Myrtle's subsp. Sherwood, Kathy Best, Wayne & Ashlee Jackson, Pat Damron,
Pelagic Cormorant 7 76 1 198 282 Wilson's (Common) Snipe Townsend's Warbler 1 1 1 5 8 David Kulman, Ronnie Kulman, Nora Miller, Carole Breedlove, John
Green Heron 1 1 sandpiper sp. warbler sp. Riegsecker. AREA 4 - Leader: Roxy & Bill Giddings. Winfield
American Bittern 1 1 Parasitic Jaeger Giddings, Denis DeSilvis, Ken, Nell & Dave Batker, Donna & Richard
Spotted Towhee 8 12 60 28 7 17 2 19 153
LaCasse, Fred Tobiason, Charles Griffin. AREA 5 – Leader: Rolan
Great Blue Heron 32 5 12 3 5 4 2 16 79 Little Gull *American Tree Sparrow
Nelson. JoAnne Saul, John English, Fred Mattai, Kelly & Mark Stave,
Trumpeter Swan 5 5 Bonaparte's Gull 210 12 7 1660 1889 Savannah Sparrow
Sarah Mielke, Sue Summers, Bill Ludwig. AREA 6 – Leader: Marcus
Tundra Swan Heermann's Gull Fox Sparrow 6 17 27 24 19 6 4 4 107 Roening. Wayne Slaydek, Greg Pluth, John Bipond, Ian Kaminsky,
Canada Goose 122 106 156 99 820 91 158 46 1598 Mew Gull 27 473 7 8 50 1384 1949 Song Sparrow 12 63 78 58 39 10 3 31 294 Ed Sakai, Beverly, Byron Blount. AREA 7 – Leaders: Shelley Parker,
Cackling Goose 68 1 204 2 275 Ring-billed Gull 1 36 6 2 1 46 Lincoln's Sparrow 4 1 5 Bryan Hanson. Mike & Carolyn Hanson. AREA 8 – Leader: Ruth
Greater Wh.Frnted Goose California Gull 2 2 2 1 7 *Swamp Sparrow Sullivan. Jody Hess, Rosanne Becker, Joann Simms, Annie Meyers.
Wood Duck 146 88 234 Herring Gull 3 3 *White-throated Sparrow 1 1 BOAT – Cpt. Robin Paterson & tugboat “Joe”, Bruce LaBar, Charlie
Thayer's Gull 1 92 1 2 96 Golden-crowned Sparrow 12 7 47 8 30 7 25 136
Wright, Marian Snyder, Peter Wimberger.
Green-winged Teal 92 3 2 18 4 119
Mallard 42 155 110 128 215 1014 185 24 1873 Western Gull 1 1 1 3 White-crowned Sparrow 9 1 10
Northern Pintail 2 1 4 24 31 Glaucous-winged Gull 143 1579 165 164 36 17 276 14 2394 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 35 68 619 257 37 27 23 96 1162
Cinnamon Teal W. X Glaucous-winged [103] [21] [2] [82] [7] [266] [481] ….. slate-colored subsp. [4] [4]
Northern Shoveler 4 330 4 1 339 gull species [900] [1] [18] [919] Red-winged Blackbird 175 140 12 19 475 821
Gadwall 13 21 24 6 64 Common Murre 6 6 Western Meadowlark 2 2
Eurasian Wigeon 1 2 2 3 8 Pigeon Guillemot 1 1 173 175 Brewer's Blackbird 75 14 38 15 142
American Wigeon 80 458 180 147 61 39 14 130 212 1321 Ancient Murrelet blackbird sp.
Canvasback 23 23 Marbled Murrelet Brown-headed Cowbird
Redhead Rhinocerous Auklet 1 2 20 23 Purple Finch 1 1 1 3
Ring-necked Duck 5 7 37 5 419 7 480 alcid sp. House Finch 18 64 32 26 26 10 79 255
Greater Scaup 79 9 88 Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total Red Crossbill 15 27 42
Lesser Scaup 1 104 1 106 Species Pine Siskin 300 100 186 44 630
scaup sp. [1] [1] Rock Pigeon 92 84 33 189 58 121 46 240 863 American Goldfinch 25 10 16 1 52
Harlequin Duck 4 6 10 Band-tailed Pigeon 2 5 7 Evening Grosbeak
Long-tailed Duck 4 9 13 Mourning Dove 1 18 1 20 finch sp.
Tugboat Joe embarks on the water route of our CBC. Pictured are Bruce
Black Scoter Barn Owl House Sparrow 10 32 19 108 28 25 3 20 245 LaBar, Marian LaBar, Captain Robin, Peter Wimberger, and Charlie Wright.
Surf Scoter 20 14 43 19 40 14 556 706 Western Screech-Owl 1 1
More pic
Great Horned Owl 1 4 1 6 s
White-winged Scoter 40 40 from the
CBC
scoter sp. Short-eared Owl on back
page!
Common Goldeneye 4 87 63 1 18 99 4 15 286 577 No. Saw-whet Owl
Barrow's Goldeneye 99 80 36 2 1 3 117 338 Barred Owl 1 1
goldeneye sp. [1] [1] Anna's Hummingbird 6 7 22 8 1 3 9 56
Bufflehead 1 28 83 7 41 87 22 22 350 641 Belted Kingfisher 1 2 13 1 3 2 1 2 25
Hooded Merganser 1 6 24 18 7 50 13 4 2 125 Red-breasted Sapsucker 1 1 1 3
Ashlee Jackson Charlie Wright Annie Myers California Sea Lion, a scary look at things to come? Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Common Merganser 9 161 7 7 98 26 66 374 sapsucker sp.
Downy Woodpecker 4 3 6 1 1 1 2 18
way, but as the famous Herschel of the Ballard year to bird with teenagers who really impressed us
... CBC
Red-breast. Merganser 3 4 38 4 2 1 174 226
merganser sp. Hairy Woodpecker 2 1 2 1 6 Locks several years ago reminded us, these strays with their young eyes and ears (and made us realize
Ruddy Duck 45 45 Northern Flicker (red sh.) 6 24 49 26 9 7 8 21 150 from page 1 from California can easily affect the local food fish ours are not what they once were!). Ruth and team-
Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boat Total (yellow shafted/int.) populations. We may be happy to have our increas- mate Jody Hess had Annie Myers along, whose
Species Pileated Woodpecker 2 3 1 2 1 9 week later and threw herself into that count all day as ing Anna’s Hummingbirds as they expand their fresh senses found lots of birds for the team. I was
Bald Eagle, adult 10 6 2 2 1 4 11 36 *Tree Swallow well! When I asked her whether bad weather would range northward, and maybe even the fortunate to have Ashlee Jackson
swallow species have stopped her, she said, “Absolutely not! I spend Scrub Jays, but not every species will on my team. I have birded with her
Bald Eagle, immature 1 1
time outside every day, and so do the birds.” We’re be as welcome. Should we be wor- off and on since she was 14. She is
Northern Harrier Horned Lark
sure glad to have Kathy in our group now, and she’s ried? Meanwhile on tugboat Joe, the able to triangulate in on those chip
Steller's Jay 6 17 23 33 4 2 4 89
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 3 1 1 1 7
stuck for sure now for the rest of her life or until the crew observed Steller’s sea lions, a notes that I just don’t pick up as
Cooper's Hawk 3 4 3 1 1 1 1 14 Western Scrub-Jay 3 3 20 5 1 5 4 41
200th annual CBC. species coming back from endangered well these days. When a new call
Accipiter sp. American Crow 140 287 405 419 96 190 91 467 1 2096 There were other critters besides birds out there, status – quite an interesting sea mam- is identified for her, she owns it
Red-tailed Hawk 1 7 1 9 3 1 6 3 31 Common Raven too! Wayne Jackson, his granddaughter, Ashlee, age mal day for the Tahoma CBC. from that moment on. And of
Rough-legged Hawk Black-capped Chickadee 28 75 91 205 32 59 12 78 580 17, and I stood on the old ferry landing at the mouth The first 110 years of the Christmas course there’s Charlie Wright, bird-
American Kestrel 1 1 Chestnut-bk.Chickadee 15 32 93 33 8 15 1 197 of Gig Harbor and witnessed a mob of Glaucous- Bird Count can serve as some kind of ing with us since he was 12, now in
Merlin 1 1 Bushtit 48 10 74 4 68 14 218 winged gulls attacking something in the water. proof that this project will outlive us college and a well-known world-
Peregrine Falcon 1 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 7 1 40 27 4 4 3 3 89 Turned out to be TWO California sea lions! Although all. Tahoma Audubon’s band of class birder! Don’t call him The
Brown Creeper 1 2 1 2 4 1 1 12
apparently being “attacked,” these lions would throw counters includes counters of every Kid anymore! He was on our boat
Ring-necked Pheasant 1 1
their large fishes up in the air and snatch them again age group as new generations con- route again this year and did his
Ruffed Grouse Bewick's Wren 6 3 17 28 1 4 10 69
right out of the Gulls’ clutches! This is the second tinue to get involved and eventually usual yeoman’s job of not letting
Winter Wren 3 6 16 19 5 4 53
California Quail 5 5 year we’ve had that experience at that same spot. cycle through to become the old tim- anything go unidentified. The
Virginia Rail 1 1 Marsh Wren 2 2 2 1 7 Ashlee said it was the highlight of her day, and it was ers of the future. Ruth Sullivan and I Photo/Bryan Hansen future is here now, and we really
Sora wren sp. certainly exciting in a Romans-versus-Gladiator both had the great good fortune this Bittern. know it when we do a CBC!

Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org February

2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
 Winter Bird Survival Challenge Calling all birders!
Just the other day... Tahoma Audubon in November 1984 How are they surviving the season?
How do birds withstand wicked winter weather and other
Birdathon 2010 is “In the Wings”
locations around the tideflats; contami- Tahoma Audubon’s third program in the Nature daily threats to survival, even in warmer climates? A new
By Helen Engle

25
Ken Brown’s report of the 1984
Christmas Bird Count showed 116
species, 42,660 individuals. Years Ago
Numbers were down for Western
Grebe, Pintail (way down), ducks gen-
erally, Killdeer, Bonapartes, California and
Mew Gulls, Mourning Dove, Red-breasted Nuthatch
and White-crowned Sparrow. Interesting sightings;
one White-fronted Goose, nine Anna’s
Hummingbirds, ten owls of four species, two Scrub
Jays, 45 Bohemian Waxwings, and one Orange-
crowned Warbler. Ken thanked the 48 birders who
volunteered to make the count a big success, and
Helen Engle for the tally dinner.
Audubon member Dr. Sheri
Tonn, Associate Professor of
Chemistry at Pacific Lutheran
University, spoke at the monthly
meeting on the subject “Who is
Dr.Sheri Tonn
Watching Commencement Bay?”.
She described the Bay’s toxic “hot spots” in the bot-
tom sediments, contaminated areas along the
shoreline, invertebrates with high body levels of
toxic chemicals and diseased bottom fish.
Researchers at NOAA, the EPA and consultants for
the Department of Ecology have done studies and
identified the sites and types of contamination: The
tar pits between the Puyallup River and the Tacoma
central sewage treatment plant; bag house fly ash
high in arsenic which has been used as fill at various
the
nants in storm drain effluents; dumping
by small businesses who are unaware
of proper disposal methods.
Other issues are NOT under study,
including: effects of pollutants on migra-
tory and midwater fish such as salmon
and cod; the chemical state or speciation of
the metal contamination (some forms are much
more toxic than others); extensive groundwater
monitoring. A series of public meetings is being
scheduled to learn how or what the alternatives for
cleanup might be. Will Commencement Bay
become cleaner, or, possibly, dirtier in the future?
Field trips included Point Defiance five-mile hike on
the woodland trails with Elmer Price; the monthly
census at Nisqually Refuge with Wally Wilkins; long
walk on the Carbon River from McMillen Grange with
Cathy Jerbic; a family walk and some discovery
games at Puget Park led by Thelma Gilmur; joining
the WA Native Plant Society for a program on Mt. St.
Helens, hostessed by Ellen Lindholdt. The
“Flowering Native Plants Identification Class” by
Mary Fries is scheduled for March through May, at
the University of Puget Sound.
The Towhee listed workshops and conferences:
Mammals of the PNW, by naturalist Jim Scearce
runs for six Thursdays at James Sales school; 6th
annual Klamath Basin Bald Eagle Conference co-
sponsored by Klamath Basin Audubon and National
Audubon; Grass Identification Workshop by
Washington Native Plant Society.
Images series is Celebration of Life, a multi-media
show by Mark Fey using six projectors to explore
nature from the North Cascades to the western des-
erts in Alaskan high country. Our series was at PLU’s
Chris Knutzen Hall, organized by Thelma Gilmur.
Miscellaneous reporting in the Towhee: Bud
Anderson and Bob Mendick researched hawk
migration at Cape Flattery. They sighted some
2600 hawks – the high for a single day being 556
individual birds. Working with the Falcon Research
Group they are planning to establish and operate a
raptor banding station in 1986 to learn more about
this newly discovered hawk migration route.
Thais Bock’s “Word on Birds” reported a Yellow-
billed Loon seen from a ferry to Vashon (SAS hot-
line); a Snowy Owl stayed several days on the far
end of St. Regis dock on the tideflats (Stan Johnson);
Ken Brown’s birding class saw eight Snowy Owls
on Skagit flats; Cattle Egret in a pasture near
Nisqually NWR (George
Walter); two White-throated
Sparrows spending the win-
ter around Carole Sheridan’s
feeders with the other birds;
and in spite of sub-freezing
temperature Georgia
Ramsey saw a Violet-green
Swallow near
Steilacoom on January 15!
Lake Helen Engle
from days of yore.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome,
253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.
South West Washington, enjoying and study-
ing the waysides and flora of the area even
environmental challenge from the Celebrate Urban Birds
project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology invites participants
to show how birds are surviving in their neighborhoods this
winter. It can be a photo, artwork, video, even a story or a
poem describing how birds are finding the food, water, and
shelter they need. People of all ages can participate as well
as groups such as schools, libraries, clubs, and businesses.
Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen-science
project focused on birds in neighborhood settings.
Prizes include a pair of Eagle Optics binoculars, bird feed-
ers, a birdsong calendar, books, posters, cards and more.
The first 50 entrants will receive a copy of the "Little Green
Places" poster and selected images and videos will be post-
ed on the Celebrate Urban Birds website.
How to enter:
1. Email entries to urbanbirds@cornell.edu. If you submit a
video, post it on YouTube and send us the link.
2. Write “Survival_yourfirstname yourlastname yourstate”
in the subject line.
3. Include your mailing address in your email
4. Explain why you submitted your entry—describe your
winter conditions and what you observe the birds doing.
5. One entry per person, please.
Deadline for entries is February 15, 2010
Visit the Celebrate Urban Birds website for more informa-
tion, to see entries for past challenges, and to read the
terms of agreement for all entries.
Contact: Karen Purcell, Project Leader, (607) 254-2455, ur-
banbirds@cornell.edu
Mary A. Fries
May 13, 1924 – December 18, 2009
Mary Fries grew up in Lewis County, special notes on invasive exotics.
She was sought out by land management
professionals as the leading activist focusing
Each year, dedicated and enthusiastic bird- resource available to us.
ers join us for Birdathon, our most suc- The only way to reach or (even) exceed
cessful and most fun event of the year! our goal is to bring in about 75 new indi-
For new members, birders start by con- viduals in addition to our current base of
tacting family, friends and co-workers birders. This is where we need your help!
to get pledges or donations. Next, bird- Do you have a friend, a neighbor or a
ers choose an exciting and adventurous co-worker who might be interested in
birding field trip guided by experienced joining you?
and knowledgeable volunteer leaders. Do you know of a school or other youth
There are lots of field trip options that include nearby group that might be interested in an outdoor experi-
places, or even an overnight trip to Eastern Washington! ence?
The birders count bird species on the trip and then Does your business or company care about the envi-
report their sightings to their sponsors who in turn, send ronment and want a fun way to build team morale in a
their pledge payments to us. competitive activity?
All the money collected from Birdathon goes direct- Do members of your Church or club want a fun
ly toward our mission of connecting people to nature. activity to do as a group?
We continue to be dedicated to protecting wildlife, its If you are already a Birdathon birder, are there other
habitat and the environment so future generations can resources you think we should tap?
get outside to explore and learn about nature. Let’s make it happen! If everyone recruited one or
Last year, Birdathon brought in about $35,000 which two new birders, we’d be there! Let’s not leave any
was short of our $40,000 goal. Our goal again this year stone unturned, and I will do my best to communicate
is $40,000. I can’t stress enough how incredibly criti- our progress along the way.
cal it is for us to reach this goal in 2010. Everyone is Until then, thank you for your efforts for Birdathons
aware of the financial situation our organization faces. past, and especially for Birdathon 2010!
It is just a reality of the economy. Happy Birding!
We are confident that things will turn around if we Cami Kesinger
continue to work hard and utilize each and every Development Coordinator
Memorials
Lloyd Charles Morse
May 1, 1920 – November 21, 2009
A Legacy and How it Grew
The Morse Wildlife Preserve and all it encompasses in 2010 were made pos-
sible in 1995 by the original gift of 53 acres from Maxine and her husband, Cmdr.

quizzical 1. The Common Loon is the state bird of which midwestern state.
as a child. Her education continued at
Marylhurst College in Oregon, and she
on the conservation of Washington’s flora.
Her knowledge of invasive plants led to an
(Ret.) Lloyd Morse, both longtime Audubon Society members. A donation of
land could not be accepted by Audubon but Thelma Gilmur directed Lloyd and

wl
graduated from the UW School of appointment on the Citizen Advisory Maxine to the local land trust – Tahoma (now Cascade) Land Conservancy.
2. Among shorebirds which one is the longest-distance migrant? Librarianship in 1946. In 1947 Committee to the Washington At a joint committee meeting with the couple, Maxine determined that the
she became the Children’s State Noxious Weed Control protection and educational hopes they had for the preserve could be accom-
3. The upper part of a bird's leg is called the _________. Librarian at the Tacoma Board. As a result of her plished. When Lloyd turned to her for an opinion, she readily gave her approv-
Public Library where she work there legislation is al. The Morse Force, a joint TAS-CLC management team, is working on their
4. Name the group of birds with the longest wing spans. remained for 30 years, now in place that provides fifth five-year management plan.
highly regarded by her fel- for the listing of Class A or The original 53-acre site features dry and wet forest, a meadow, a prairie
By 5. To stir up food on the water'a surface, these species rotate and spin while dabbling their bills. low librarians and the small B noxious weeds, as well remnant and wetlands, including the north fork of Muck Creek which, in its
Thais Bock people who enjoyed her as regulations for the use of lower reaches, is a significant salmon-spawning stream in Pierce County.
(Answers below cartoon.) stories of Babar, Pooh and herbicides for the control of Inspired by this gift, the Morse Wildlife Preserve acres have multiplied: An
Black Beauty. invasives. adjacent 45-acre to the south was added, thanks to an anonymous donor; 80-plus
She joined The She organized seed collect- acres embracing the headwaters further up the north fork of Muck Creek was

BIRDSONGS by Phil Buly

Nothing whatsoever to do with
past or present US Presidents, ‘LBJ’
stands for ‘Little Brown Job’ and is a
generic term for any small, brown,
unremarkable bird that you either
see well and can’t identify, see poorly
and can’t identify, or see but have
more to do with your life than wor-
ry about the identification of every
small brown bird that crosses your
path.....Where you live depends on
your definition of what an ‘LBJ’ con-
stitutes and your reaction to seeing
one. In North America most birders
would probably be talking about one
of several common Sparrows when
they shrug and say “An ‘LBJ’ of some
sort”, though occasionally bewildered
novices will admit that small shore-
birds all look like ‘Little Brown Jobs’
and can’t be separated.
http://10000birds.com/littlebrownjob.htm/
Answers: 1. Minnesota 2. Buff-breasted Sandpiper 3. tibia 4. albatross 5. phalaropes
Mountaineers in 1948 (Member
#745) and for the next 50 years was
an enthusiastic hiker, backpacker and
resource person on the subject of our native
flora. She wrote “Wildflowers of Mount
Rainier and the Cascades,” with photos by
Bob & Ira Spring, published in 1970 by the
Mt. Rainier Natural History Association and
The Mountaineers. If you have that book,
treasure it!  There are very few collections of
wildflower photos and text that equal that
sweet publication.
Mary was a charter member of Tahoma
Audubon Society. She taught annual cours-
es on native plants for Audubon. She led
field trips through the prairies, foothills and
alpine zones far and wide. At the statewide
Audubon campout -- the annual Wenas
Creek Memorial Day event in the foothills
above Yakima and Ellensburg -- Mary held
court as the wildflower expert for many
years.
A dedicated member of the WA Native
Plant Society, Mary took a major role in
conservation issues for WNPS. Included
among her regular outings with The
Mountaineers, WNPS and Audubon were
trips to search out rare and endangered
plants, do native plant inventories and make
ing in the alpine zones at Mt
Rainier, promoting the careful
propagation of wildflowers to replenish
areas denuded by storms or heavy use.
Close to home in Pierce County she recruit-
ed volunteer teams and did restoration work
at Fort Steilacoom County Park, Swan
Creek and other Metro Parks Tacoma loca-
tions.
As conservation chair for South Sound
chapter of WNPS Mary studied
Environmental Impact Statements and agen-
cy guidelines for landscape management.
Her expertly written letters to managers and
legislators explaining how and why we
should protect our native plants in the Garry
oak prairies, various sensitive forest areas
and special alpine zones were highly regard-
ed. She backed up her correspondence with
excellent photos which she also used in her
many presentations and programs. Most
local agency land managers are quite famil-
iar with her name and the work she did.
And Mary followed up on her own
advice, managing 80-90 acres of woodland
on her property near Winlock. Let’s plant a
memory garden with a Garry oak and prairie
wildflowers for our longtime friend and
most dedicated nature lover.
purchased through Conservation Futures funds; and another gift, of 50 acres in
Kapowsin, Lloyd’s tribute to his wife, became the Maxine G. Morse Nature
Preserve, a forested area where the management team has already laid out trails.
Where it Began
Lloyd Charles Morse was
born in Tacoma, Washington
on May 1st in 1920 to Arthur
Franklin Morse and Florence
Lydia Morse. He attended
Jason Lee Jr. High School and
graduated from Stadium High
School and University of
Puget Sound – all in Tacoma.
Lloyd and Maxine married
August 24, 1946. Lloyd served
in the United States Navy for
20 years. He retired in 1961
and moved to Allyn,
Washington where they raised
their daughter Julie, residing
there for the rest of their lives.
Lloyd passed away peacefully
in his sleep on November 21st,
2009.
“My mother always said we
should leave this Earth a little
better than we found it,” said
Lloyd.

Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2010 February 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9

 volunteer Recognition
Volunteer call to action: An open letter to members & volunteers
The beginning of a
new year is tradition-
ally a time for recali-
bration and reassess-
ment. For some mag-
ical reason, the things
that seemed impossi-
ble the year before
move to the top of the
New Year’s to-do list.
Some items are even
gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org elevated to “resolu-
or (253) 565-1884 tion” status. Thus, I
am resolved this year
to advertise and fill one of Tahoma Audubon’s most
important volunteer positions: Program Coordinator.
However, before I can talk about the responsibilities
of a Program Coordinator, I must talk about something
much more important: the program.
Tahoma Audubon is famous for its programs and
activities. These are the events that Audubon coordi-
nates which will forever live in the memories of the
parents and children who enjoy them. The Program is
a conduit for all the creative energy at Audubon. The
scope of environmental issues to discuss is endless.
The audience is easily captivated, eager to learn and
enjoy. At the heart of our organization, the program
lives, continuously fulfilling Audubon’s mission to
connect people with nature, through compassionate
conservation and poignant education.
In the past year we have put on a diverse array of
welcome to New and Returning Members
programs. We have brought in travel experts to talk to
us about the birds in Namibia, Thailand and Ecuador.
Members have given presentations on bird migration
and the island of Midway Atoll. The Audubon mem-
bership program may have provided one of the only
venues to learn about sustainability efforts at Fort
Lewis and those directed by citizens at the Pierce
County level of government. Specialists have visited
our membership programs, explaining the best way to
use and take care of a birder’s most valuable tool – his
binoculars. And lastly, Audubon Members and people
in our community came in droves to see our most
recent program on protecting one of the most remark-
able mammals in North America: the Grizzly Bear.
Altogether, these monthly events represent a unique
opportunity to soak up the environmental energy and
creativity that underpins our organization. communication skills, a desire to teach, learn and
Thus, the Program Coordinator is one of the most
important volunteer positions of our organization. This
position combines the talents of a diplomat, researcher,
host, and emcee to weave together an evening of envi-
ronmentalpassion.Traditionally,ProgramCoordinator’s
have turned their keen birding eyes toward environ-
mentally exciting programs, bringing authors, artists,
travel aficionados’ and falconers to talk to us about
nature. The best program coordinators are those who
love to host events, greet the audience and introduce
the presenter. They are great networkers, keeping in
tune with the environmentalists of our organization and
our neighbor chapters. Luckily, our office regularly
receives information about what other Washington
State Audubon Chapters are doing; which often yields
great program idea’s to bring to our chapter.
Those who love to teach and inform others about the
ecology of Pierce County and the world around us
often suggest the most interesting program idea’s and
make arrangements for particularly inspirational speak-
ers. Our previous Program Coordinator, Katrina Weiss
exemplified some of the tell tale signs of a solid pro-
gram coordinator. Her background as an educator
surely set her up as someone with strong communica-
tion skills. Her desire to inform and educate was more
than casual, leading her to work both inside and outside
the classroom to educate our community. However, a
great many different people may consider themselves
the ideal fit for our program coordinator volunteer
position, since a vast array of callings require polished
grown, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to
entertain an audience.
To fill this position I will need the help and expertise
of the Tahoma Audubon Society’s membership. If
looking into this volunteer position excites you, please
contact me. If you know just the person for the job, let
me know, and I can introduce them to Audubon’s pro-
grams, if they are not already in love with them. If you
have a program idea, please pass it along. With your
help, I am confident I can meet this year’s resolution to
continue the excellent program service Audubon offers
for many years to come. You can always contact me at
gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org or (253) 565-1884.
Thanks!
Class schedule
continued from page 5.
Nature Storytime
“Up, Up and Away”
Thu Feb 25, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Adriana Hess Center, U.P.
Ages 2-6, $6 per child, $3 Audubon
member, free to adults and U.P residents.
Join us as we explore the park at the
Adriana Hess Audubon center in
University Place with nature stories
based on the current theme. Adults are
welcome with the children. This is a
wonderful grandparent/ grandchild
activity! Space is limited to the first 20
registered guests (adults and children).
call 253-591-6439 to register.
Homeschool Advanced Science
“Mountain Ecosystems”
Thu Feb 25, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Lab Fri Feb 26, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and
activities. Register Early - these classes
fill quickly! Note - topics are repeated
during the month, so select class
appropriate for your child’s knowledge
and abilities. Contact Margie with
questions or for more information at
591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.
com. Ages 12-15, $15 per student.
Older homeschool students will continue
their science studies with challenging
class Schedule
from Activities to field research,
Nature Mapping is a tool to help
create a healthy future for wildlife
through the use of sound scientific
techniques. This two-day workshop
provides formal and non-formal
educators with the skills needed to aid
learners in the Nature Mapping
process with a  focus on the beach
protocol. The basic data collection
and monitoring techniques are all
included. Classroom and field work
will include the use of maps, wildlife
identification tips, habitat coding,
building a search image, tracking and
data collection procedures. also
includes time in the field. Open to
formal and non-formal educators.
Clock hours are available for $5.
March March
Adriana Hess Park
Photography class
Mon Mar 1 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Park
An adult program encouraging people
to appreciate nature and how they can
incorporate it into their photography.
Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.
Intermediate Birder’s Class
Mon Mar 1 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mon Mar 8 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mon Mar 15 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mon Mar 22 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Budding Scientists “Marshes,
Bogs and Swamps, Oh My!”
Weds Mar 10 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
and 3:15 to 4:45 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon
Center
Ages 5-7, $9.00 per student
Young homeschoolers and other children
begin science and nature exploration
through games, walks, and crafts.
Register at least two days prior to the
session by calling 253-591-6439.
 
Beginning Homeschool Science
“Wet & Wild”
Thu Mar 11 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and
1;00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and
activities. Register Early - these classes
fill quickly! Note - topics are repeated
during the month, so select class
appropriate for your child’s knowledge
and abilities. Beginning science students
should be able to add and subtract
numbers. Contact Margie with questions
or for more information at 591-6439 or
marjories@tacomaparks.com.
Nature Alphabet
“W is for Windy Days”
Fri Mar 12 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Preschoolers explore different nature
topics through stories, hands-on
activities, nature walks and crafts at the
information at 591-6439 or marjories@
tacomaparks.com. Ages 10-12, $12
per student. Intermediate Science
Students should be able to multiply
and divide numbers, add and subtract
fractions.
 
Nature Storytime
“Wet, Weedy, and Wonderful”
Thu Mar 25 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Adriana Hess Center, U.P.
Ages 2-6, $6 per child, $3 Audubon
member, adults and U.P residents free.
Join us as we explore the park at the
Adriana Hess Audubon center in
University Place with nature stories
based on the current theme. Adults are
welcome with the children. This is a
wonderful grandparent/ grandchild
activity! Space is limited to the first 20
registered guests (adults and children).
call 253-591-6439 to register.
 
Homeschool Advanced Science
“Wetland Ecosystems”
Thu Mar 25, 2010 from 1:00 PM to
3:00 PM
Lab Fri Mar 26 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and
activities. Register Early - these classes
fill quickly! Note - topics are repeated
during the month, so select class
appropriate for your child’s knowledge
and abilities. Contact Margie with
questions or for more information at 591-

October 15, 2009 to January 15, 2010

Chapter New and Renewing:
Randall Babich, David Behrens, Frances Bentley,
Charles Bergman, John & Loraine Boyle, Micki
Boyle, Tom & Suzanne Brown, Ione & John Clagett,
Don & Pat Clifford, Jon & Carol Engels, Priscilla
Fortiner, Mary Foster, Janet Fry, Gael Gann, Patri-
cia Gessler, Bryan Hanson, Danielle Harrington &
Stephanie Leisle, Gail Hemphill, Al Hultengren &
Elsie Parrott, Rita Hummel & Jim Hansen, Wayne
Jackson, Anne Jacobson, Robert & Rosemary
Lenigan, Katherine Loveless, Roger & Rosalyn
Lueck-Mammen, Jean McCord, Sybil Mercer, An-
nie Meyer, William Mitchell, Dolly Monaghan,
Roger Orness, John & Karen Parks, Lori Peterson,
Janice Reeder, Martha Scoville & Gary Knudson,
Sarah Sloat, Richard Smith, Janet Snape, Bonnie
Taylor, Trula Thompson, Fred & Dorothy Tobia-
son, Michael Walker.
Chapter Joint Renewals with National,
Recruited through Tahoma Audubon Society:
Robert Annon, Mary Backous, Kathleen Beechum,
Carole Breedlove, Jack & Billee Brown, Dorothy
Burkhart, Ed Burrough, Trusilla Bussinger, Kath-
leen Callahan, Nate & Angie Chappell, Dolores
Introductory, Recruited through
Tahoma Audubon Society:
Mary Barger, Ben & Paula Brossard, Beth
Cummings, Paul Darby, Bruce Dees & As-
sociates, Joe-Flora-Katelyn & Ryan Gal-
loway, Christine Giannini;, Mark Heck-
ert, Helen Howat, Roger Hunt, Marion
Killion, Diane Kimmet, James & Claudia Merrill,
Linda Nielsen, C Blaine Pearman, Marita Rodri-
guez, Nancy Smith, Hermine Soler, Ksenija
Sinic-Muller & David Muller, Bryan Snider, Bar-
bara Sommerville-Buck, Lori Wear, Marilyn West-
ervelt.
Introductory,
Recruited through National Audubon Society:
In November: Jennie Allen, Kathy Best, Barb
Bourscheidt, Jordan Bowerman, Erida Bowles, The
Dunlap Family, Cathy Farr & Kids, Avis Jobrack,
George Kier, Robert & Irene Mills, Mathew & An-
drea Murakami, Bob Wells, Betty Wieynick, Frank
Longano,Cindy Bailey, Laura Barnes, Carolyn
Chapman, S Conway, Kay Dolley, Loretta Franks,
Nadine Fuller, Bryan Habeck, Lila Keller, Candace
Kerr, Karen Konrad, Lee Sayers, Joni Leiding, Su-
nis, Gretchen Minch, Michael Mingo, Ian Morri-
son, Vida Piera, Lori Radniecki, Steven Rosselli,
Rachel Sanborn, Geraldine Shelnut, Josephine Sut-
ter, Travis Tierney, Peter Andrews, Mr & Mrs Evan
Cropp, Barbara Dempsey, Frans Doelman, P Rigg,
Daniel Roscoe, Timothy Strege, Eugene Vernon,
Louise Wackerle, Debbie Young, Kristen Andrews,
Michelle Trowbridge.
In January: T J Green, Annie Pedersen, Grace Blair,
Karen Boyer, Sheri Bury, Davis, Cathy Doonan,
William Essmeier, Barbara Farron, Patricia Flem-
ing, Karen Genet, Betty Gibbs, Leif Hansen, Dian
Hathaway, Emily Jones, L S Litsch, Anna Maughn,
Joe Ovalie, Beatrice Pearson, Gerald Rapp, Shirley
Roberts, Paul Ryhajlo, Carmen Dybdahl, Carolyn
Ernst, Anna Jackson, Sue Miller, Carol Oglesby,
Ursula Renz, Ellen Salazar, Arlene Billings, Chris-
tina Donehower, Kathleen Jones, Frank Longano,
and engaging experiments and activities.
To participate in this class, students
should be able to calculate averages,
percentages, and solve simple
equations.
Nature Alphabet “V is for Variety”
Feb 26 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Preschoolers explore different nature
topics through stories, hands-on activities,
nature walks and crafts at the Tacoma
Nature Center. Adult participation is
recommended; children under four
require an adult present. Please note
alternating times. Register by the Saturday
before class. 253-591-6439.
Nature Mapping for Beaches
Feb 27 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Feb 28
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Ages 18+, $70 per person. Moving
Snake Lake Science Fair
Sat Mar 6, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
  
Birding Basics with Rolan Nelson
Mon Mar 8 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mon Mar 15 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mon Mar 22 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mon Mar 29 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. $45
TAS member, $55 non-member. Curious
about birds but don’t know your crown
from your tailfeather? All are welcome
to this introduction to the joy of
identifying the birds that are all around
us. You will learn how to identify
common birds and use a field guide and
binoculars. Learn about some of the
best places to see birds and practice
your newfound birding skills. There is
one local field trip to Steilacoom Park
on Saturday, Mar 27 at 8am. For
information and to register call (253)
591-6439.  Margie with questions or for more
Tacoma Nature Center. Adult
participation is recommended, children
under four require an adult present.
Please note alternating times. Register
by the Saturday before class.
253-591-6439.
 
Snake Lake Science Club
Tue Mar 16, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Intermediate Homeschool Science
“Wet & Wild”
Thu Mar 18 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and
from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Homeschool students explore science
through hands-on experiments and
activities. Register Early - these
classes fill quickly! Note - topics are
repeated during the month, so select
class appropriate for your child’s
knowledge and abilities. Contact
6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com.
Ages 12-15, $15 per student. Older
homeschool students will continue their
science studies with challenging and
engaging experiments and activities. To
participate in this class, students should
be able to calculate averages,
percentages, and solve simple
equations.
Nature alphabet
“X is for eXoskeleton””
Fri Mar 26 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Preschoolers explore different nature
topics through stories, hands-on
activities, nature walks and crafts at the
Tacoma Nature Center. Adult
participation is recommended, children
under four require an adult present.
Please note alternating times. Register
by the Saturday before class. 253-591-
6439.

Checks payable to: Tahoma Audubon 2917 Morrison

Collins, Terry Conner, Rhona Diehl, Robert & Ann
Elliston, John English, Bryan Flint, Philip Frazer,
Mr & Mrs Doug Gant, William Giddings, Cor-
zanne Olson, Jennifer Radley, Cecilia Roebuck,
Lance & Sally Stark, Daniel Suckow, Patricia C
Lynch, Warren Finch, Mary Kenney, Leslie Pear-
Rd. W. University Place, 98466 Tahoma Audubon
Society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Membership Fee:
Larry Powell.
___ Introductory (first year) $20
WHEN RENEWAL TIME COMES: A month be- ___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50

organization. Donations are tax deductible.

rene Beaudoin Hall & Alan Hurr, Jana Henderson,
P J Huber, Jon Kemp, Sherrie Kilborn, Stephanie
& Thomas Kirkland, Mariam Lauren, Jim & Ann
son, Clifford Quisenberry, Debbie Pope. fore your membership is expiring, we will send you
In December: David Aiken, Elizabeth & Henry
Bande, George & Marilyn Brown, Jim Call, Kris-
a reminder to renew. Please renew through us, not
National Audubon. They do not give us a share
Membership
___
___
Chapter member renewal
Other Contributions _____________
$30

Leighty, The Leneweaver Family, Doug Lyle, Rob-
ert Mack, C G Marthaler, Dr Robert & Dorothey
McBride, Bliss & Shirley Moore, JoAnn Moore,
Ted & Sally Nesheim, Jim O'Donnell, Dave Olson,
Richard Ory, Robert Ory, Julia Ann Payne, Jean
Lesley Phillips, Ann Post, Dorothy Ann Robbins,
William W Scheer, David Scott & Aviva Lemberg-
tin Flor, Sandy Gyswyt, Joe Morris, Heather Pa-
pageorgeon, Marjorie Wortz, Jennifer Johnson, Mi-
chael Love, Mildred Taylor, Andrew Austin, Janet
Barclay, Debbie Barr, Irmgard Broussard, Emmi
Cain, Faye Carlson, James Condos, Stan Cook,
Ann Crawford, Judith Duggan, Chris Gilliard &
Edie Sperling, Beverly English, Leah Falk, Pat
of renewal dues, hence we are unable to support a
membership with the Towhee for you. YOU WILL
NOT GET A TOWHEE NEWSLETTER IF YOU
RENEW THROUGH NATIONAL. National will
send you packs of renewal notices--ignore them!
You can renew here through us for a Chapter Only
membership or a Joint membership which includes
C9ZY020Z
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

er, Ken & Sara Siemens-Luthy, Judith Stephens, gary, Kristy Gledhill, Ann Goodman, Pat Green, a Chapter Membership and a National one. If you membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of
Jean Trucco, Steven Urback, Jon & Kay Wagner, Barbara Haas, Jim Halmo, Maralise Hood & Julio have questions, call Thelma Gilmur, Membership Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas.
Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
Alex Wang, Bill Weber, Carter Wells. Quan, S G Larson, Norman Levine, Lois McGin- Chair, 253-564-8210.

Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org February 2010 February 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11


Unless otherwise stated -
To register for field trips,
call (253) 565-9278
To register for all education classes,
call (253) 591-6439
See further descriptions inside.
Check out our calendar online at
http://www.TahomaAudubon.org
for more information and updates
february 2010
TGIF Restoration Activity.
Fri Feb 5 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 
Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Come enjoy
the outdoors and help beautify the grounds
at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!
 
Skagit Birding Trip
Sat Feb 6, 2010, 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Bring warm clothes, sunglasses, lunch.
Meet:at the Sound Transit/Tacoma Dome
Station parking garage, located at 610
Puyallup Ave (Puyallup Ave & G) in
Tacoma. We will carpool from here.
Call the TAS office at 253-565-9278.
 
Annual Membership Meeting
Feb 6 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: McGavick Student Center @
Clover Park Technical College
 
Bird Walk @ Adriana Hess Park
Mon Feb 8 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Enjoy a guided bird walk in the park!
 
Intermediate Birder's Class
February 8, 2010, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
 
Conservation Committee
Tue Feb 9, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Location: Pacific Lutheran University,
Reike 112, Parkland WA.
Volunteer Naturalists:
Mammals and WA Wildlife
Tue Feb 9, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed Feb 10, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.
Budding Scientists
«Alpine Exploration»
Wed Feb 10 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Ages 5-7, $9.00 per student. Young
homeschoolers and other children begin
science and natre exploration through
games, walks, and crafts. Register at least
two days prior. Call 253-591-6439.
 
Beginning Homeschool Science
«Seasons of Mt. Tahoma»
Thu Feb 11, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00
PM to 3 PM. Location: Tacoma Nature
Center. Register Early - these classes fill
quickly! Contact Margie with questions or
for more information at 591-6439 or
marjories@tacomaparks.com.
TAS Board Meeting
Thu Feb 11, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Adriana Hess Audubon Center. Monthly
Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon Board.  the grounds at Adriana Hess Park!
Guest Welcome. Call (253) 565-9278.
 
TGIF Restoration Activity.
Fri Feb 12, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Adult
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify
the grounds at Adriana Hess Park!
 
Nature Alphabet
«U is for Underground»
Feb 12, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Adult
participation recommended, children under
four require an adult present. Register by
the Saturday before class. 253-591-6439.
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Calendar
Great Backyard Bird Count -
Betty Jones & Mary Blyton
See details on page 5.
Great Backyard Bird Count - Art Wong
Sat Feb 13, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
See details on page 5.
 
Volunteer Naturalists: Wildlife
Tracking Snowshoeing Elective
Sat Feb 13, 2010, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Great Backyard Bird Count - Batkers
Sun Feb 14, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
See details on page 5.
Great Backyard Bird Count -Engle
Feb 15, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
See details on page 5.
Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Mon Feb 15, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
 
Intermediate Birder's Class
February 15, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Continuation of class described Feb 1.
Snake Lake Science Club
Feb 16, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
 
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed Feb 17 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Leader: Phil Kelley.
Intermediate Homeschool Science
«Mountains: Top to Bottom»
Thu Feb 18, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00
PM to 3:00 PM Location: Tacoma Nature
Center.Contact Margie with questions or
for more information at 591-6439 or
marjories@tacomaparks.com. Ages 10-12,
$12 per student.
 
TGIF Restoration Activity.
Fri Feb 19, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Fri Mar 5, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify
the grounds at Adriana Hess Park!
 
Intermediate Birder's Class
February 22, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center.
Continuation of class described Feb 1.
Volunteer Naturalists: Forest Fun
Tue Feb 23, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
 
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed Feb, 24 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.
 
Nature Storytime «Up, Up and Away»
Thu Feb 25, 2010, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Adriana Hess Center, U.P. Ages
2-6, $6 per child, $3 Audubon member,
free to adults and U.P residents. Space is
limited to the first 20 registered guests
(adults and children). Call 253-591-6439.
 
Homeschool Advanced Science
«Mountain Ecosystems»
Thu Feb 25, 2010, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Register
Early - classes fill quickly! Contact Margie
with questions or for more information at
591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com.
Ages 12-15, $15 per student.
TGIF Restoration Activity.
Fri Feb 26 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Wed Mar 3, 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify
Nature alphabet «V is for Variety»
Feb 26, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
participation is recommended; children
under four require an adult present. Please
note alternating times. Register by the
Saturday before class. 253-591-6439.
Homeschool Advanced Science LAB
«Mountain Ecosystem»
Fri Feb 26, 2010, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Register
early - classes fill quickly! Contact Margie
for more information at 591-6439 or
marjories@tacomaparks.com.
Ages 12-15, $15 per student.
Nature Mapping for Beaches
Feb 27, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Feb 28,
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Location: Tacoma
Nature Center. Ages 18+, $70 per person.
Clock hours are available for $5.
 
Volunteer Naturalists: Forest Fun
Sat Feb 27, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
 
Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Sun Feb 28, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373
march 2010
Adriana Hess Park Photography class
Mon Mar 1, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Park
Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.
 
Intermediate Birder's Class
Mon Mar 1, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
 
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed Mar 3 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife
Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley. Bring: Good
walking shoes or boots, raingear, water,
snacks, and $3  entry fee unless you have a
pass.   Scopes welcome. Meet: At the
Visitor's Center. Sign-up: Call or email
Phil Kelley for details.  Phil Kelley, Lacey,
(360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com.
 
Green Drinks
Thu Mar 4, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
See page 4 for details.
 
TGIF Restoration Activity
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify
the grounds at Adriana Hess Park!
 
Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
Sat Mar 6, 8:00 AM to around noon.
Details on page 5.
Snake Lake Science Fair
Sat Mar 6, 2010, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
 
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Mon Mar 8, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.  Snake Lake Science Club
Intermediate Birder's Class
Mon Mar 8, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Cont'd.)
 
Birding Basics with Rolan Nelson
Mon Mar 8, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. $45 TAS
member, $55 non-member. There is one
local field trip to Steilacoom Park on
Saturday, Mar 27 at 8am. For information
and
  to register call (253) 591-6439. 
Conservation Committee
Tue Mar 9, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Location: PLU, Rieke 112, Parkland WA.
 
Volunteer Naturalists:
Wetlands and Water Sleuths
Tue Mar 9, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife
Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier.
Budding Scientists
«Marshes, Bogs and Swamps, Oh My!»
Weds Mar 10, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and
3:15 to 4:45 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Ages 5-7, $9.00 per student
Register at least two days prior to the
session by calling 253-591-6439.
 
Beginning Homeschool Science
«Wet & Wild»
Thu Mar 11, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1;00
PM to 3:00 PM
A few more pics
February program
No regular membership meeting this
month due to the annual membership
from the CBC ...
banquet on Friday, February 6th.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. Contact
Margie with questions or for more
information at 591-6439 or marjories@
tacomaparks.com.
TAS Board Meeting
Thu Mar 11, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board.  Guests Welcome, please call ahead
at (253) 565-9278.
TGIF Restoration Activity Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Fri Mar 12, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM A Junco is not so well camouflaged in this
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
bright red tree.
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify
the grounds at Adriana Hess Park!
 
Nature Alphabet - W is for Windy Days
Fri Mar 12, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Adult participation is recommended,
children under four require an adult present.
Please note alternating times. Register by
the Saturday before class. 253-591-6439.
Membership Meeting
Fri Mar 12, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S.
Tyler Street . Monthly membership meeting
of Tahoma Audubon.  All welcome.  Call
(253) 565-9278 or Check web site for
program - www.TahomaAudubon.org.  
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Another record set for wintering Anna's Hummers!
Volunteer Naturalists:
Wetlands and Water Sleuths
Sat Mar 13, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Mon Mar 15, Noon to 1:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
 
Birding Basics with Rolan Nelson
Mon Mar 15 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Intermediate Birder's Class
Mon Mar 15  7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
 
Tue Mar 16, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
 
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed Mar 17 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife
Refuge. Leader: Phil Kelley.
  Photo/Kathy Best
Intermediate Homeschool Science Hairy Woodpecker seen in Area 3.
«Wet & Wild»
Thu Mar 18  9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and
from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
Photo/Kathy Best
Contact Margie for more information at
Melissa Sherwood does an embarrassing bird call while Carol Smith observes.
591-6439 or marjories@tacomaparks.com.
Ages 10-12, $12 per student.
 
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri Mar 19 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify
the grounds at Adriana Hess Park!
 
Spring ACOW
Fri Mar 19, 2010 to Mar 21, 2010
Location: Hawthorn Hotel in Kent, WA
See page 3 for details. 
Birding Basics with Rolan Nelson
Mon Mar 22 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
 
Intermediate Birder's Class
Mon Mar 22  7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Nature Center
 
Tidepools at Titlow Beach
Tue Mar 23 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Location: Titlow Beach. Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn Count Dinner! Coordinator Faye Hands at center, flanked by the the Giddings at left, Pat
A record number of counters scarf down pizza at the count dinner. Damron at center, and Marcus Roening, front.