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Salem
Audubon
Society
The Kestrel
www.salemaudubon.org facebook.com/SalemAudubonSociety March 2018 Volume 51, No. 7
In the February President's message, I wrote about some personal
interests for the new year. In this message I want to be a bit more
strategic and reflect on what I think the Board's priorities will be for
the next 12 months or so. However, before we go off speculating
about the future, let’s look at an accomplished objective from last
month's message.
Last month I proposed to raise funds to purchase a new, safer table saw for the volunteers who keep us supplied with
bird boxes for sale at events and with bird box kits to use in our school programs. Chet Zenone, Don Roberts, and Pat
Gallagher quietly, and mostly unnoticed, keep the shop going and boxes in the supply line for sale and for students.
Before the February Kestrel hit your in-boxes, donors came forward with the needed funds for such a saw. I picked up
the saw from Barbo Machinery in Portland and delivered it to the shop for the crew to assemble and put to good use.
No sweat, this fund raising stuff. As if that were actually true.
Back to the future. Completion of the first phase nature center building construction and opening it to public use is
without doubt the highest priority of the Board between now and summer 2019. We are moving ahead with contractor
selection and negotiations. By mid-summer we should have construction plans for the complete Gehlar Hall building
and will subsequently enter construction of the Phase 1 portion for which we have funding: an indoor classroom,
restrooms, and a covered outdoor learning space. By spring 2019, the Fish and Wildlife Service will have competed a
new public entrance off Ankeny Hill Road, parking, trails, outdoor learning installations, and signage. We expect to
welcome the first visitors in May 2019. That’s not so far away.
Salem Audubon connects people to nature through the efforts of our volunteers. Even without the nature center
coming on line we need to recognize all that you volunteers do for us. The nature center adds an imperative to
systematically define the jobs that need doing, recruit folks to do them, and celebrate the accomplishments. We are
making progress in promoting opportunities, thanks largely to Board member Maureen Leong-Kee, but we will need to
fill in with the task description and appreciation of success pieces. That has to be a Board priority; the need for
volunteers is only going to increase over time. Building the membership and devising an effective community outreach
strategy are part and parcel of that priority.
President’s Message continued on page 2
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 2
President’s Message
And, the Board itself. We have a Board of eight folks who work hard at keeping the organization solvent and moving
ahead. Our by-laws allow 13 Board members. More Board members mean more perspectives on issues, more life
experiences to apply, more energy to take on tasks outside the meetings. I have a personal goal of bringing our
committees and Board members closer together for benefit of the Society, and to have more energy tackling priority
initiatives. To do so, we need to bring more skill sets and energy to the Board. Talk to me if that sounds interesting to
you.
My email “door” is always open. Please contact me at dg1065@gmail.com if you have any comments on this topic or
comments or questions about Salem Audubon, the Board of Directors, or any of our programs. I will answer you.
2018 Bird Identification Workshops
In 2018, Salem Audubon Society (SAS) will be offering six workshops on identifying local birds and bird biology. Five of
the six workshops will be on new topics while the most popular workshop on Raptor ID will be repeated. The
workshops are held at on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon. The cost of each workshop is $10.00 per person with all
proceeds going to SAS to support conservation and other related activities. Mike Unger is the instructor for the
workshops. Check future Kestrels for further information on each workshop.
2018 workshops:
March 24 – The Evolution of Birds (see page 11) July 28 – Flight and Feathers
April 14 – Hummingbirds of the US (see page 11) October 6 – Owls of the Pacific Northwest
May 5 – Water Birds (Grebes, Loons, Herons, etc.)
Our Birds are Counting on You
– Tim Johnson
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), National Audubon
Society has teamed with National Geographic, BirdLife International, and the Cornell Lab of
Ornithology to officially make 2018 the Year of the Bird. The MBTA has protected birds from
intentional and unintentional business practices and other activities for a century; however our
birds face many new and serious threats including attacks on the MBA itself. To participate in the
national celebration of The Year of the Bird, sign up by clicking on “count on me” at
www.audubon.org/yearofthebird.
To participate locally in the celebration, I encourage you to support Salem Audubon Society by pledging for the number
of bird species you observe during the year. Some of us are pledging $1 per species we find in 2018. Other options
include pledging for the number of species we find on one or more of our 2018 organized field trips, or the number of
species you see at your feeders and yard this year, or the number of species you find on a 2018 birding vacation. Think of
the pledge as a year-round bird-a-thon where you set the birding goal for yourself and then ask your friends, family and
colleagues to join you in pledging to this goal to Salem Audubon.
In 2018, Salem Audubon will continue with its many valuable public programs, middle school nature classes,
conservation work, and habitat protection, all targeted at protecting birds and other wildlife and connecting people with
Nature. Additionally in 2018, Salem Audubon and its partners will take a major step forward in the design and
construction of the first phase of a new Nature Center at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. We are currently in the
process of selecting a designer/contractor for the project.
Please support these efforts and celebrate our birds by pledging on your species count this year, however you wish to
define it. Everything helps. To register your 2018 pledge and become eligible for a drawing for some valuable prizes,
please contact me at tim.the.fisherman@gmail or (503) 507-8552.
www.salemaudubon.org
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 3
Audubon Reserve Work Parties
Every Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM
Attack invasives and help keep our Reserve looking great!
BYO work gloves; tools provided or bring your favorites.
Spring Activities:
Plant, water and weed native flowers and shrubs
Crew member Jeremy Mills and newcomer Beth Grub out invasive ivy
Fox plant an Evergreen Huckleberry, one of a Maintain & build trails
group of native plants donated by the Glen-
Gibson Watershed Council Collect litter
FREE! No background check required! On-the-job training!
Possibilities for advancement!
Coffee and conversation at McDonalds after
Call Lee Slattum at (503) 364-9325 with any questions
Salem Audubon Nature Reserve
Eola Drive, off Edgewater, in West Salem
See: http://www.salemaudubon.org/salem-audubon-nature-reserve.html
Visit our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/Audubon-Nature-Reserve-1636890073202471/
Marion SWCD Native Plant Sale and Scholarship Fundraiser
Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Bauman Farms 12989 Howell Prairie Rd, Gervais OR
Marion SWCD Native Plant Sale supports the Stan Vistica Memorial Scholarship. Profits from the native plant sale
help fund scholarships for two students from Marion County studying Natural Resources or Agriculture at an Oregon
College or University. The scholarship was established in 2006 and is named after an outstanding friend,
conservationist, and former Board Member, Stan Vistica. The scholarship is administered through the Office of
Student Access and Completion, www.oregonstudentaid.gov.
Worm Bin Raffle – Enter the raffle to win your very own worm bin! Sign up anytime during plant sale hours. You do
not have to be present to win.
Marion County Master Gardeners Information Booth – The Marion County Master Gardeners will have an
information booth at our plant sale and will be available to answer all your gardening questions.
Come early for the best selection. Prices range from $1.50 for bare root trees and shrubs, $3.50 for 4” pots, and
$8.00 for specialty shrubs and plants in gallon pots. Native seed mix from Heritage Seedlings with 17 species of
annual and perennial flowers will be available for $3.00 a packet. Also available for purchase are Showy Milkweed
(Asclepias speciosa) and Narrow Leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) plants along with Showy Milkweed seed.
Visit www.marionswcd.net for more information or contact Jenny Meisel at (503) 391-9927 via email,
jenny.meisel@marionswcd.net.
www.salemaudubon.org
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 4
Birder’s Night – Tuesday, March 13, 2018
The Carrier Room - First United Methodist Church, 600 State Street, Salem – 6:30 PM
A Taste of Australia
– Glen Lindeman
If you have ever wished you could go on a birding trip to Australia your
opportunity to experience what it would be like is at Birder’s Night,
Tuesday, March 13, in the Carrier Room of the First Methodist Church, 600
State Street. In November 2016 Glen Lindeman, long-time member of
Salem Audubon Society, participated in a month-long birding trip to points
in northern and eastern Australia. The group of 16 was led by Fred
Ramsey of Corvallis Audubon Society. Also birding with the group was
Dorothy Kimball of SAS. Glen will share photos and stories of the places
the group went and the hundreds of birds and other wildlife they saw.
Colorful fruit-doves, perky fairy wrens, and gorgeous honey-eaters were
among the 300 species the group listed. Although about 25 were species
which also occur in the US (such as Great Egret, Pacific Golden-Plover and
Whimbrel) the remainder were all “lifers” for Glen. When asked which his
favorites were, Glen replied, “I enjoyed all the places and all the birds
equally.” Dorothy Kimball said in some places the shrubs were absolutely
full of colorful birds. Cockatoos were numerous and the group saw both
cuckoos and kookaburras, and pigeons with unusual markings. The red-
headed honey-eater was one of Dorothy’s favorites. Wildlife other than
birds included 3 species of kangaroo, 6 species of wallaby, fruit bats,
dingoes, bandicoot, crocodile, and a short glimpse of a duck-billed
platypus. Of these Glen got photos of kangaroos, wallaby, and the fruit
Photos taken by Glen bats which will be part of the photo show.
The group visited many well-known birding spots including Sydney Botanical Gardens, Gluepot Reserve, Kakadu National
Park, Edith Falls, Darwin Botanical Gardens (where the heat and humidity were hard to bear), Kingfisher Park, Cassowary
House, Cairns Botanical Gardens and O’Reilly’s Guest House. All of these will be described in Glen’s presentation.
Areas covered by the group were the provinces of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, as well as
the Northern Territory. Don’t miss this chance to take an armchair tour of Australia’s birds and wildlife with Glen
Lindeman, outstanding birder and photographer.
Glen has been a member of Salem Audubon since 1988 when he moved to Salem from Corvallis. He retired from the
Oregon Lottery in 2005. His primary activities since then have been travel, birding and photography. Prior to that Glen
was an avid butterfly collector. He is chairman of Salem Audubon’s field trip committee and helps organize and lead
birding trips throughout Oregon including the Oregon Coast, Malheur Wildlife Refuge and Summer Lake. He currently
splits his time between Salem and Richmond, Texas.
Birder’s Night is a monthly program presented by Salem Audubon Society on the second Tuesday of each month from
September through May. Meetings are free and open to the public and begin at 6:30 PM. The meetings are held at the
First United Methodist Church (address above). Please enter through the office entrance on State Street.
Salem Audubon always appreciates donations to support its conservation, education and stewardship programs. For
more information, call the Salem Audubon office at (503) 588-7340.
www.salemaudubon.org
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 5
Salem Environmental Education Presents
Little Brown Fishes of the Willamette River Basin
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Supporting communities through environmental education
Straub Environmental Learning Center, 1320 A St. NE, Salem
The Natural History of Oregon series of classes and field trips will cover geology and the identification and ecology of the
plants and animals that we commonly find in the Willamette Valley. The class is primarily for beginner nature
enthusiasts but all level of learners will benefit from these experiences.
The Willamette River and its tributaries are teaming with a myriad of native fishes. While many people know about
iconic fish species like salmon, steelhead, and rainbow trout, few are familiar with the redside shiner, dace, northern
pike minnow, or sculpin. While sometimes referred to as “trash fish”, these fish play a vital role in the stream ecology of
the Willamette River Basin. The presentation by Karen Hans of ODFW will cover the 25 species of native Little Brown
Fishes that live in the Willamette Valley. Topic will include the basic ecology of these fish, the challenges they face from
habitat changes and introduced fish species such as bass, bluegill, and gambusia, and what people can do to make rivers
and streams better for these native fishes. The Saturday morning field trip will be to Waln Creek in SE Salem, the site of
an active restoration project. We will tour the creek, talk about the restoration project, and attempt to capture some
fish with seine nets.
The class is held at the Straub Environmental Learning Center (1320 A. St. NE) from 7:00-8:30 PM with a field trip to be
arranged for the following Saturday. Cost for the class is $5 and cost for the field trip is $10. For more information go
online to salemee.org or contact Jon Yoder at joyoder@wildblue.net.
Upcoming classes: April 11 - Wildflowers of Oregon and May 9 - Insects of Oregon
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Under Threat
— David Harrison
The linchpin of our country's bird conservation laws, the Migratory Bird Act (MBTA), faces an unprecedented threat. A
policy change by the Trump administration and a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives would markedly limit the
reach of the law so that birds would no longer be protected from industrial activities. The MBTA is the law that makes
killing birds illegal, and for the past hundred years has been broadly interpreted to protect birds from being killed
incidentally by industry. This helps birds avoid some of the worst impacts of energy development, especially oil and gas
drilling and poorly sited wind energy facilities. Under the MBTA, if an oil exploration company leaves a large waste pool
uncovered, leading many birds to land in it and die, it can be prosecuted and fined. This would no longer be true under
the new policy.
In practice, the MBTA has been rarely enforced, but serves to incentivize businesses to take steps to prevent
unnecessary bird deaths. Penalties have only happened in those situations where companies ignored government
warnings and requests for mitigation or were not operating according to industry best practices. One such situation was
BP's disastrous Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, which caused the deaths of over a million birds. Under the MBTA, BP
paid out tens of millions of dollars in penalties, which was used to rehabilitate oil-stained marshes and purchase new
lands along the Gulf for refuges. If the new policy had been in place, BP would have had no liability for all the bird deaths
it caused.
At a time when most avian populations have been steadily declining, gutting the fundamental bird conservation law is a
big step in the wrong direction. Salem Audubon has joined hundreds of other groups around the country in signing a
letter to Congress urging it to oppose efforts to weaken the MBTA.
www.salemaudubon.org
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 6
Find Inspiration at the 2018 Mid-Valley Yard, Garden and Home Show
Friday, March 16 through Sunday, March 18, 2018 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds
To make the most of the land around your home to create an enjoyable outdoor living space with productive gardens
and plantings that support and attract visiting wildlife, plan to attend the annual Mid-Valley Yard, Garden and Home
Show. It opens Friday, March 16 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and runs through Sunday, March 18.
Salem Audubon Society is again among the many organizations and businesses sponsoring booths at this informative
event. The theme of the SAS booth will be: "How to make a bird-friendly yard." SAS’s talented wood shop volunteers
Chet Zenon, Don Robertson and Pat Gallagher make nest boxes possible.
It’s not too late to volunteer to help staff the SAS booth. Contact Maureen Leong-Kee at mleongkee@yahoo.com to
volunteer.
The show is at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE. Exhibit hours will be 11 AM to 6 PM Friday, 9 AM to 6
PM. Saturday, and 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Don’t miss it!
Welcome New Members
Here at SAS, we invite everyone to join our exceptional field trip leaders on any of the upcoming field trips and SAS
Shorts (see pages 9-10 for several great opportunities). If you haven’t yet joined one of these birding adventures, the
experience promises to enrich your knowledge of our local birds and their habitats.
Our monthly meetings (Birder’s Night and the Chapter Meeting, see page 4 and 8 for March’s programs) include
speakers that are always presenting thought-provoking and current topics, friends and members of SAS showing
beautiful photography when sharing their own birding adventures, and so much more.
SAS also sponsors special events such as Oregon Birds: See, Learn, and Share workshops (see pages 2 and 11 for
more information), and the upcoming Backyard Birdfeeder Tour on Saturday May 19, 2018! Mark your calendar for
these and other events!
SAS appreciates our members, and we hope to meet you soon through our community events.
Welcome to Salem Audubon!
October
Robert and Susan Maynard
November
Karen Halliday
December
Linda Tucker Burfitt Kate Gallager and Thom Barth
David and Carolyn Canoy LaVeryne Gray Tina and Gary Loewenthal
Elizabeth Miller Vicki Pedone Jerry Rosenkoetter
Be sure to visit Salem Audubon’s website at salemaudubon.org for upcoming events, conservation
information, and more. Note the SAS Newsletter Archive is under the “Resources” tab.
Click John J. Audubon’s Birds of America Click State Birds
www.salemaudubon.org
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 7 Photographing a Northern Pygmy-Owl — Stephanie Hazen In early January, Jim Bayuk took a photo of a Northern Pygmy-Owl perched in a cherry tree outside his kitchen window by using his cell phone through a spotting scope (known as digiscoping). Jim sent me the photo, and I said, “You should go buy a lottery ticket today, Jim. You are very lucky!” A few days later, Jan Irene Miller, Jim’s wife, called and said the owl was back and now would be a good time for me to come. I quickly showered, dressed, and hoped beyond hope that I had assembled all the correct camera equipment – tripod, fresh battery, large sized SD card, camera, lens, and a backup camera just in case. Many times I have gone out to take photos only to find a dead battery, wrong SD card, or other key missing element. As I raced to load the van, I got a call from Jan Irene; the owl is gone. I sighed. Oh well, I thought, at least I’m up and ready to do some house work. Then another call; the owl is back! I hopped into my van, raced to Stayton, and as I reached Jim and Jan Irene’s home, I slowly drove my van into their driveway. Jan Irene quickly ushered me inside their home. Over the next two hours, as I made my way slowly out of their home, down the Northern Pygmy-Owl road as far across from the owl as I ©Stephanie Hazen could, I started taking pictures. After dozens of poorly composed photos later, I decided to move downhill from the owl and make my way back to it. At this point, I had become benign scenery, like an imaginary deer grazing nearby. During the entire time, the tiny Northern Pygmy-Owl was observing the environment around it, quickly turning its head around revealing the feathers on the back of its head that resemble eyespots, perfect camouflage for a tiny, fierce owl. Visit https://vimeo.com/253916610 to see a video of my owl visit. www.salemaudubon.org
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 8
Chapter Meeting – Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Salem Audubon Society's Chapter Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month,
September through May (no meeting in December) with a hiatus June through August. Please
join us each month at Loucks Auditorium, located at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty SE.
Doors open at 6:30 PM; the presentation begins at 7:00 PM.
www.salemaudubon.org
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 9
Upcoming Field Trips
– compiled by Glen Lindeman
Salem Audubon field trips are open to the public, and we usually have a mixture of experienced and novice bird
watchers. These trips are a great way to become more familiar with the birds of Oregon, and you will find some great
new places to go birding and possibly meet some new friends. There is no fee for the trips, but we do encourage
carpooling to try to reduce our impact on the environment, with riders helping to cover the cost of driving. If you have a
suggestion for field trips or have any questions, contact Glen Lindeman at (503) 930-1492 or gdalindy@msn.com.
SAS-SHORTS are abbreviated versions of our popular field trips. These trips are in the local area, typically last one to one
and a half hours, and cover no more than a mile of walking. They are primarily designed for new birders, although
everyone is welcome. Due to the short duration of SAS-SHORTS, please arrive before the start time. The outings will
begin at precisely the advertised start time. Refer to the outing descriptions below for specifics.
Many of our field trips meet at the Airport Road Park and Ride because the parking lot we have used for years near the
now closed Kmart is no longer available. The park and ride is located on the east side of Airport Road, between Mission
and State Streets, next to the DMV Motor Pool and just south of the bridge over Mill Creek. To reach the park and ride
from the former lot, go east on Mission Street to Airport Road (the first stoplight east of 25th Street) and turn left. Follow
Airport Road north 1 block to the park and ride. Note that there are no restrooms at this site.
See below for the Field Trips schedule:
Sunday March 4, 8:00 AM – Minto-Brown Island Anna’s Hummingbirds, Brown Creepers, Bushtits,
Park American Robins, Bewick’s and Pacific Wrens and others
(Upcoming –Monday, April 2 and Wednesday, May 2, both at are announcing spring with their song and behavior.
7:00 AM) Meet at 8:00 AM at parking lot #3 (the last parking lot
Leaders: Mike Unger (503) 930-8998, Fred Stephens in the park). Dress for the weather, and bring snacks
(503) 378-1364, and Barbara Dolan (503) and water to keep energized. Wear appropriate
982-3204 footwear and plan for considerable
walking. We will plan to finish by Noon.
This large Salem city park provides access
to a variety of habitat year-round which Directions: From River Road South, turn
attracts birds and wildlife. The Peter west at the signal at Minto Island Road
Courtney Bridge connecting downtown and proceed to the last parking lot.
Salem with the north conservation basin
of Minto-Brown park gives additional
Tuesday, March 20, 8:00 AM –
opportunities for winter avian visitors to
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
be viewed from the water areas at the
bridge. In the Park proper, parking lot #3 (Upcoming - Sunday, April 22 and Sunday,
May 27, both at 7:00 AM)
provides access to a variety of birding
loops. Leafless woodland trees have Leaders: Mike Unger (503) 930-8998, Fred
allowed good viewing of winter birds and Stephens (503) 378-1364, and Barbara
older raptor nests, such as the Osprey Dolan (503) 982-3204
nests which appear to need repair by the birds when As spring approaches there are opportunities for
they arrive. Cavity openings in the numerous snags excellent viewing of waterfowl, woodpeckers, raptors
provide homes to cavity nesters such as owls, American and Bald Eagles continuing from late winter. While
Kestrels, 5 woodpecker species, chickadees, nuthatches Dusky and Cackling geese depart to their breeding
and Wood Ducks. We have been successful at grounds in the north, herons, American Bitterns,
identifying Wood Duck pairs going to snags and dense American Kestrels, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks,
tree stands as they choose nesting sites. Restoration Wilson Snipe and Bald Eagles can be observed as they
areas are becoming more mature and recently the park search for the habitat they need to nest. The reedy
ranger identified an area where milkweed was planted. marsh areas are excellent for the Soras,
Field Trips continued on page 10
www.salemaudubon.org
THE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 10
Field Trips
Virginia Rails, and Wilson’s Phalaropes that use the Festival Registration
refuge for nesting. The interior berms and ponds will Online registration opened in
not be open until April 1, so we will carpool to enjoy the February. You may also register over
refuge loop, driving to prominent pullouts. If time the phone by calling the Harney
Greater Sage-
permits we may also visit one of the two woodland County Chamber of Commerce at Grouse at the
stand boardwalk areas, listening for passerine calls and (541) 573-2636. You must register to Foster Flats lek
songs. participate in workshops and tours.
Meet at the Ankeny Hill Overlook at 8:00 AM. Dress Visit www.migratorybirdfestival.com for more
for the weather, bring snacks, water and plan to information or to register.
carpool. We will plan to finish by Noon. Note this is the
Contact Glen for information about lodging options and
only restroom site.
carpooling to the festival.
If the Overlook’s parking lot is closed, follow Buena
Vista Road a mile west from the Liberty-Ankeny Road
Sunday, May 20 through Thu, May 24 – Malheur
intersection to the Eagle Marsh parking area.
National Wildlife Refuge, Burns
Directions: From Salem, take I-5 south to Ankeny Hill Leader: Glen Lindeman (503) 930-1492 or
(Exit 243). Follow Ankeny Hill Road west and continue gdalindy@msn.com
right a couple of miles to the Overlook, parking on the
left. Alternatively, take Liberty Road south to its Malheur NWR is one of the iconic birding destinations in
junction with Ankeny Hill Road, turning left and up the the country. It made the news a couple years ago with
hill ¼-mile to the Overlook on the right. the infamous occupation, but it is back to being what it
should be, one of the best places to go birding in spring.
We’ll spend a day birding our way to Burns, one day on
Thursday, April 5 thru Sunday, April 8 – Harney the refuge, one day exploring the area around
County Migratory Bird Festival (Burns) Frenchglen and Fields, one day in the woods north of
Coordinator: Glen Lindeman (503) 930-1492 or Burns looking for woodpeckers and other woodland
gdalindy@msn.com birds, and one day birding our way back to Salem. We’ll
be headquartered in a motel in Burns. The trip is nearly
The Harney County Migratory Bird Festival offers a
full; contact Glen if you’re interested or want more
variety of activities for bird watching enthusiasts.
information.
Located in the high desert of Southeast Oregon, the
festival occurs during the height of the spring Sandhill
Crane, waterfowl and shorebird migrations along the
Pacific Flyway. The Festival offers spectacular bird SAS SHORT
watching opportunities. Bird enthusiasts have the
opportunity to see over 100 species of birds during the Wednesday, March 28 at 9:00 AM – Cascades
festival. Gateway Park
Leader: Fred Stephens (503) 378-1364
The 2018-featured speaker is David Moen, a
conservation biologist working for the Nez Perce Tribe, We will walk the approximately 1-mile trail around
who is working in partnership with the Oregon Zoo, and Walter Wirth Lake looking for waterfowl, raptors,
many others, to bring California Condors back to woodpeckers and songbirds. Location: 2100 Turner Rd
Oregon. David's presentation will discuss the Tribe’s SE, near Walmart, Lowe’s and the Salem airport
latest efforts toward returning condors to Hells Canyon
with a focus on habitat evaluation and the threats to
their survival.
Cinnamon Teal pair © Jim Leonard
www.salemaudubon.orgTHE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 11
Oregon Birds: See, Learn, and Share – The Evolution of Birds and Hummingbirds of the US
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem
The Evolution of Birds
Saturday, March 24 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Birds have inhabited the planet for a long, long time. In this installment of the Bird Biology series, we explore the rich
fossil history of birds. Did you know that the contemporary view of birds as the only animals with feathers gets very
blurry as one examines the fossil record? We will also look at the two competing theories on the origin of birds and how
these theories relate to the development of flight. Join us for a glimpse into the mists of time to see where modern
birds originated.
Hummingbirds of the US
Saturday, April 14 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Hummingbirds are incredible birds. With their glittering colors, unparalleled flying ability and interesting behaviors,
hummingbirds are one of the main attractions of people to birding. In this class, you will learn how to identify
hummingbirds and basic aspects of their biology. Do you want to attract these wonderful birds to your yard? You will
learn how to create your own backyard hummingbird garden.
Each workshop costs $10 per person. Reservations requested. Please call Salem Audubon at (503) 588-7340. Leave
your name and telephone number and state that you wish to attend the workshop on The Evolution of Birds or email
Salem Audubon at laurie@salemaudubon.org.
For more information, call Mike Unger at (503) 930-8998.
Backyard Birdfeeder Tour – A May Fund Raising Event
Save the Date – Saturday May 19, 2018
As a participant in this grand yard and garden event, you will gain new perspectives on this third Spring Birdfeeder Yard
Tour. This event brings to participants the joy of visiting four bird yards in and outside Salem, including Keizer and
Brooks. The experience will provide you with ideas from yard hosts how their love of birds brings to each, their dynamic
of watching, identifying, feeding, study and enjoyment of yard birds. This weaves very well into the dedication of this
‘2018 Year of the Bird’, (#birdyourworld). This is a carpool event with the objective of a planned schedule for each yard
observation. Sign up and donation required ahead with openings for 12 participants. The Pledge is $40.00 to Salem
Audubon Society. If you are interested please call Barbara Dolan on her cell at (971) 338-8817.
American Coot at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge © Jim Leonard
www.salemaudubon.orgTHE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 12
Birds of Prey* Clockwise from top right, Northern
Harrier, Immature Bald Eagle,
– Photos by Jim Leonard Adult Bald Eagle, and more Bald
Eagles(!), and a Red-tailed Hawk
Center, Immature Bald Eagle and
Green-winged Teal – Jim captures
the dramatic difference in the wing
span of these two birds
*and a shore bird, too!
www.salemaudubon.orgTHE KESTREL | March 2018 Page 13
Upcoming Events for 2018
SALEM AUDUBON SOCIETY
April 27-29, 2018 June 2018
Board of Directors Grays Harbor Shorebird and Dean Hale Woodpecker
2017-2018 Nature Festival Festival
Hoquiam WA Sisters, OR
Ray Temple, President
May 2018 July 2018
Carolyn Homan, Secretary SAS Birdathon Summer Lake field trip
Tim Johnson, Treasurer Malheur NWR field trip
Michael Babbitt th
40 Annual Silver Falls Birding
Judy Brunkal and Wildflower Festival
Doug Spencer
Lowell Spring
Maureen Leong-Kee Visit Salem Audubon’s Facebook page
for great photos and links to articles:
Committees & Special Projects Chairs
www.facebook.com/SalemAudubonSociety
Beginning Birding Class Conservation
Wes Craven David Harrison Be sure to us!
Birder’s Night Education Coordinator
Eugenia Becker Lowell Spring Visit the Straub Environmental Center at
http://straubenvironmentalcenter.org/ for information
Chapter Meetings Nature Reserve about their Environmental Lecture Series, Northwest
Stephanie Hazen Lee Slattum Naturalists Classes, and more!
Field Trips SAS Woodshop
Glen Lindeman Chet Zenone
Bluebird Project Birding Workshops
Pat Gallagher Mike Unger
Kestrel Editor May Birdathon
Melissa Young Tim Johnson
Christmas Bird Count
Tim Johnson and Barbara Dolan
Office Information
Laurie Buswell, Administrator
Office hours by appointment only
Monday-Thursday, 10:00A–3:00P
338 Hawthorne Ave NE
Salem, Oregon 97301
(503) 588-7340
email: laurie@salemaudubon.org
Website: www.salemaudubon.org
Bird & wildlife emergency contact:
Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center
(503) 540-8664
www.turtleridgewildlifecenter.org
www.salemaudubon.orgNon-Profit
U.S. Postage
Salem PAID
Salem, Oregon
Permit #165
Audubon
Society
338 Hawthorne Ave NE
Salem OR 97301
503.588.7340
www.salemaudubon.org
Connecting people with birds + nature Membership Form
Name
Field Trips
March 4, 8:00 AM
Address
Minto-Brown Island Park
March 20, 8:00 AM
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
UPCOMING
Other Events Email*
March 10, 9 AM – 4 PM
EVENTS & TRIPS MSWCD Native Plant Sale
Bauman Farms, 12989 Howell Prairie Rd., Gervais
*Required for E-Kestrel Membership
March 14, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Fish of Oregon Individual Membership
Straub Environmental Center 1320 A St. NE, Salem ☐ $43 Print Edition
March 24, 10:00 AM - 12:00 N ☐ $35 E-Kestrel Edition
The Evolution of Birds
ODFW, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem Family Membership
☐ $58 Print Edition
Birder’s Night, March 13
☐ $50 E-Kestrel Edition
First United Methodist Church, 600 State Street,
Mark your Salem – The Carrier Room – Door opens at 6:30 PM Annual memberships renew February 1
Chapter Meeting, March 20
calendar! Salem Library, 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem – Loucks Mail to: Salem Audubon Society
Auditorium – Door opens at 6:30 PM 338 Hawthorne Ave NE
Salem OR 97301You can also read
