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The Observer
Sacramento Audubon Society
General Meeting MARY FORRESTAL
MEET MARY FORRESTAL
MEETING NOTICE:
Mary hit the ground running after joining Sacramento
With the continuing uncertainty regarding Audubon Society (SAS) in late 2018. She, her husband,
the Coronavirus situation, the SAS Board has an air force retiree, and their nine-year-old daughter,
decided to suspend our May general meeting. Maggie, started the Sacramento adventure three years
The Officer and Board Member election will ago, after moving from South Korea. Previously, they
be postponed until the September General lived in England, Nebraska, Ohio and Colorado. Mary
Meeting. We are needing two board members. has a vivid memory of the day she and her family
If you or anyone you know would like to vol- arrived in Sacramento and why she joined SAS. Bill Bianco
unteer please contact President, Bill Bianco, “The first time we drove up from the Sacramento
at biancowm@yahoo.com; or 916-372-3318. Airport on Hwy 99, was in December, 2017. I was so
Please check the Observer, our web site: sac- excited by all the birds in the rice fields. I just couldn’t
ramentoaudubon.org; or our Facebook page: believe everything I was seeing. It took me about a Mary Forrestal and
facebook.com/SacramentoAudubon for any year to settle in and discover the Sacramento Audubon her daughter Maggie
updates concerning this ongoing crisis. Society. After a little while I started goin g on field trips.
Sacramento Audubon meetings are held the I love our field trips, whether it is a small one with only a few participants or one that
third Thursday of the month at the Effie Yeaw everyone flocks to.
Nature Center Assembly Room in Carmichael. “There is always something to discover, something new to learn. Our trip leaders are
The public is welcome. Visit our website www. fantastic, generous with their knowledge and experience. Not being from the area, it
sacramentoaudubon.org and click on Society feels like I have discovered specialized tour guides to all the places I want to go. Beyond
Info/ Meetings, for further information, includ- that, I knew I wanted to contribute to the organization.”
ing a map and directions. To keep up with
current happenings follow us on Facebook at Mary was appointed to the board in 2019. Her smile and infectious laugh are her
facebook.com/Sacramento Audubon. trademark. In a unique way, they reflect her passion for SAS. She doesn’t hesitate to
Anthony Asay, Program Chair volunteer where there is a need. In addition to serving on the Board, Mary has assisted
with kid friendly activities. This past February a Folsom area girl scout troop leader
reached out to Mary Forrestal continued on page 2
THE TIMING OF SPRING MIGRATION
Warm days with singing birds in late March March 21st, the turning of the calendar to of local color adding to the more subtle
and even the first half of April can still be April is another milestone and anticipation beauty of our wintering sparrows; they can
devoid of hoped for migrants. For many builds. Migration always comes in fits and typically both be found in the last week of
birders, the first good pulse of migrant starts based on favorable weather condi- March. Another conspicuous addition is
warblers is the highlight of the avian cal- tions, but it is often not until around April the sunflower-yellow Wilson’s Warbler. On
endar, but nearly everyone experiences 15th, and sometimes later, that things good days, they can be quite abundant,
some impatience. Sure, the bright spring really pick up. often in willow margins, singing their sim-
male Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warblers The early arrivals are the swallows, with ple songs from mid-April, peaking in early
are beautiful and many are singing, but Tree Swallows singing and checking out May, and tapering off along with most of
after looking at hundreds if not thousands nest cavities by mid-to-late January, and the migrants by month’s end.
from fall to early spring, one gets antsy the other common swallows are all evi- What are often considered the oak spe-
for the real show to begin. While spring dent by early March. Western Kingbirds cialists also arrive in good num
officially begins with the equinox around and Bullock’s Orioles are bright splashes Migration continued on page 2
VOLUME 72 • NO. 5 MAY 2020
Migration continued from page 1
bers, singing their buzzy songs,
with Black-throated Gray Warblers on a Guides Alone Field Trip Findings
similar schedule to Wilson’s Warblers,
with Townsend’s Warblers and the much River Bend (4/8/20) – Dan Brown reported: “Well, I was scheduled to lead a
less common, Hermit Warblers, arriving Sacramento Audubon Society (SAS) field trip this morning at River Bend County
in numbers in late April and peaking in Park and I did it, sort of! With the new world that we live in with “stay at home, stay
May. Some migrants like Yellow Warblers healthy” and “physical distancing” in place, of course no one showed up, which is
and Swainson’s Thrushes arrive quite late, great, in my opinion. Why, you ask, did I make the effort to show up? When SAS
peaking in mid-May and continuing into recruits leaders for our field trips, one requirement of them is that they show up,
early June. rain, shine or pandemic and either lead the trip or cancel it if folks show up. That’s
Learning and appreciating how the migra- what I did this morning. And while I was there I did a little birding, tallying 19 species
tion unfolds can be a daily exercise in and shooting a few pix along the way. A highlight was seeing two leucistic female
learning the rhythms of the season. This Wild Turkeys being courted by several normal plumed males!”
is at its most apparent if you visit the Bobelaine (4/17/20) – Cathie LaZier reported: “Hearing from Bill Bianco that
same area Bobelaine was open for walking and birding, I spent an entire morning alone walk-
many times ing the loop to the north. Wrentits were calling on the Grassland trail, and Spotted
throughout Towhees were calling everywhere! The trails, shaded by huge oaks and sycamores,
the season. were cool and inviting, but a word of warning–Poison Oak is rampant and in full
As Say’s bloom, alive with the buzzing of many bee pollinators, beautiful, but a constant
Phoebes reminder to stay on the trail.”
and Hermit Cathie LaZier
Thrushes
depart,
Western
Black-Throated Gray Warbler Kingbirds
Chris Conard and MARY FORRESTAL continued from page 1
Swainson’s SAS for someone to lead a birding field with kids go out to walk, let the kids lead
Thrushes arrive. The sparrows leave, the trip. Mary volunteered to take on and the way. Take time to listen to what they
warblers pass through and linger, and the coordinate the project. February 28, she are discovering and fascinated by. You
first migrant songbirds will pass through led the girls, the troop leader and the may have gone out looking for bats but
again starting as early as late July (with parents on an educational and fun bird- find that the kids are more interested in
shorebirds arriving a month before that!). ing trip to Cohn Park in Folsom. the stars, or the bugs.
I’ve barely touched on half of the species
Mary values SAS’s locally focused envi- Mary also suggests that if you’re hav-
and groups that constitute our regular
ronmental and habitat conservation and ing trouble pulling a child away from a
spring migration, so there is much more to
preservation advocacy and actions. She screen to go outside, then let them take
explore.
fondly shares that sometimes her daugh- some technology with them. Most kids
Reading about the migration is all well ter feels like mom is dragging her on love taking pictures. A digital camera
and good, but there’s simply no substi- these bird walks; but she explains that is a great addition to a walk. There are
tute to getting in the field. Some days will she does this because of a fear that by the also free Apps available that kids may
be really slow, but nearly every day has time her daughter is her age the habitat use with a little supervision. Merlin Bird
something to offer and no two are exactly may not be around; nonetheless, she is ID is one example. It’s easy interface and
alike. After things slow down in late May proud to be part of an effort to protect bright pictures make it fun for kids of all
and June is often when rarities such as the environment and its habitat. Mary is ages.
Eastern warblers can be found. And unlike planting an important seed by bringing One of SAS’s on-going challenges that
in the fall, many are singing and in their her daughter on the walks. concerns Mary is identifying and apply-
brightest plumage. That unfamiliar song
As Californians continue to shelter in ing effective ways to encourage more
could lead you to a bird you’ll remember
place at home, Mary encourages families Sacramento Valley residents to take
for a lifetime.
to stay connected to nature, birding and advantage of the society’s cost-free activi-
The bar charts in eBird are a great source conservation within the state recom- ties. This isn’t unique to SAS as more
of information which you can narrow to mended parameters. While traveling isn’t and more like-minded organizations offer
region, such as by county (ebird.org/ allowed right now, going out and taking competing activities to individuals and
explore). An excellent expanded discus- a walk is still OK. She gently reminds families with and without children. Feel
sion, including line graphs of many of our folk to wear a mask and honor the social free to contact president@sacramentoau
regular migrants, can be found at Steve distancing guideline (6 feet apart from dubon.org with ideas and suggestions on
Hampton’s blog (thecottonwoodpost. others) when out. Mary and her daughter ways SAS may boost attendance at activi-
net/2019/04/12/spring-migration-in-the- usually walk at dusk, partly because the ties and events- once the Covid-19 crisis
central-valley/). sidewalks are emptier later in the day and passes.
Chris Conard partly because of her daughter’s interest
in bats. Whatever time of day families
Page 2 MAY 2020
Field Trips
Field Trip Information
For questions regarding the trip or to check the status of the trip in case of unfavorable weather conditions, please call the trip leader first.
For trips through May 11, contact the scheduler Carla Barbaro, cbarbaro@comcast.net, 916-717-8808. For trips from May 12 through
June 11, contact the scheduler Cathie LaZier, empid77@gmail.com, 916-502-2699
Due to insurance requirements, Sacramento Audubon leaders are not allowed to organize ridesharing/carpools. Participants are, however,
encouraged to voluntarily share rides. Any carpool arrangements are private agreements between the driver and the passengers. Drivers
must carry adequate insurance coverage. Please be courteous and share gas expenses with the driver. FRS radios can be helpful on all trips.
Try to arrive early, especially if you want driving directions or plan to carpool. Groups must make prior arrangements with the trip leader.
In case of INCLEMENT WEATHER contact the trip leader for trip status.
NOTE: Starting times are the actual time the trip leaves the meeting place..
These trips are contingent on “social intersection of Fair Oaks and Arden, follow first parking area on your left, just after the
distancing” being no longer required. Arden east, just under 1 mile, and it runs kiosk. A Sac County Park Pass or $5 entry
If you are not sure please contact the into the park. Meet along the first parking fee is required for all vehicles.
leader prior to the trip to ensure that it area on your left, just after the kiosk. A Sac
is happening. If social distancing is still County Park Pass or $5 entry fee is required Wednesday, May 20, 8am
required the leader will not be at the for all vehicles. This is an excellent trip for River Bend Park
meeting place. You can also consult the beginners. Leader: Cathie LaZier, 916-502-2699
SAS website, and/or Facebook for clarifi- empid77@gmail.com
cation regarding the status of future field Saturday, May 16, 6am Meet Cathie at the 1st parking lot on your
trips. Mosquito Ridge Rd, Placer County right, just past the entrance kiosk. We’ll
Sunday, May 10 7am Leader: Scott Hoppe, 916-835-8471 walk through the oak woodland and over to
Spenceville WLA shoppe01@surewest.net the river, looking for small woodland birds
Leader: Richard Barbieri Join Scott for this early season trip into and woodpeckers. We sometimes have good
916-761-1124, offleash227@gmail.com the lower to mid-elevation Sierra. While looks at Red-shouldered Hawks or Great
seemingly a bit early for this area, Scott Horned Owls. Walk will end by noon, and
This scenic recreational area of rolling hill-
has found it very productive in this time it’s a great walk for beginners. From Folsom
sides, streams, reservoirs and ponds offers
period. Previous trips have found 6 spe- Blvd., between Bradshaw and Mather Field
a variety of wildlife. This trip will include
cies of woodpecker including Pileated and Road, take Rod Beaudry Drive north into
several short hikes over uneven terrain.
White-headed, Olive-sided and Hammond’s the park. A Sac County Park Pass or $5
Possible birds include Yellow-breasted Chat,
Flycatcher, Pacific and Canyon Wrens and entry fee is required for all vehicles.
Lewis’s Woodpecker, warblers and more.
several warbler species. Plan for an all day
Bring lunch, plenty of water, and dress for Saturday, May 23, 8am SHARP!
trip. Bring lunch and liquids. We will be
changeable weather. Meet Richard at the Remaining Lincoln Grasslands and
walking 1-2 miles over moderate terrain.
Park and Ride by Brookfield’s Restaurant, Other Habitats
Meet Scott at 6am at the Horseshoe Bar
1817 Taylor Road, in Roseville. From Leader: John York, 530-320-4751
Road Park and Ride in Loomis, Exit 110
Sacramento on I-80, take the Eureka Road johnyork157@yahoo.com
off I-80. FRS radios are helpful on this trip,
offramp (Exit 105A) and continue straight
so bring them if you have them. Join John for a day of birding based in
through the signal light at Eureka Road and
you’ll be on Taylor Road. Turn left just past Lincoln. We will look for Tri-colored
Sunday, May 17, 7:15am
the Shell Station, and park on the right in Blackbirds, Western Kingbirds, and the
William Pond Park great raptors that inhabit the area. You can
the Park and Ride. Leader: Mike Heacox, 916-972-1809 join John and others at Sterling Cafe at
Tuesday, May 12, 8am mikezots@gmail.com 7am for breakfast, located next to Raley’s
William Pond Park Meet Mike along the first parking area on Lincoln Blvd and Sterling Parkway. We
Leader: Larry Hickey, 415-305-0651 just past the entrance kiosk. This park has will be leaving the parking lot at 8am sharp
Larryhickey1@gmail.com varied habitats and Mike knows them well. for our excursion, which will end about
Mike will be looking for spring migrants mid-afternoon depending on the birding.
Meet Larry along the first parking area just
such as Ash-throated Flycatchers and Some easy walking involved. Bring lunch
past the entrance kiosk for this morning
Western Kingbirds, in addition to our resi- and drinks.
walk looking for summer and year round
dent wrens, towhees and other small passer-
resident birds. Along the river mergansers, Sunday, May 24, 6am
ines. He’ll check out the heron rookery and
herons and egrets can be found in the back- Sierra Valley
the pond area. Trip will end before noon.
waters. California Quail, Western Bluebirds Leader: Scott Hoppe, 916-835-8471
From the intersection of Fair Oaks and
and Lark Sparrows may be found in the shoppe01@surewest.net
Arden, follow Arden east, just under 1 mile,
park area and various raptors may be spot-
and it runs into the park. Meet along the
ted. Trip will end before noon. From the Field Trips continued on page 4
MAY 2020 Page 3
Field Trips continued from page 3 Sacramento on I-80, take the Eureka Road the freeway to the shopping center on
offramp, Exit #105A, and continue straight your right. You can also meet the group by
The month of May can be a peak time through the signal light at Eureka Road and 8:30am in the Crystal Basin area. Take Hwy
for viewing breeding birds in Sierra Valley. you’ll be on Taylor Road. Turn left just past 50 to the Riverton/Ice House Rd (Crystal
This gem of the Sierras is unique in that it the Shell Station, and park on the right in Basin) turnoff. Turn left and drive a short
has characteristics of the Eastern Sierra and the Park and Ride. distance to the large pullout on the left side
the Great Basin, yet is part of the western of the road.
drainage. The Feather River flows out of Sunday, May 31, 8am
the northwestern corner of Sierra Valley, River Walk Park, West Sacramento Sunday, June 7, 7:30am
through the Sierras and into the central Leader: Bill Bianco, 916-889-4849 Ancil Hoffman Park
valley, where it joins the Sacramento River. biancowm@yahoo.com Leader: Mark Martucci, 916-833-6722
We will stop on the way matuchbirdman@yahoo.com
This is a newer area for Sac
at Kyburz Flat to look
Audubon and should turn up Mark will be looking for nesting and fledg-
for nesting Mountain
a variety of passerine species, ling birds, and maybe something unex-
Bluebirds and other
sparrows, wrens, thrushes and pected will turn up. This will be a 2 to 4
montane species, and
more. We’ll bird the river from hour walk. Meet Mark in the picnic parking
Sandhill Cranes are pos-
the boat landing, then walk lot across from the golf course parking lot.
sible here as well. Birding
south past the I Street and Tower From California Ave in Fair Oaks, take the
will be done mostly
Bridges and up onto the levee. Tarshes Drive entrance and follow it all the
by car, with numerous
Walk should end by noon. Meet way to the last parking lot on your left. A
stops along the way.
Bill at the Raley’s parking lot SAC County Park Pass or $5 entry fee is
Bring lunch and water,
by the bus stop; from Hwy 50 required for all vehicles.
and dress for changeable
take Jefferson Blvd north; go left
weather. Meet Scott at White-crowned Sparrow Wednesday, June 10, 7:30am
on W Capitol Ave and left on
6am at the Horseshoe Gesna Clarke Mather Field
Westacre Rd to the lot.
Bar Road Park and Leader: Wayne Blunk, 916-206-3767
Ride in Loomis, Exit Monday, June 1, 8am wayne.blunk@gmail.com
110 off I-80. FRS radios are helpful on this Effie Yeaw Nature Center
trip, so bring them if you have them. Mather Lake is one of Wayne’s favorite
Leader: Bob McCleary, 916-960-3390 birding locations. Join him to look for a
Thursday, May 28, 7am bobmccleary@comcast.net nice variety of resident birds. Targeted birds
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway Bob is a docent at the Nature Center and will be Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Black-
Leader: Darrell Mohr, 916-225-3999 knows the trails, and where to find the headed Grosbeaks, White-tailed Kites,
mohrdd@gmail.com birds. On this morning walk he’ll be look- Wild Turkey and Green Heron. Meet in
ing for both resident and summer birds. the parking lot of Mather Regional Park;
Join Darrell for a morning walk checking
Meet him in the Nature Center parking lot from Highway 50 go south on Zinfandel,
out the local birds. Possible birds include
in Ancil Hoffman Park. This is a good trip Exit #17, about 2-1/2 miles. After cross-
Phainopepla and California Quail. This is
for beginners as well as more experienced ing Douglas Blvd take the first left into the
a good trip for both beginners and expe-
birders. For directions, see sacnaturecenter. park area. A Sac County Park Pass or $5
rienced birders. Sailor Bar is at the south
net. A Sac County Park Pass or $5 entry fee entry fee is required for all vehicles.
end of Illinois Avenue, off Winding Way
is required for all vehicles.
just west of Hazel. Meet at the last parking
lot on your left, just before the boat launch Saturday, June 6, 7:30am
parking area. A Sac County Park Pass or $5 WHAT A DIFFERENCE
Crystal Basin, Eldorado NF
entry fee is required for all vehicles. Leaders: Maureen Geiger, A MONTH MAKES
916-281-6652, mkgeiger@comcast.net And never more true for so many than
Saturday, May 30, 7am right now. Regular birding walks in my
Grassland, Riparian or Jane VanKessel, 916-524-4157
Jvankessel55@gmail.com neighborhood that have made life ten-
Foothills habitats able and even enjoyable during this time
Leader: Jane Taylor, 916-587-3366 This trip will visit a variety of sites along of shelter in place. This is not the pattern
Home: 916-498-1546 Icehouse Road and side roads, looking any of us would have chosen, but here we
Cell: 1jgtaylor@att.net for Lazuli Bunting, Green-tailed Towhee, are. Speaking personally, a busy field season
Mountain Bluebird, warblers and vireos, at work has been mostly upended, long
This trip will likely be valley/riparian or
and other birds of the area, including anticipated travel plans canceled, and a
foothills oriented, depending on how hot it
Calliope Hummingbird. Beautiful wild- half-dozen public events and tours canceled
is at the end of May. We will practice our
flowers may also be in bloom. Bring lunch, or put on hold. More importantly, a close
listening skills to help us find and identify a
liquids, and footwear suitable for some hik- work colleague and friend is in the hospital
variety of birds. Plan for an early afternoon
ing, not more than 1/2 mile or so at several with COVID-like symptoms, but has so far
conclusion, so bring liquids and a snack or
stops. Both beginners and experienced bird- tested negative.
lunch. Consider a jacket or layered clothing
ers are welcome. Meet Maureen and Jane
to ward off morning chill, and FRS radios I feel incredibly fortunate not to be riding
at the Bella Bru in EI Dorado Hills. From
may be helpful while en route. Meet at the this out in an urban apartment building,
Hwy 50 east take Exit 30B; turn right on
Park and Ride by Brookfield’s Restaurant, but to have access to walk the American
El Dorado Hills Blvd and go north under
1817 Taylor Road, in Roseville. From River levee and a portion of the Parkway
Page 4 MAY 2020
EDUCATION COMMITTEE UPDATE ists know this activity gives us hope and Contact education@sacramentoaudubon.
strengthens our resolve to do all we can to org if you have a related story or tips to
A MESSAGE FROM SACRAMENTO keep ourselves and our families healthy, share.
AUDUBON’S EDUCATION COMMITTEE strong and resilient. Good Reads
Carla Barbaro, Bill Bianco, Sue Darst, One way to do this while sheltered at
Cathie Lazier, Sandra Steurer, Gesna
The Field Guide to Citizen Science: How
home is to take advantage of resources You Can Contribute to Scientific Research
Clarke (Chair) such as books, webcams, virtual tours, and Make a Difference
COVID-19 has created a new vocabulary family and children’s activities, and www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B07NMCSH14/
- words like flattening the curve, social dis- consumer information. We’ve all been sciencefriday/
tancing, contact tracing, and superspread- inundated with these resources, but com-
ing. It has also created the challenge of Birding Blind: Open Your Ears to the
mittee members hope you find the few
managing day to day life apart from family, Amazing World of Bird Sounds
suggestions below helpful.
friends, colleagues, coworkers and the www.audubon.org/news/birding-blind-
The list links to on-line resources, but
general public; schools and non-essential open-your-ears-amazing-world-bird-sounds
is not intended as a substitute for other
businesses are closed; alternative ways for family activities such as card and board NAT GEO Subscription
continuing education and business activi- games, flash cards; activities that encour- NAT GEO Subscription for Kidst
ties are prevalent; fear is rampant for front age use of the mind, or creative activities www.nationalgeographic.com/subscribe/
line workers, and the virus has taken the such as knitting, sewing, painting, draw- kids-magazines-bundle-1/?key=NAVKDS6
lives of family members, friends, co-work- ing; and at home theatrical, musical or
ers and associates. Links to Activities
dance performances.
Amid this global crisis life goes on. The Sibley Jigsaw Puzzle
Hopefully the list below will complement
backyard is a perfect laboratory to observe www.sibleyguides.com/product/jigsaw-
what you are already doing, or provides
this life force and the current harbingers puzzle-1000-piece/
general information of interest.
of spring. There’s the chorus of songs National Audubon
If you receive The Observer via the US
from a mockingbird, rose buds sprouting Audubon Adventures for Young Nature
Postal Service, you won’t be able to
like weeds, colorful flowers popping up Lovers
access the links unless you refer to
everywhere, tiny apples solidly perched on click.everyaction.com/
stems, having survived a wind storm the
The Observer at Sacramento Audubon
Society’s website. Some of these links are k/16870073/179637665/
night before, and a single petunia pushing
so long it is impractical to list them here
through a tiny crack in a retaining wall.
but you can readily find them on the SAS
Birders, naturalists and conservation-
website.
Difference continued from page 4
to ‘exercise.’ Rather than lament (too much) with the numbers of Lincoln’s Sparrows, one more. Several Common Mergansers
the lack of access to favorite sites during have occasionally seen a couple of different have been fishing in a line, driving small
the height of spring White-throated Sparrows, and fish into the shallows of a gravel bar. Not to
migration, I’ve enjoyed been surprised by the number let an opportunity go, Snowy Egrets have
really getting to know of Hooded Orioles (and palm been jumping in front of them and grab-
my local patch, often trees) in my neighborhood. bing their share. On a recent walk with
neglected for other Another surprise came when Kimya, I thought we were about to witness
sites like my workplace Jeri Langham alerted me to a replay of this sequence when the mergan-
at the Bufferlands, about 60 Whimbrels roosting sers continued through the shallows and out
Cosumnes River and preening on an island in onto the rocks. They were all looking back
Preserve, the eastern the river a short walk from my in the same direction as an otter swam by;
Sacramento County house. predators had become potential prey in an
grasslands, and the I have not been bored with instant. The same basic walk, but each time
wider world. As much White-throated Sparrow my patch in the near month of a little different.
as I love and require Chris Conard local confinement, but that may Chris Conard
walks in nature in and change as the heat and summer
of themselves, it’s the variety of birding that doldrums roll in. It’s not all an idyllic walk
make nearly every one of them enjoyable. in the Parkway. Early mornings are good,
It’s great tallying first of season Bullock’s but as the day unfolds, screaming kids and
Orioles, Wilson’s Warblers, and Rufous exceedingly loud adults, off-leash dogs, the
Hummingbirds. It’s been equally reward- huffing and puffing joggers (should I hold
ing to check on the Anna’s Hummingbird my breath as they go by?), bikes blasting
nest we found a week ago (still there), through on narrow trails causing one to
the lingering male Common Goldeneye jump into high grass to escape are all causes
with the bad leg (still there after miss- of concern, frustration, and even flashes
ing him yesterday), the Black-crowned of anger (how can someone be so selfish
Night-Heron in it’s roost tree (about half and/or oblivious!). But overall, this has River Otter, American River
the time), and the White-tailed Kite nest Chris Conard
been a good time to slow down and observe
(very hard to see). I’ve also been impressed behavior. I could go on, but will end with
MAY 2020 Page 5
THANK YOU FOR YOUR September Western Field Ornithology Conference Postponed
GENEROUS DONATIONS! Because of the extraordinary circumstances regarding COVID-19, and the uncertainty
Daniel A Airola, Steve Ball & Susie Nishio, about the course of this epidemic in the weeks and months ahead, WFO has decided to
Dale Claypoole, Betty J Cooper, Lisa & postpone our next conference to 2021. This difficult decision was made to protect the
Chris Couper, G J Crandall, Virginia G. health of our members and to protect WFO from a potentially significant financial loss.
Gardner, Carole S Gates, Scott & Julie We are scheduling our next conference at the same hotel (Whitney Peak in Reno) from
Kenney, Alison Rood, Gerald (Jerry) August 25-29, 2021. More info will follow in the months ahead.
Schaar, Nancy Schoellkopf, Rick Soehren
and Nanci Woody made donations to the Stay well! Kurt Leuschner, President, WFO
General Fund.
Daniel A Airola, Betty J Cooper, Lisa & SACRAMENTO AUDUBON SOCIETY WEBSITE COMMITTEE UPDATE
Chris Couper, Carole S Gates, Scott &
Julie Kenney, Nancy Schoellkopf and Rick Committee Members: Elliot Chasin, John Harding, Daphne Reimer, Jane Van Kessel,
Soehren made donations to the Education Heather White, Gesna Clarke (Chair)
and Conservation Fund. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Sacramento Audubon Society’s website redevel-
Daniel A Airola, Betty J Cooper, Lisa opment project. Prior to pandemic cases being identified in California, the committee’s
& Chris Couper, Carole S Gates, Lisa computer technology representative John Harding presented a new website test model
Moraga, Nancy Schoellkopf and Rick to the Board. A follow up presentation was scheduled for the March 31 board meeting,
Soehren made donations to the Bobelaine but it was cancelled. John, a state employee, redirected his focus to Governor Newsom’s
Sanctuary. medical hiring initiative, in response to documented Coronavirus cases in California.
Many thanks to all of you for your contin- July 1, 2020 Is the new website launch date. Committee members still anticipate meet-
ued support of Sacramento Audubon and ing this target. If circumstances change, a new launch date will be posted.
its work in the community. Donations to
the Bobelaine Sanctuary are encouraged
to help defray the cost of continuing resto-
National Audubon Members Reflect
ration and management. On Their Thoughts About Birds
To me, birds are a promise: Life in all its splendor goes on. They embody hope.
Birds mean resilience and rugged independence. They fly thousands of miles each year,
braving the elements with their tiny bodies. Not all survive, but they continue.
Watching birds has made me infinitely more observant of all that’s around me–a wonderful
way to be at one with the natural world.
They are our first musicians. They give their all. They don’t ask for recognition. I cannot
SEE THE LATEST SAS imagine the world without them.
ACTION ON FACEBOOK Birds are a constant reminder of the connected beauty of the natural world–a connection
facebook.com/SacramentoAudubon that includes me. They do this with grace, whimsy, and a steady purpose to their lives.
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Seasonal Observations
March 1 to March 31 Eurasian Green-winged Teal was reported
Rare and Unusual Bird Reports at CRP on and off throughout the month.
A male Costa’s Hummingbird was heard
Mission Statement Sacramento www.cvbirds.org/ListServ.htm
calling in north Davis on 3/5, and a male
Audubon Society The first half of the month was more or Allen’s Hummingbird was reported at CRP
less a typical March in the Sacramento on 3/28. An immature Glaucous Gull was
The mission of the Sacramento
region, but with stay-at-home orders ramp- seen sporadically in the first half of the
Audubon Society is to: ing up in the latter half of the month in month between the Yolo County Central
Promote the protection and scientific response to COVID-19, there was a signifi- Landfill Pond, adjacent ponds along Rds
study of wild birds; cant decrease in bird reports from many 103 and 104, and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife
local hotspots. For the birds, spring was Area (YBWA).
Promote the enjoyment and apprecia- still unfolding, and early spring migrants A couple of wintering empids were notable
tion of wild birds through commu- like Western Kingbirds, Hooded Orioles, for the region. A Hammond’s Flycatcher
nity outreach; and Bullock’s Orioles were in place found at CRP on 3/21 was likely the same
Provide, encourage and support envi- before month’s end. Birders too were get- bird found a few times beginning in early
ting out when they could, reporting the January. A Dusky Flycatcher in north
ronmental educational opportuni-
continuing presence of Colusa County’s Davis was found on 3/5 through the end
ties; and first Garganey, found on 2/26 off of White of the month. It was seen, recorded call-
Provide proactive leadership in the Rd east of I-5 and continuing into April. ing, and photographed by multiple observ-
conservation of open space in the A possible Garganey was also reported ers. The Northern Shrike found on 2/29
Sacramento region. at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on at the Colusa Garganey location continued
3/25 but was not refound, while a male through at least 3/20. An early-
Page 6 MAY 2020SAS NEW MEMBERS JOIN THE SACRAMENTO AUDUBON SOCIETY
Please welcome these Your membership supports the SAS mission of conservation, environmental educa-
new members. tion and protection of the region’s natural ecosystems and diverse wildlife popula-
tions. Please include your email address if you would like to be added to our Action
Marianne Leach Alert List for letter/email writing on conservation issues.
Gerald (Jerry) Schaar
Sacramento Audubon Society Membership Application
www.sacramentoaudubon.org
sacaudubonmembership@gmail.com
P.O. Box 160694, Sacramento, CA 95816-0694
Date ___________________________________
Sacramento Audubon
Chapter Board Meetings The Observer Newsletter $35 per address (1 Year) ______________________
Please contact President, Bill Bianco,
at biancowm@yahoo.com; or 916-372-
Donation for Conservation/Education $ _____________________
3318 to find out if the Board Meeting
Total Enclosed $ _____________________________
is still being held.
Board Meetings of the Sacramento Make checks payable to Sacramento Audubon Society
Audubon Society are held the last
Tuesday of the month. The next meet- Name __________________________________ Telephone ____________
ing will be on May 26, 2020, at 7pm.
Address_______________________________________________________
This Board Meeting will be held at
Turley Associates, 2431 Capital Ave, City ___________________________ State _____ZIP + 4 _____________
Sacramento, CA 95816.
Minutes of Board Meetings can be found Email _________________________________________
online at sacramentoaudubon.org/soci-
etyinfo/archives.html. Scroll down to Check if you would prefer to receive the Observer in PDF form by email [ ]
Board Minutes.
Send address changes to our Membership Chair to help keep down our costs.
Observations continued
arriving Warbling Vireo was found at CRP about the movements of this declining The Sacramento Area is roughly defined
on 3/27, and an Evening Grosbeak was a subspecies known as the Oregon Vesper as lying between Hwy 20 to the north,
nice surprise in Sacramento near Sparrow. Additional notable Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot
42nd St and U St on 3/9. reports included the con- contour to the east and west, plus all of
While the Vermilion Flycatcher tinuing Harris’s Sparrow in Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many
left before March began, the Clay- Woodland, the continuing reports first appeared on the Central
colored Sparrow first found on Swamp Sparrow along the Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and
12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued auto tour route at the YBWA, in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list
until at least 3/9. A Sagebrush and a Yellow Warbler found everyone, but I want to thank the following
Sparrow was an excellent find at CRP on 3/28 that was for their reports:
along Robinson Rd south of Dixon quite unexpected so early Stuart Angerer, Max Brodie, Holly Coates,
on 3/3-4. A small flock of Vesper in the season. A Red-naped Gil Ewing, Douglas Hall, Steve Hampton,
Sparrows along English Hills Rd Sapsucker found near Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Stan
Yellow Warbler the Mayhew Drain (down- Hunter, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle,
between Vacaville and Winters
Chris Conard stream of the Gristmill Jeri Langham, Roger Muskat, Michael
became more interesting when a
access to the American Perrone, Dave Quady, Steve Scott, John
banded individual was photographed. It
River Parkway) was found in late February Trochet, Dan Williams, and David Yee.
was later learned that the bird had been
banded just south of Tacoma, Washington, and inadvertently left out of last month’s Thanks to everyone for their reports–with-
and was only the second from the band- column. out them, this column would not be pos-
ing project to be reported on the wintering We feature photos of some of the highlight sible.
grounds; the first was also found by local birds on the Sacramento Audubon Web Chris Conard
birders in the Capay Valley in November site (sacramentoaudubon.org/activities/
2018. This is important information recentsightings.html).
MAY 2020 Page 7Sacramento Audubon Society Nonprofit Org.
P.O. Box 160694 US Postage
Sacramento, CA 95816 PAID
Permit #1827
Sacramento, CA
Address Correction Requested
Dated Material: Please Expedite Delivery
White Tailed Kite Dan Brown
Sacramento Audubon Society Information
Correspondence: P.O. Box 160694, Sacramento, CA 95816-0694
Internet Address: www.sacramentoaudubon.org ATTEND THE NEXT
Membership/Subscriptions: sacaudubonmembership@gmail.com SACRAMENTO AUDUBON
P.O. Box 160694, Sacramento, CA 95816-0694 PROGRAM
Seasonal Observations: Chris Conard, 2405 Rio Bravo Circle,
All programs are temporarily suspended
Sacramento, CA 95826
due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Let’s
916-203-1610, e-mail preferred: conardc@gmail.com
hope we will all be up and running in
Program Chair: Anthony Asay, e-mail, cend86@gmail.com September! In the meantime please stay
Editor: Sharon Wisecarver, e-mail, sawise7@sbcglobal.net healthy and keep your distance.
Copy deadline is the 15th of the month. Send all copy to the Editor. Observations
must reach the Seasonal Observations Editor by the 8th of the month.
The Observer is published by the Sacramento Audubon Society, monthly, January
through December, except June and August, when we publish abbreviated editions.
Page 8 MAY 2020You can also read
