Klamath Basin Audubon Society

The Grebe
August/September 2008

KBAS General Meetings

September 11, 2008: 7:00 p.m.
"Costal Marine and Terrestrial Conservation Strategies" by Paul Englemeyer
Audubon 10 Mile Creek Sanctuary Manager

This site near the coastal town of Yachats is surrounded on several sides by the Siuslaw National Forest and contains old growth cedar and sitka spruce and the threatened and endangered Marbled Murrelet and Spotted Owl. TPL (Trust for Public Land) partnered with the National Audubon Society to acquire this site as part if its strategy to protect threatened and endangered species that depend on old-growth forest in the area. The land will be owned by the Pine Tree Conservation Society and Audubon will be responsible for long-term management.

Paul is the manager of Audubon's 10 Mile Creek Sanctuary. He is very active in identifying and lobbying for a system of marine sanctuaries off theOregoncoast.

General Meetings: Klamath County Courthouse, Lower Level 316 Main Street, Klamath Falls

Picnic Time [Again]
Sunday, August 3 at Wiard Park from 2-5 p.m.

Please bring a main dish, salad or desert to share as well as your own beverage. Utensils, paper plates, cups and napkins will be furnished. It is a great way to start the 2008/09 season, renewing acquaintances, enjoying great food, and catching up on special summer bird sightings. If you are able to attend, please contact Darrel Samuels or Marilyn Christian and let them know what you would like to bring. (Phone numbers on the "Contact Us" page.) A Board meeting will precede the picnic from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Directions: From downtown Klamath Falls travel east on South Sixth Street to Hope Street (just beyond Sergio"s Mexican Restaurant). Turn right and go about 2 blocks. The park is on the left. Alternatively, turn right on Wiard Street at the stoplight by the Basin Book Trader. Go about 2 blocks to the park on the right.

picnic table

Back to the Top

President's Message...Darrel Samuels

Greetings and welcome to a new "KBAS" year! I am very excited about the enthusiasm and ideas that were generated at our planning day on July 12. A special thank you to Marilyn Christian, Ron Cole, Rick Hardy, Diana Samuels, Jerry Ingram, Sherry Perry, Julie Van Moorhem, Bob Kincaid, Cary Kincaid, Mary Ellen Sargent, Kevin Spencer, Dave Potter, and Beth Phillips for devoting a Saturday for the benefit of our chapter. During the day we brainstormed and prioritized programs, field trips, and projects for the coming year. Jerry Ingram (AKA "Ralph the Eagle") is our new education chair and is eager to provide leadership and direction toward getting the Audubon message out to all age levels in our area. September will start out with a great program and field trip. Our September 11 general meeting will feature a presentation by Paul Engelmeyer, director of the Audubon 10 Mile Creek Sanctuary near Yachats. Paul is intimately involved in coastal and marine environmental issues as well as managing a preserve that features Marbled Murrelet and Spotted Owl habitat. He is a key player in the goal of establishing marine sanctuaries along theOregoncoast. Diana and I had the pleasure of touring the preserve over the July 4 weekend and it is a special old growth forest tract that we may offer as a field trip later this year. On Saturday, September 13, our field trip will be led by Marshall Moser at the Lonesome Duck Resort along theWilliamsonRiver. A few of us had the opportunity to visit with Marshall this summer and get a preview of the spectacular flora and fauna of the area and learn from Marshall's vast knowledge. This is a must do field trip!

The centennial celebration of the Lower Klamath Refuge on August 8 is the culmination of a yearlong showcase of the nation's first waterfowl refuge. Audubon's connection with the Lower Klamath goes all the way back to 1908 when William Finley, President of the Oregon Audubon Society, worked with Teddy Roosevelt to establish more refuges west of the Mississippi. His legacy is the refuge complex that we wildlife enthusiasts enjoy in our own back yard. I encourage all to attend the festivities on August 8 at Lower Klamath Refuge as our chapter strives to strengthen the partnership we have with Ron Cole and his staff in their important work.

As always, our chapter is only as good as the members who are involved. I urge you to take some time this year to help with a project, volunteer for the Winter Wings Festival, or lead a field trip. Encourage your friends to join KBAS and come to the KBAS annual picnic August 3 at Wiard Park and find out more! Our chapter is on the move!

gavel

Back to the Top

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the REFUGE!

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge will celebrate its centennial [1908 - 2008] on August 8. Part of a year long schedule of activities, events on Saturday, August 8 will be very special. Limited addition postal stamps featuring a Gadwall and duckling, Pelican, Pintail, and Yellow-headed Blackbird will be on sale. These specially designed stamps can be used for mailing letters. The schedule of events, held at Lower Klamath NWR are:

Reservations for lunch and bus tour planning: call [530] 667-2231

Back to the Top

Field Trips Schedule . . . Dave Potter, Chair

August 2: Duck banding:
This will be a very interesting field trip, observing Klamath Basin Refuge personnel band ducks, a special treat for the general public. Meet at Fish & Wildlife Office at 6:00 a.m. Bring sun screen, insect repellant, water, and a lunch or snacks. Alternatively, meet at the Refuge Headquarters on Hill Road about 6:45 a.m. Leader: Rick Hardy [882-3169]

Sunday, August 24, 2008:
TuleLake NWR special locations identified and led by NWR staff for large groups of migratory shorebirds. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Fish & Wildlife Office. Bring sun screen, insect repellant, water, and a lunch or snacks. Leaders: Julie Van Moorhem [882-4488] and Marilyn Christian [850-0084].

Saturday, September 13: Birding at and near Lonesome Duck Resort, Williamson River
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Fish & Wildlife Office. Bring sun screen, insect repellant, water, and a lunch. Leaders: Darrel Samuels at FWS [850-8532] and Marshall Moser, Manager-Biologist at Lonesome Duck [419-604-9406] Besides the high desert-riparian corridor and coniferous ecotone at the Lonesome Duck, the group may also go to places such as the mountain overlook near the Jeld-Wen factory, Collier State Park, Oux Kanee Overlook and the head of Spring Creek; and if of interest, take an autumn look at Wood River Wetlands and Kimball State Park. However another option, if the weather is conducive and there is interest from the group, would be to use the whole day and go to the Head of the River (Williamson River) and Calimus Butte (Blue Grouse and woodpecker country with a great view of the Sprague River Valley); it is possible to return to KF via HWY140 from there. This will be a very special trip to areas that have not been offered before!

September 20: Fall Migration Count:
The Fall NAMC 2008 will be on the 3rd Saturday in September. It is usually an all day bird counting event. If interested persons want to form a team and cover an area of Klamath County, let me know. It can be as small as your yard, it can cover a park, 5 square miles, a refuge, or more. Let me know who you want to join up with, or who will be in your group, and the area you wish to cover. Within a few days of completing the count, report to Kevin Spencer, the species you encountered and the numbers for each species (so pay attention and tally the species). Also, keep track of the time spent driving separate from walking. You will need to report the distance driven and distance walked. Standing near or in a parked vehicle is considered "driving". It's a fun count, usually more visual than auditory since the breeding songs have subsided. It's also right when fall colors are peaking. So, let me know if you are a go for the Fall NAMC 2008. Kevin Spencer 541 884-5739 or .

Saturday, October 11: Moore Park[Beginning birding]:
Meet at the Moore Park tennis courts at 9:00 a.m. Leader: Dave Potter [850-3808]

Note:The Fish & Wildlife Office is located at 1936 California Ave., off the on-ramp to Hwy 97 South from Nevada/Oregon Avenue.

Back to the Top

Reports

Van Hulzen Home
Over twenty members and friends of KBAS enjoyed the wonderful hospitality provided by Al and Jean Van Hulzen at their home on June 28 along with good birding and good food! Our special thanks to them for a delightful day. Some of the birds observed included: Wood Duck, Osprey, Sandhill Crane, Spotted Sandpiper, Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, Downey, Hairy & White-headed Woodpeckers, Western Wood Pewee, Mountain Chickadee, White-breasted, Red-breasted & Pygmy Nuthatches, House Wren, Western Bluebird, Yellow & Yellow-rumped Warblers, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Chipping & Song Sparrows, Black-headed & Evening Grosbeaks, Cassin's Finch, American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin.

Back to the Top

Summer KBAS Planning Retreat

On Saturday, July 12, fourteen Board, Committee Chair and other members of KBAS spent several extremely productive hours in lively discussion, scoping out a myriad of activities and programs for the coming year. A large portion of this issue of the Grebe is devoted to the top recommendations. You are invited to carefully review the exciting options listed and then determine just how you might contribute your time and talents. Let one of the facilitators listed know your thoughts and potential commitment.

Monthly General Programs - Darrel Samuels

September: [Paul Englemeyer], Audubon 10 Mile Creek Sanctuary manager: coastal and marine issues, marbled murrelet, spotted owl, etc.
Crater Lake Diving Program [Mark Buktanica]
Alternative Energy [solar, geothermal, wind, wave, ethanol production] in Oregon or locally - possible panel discussion [sources: OIT, Liskey Farms, new solar project]
Neo-tropical Birds [Jerry Hill] outstanding photography
Great gray owl
Harry Fuller [Roque Valley Audubon] presentation on one of the following topics:

Miller Island Overview/Issues [Lanny Fushijin]
Birding by Ear [Kevin Spencer] A possible companion field trip may be coordinated with this presentation.
Galapagos Islands [Bill and ElaineDeutschman]
Bird taxonomy [Pepper Trail]
Midway Island [Dave Potter]

Field Trips - Dave Potter

Prioritized trips from the retreat are listed below which may be subject to change. Some confirmations need to be made. More details will be published in future issues of the Grebe and the H&N. Also check with the listed contact person.

2008. . .

2009. . .

Longer Trips: In addition to these local trips, folks have suggested longer, over-night trips to far-flung destinations. Suggestions follow. Check with the person proposing the trip for details and viability.

Educational Projects - Jerry Ingram

Projects are listed in order of priority established at the retreat.

Community Outreach, Projects, Membership, Fund-raising, and Publicity - Mary Ellen Sargent

Some of the projects KBAS would like to accomplish this upcoming year include joining the Chamber of Commerce (Diana Samuels, lead) and participating in theLakeEwaunatrail and improvement project (Darrell Samuels, lead). Dave Potter will be a contact for the Greenways non-profit group that is attempting to protect local lands. Julie VanMoorhem will needs lots of help as she leads efforts to repair bird boxes atMillerIslandand works with the Klamath Refuges on habitat restoration or other projects. BadgerRunWildlifeRehabilitationCenteris in need of building materials, work parties and grants to continue its work; Darrell Samuels is the contact for this. Sherry Perry is looking to create a beginning birding class in cooperation with KCC and she is also sponsoring field trip leader training to expand our base of trip leaders. If you are interested in any of these activities, be sure to contact the person in charge. We really want to expand our presence in the local community and these projects are great ways to help our local area.

List of actions related to the above established at the retreat with commitments to proceed:

meeting

List of actions related to the above established at the retreat without commitments to proceed [This is especially where we need your assistance]:

Back to the Top

MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT . . .Mary Ellen Sargent

With this newsletter, you are receiving the results of our KBAS planning meeting held on July 12th. KBAS values you as a member and is working to increase interest and volunteerism in our growing association. KBAS is planning updates to its website and will enhance the bulletin board [contact Marilyn Christian, Julie Van Moorhem and Bob Kincaid] . We encourage you to write letters to the editor or write articles on environmental issues (Dave Potter, conservation co-chair, is ready to help). Come to our monthly meetings, bring interested friends and we'll welcome you. Come on our field trips, they're fun and informative.

Participate in the annual National Audubon Christmas Bird Count, the spring and fall migratory bird counts, and the Great Backyard Bird Count; beginning birders, intermediates and experts are all welcome. Kevin Spencer and Mary Ellen Sargent will be giving you more information in upcoming Grebe issues. Do you have backyard birds, unusual birds or behavior on your own trips or just a curiosity as to what birds are in the Basin? Join the local birding network (ask Mary Ellen Sargent). These are just some of the many activities KBAS would like to involve all of our membership.

Back to the Top

FUNDRAISING KBAS STYLE! . . .Mary Ellen Sargent

This upcoming year KBAS is trying some unique fundraising ideas to attract not only locals but out-of-staters. Next spring, Kevin Spencer is organizing the "Klamath Big Day Challenge" aka Audubon Birdathon. Funds raised go directly to KBAS programs. Bob & Cary Kincaid are leading an effort, in cooperation with Jerry Ingram to develop aKlamathBasinbird calendar and a CD of the area. This should be a hit at Winter Wings. KBAS will continue to sell the plush birds, Diana Samuels is the contact. KBAS found that the bat boxes and suet feeders constructed by Tom Essex and Darrell Samuels were a hit in 2008, so in 2009, we'll add some bird boxes to the mix. KBAS would like to investigate the following fundraising ideas: selling shade grown coffee, selling re-usable grocery bags and selling bird seed. Members! Please volunteer to assist in any of the above activities; we are trying to develop community outreach and education programs that would benefit from our fundraisers.

leaves

Back to the Top

Field Trip Reports. . .

Canoe Trip to Rocky Point . . . Dave Potter

On May 3 three of us paddled a kayak and a canoe around the marsh out from Rocky Point in the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. It was a nice day but because the preferred put-in [Malone Springs] was still snow-bound and we had to launch at the Rocky Point Resort, we didn't get up to the area where black terns nest. We did see a number of "routine" birds including diving ducks, Wood Ducks, Osprey and a White-headed Woodpecker. It was good exercise in a very pretty setting.

Wood River Wetlands . . . Kevin Spencer

About 17 people enjoyed the morning at Wood River Wetlands in late May. The day really had a great start at the parking lot of the USF&WS. There, while waiting for people to gather, a Purple Martin flew by. They are very rare in the Basin away from the Lava Beds, where they breed. While walking down the road in the willow-cottonwood riparian, we were treated to great looks and sounds of WILLOW FLYCATCHER, YELLOW, ORANGE-CROWNED, and WILSON'S WARBLERS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, RING-NECKEDDUCK, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, WESTERN TANAGER,TREE, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS, and CEDAR WAXWINGS. The one bird that remained hidden also was the loudest; a PIED-BILLED GREBE. At a short stop at Henzel Park at the south end of Agency Lake, the group was treated to a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON in breeding plumage. A stop at Hagelstein Park produced some short and distant glimpses of both male and female LAZULI BUNTINGS. Better views can be had up the road from the park, but not on this day. Upon returning to the USF&WS parking lot, a CALIFORNIA TOWHEE popped up. In all about 45 species were tallied, and hopefully an interest by many to return on another day for more.

bird

Back to the Top

Field Notes. . .Julie Van Moorhem

Report your sightings to me directly if you do not put them on the website: or 882-44488. Please include your name, phone # (in case we need to contact you), location and date of sighting, bird/s and numbers if notable.

Yellow Rail, audible, June 11, Klamath Marsh NWR, (KS); June 15, same location, (CK)
Least Flycatcher, June 15, LittleDeschutesRiverat Hwy 58, (KS)
Black Swift, 2-3, May 26,OdellLake, (KS)
Purple Martin, May 31, A Canal near USFWS officeCalifornia Ave., (KS)
Northern Mockingbird, May 18, North Hills, (KS); June 15, OIT, (AW)
Northern Waterthrush, June 15, LittleDeschutesRiverat Hwy 58, (KS)
Yellow-breasted Chat, May 25,Klamath Fallsresidence, (KL)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, June 23, Klamath Marsh NWR, (DD)
Harris Sparrow, May 1, Lake Ewauna Wingwatcher's Trail, (DM)
Tri-colored Blackbirds, June 13, apparent breeding colony south of Tulelake NWR visitor center onHill Rd., (CK)
Great-tailed Grackle, June 9, South Poe Valley (DH)

Contributors: Doug Damberg (DD), Charlotte Kisling (CK), Dave Haupt (DH), Kathy Larson (KL), Dave Menke (DM), Kevin Spencer (KS), Anne Wenner (AW)

Back to the Top

Conservation & Education . . .

An Anytime, Anywhere Celebration of Nature in the City: "Celebrate Urban Birds!"

binoculars.

Ithaca,N.Y. Nature is powerful! More people are finding that out as they join the free, year-round "Celebrate Urban Birds!" citizen-science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

For the citizen-science part of the project, participants watch city birds for 10 minutes, check off 15 target species of birds, and send the information through the mail or the Internet to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Once enough data are gathered, scientists hope to learn more about how birds survive in cities and how they use urban green spaces such as parks, rooftop gardens, and even potted plants on balconies for food, resting sites, and shelter.

Individuals can participate on their own or through public events organized by local groups. While supplies last, everyone who signs up will receive a Celebrate Urban Birds kit in English and Spanish with two colorful urban birds posters, educational materials about birds and urban greening, a data form, and a packet of sunflower seeds to plant in pots and gardens.

Some groups go beyond a single event by greening their neighborhood, creating habitat for birds on balconies, rooftops, front stoops, or community spaces. Others are tapping into the arts, creating dances, drawings, murals, sculptures, puppet shows, and short films based on city birds. The Celebrate Urban Birds web site has lots of resources and suggestions about how to craft an event or project for libraries, nature centers, schools and youth groups, community gardens, home-school groups, or individuals.

Learn more about Celebrate Urban Birds and sign up at www.celebrateurbanbirds.org!

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Lab's web site at www.birds.cornell.edu.

BLM Defers Drilling in Teshekpuk Lake
[Subject of a KBAS program in January 2008 by Taldi Walter, National Audubon's Alaska Field Coordinator]

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the Supplemental Final Integrated Activity Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement for the northeast section of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska on May 16. Under the preferred alternative, approximately 86% of the area, 3.94 million acres, would be available for oil and gas leasing. However, 219,00 acres containingTeshekpukLakewould be off limits to leasing and leasing in the 430,000 acres to the north and east of Teshekpuk Lake would be deferred for 10 years. Although many environmental groups would have preferred permanent protection for the entire Teshekpuk Lake area, they are pleased there is no longer an immediate threat to the area. This new plan came about after a federal district court judge struck down a 2006 plan because it violated the Endangered Species Act and did not have a robust National Environmental Policy Act analysis. Under the 2006 plan, 100% of the NE section's 4.6 million acres were available for lease. Teshekpuk Lake and the wetlands provide vital habitat for migratory birds and is the most important arctic habitat for molting geese. The Teshekpuk Lake caribou herd, a significant source for subsistence hunters, also uses the area. The BLM plans to conduct the lease sales in the available portion of the northeast section this fall.

Back to the Top

Winter Wings Festival . . .

Winter Wings Festival 2008 proved to be a huge success by every measure: significant surplus was realized and distributed to both Wing Watchers and Klamath Basin Audubon Society [KBAS] per agreement; attendance increased by 40 - 45% ; and seed money has been set aside in the WWF bank account for Winter Wings Festival 2009. The success is due to the enthusiastic, dedicated work of all the volunteers and each and every one is to be commended!

Now, on to Winter Wings Festival 2009, the 30th Anniversary of the Festival! This Festival needs to be. . . and WILL be very special, produced solely by KBAS. And it cannot be done without YOU! Areas where we particularly need help are: recruit/coordinate vendors; contact scouts, Campfire USA, others; elementary art contest; Welcome Desk for leaders/presenters; determine Audio-Visual requirements for presenters; Hospitality chair; receptions; volunteer packets; update contact lists; coordinator-in-training for 2010(we can't do this forever!). Contact one of the Co-coordinators, listed on the Contact Us page. Thank you so much!

Back to the Top

Welcome to New Board Members

Kevin Spencer, Vice President
Graduated in Forestry, Humboldt State University, 1979; member of Klamath Basin Audubon since early 1990s; past board member, Grebe editor, and field trip leader. I teach in the Tulelake school district, currently as a fifth grade teacher; live with family in Klamath Falls, with wife, Carol, and daughter, Danielle, who has our first grandchild, a boy, Dominic!! I have a love of nature, especially birds; but trees, insects, rocks . . . are right behind. I am involved with Oregon Field Ornithologists, Klamath Bird Observatory, and USGS Breeding Bird Survey for whom I do surveys, when I can.

Paul Alley, Treasurer
Graduated fromAshlandHigh Schoolin 1960, BS from Stanford in 1964, PhD fromUniv.ofWashington1972. Educated in physics but spent most of career in sales, marketing, and engineering inSilicon Valleyhigh tech industries. Semi-retired in 2006 and moved toKlamath Falls, from which I still work part-time for aSan Josecompany.

I've been married to Shirley since 1960 with two sons, one inSan Joseand one inThousand Oaks, CA and two grandchildren, one in each location.

I've been a passive member of Audubon for some years, supporting it primarily for its conservation stance. Being in the Basin and volunteering with Winter Wings has led to a more-active role in Audubon.

Being new to the organization, I thought the best contribution I can make for conservation here in the Basin would be to facilitate the efforts of the active members of KBAS as Treasurer.

Back to the Top

Events in Nearby Areas...thanks to Mary Ellen Sargent

The Rogue Valley Audubon Society is having a wetlands walk on 8/6 at 8:30 AM. For details, go to www.roguevalleyaudubon.org.

The Siskiyou Field Institute inSelmais having numerous birding classes/events in throughout August. See www.thesfi.org for a complete list and any costs.

The Klamath Bird Observatory is having birdwalks on 8/2 and 8/9. Registration for these free events is required. See www.KlamathBird.org.

There is a BioBlitz at Crater Laketo inventory lichens on days from 8/8 through 8/10. Contact Lawrence.Powers@oit.edu for more information.

The Oregon Field Ornithologists are having their annual meeting at Malheur NWR from 9/12-14. See www.oregonbirds.org for more information. OFO is also have a trail clean up on 10/4 at Calliope Crossing in Deschutes County near Sisters.

The Western Field Ornithologists are having their annual meeting 10/9-12 inSan Mateo,CA. Many field trips are planned, including pelagics. See www.westernfieldornithologists.org for more information.

If you know of any birding events of interest to the KBAS membership, be sure to send an email to Marilyn Christian, .

Back to the Top

KBAS Logo - A swimming grebe.

FEEDBACK
We would love to hear from you. Please direct your comments, suggestions, or ideas to: Editor of The Grebe, c/o Klamath Basin Audubon Society, P.O. Box 354, Kamath Falls, OR 97601.

"I hope the United States of America is not so rich that she can afford to let these wildernesses pass by, or so poor that she cannot afford to keep them."
- Mardy Murie, 1902-2003

The Grebe is published 6 times a year by the Klamath Basin Audubon Society (KBAS)