Winners from

the 11th Annual

Bird Drawing
Contest - Page 5

Published by the Tahoma Audubon Society: Connecting people with nature since 1969. Vol. 41 No. 7 July/August 2010

the Great Gray Ghost

In search of
Known for their secluded boreal haunts and their ability to
slip silently through stands of tamarack, spruce, and aspen
on wings that span nearly five feet, Great Gray Owls have
been aptly called the phantoms of the northern forest.
Frances Backhouse, Audubon Magazine

... and a nemesis is conquered

By Diane Yorgason-Quinn

The new Advanced Birding Class taught by Ken Brown went far afield for its first season, taking
us over the border into that far country named Oregon in search of Great Gray Owls! We were lucky
enough to have Kevin and Emily Schoenfelder in class this time, as Kevin has a brother, Tim, in La
Grande, Oregon, who has been monitoring Great Grays nearby there in Spring Creek. The advance
reports were that it was an excellent year with three successful nest boxes! We took four days over
Memorial Day weekend and saw ALL the sights (all the birds, anyway!) as we worked our way in
that direction.
A highlight of day one, Friday, May 28, was a visit to the famous yard of Tom Lamb near Dixie,
Washington (near Walla Walla). Tom’s yard has been featured on television and is well known in the
birding world as the best hummingbird yard north of Arizona! He has dozens of feeders up and as
many as a hundred hummers at once, Calliopes, Black-Chinned, and Rufous. Several of us had the
sublime experience of having hummingbirds alight on our hands!
Next morning, we went past Tom’s place up Biscuit Ridge after the Green-tailed Towhee—a very
“local” bird in Washington. When we got to the one spot they could be expected, it was very cold
and exceedingly windy, so hearts were sinking. However, when we played their tune, there was an
answer! We kept up the duet and eventually met the bird! It was hard work, but such sweet earnings!
Photo/Melissa Sherwood
See "Great Gray Owl" on page 6 Digiscoped view of The Owl!

Tahoma Audubon Birdathon 2010 Update

By Cami Kesinger - Development Coordinator
THANK YOU SO ENOURMOUSLY! As of
this writing, we have received many generous
Birdathon pledges and the donations are rolling in.
However, we still have a long way to go in making
our goal of $40,000. Can you help us reach our
goal? Even if it is $10 or $20 it adds up fast!
The money raised from Birdathon supports our
Conservation and Education Programs and helps
with the printing of this newsletter. If you have
already made a pledge or donation this year, thank
you! If not, it is certainly not too late. Just make
your check out to Tahoma Audubon Society and
note “Birdathon” somewhere on the check. Then,
send it to us at 2917 Morrison Road West, birder, and I
University Place, WA 98466. You will help us in went on three
more ways than you can imagine. Be a part of our Birdathon
success! This is YOUR Tahoma Audubon! Field Trips)
We will have a full Birdathon 2010 report in the this is FUN! I
September issue of the Towhee. There, we will am just learning
announce our totals and our Birdathon winners, about birds, and
including most species seen or heard and our going on these
Rookie of the Year! Jim Ullrich from Wild Birds trips was a learning experience.
Unlimited in Gig Harbor has generously donated In addition, being surrounded by the THE BEST
gift certificates for our winners! Thank you Jim! people and our gorgeous outdoors, and knowing
Check out some of the Birdathon Trip Reports the efforts help Tahoma Audubon succeed is a good
on page 7. If you aren’t already a birder, think about feeling all around. I couldn’t have enjoyed this May
going on a field trip next year. I can tell you from any more! Thanks to everyone who made it so
first-hand experience (this was my first time as a much fun!

e W ent to e
a garden party ... e In this issue:
to reminisce with my old friends ... e
Friends like Kathleen LeGreid, who was at Helen Engle's Big 25 Years Ago page 8
Backyard Picnic on June 24th, snappin' a bunch of pictures. BirdSongs page 8
You can see a slideshow of these by clicking here. Calendar page 12
Education page 4
Environment Matters page 3
Executive Director's corner page 2
Field trips page 5
New Members page 11
Wenas Recap page 9
 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S Corner
A big "thank you" to Ken and Graham
How many of us
would like to say
we individually
made a difference?
How many of us
feel we have, or are
we still working on
that?
I can attest to you
that Ken Benton
and Graham Taylor
have made a differ-
ence. For the last 10 months they are worked with
Tahoma Audubon as part of the AmeriCorps program.
We are profoundly thankful for all they have done for
us in the short time they have been with us.
By reading through the Towhee, you can see the
wonderful contributions that Ken (page 4) and Graham
(page 10) have made to the health and growth of
Tahoma Audubon over the last year.
Most importantly, Ken and Graham are two great
guys who have been fun to work with. They have
ENVIRONMENT Matters
Trees & transportation: What do they have in common?
helped to make Trees and transportation are the theme of the 2010 cifically at the urban
Tahoma Audubon a Priorities for a Livable Pierce County! Each year, transit system is
joy to work and vol- members of the Pierce County Sustainability needed. Coalition
unteer at. They have Coalition—including Tahoma Audubon—work togeth- members will con-
become part of the er to select three or four local priorities to make the tinue to work with
family. They will be Tacoma-Pierce County area a better place to live for the city council this
missed, but we also people and for wildlife. This year, while we were a summer and fall to
wish them well on the little slow in getting started, we’ve already seen two encourage them to
next leg of their successes! But first, what are our priorities, you ask? take steps toward
adventure. Here they are: live in Tacoma, be sure to thank your council member developing a com-
Tahoma Audubon 1. Pass and fund Tacoma’s first Urban Forest for adopting the Urban Forest Policy Element. prehensive transit Contact Krystal at 253-232-9978.
has been lucky to be Policy element, and fund the city’s Open Space Pedestrians, Bicyclists and Public Transit plan for Tacoma. Or kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org
part of the Habitat and Recreation Plan Since the rise of the automobile in the early twentieth On a similar note,
Ken Benton AmeriCorps program Graham Taylor 2. Pass and fund Tacoma’s Mobility Master Plan century, our transportation system has been built with all across Pierce County public transportation is in
for the last three years. 3. Begin to develop a Comprehensive Transit the paramount idea that everyone should and can have jeopardy. Pierce Transit is facing budget shortfalls
Ameri-Corps members commit to 10 and ½ months of Plan for the City of Tacoma a personal vehicle—and cars are the primary form of like many public agencies. This summer Pierce
full time work for a non-profit. In exchange they get And a big 4. Pierce Transit: Keep busiest routes, allow vot- transportation. Consequently, our street designs, plan- Transit is asking citizens and users to speak up and let
real world work experience, a small stipend with health welcome to our ers to decide funding ning, and highways were constructed with this in mind them know how they can best deal with the situation.
coverage and a monetary award they can use towards new President Trees and Open Space and not much else. Safe access for bicyclists and Two options emerge: Cut transit service, routes, and
higher education. Starting in September we will be Margie Shea, Managing our urban forests, planting street trees, and pedestrians was not a consideration. hours or ask voters for a tax increase to pay for con-
welcome an education member for our fourth year with seen here with improving guidelines for tree planting and pruning will In the twenty-first century, that is changing. The ris- tinued and expanded services. At the public hearing
the program. Thelma Gilmur. help make Tacoma a more beautiful and healthier place ing cost of gasoline, car repairs, road repair and main- on June 14, 2010, there was overwhelming vocal sup-
to live, work and play. Through years of neglect and tenance has made our car-based road systems expen- port by citizens for not only preserving routes and

Make a designation to support Tahoma

misuse, our urban natural areas are not healthy. Many sive for taxpayers and car owners, and unaffordable for service frequency, but also to increase them rather
areas are infested with invasive plants like English Ivy, many people. The aging infrastructure, increased than cut them. The coalition is working to let the

Audubon – for generations to come

Himalayan Blackberry and Scotch Broom. These population and density in urban and suburban areas, Pierce Transit Board know that we support the oppor-
aggressive plants are outgrowing many native plants, and air pollution from burning fossil fuels have all tunity for voters to decide the course of action by
One of the easiest ways support the habitat. While not necessary, if you which is causing a loss of understory plants and pre- added to the noise, congestion and poor air quality in going to a public vote on this issue either in the late
mission of Tahoma Audubon through inform us in writing you become a venting the next generation of trees from growing up. the region. The design of a Mobility Master Plan— fall or early 2011.
your estate is to make a designation of member of the Feathered Nest Circle. Without these trees, we will continue to lose our forest which changes the way we prioritize transportation by Next Steps
The Pierce County Chapter of The National Audubon Society canopy, biodiversity and natural functions like storm We’ve had great success with two of our priorities
beneficiary to your IRA, pension plan, Located in University Place's Adriana Hess Wetland Park emphasizing alternatives like bicycling, walking, and
life insurance, or other accounts you water retention. public transit over cars—will solve or reduce some of already, but there is still more work to do. We need to
2917 Morrison Rd W University Place, WA 98466
currently hold. Just request and Office hours 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Front desk 253-565-9278 Members from Tahoma Audubon, Cascade Land these problems. It will also make our roads safer for let council members know that we also want to see the
sign your institution’s form that Conservancy, community gardens advocates and oth- bicyclists and pedestrians by designating and adding Urban Forestry and the Mobility Master Plan receive
states how you want your ers turned out for a Public Hearing on May 25 to speak bicycle lanes and routes where appropriate, and by adequate funding in next year’s budget so that they can
money distributed when you Tahoma Audubon Staff in favor of the proposed policy. On Tuesday, June 15, improving sidewalks and crosswalks. be implemented. Citizens also need to speak up in sup-
pass on. These designations   the Tacoma City Council unanimously adopted the That is why the coalition made this a priority, and port of public transit options for Tacoma and for Pierce
can be split among family Bryan Flint Executive Director                         Urban Forest Policy Element as a new element in the why the council unanimously passed the Mobility Transit. With your help, we can achieve all of these
members and other chari- bryanflint@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129 city’s Comprehensive Plan. One of the outcomes of Master Plan on June 15, 2010. Members of the priorities this year!
ties based on percentages. this new policy will be the creation of a Citizens’ Tacoma Wheelman’s Club, Cascade Land Conservancy, More information on these topics can be found
The distribution of your Krystal Kyer Conservation Coordinator Advisory Council to review progress and guide imple- Transportation Choices Coalition and others turned out online:
generously is made at the kkyer@tahomaaudubon.org 253-232-9978                     mentation of both the urban forest policy and the city’s in force for the May 25 public hearing in favor of not Mobility Master Plan:
time of your death before Open Space Habitat and Recreation Plan (adopted late only adopting the plan, but they also urging the council http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=12894
your will and estate go Stephanie Swaim Education Coordinator 2008). Tahoma Audubon and the coalition members to speed up the timeline and secure the funding needed Urban Forestry Policy:
into probate. Such gifts of StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org 253-327-9480 will continue to work with the city this summer to to do so. http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=9219
estate go to Tahoma ensure these programs are a success by allocating While public transit is addressed in the Mobility Pierce Transit budget decisions:
Audubon’s endowment for money in next year’s budget to implement it. If you Master Plan, a more comprehensive plan looking spe- http://www.pttomorrow.org/compare.aspx
Cami Kesinger Development Coordinator
the long term sustainability of ckesinger@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-9129                      
the organization and support
our important work to protect Graham Taylor Volunteer Coordinator
gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org
253-565-1884
Point Defiance Native Plant
Tahoma Audubon Society's
Garden Walk & Potluck
Feathered Nest Circle
Ken Benton Education Intern
kbenton@tahomaaudubon.org 253-565-1884
Volunteers sought for wintertime
We are pleased to honor our visionaries who have named Tahoma Audubon
in their estate plans making them members of the Feathered Nest Circle.
Tahoma Audubon Board Officers July 28, 2010 Puget Sound Seabird Survey
Margie Shea Co-President
Anonymous (3)
Thank you current members as of June 15, 2010:
John & Pat Lantz Tanja Scott Co-President
6pm-8pm Do you like seabirds? Would you like to help identify
birds sitting on waters of Puget Sound this winter?
Jane Brosius Diane J. Malone Seattle Audubon and Tahoma Audubon are teaming
Darby Veeck Vice President
Helen Engle Jean McCord up to conduct the fourth season of the Puget Sound
Jane Brosius Secretary Please bring a dish to Seabird Survey in King, Pierce, Kitsap and Snohomish
Bryan Flint Guy and Cecile Montgomery
Thomas Galdabini Gary and Sharon Nestegard share if you wish to counties. It is the only land-based monthly survey in the
Kathleen Nelson Treasurer
John Garner & Caroline Harris Melissa and Jamie Paulson attend the potluck. south sound area conducted by volunteers like you!
Thelma and Chuck Gilmur Donna Cooper Pepos* Tahoma Audubon Board of Directors For more information, Results from last year can be found online at www.
Marjorie Griffin* Barbara Petersen seabirdsurvey.org
John Garner Dan Sherman Dick Carkner volunteer events, and Survey sites in Pierce County include Purdy Spit,
Noel & Bill Hagens Sarah C. Sloat
Frances Heidner* Beatrice E. Thompson* Thelma Gilmur Melissa Paulson Charles Griffin trainings, please visit: Kopachuck Park, Narrows Park, Gig Harbor Spit,
David R. Hirst Darby Veeck & Kristin Lynett www.greentacoma.org Sunrise Beach County Park, Joemma Park, Heron
Cami Kesinger Bill Smith Ione Clagett Peggy Kopf Island Ferry Terminal and more!
Peggy Kopf & Pat Mail *Deceased Bring a partner or buddy out and have fun identifying
seabirds one Saturday a month between October and
QUIZ: which plant is pictured? April. A mandatory short survey protocol training will
The Towhee is a publication of the Tahoma Audubon Society. The Towhee is published monthly, ten times a year, with combined disk, or typed. E-mail submissions to editor@tahomaaudubon.org.
a) Dull Oregon grape occur this September in Tacoma for new volunteers.
The Tahoma Audubon Society was chartered in 1969. TAS advo- Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan issues. Submissions of articles and photographs Editors: David Cohn, David Lev
b) Holly Date and location TBD.
cates for the protection of wildlife and promotes conservation through of birds, bird lore, natural history, conservation, and environmental Mailing: Vera & John Cragin and Winfield Giddings
Contact Krystal Kyer, Conservation Coordinator to
education and activities that enrich its member’s experiences in and education are reviewed and considered for inclusion by the editor. Design & Layout: Robert Kelton: robert_kelton@ mac.com c) Tall Oregon grape (Answer = a) volunteer or with questions at 253-232-9978 or kkyer@
with the natural world. Copy is due by the 15th of the month and may be sent by e-mail, Printing: Consolidated Press
tahomaaudubon.org

Page 2 www.tahomaaudubon.org July/August 2010 July/August 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 3

 EDUCATION Matters Congratulations Bird Drawing Contest Winners!
Education highlights Plea for Summer Camp Scholarship Donations
Dear Members, Friends and Neighbors,
The Tacoma Nature Center and Tahoma Audubon
By Ken Benton

With 115 fantastic entries from schools all over

congratulate our winners and thank everyone who
submitted their great pictures of American Kestrels,
Clark’s Nutcrackers and Red-necked Grebes.
4th/5th Grade
1st Place: Jenny Hagle
2nd Place: Maddy Medley
Thanks and Farewell to Ken Benton, Intermediate School rain garden Society provide outstanding environmental camps for Pierce County, the contestant pool for our 11th And the winners are: 3rd Place: Tristan Grant
AmeriCorps Environmental Educator and Environmental Fair. In addi- youth in our community throughout the summer. These Annual Bird Drawing Contest was as strong as ever. 2nd/3rd Grade 6th/7th Grade
For the past year, tion to his service to the youth of camps not only provide hands-on nature experiences Our panel of judges (made up of biologists, artists 1st Place: Emma Lee Beck 1st Place: Tova Beck
Ken Benton has Pierce County, he also participated that enrich the lives of our campers, but draw a number and birders) expressed great difficulty in selecting a 2nd Place: Madison Allen 2nd Place: Kaitlyn Unger
been a key member as a birder for his first Bird-a-thon of caring teenage volunteers to help with camps as they top three for each age category. We would like to 3rd Place tie: Caleb Scheib and Tahra Menon 3rd Place: Marin Malich (not pictured)
of the staff at with us, identifying 93 species discover their own passions and career paths. We are
Tahoma Audubon. between 5 a.m. and 11:53 p.m. A grateful for the generous donations of our members over
He single-handedly tracking enthusiast, Ken led two the past years who have supported our scholarship fund,
Ken Benton
took over the reigns snowshoe tracking hikes for which helps the youth of Pierce County participate in our
of the OSPREY MetroParks Tacoma Outdoor Adventures and the fee-based programs, such as school programs and
stephanieSWAIM after-school envi- Volunteer Naturalists Training and lists them as his camps. This summer we have had a surge in families
Education Coordinator ronmental clubs and favorite activities in which he participated this year. requesting scholarship money to help them pay for their
Call Steph @ 253-327-9480. Or the 11th Annual Bird From here, Ken will travel back East where he will child’s week at camp. We find that our scholarship fund
StephSwaim@tahomaaudubon.org Drawing Contest. become both a husband and a student. He begins his is running low, and so we are asking for continued dona-
He was instrumental Hamlin University M. Ed. Program in Natural Sciences tions to our scholarship fund so that we can help these
in building a native and Environmental Education this fall, while working families send their children to camp this summer. If you Tova Beck Jenny Hagle Emma Lee Beck
plant garden at Surprise Lake Middle School, and he and living in New Hampshire. So if you see him would like to make a donation, it would be greatly appre-
partnered with Pierce County Environmental Educators, between now and his last day, July 15, please wish him ciated. Please send checks to Tahoma Audubon, with
teachers, the PTA and Stewardship Partners in the luck, and thank him wholeheartedly for the amazing “scholarship fund” in the memo line. The campers, their
simultaneous installation of the Narrowsview job he has done this year. families, and the education staff thank you!
THANKS, KEN!

Tiptoe through Gearing-up for Fall Classes

Mark your calendars! On July 20,
registration opens for fall classes
through MetroParks Tacoma! All class-
es are first-come, first-served so please

Tidepools
remember to register early as many of Kaitlyn Unger Maddy Medley Madison Allen
our programs fill fast - especially our
adult birding classes and homeschool
science classes.
Sunday, July 11 @ Titlow Beach
Birding Basics with Rolan Nelson
10 am - 1 pm - FREE! begins September 13 and is held on
Bring your family and join us on one of the lowest tides of the year Monday nights through October 4 at the
to explore the beach, learn about tidepool life and have lots of fun! Tacoma Nature Center. This is a class
Low tide of -3.4' will be at 11:30 am for adult beginning birders, and topics
• Self-guided tide pool exploration with naturalists available for questions will include binoculars, field guide use,
• Guided bird walk in Titlow Park and the birds you will commonly see in
• Create a craft and take part in other activities your backyards and nearby parks. Caleb Scheib Tahra Menon Tristan Grant
For more info, call 253-591-6439 Please, register beginning July 20 by
calling the Tacoma Nature Center, 253-
591-6439, or by signing-up online at
www.metroparkstacoma.org.
FIELD TRIPS and Events Please see Calendar on
back page for exact dates

July August
Tacoma Nature Center Adriana Hess
RULES
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually Birdwalk at Homestead Park: Gig Harbor
Nature Day Camps!

1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma Audubon Center

2917 Morrison Rd. W., University Place 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Call TAS to register (253-565-9278). Some trips are people limited out Tue Aug 3, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For Ages 5-11 Bird watching has been good at Nisqually.  There is a new dike of necessity. Location: Homestead Park: Gig Harbor
Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm $150 per camper For Ages 4-6 Join Melissa Sherwood as she leads an evening monthly bird-
Off-site field trip included for 8-11 yr. old campers Mon-Wed, 9 am - 1 pm $90 per camper out past the Twin Barns. It is over 1/2 mile long, and goes
Notify TAS 24 hours in advance if you cannot come. Field trip leaders put in walk through the new Homestead Park in Gig Harbor.  Wear
toward McAllister Creek, but not quite to it. 
Nature Detectives Little Explorers Nature Camps a lot of time and planning and no-shows disrupt field trips. More than 3 appropriate clothing and waterproof shoes or boots as you
Join Phil Kelley on his weekly bird walks as he counts the
play, learn and grow.

Find fascinating ways that wildlife survives and thrives
here in the Pacific Northwest. Learn to identify animals
and their behaviors with nature hikes, games, crafts,
science lab, sketching and journaling.
# 54434 June 28-July 2 Ages 8-11
opportunities to
Young explorers will find this small nature park
in University Place just the right size for outdoor
discovery and play while learning about nature in their
own backyards.
birds at Nisqually NWR.  The group walks over to the new
area near the visitor’s center to view the entry road estuary, and
then takes the boardwalk/trail loop out to the Twin Barns, and
the Nisqually overlook area.  From there, the group walks the
no-shows a year can result in revoking opportunity to participate. may cross creeks.  Maybe you will spot some owls!
Arrive at the meeting place early. Directions: Off Hwy 16 in Gig Harbor take Burnham Drive
Exit heading West until you get to a “T” which is Sehmel
No pets are allowed. Drive continue straight until you get to 78th Ave and turn left,

# 54435 July 5-9 Ages 5-7 LE: Fantastic Forests

new dike, and back to the Riparian Forest.  The walk totals you will come to the park.  Go in and toward the back/south-
Creating healthy

Sea to Shore
Get the underwater scoop on amazing creatures of the
ponds, creeks, rivers, tides and ocean. Hikes, games,
crafts, stories and a science lab will bring you into this
wet and wild world. Play an important role in protecting
the nurseries of turtles, tadpoles and butterflies.
# 54436 July 12-16 Ages 8-11
# 54437 July 19-23 Ages 5-7
Wild Expressions
Play and connect with nature and be inspired to create
unique artwork, stories, plays, music and whatever your
imagination can dream up!
Things get wild at
Beat the heat in the shade of the forest while looking for Be prepared for seasonal weather.
squirrels, rabbits and other tree dwellers. about 2 miles. Bring: Good walking shoes or boots, raingear, side of the park.  Meet in the Meadow area.  Call Melissa if
# 54441 June 21-June 23 water, snacks, and $3 for entry fee unless you have a pass.  Bring lunch, drinks and snacks if the field trip is scheduled past mid-day. you have questions 851-7230.  Call Tahoma Audubon for
Scopes are welcome.  more details and to sign up, 565-9278. 
LE: Hoo Lives Here?
This camp is for the birds! Get better acquainted with Meet: At the Visitor’s Center Pond Overlook.  All passengers divide total carpooling expenses. Current guidelines are
robins, finches, owls & other feathered friends. Directions:  Take I-5 south from Tacoma and exit to Nisqually 20 cents a mile per car, not including driver. Evening Birdwalk at Homestead Park
# 54442 June 28-30 NWR at exit Wed Aug 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location: Homestead Park.
114.  Take a right at the light.  Beginners are always welcome. Join Melissa Sherwood as she leads an evening monthly bird-
LE: Tiptoe Through the Tidepools
Explore the creatures that hide in tidepools: sea stars, Sign-up:  Call or email Phil Kelley to confirm details.  Phil walk through the new Homestead Park in Gig Harbor.  Wear
Have fun.
shore crabs, moon snails & octopus! Kelley, Lacey, (360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com.  appropriate clothing and waterproof shoes or boots as you
# 54443 July 12-14 Nisqually NWR has been doing a 3-4 year estuary reconstruc- may cross creeks.  Maybe you will spot some owls! Directions:
tion project.  For more information, go to http://www.fws.gov/ Explore this natural treasure as you walk the trails and dis- Off Hwy in Gig Harbor take Burnham Drive Exit heading

# 54438 Aug 16-20 Ages 8-11 LE: Winter Wonderland

It’s winter in July as we cool off with animals that live at nisqually/ and click on Events and News.  cover the beauty of the five habitat zones in the preserve. West until you get to a “T” which is Sehnel Drive continue
# 54439 Aug 2-6 Ages 5-7
the poles or know how to stay warm in cold weather. Located in Graham, the preserve has the following special straight until you get to 78th Ave and turn left, you will come
For Ages 12-14 # 54444 July 19-21 Tiptoe Through the Tidepools at Titlow open dates. Call 253-591-6439 for more information.   to the park.  Go in and toward the back/southside of the park. 
Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Sun Jul 11, 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meet in the Meadow area.  Call Melissa if you have questions
$225 per camper LE: Small Wonders
Use microscopes & magnifiers to discover the smallest Location: Titlow Beach. Free, all ages. Bring your family to Ohop Creek Field Trip 851-7230.  Call 565-9278 for more details and to sign up, . 
Eco-Explorers for Young Teens wildlife that live in our backyards. explore the beach, learn about tide pool life and have lots of Sun Jul 25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Join nature specialists in exploring the wild and # 54445 July 26-28 fun during one of the lowest tides of the year!   Where: Ohpp Creek Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails
understanding better how to “live green” through field Join volunteers on a field trip to a site undergoing major habi- Sun Aug 8, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
trips, hiking, hands-on activities, fun games, and lab LE: Wild About Wetlands Low tide of -3.4’ will be at 11:30 a.m. 
investigations. Get a closer look at nature at night with From frogs to crayfish, minnows to ducks, learn how wet- tat restoration on Ohop Creek, near Eatonville, WA. Volunteers Location: Morse Wildlife Preserve. Explore this natural trea-
an overnight stay at the nature center on Thursday. land animals live deep in the muck. Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails will share their species identification skills and collect data sure as you walk the trails and discover the beauty of the five
# 54440 Aug 9-13 # 54446 August 2-4 Sun Jul 11, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. using NatureMapping.  No training required, but helpful.  habitat zones in the preserve. Located in Graham, the preserve
Morse Wildlife Preserve Registration is available by calling 360-832-7166 or emailing has the following special open dates. Call 253-591-6439 for
reserve@nwtrek.org  more information.

Page 4 www.tahomaaudubon.org July/August 2010 July/August 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 5

 Our TARGET! Great Gray Owl. Photo/Ed Pullen
...Great Gray Owl
from page 1
A very desired bird in this state!
As we warmed up in the cars and birded our way
along the ridge, all of a sudden a large gray ghost
swooped by the last three cars in our caravan and
landed momentarily on a stump. A Great Gray Owl!
Leader Ken in car number one missed it and hardly
believed us, but luckily Sue Taylor had snapped a
photo, confirming the ID! Wow! We tracked it, and
later it whooshed through one last time so that every-
one got a glimpse. Just glimpses, but very diagnos-
tic.
The next days were full of
adventures. Wildflowers were
everywhere. We saw so many
Tanagers and MacGillivray’s
Warblers that they almost became
cheap eye candy! And yes, we can
sing back to these species quite adequately now!
Some of our group saw a bear at Field Springs. We
reported it to a ranger, and when we came down from
the trail, we met him with a very goal-directed appear-
ing bloodhound. They’d been looking for that bear
for some time. They were ready to tranquilize it and
give it a new home, as it had been harassing the pic-
nickers. We had wondered why the campground was
almost empty on Memorial Day weekend!
Thanks to the friendlier members of our group, we
managed to get invited into the kitchen of one of the
rangers who was raising Chukars for release, and we
met some large Chukar chicks in a plumage we had
never seen before! Mountain Chickadees were
everywhere! Sue finally got her life Mountain
Chickadee, hurray! Flycatchers were still setting up
territories, and we heard not just the calls, but the full
songs of several species!
Finally Memorial Day rolled around, and we met
Tim Schoenfelder in La Grande and tootled up
Spring Creek. Driving the muddy road, we were
prepared to go to great lengths, but didn’t have to!
Tim rolled to a stop. We all got out expecting a trek,
At the Great Gray Owl Site with our guide! Diane, Ken, Jody, Kay, Mike, Kathryn, Ryan, Vera,
Shelley, Carol, Carolyn, Betty, Sue (front), Tim (our guide!), Melissa, Ed, Faye, Wayne.
Page 6 www.tahomaaudubon.org July/August
Two Owl chicks in the nest box. Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
but no! Just a few hundred yards, and there was the
nest box of a Great Gray Owl with two Owlets!
Soon, a parent (daddy?) swooped silently in, uncar-
ing of all the bipeds who had been stunned into a
reverent silence. We watched him hunt, watched the
chicks take a nap, wake up, get some stretching
exercise, and just basically had the best show ever.
Sapsuckers, Pygmy Nuthatches, and Western
Bluebirds provided a normalizing background effect,
but the Great Gray Owls were greatest! Tim
explained that three of the many nest box/ledges
erected for the convenience of the owls were suc-
cessful this spring including one which had fledged
the previous week and two, including this one, still
with Owlets.
They say the best way to conquer your nemesis is
to choose the right Master. Since the Great Gray
Owl has been the nemesis bird for both Faye
McAdams Hands and for me for years, we finally
attached ourselves to the right combination of mas-
ters this time, Ken Brown and Tim Schoenfelder!
This trip added that prize to both our Washington
and Oregon lists as well!
We were a long way from home, but managed a
few more birding stops. Then we chose to try out
Highway 410 over Chinook Pass, which we heard
had just opened for the season. It was open, but SO
snowy. What an experience! Massive white walls
lined the roadway. We stopped at a restroom to which
a snow tunnel had literally been dug, but of course no
electricity, so the door had to be propped open. Soon
to become just another birders’ tall tale!
This four-day busy trip netted 136 species!
Overall, the new Advanced Birding Class started out
with a bang, totaling well over 200 species in four
field trips to most habitat types in the state (and a
little into Oregon!).
Signup for this class is happening any minute, and
it fills up fast. But have no fear—the adult beginning
and intermediate classes will soon be offered as
well! There will be a class for you! Prepare your lists
of most-wanted birds!
Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
A family of Mountain Goats in the Blues. Photo/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Western Tanager. Why did the Turkeys cross the road?  From Roxy Giddings:
Green tailed Towhee.
Where do baby Chukars come from? The ranger's kitchen!
Below left: Yellow Warbler claiming to be "Sweet Sweet
Sweet!" Below right: Mountain Chickadee peers from her box.
Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
MacGillivray's Warbler
Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Above: Western kingbirds turned up every-
where. Below: A Lewis Woodpecker gets to
the core of things
Photos/Diane Yorgason-Quinn
2010
Birdathon
trip Reports
Birdathon: A way to help birds, other wildlife and sup-
port Tahoma Audubon programs. Each year Tahoma
Audubon Society coordinates Birdathon. It is our largest
and most successful fundraiser of the year. It is also a way
to celebrate the importance of birds and other wildlife and
raise funds for Tahoma Audubon. Thank you to all the trip
leaders, hosts and donors! You are what makes Tahoma
Audubon’s Birdathon so special.
Please enjoy a few of the many Birdathon Reports I
have received. If you would like to read them all, come on
by our office and sit in our conference room and read
them while watching our bird feeders!
The first report is by Rookie Birdathon Birders Ken
Benton and Graham Taylor. They are our fabulous and
talented Americorps Staff members here at Tahoma
Audubon. Sadly, their terms end on July 15! Come say
goodbye to them if you have time. We will miss them and
wish them good luck on their next endeavors!
From Ken Benton & Graham Taylor:
Monday May 17, was a day that shook the birding com-
munity. While most of the world was fast asleep in bed,
two intrepid young men set out on a mission. Both ama-
teurs, one a native of the eastern United States, their goal
of finding over 80 species in just 24 hours was an ambi-
tious one. However, these were no ordinary young men.
They were armed with vision rivaling that of an eagle,
reflexes of a jungle cat, an iron will and high moral forti-
tude. Yes, Ken Benton and Graham Taylor, two relatively
unknowns would soon take the birding world by storm.
Under the cover of darkness, they began their epic
journey that would take them from the pristine habitat of
the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to the busy urban
woodlands and beaches of Tacoma. At 5:00 a.m., they
got their first three species: American Robin, Spotted
Towhee and American Crow. By noon their list expanded
to 62. At 6:45 p.m. they parted ways with 89 species.
However, with several major misses, Ken Benton was not
about to stand by and watch the remaining hours slip
between his fingers. Revisiting several locations from
earlier in the day, he was able to knock off three of the
troublesome birds: Yellow-rumped Warbler, Bufflehead
and Hutton’s Vireo. With his conscience finally cleared,
Ken finally retired at 8:30 p.m. But as those close to him
know, the mind of Ken Benton is never far from his favor-
ite quarry. At 11:30 p.m., he awoke from a dead sleep to
the soft hooting of a Western Screech Owl.
The final total for the day was a whopping 93 species.
From Art Wang:
Ten of us in three cars enjoyed perfect weather and had
a great trip on Saturday, May 15. We started at 5:15 a.m.
at Thea’s Park in Tacoma and ended at 8:00 p.m. in Moses
Lake. In between, I saw 124 species of birds and the
group as a whole saw 126 species. (I told you we would
expect 125.) Marcus Roening has been doing this route
for many years of Birdathon and knew exactly what to
expect at every location on his detailed itinerary.
I learned some sensational new places to see birds.
One was the West Hylebos Park in Federal Way, originally
donated land from one of Tahoma Audubon’s pioneers
that became a state park during my tenure in the
Legislature. Somehow I had never been there
before, but it is a wonderful nugget of habitat
preserved in the heart of Federal Way.
Another new location was just outside
Emerald Downs, where we had a pond with
Green-winged, Blue-winged and Cinnamon
Teal swimming together. Then there was the
house at Hyak with fifteen or so humming-
bird feeders hanging from every eave and with
at least two Rufous Hummingbirds for every
feeder, all glinting their brilliant reds in the sun-
shine. Near Stampede Pass I saw a Northern
Goshawk pass overhead, although none of the
others in the group got to see it. Then there was
Swauk Cemetery above the Teanaway Valley,
www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 7
where we picked up mountain specialties such as
Mountain Chickadee and Cassin’s Finch and the delightful
Northern Pacific ponds by South Cle Elum. But the most
sensational spot of all was Frenchman’s Coulee near the
Gorge in George, where towering basalt cliffs rise straight
up on one side of the road and plummet to the valley floor
on the other – where Rock Wrens sing on the cliffs while
White-throated Swifts scream through the air in dizzying
wonder.
Most unusual birds of the day were possibly two out-
of-range and out-of-habitat Hutton’s Vireos by the Petrified
Gingko Forest in Vantage. But my favorites were probably
a sensationally-plumaged Mountain Bluebird, glowing
electric blue in the sunlight near Vantage, and breeding-
plumaged American Avocets near the Potholes.
The two birds I missed—which others saw—were Bank
Swallows (which flew by as I was looking elsewhere) and
Golden-crowned Kinglets (whose voices are somehow no
longer in my hearing range). My explanation is that I
think they have evolved in the last few years to develop
higher-pitched songs!
Weather couldn’t have been better for the fourteen of
us with Ken and Nell Batker at the Nisqually Delta National
Wildlife Refuge on May 8.  We were greeted by gaggles
of gregarious gadwall and the cacophony of cantankerous
Canada geese.  Most memorable was an American
Bittern, who puffed out his chest and posed for
son Winfield to take pictures; twice more during the morn-
ing a bittern flew by us. The frogs ribbited with impeccable
diction.  We saw 23 species before we even left the nature
center area!  The remnants of the former great-horned owl
nest tree were clearly identifiable, having fallen across the
now-repaired boardwalk.  Although much of the Delta is
now inaccessible and former dry land flooded, 63 species
were still identified.  The new boardwalk is not finished yet
but soon we will have access to even more habitats.
Around noon, nine of us carpooled and headed
west.  Seen along the road were Red-tailed and Rough-
legged Hawks, which hadn’t  been seen at the Delta. 
Sightings at Bowerman Basin sewage ponds included an
Albino herring gull (a white gull with a black bill), and a
river otter was chasing birds away.  Continuing on past the
ponds to the Gray’s Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, we
walked  out on the boardwalk there.   Flocks  of  shore-
birds were flashing on the distant tide line.
 The beaches at Ocean Shores were much the same as
last year;  we added 29 more species there.  Some of
our group climbed on the dike to check on the deep
water side for diving fish eaters, like grebes, while
others scan for Long-billed Dowitchers that fol-
low the tide line edges probing like little sew-
ing machines.   Brown pelicans are fun to
watch flying in a line low over the water.  “A
wonderful bird is the pelican. His bill will hold
more than his belican.  He can take in his
beak Food enough for a week, But I’m damned
if I see how the helican.”  [We thought this was
Ogden Nash, but Bartlett quotes it from Dixon
Lanier Merritt (1879-1972) in 1910.]
Although not as many shore bird species
were found as usual, the list added up to a cred-
itable total of 92 species.

Just the other day... Tahoma Audubon in July 1985
By Helen Engle
25
Bill Giddings wrote a masterful
review of the Northwest Groundwater
Conference. Do we know how things
are with our groundwater 25 years YEARS AGO
later? Here are his opening paragraphs
from the July/August Towhee, 1985:
“Even here in Tacoma and Pierce County
people are beginning realize that water runs downhill,
not only aboveground as surface water, but down
through the ground to recharge the aquifers supplying
groundwater. Although 90% of Tacoma’s average use
of 80 million gallons per day comes form the green
River, at peak times as much as 60 million gallons of
groundwater per day is drawn from the Tacoma Well
Field. Fortunately, the South Tacoma Channel underly-
ing the 13 wells is rapidly recharged; unfortunately
water running down through the site of an abandoned
Time Oil facility, where used motor oil was reprocessed,
threatens the purity of the entire groundwater supply.
So far, over a million dollars has been spent for the five
stripping towers that attendees of the groundwater
conference visited on June 13; operational costs are
$60,000 per year. Other notable local sites seen on the
tour included similar stripping towers with similar costs
used to blow solvents from the groundwater into the
air at Lakewood Water District wells near Ponders
Corner; the source of the problem there was traced to
?
A Murder
Mystery
BIRDSONGS by Phil Buly
"Over the years, scores of different species have appeared in my dreams. Songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors - many bird families have been represent-
ed. And perhaps not surprisingly, they have oftentimes been species I had yet to actually see - the lifers that still eluded me in the tangible world outdoors.
Indeed, I sometimes think I have observed more rarities while asleep than awake. To this day, there are vagrant species I have only dreamed of and have given
up all hope of ever truly seeing". Randy Horvath - Birder Watcher's Digest, Jan/Feb 2010
Page 8 www.tahomaaudubon.org July/August 2010
one dry cleaning establishment. Resident of
American Lake Gardens must drink bottled
water.”
Janet Anthony of FOBB (Friends of
Bowerman Basin) reported on the sec-
ond annual Festival of Shorebirds where
hundreds of thousands of shorebirds
stopped off to refuel on their long migration
to Alaska breeding grounds. She urged participa-
tion in the efforts to protect Bowerman Basin by creat-
ing an estuarine sanctuary.
Brian Morelan described the development in
Chambers Creek Canyon for which Robert M. Davis
is seeking permits. The developer is in violation
because he has already clear-cut a large area, and
constructed a road. While the project is on hold, ero-
sion control is being done by the Dept. of Natural
Resources and the WA Fisheries Dept. to protect this
vitally important salmon-spawning stream.
The summer months were really busy ones for
Tahoma Audubon. We attended hearings -- the
Superfund meeting at the Tacoma-Pierce County
Health Department; Chambers Creek development
hearing at the County-City Building. There was the
Midsummer Potluck picnic on July 10 at the Engle
garden; the hugely successful annual Rummage Sale
on July 20 at The Snake Lake Nature Center (now
Tacoma Nature Center), chaired by Nell Batker; Ken
Brown led a birding trip to Summerland (Mt Rainier
The morning of May 27, five victims were found
near a parking lot at Titlow Park. The victims: A family
of Killdeer including two breeding and one chick with
its head blown off, a Mourning Dove and a Bullock’s
Oriole, all piled together. The weapon: A pellet gun.
The motive: Something unfathomable to anyone
belonging to the Audubon Society. A passer-by brought
them into the Slater Museum of Natural History at the
University of Puget Sound, where the director, Dr. Peter
Wimberger, alerted the birding community via the
Tweeters internet list and attempted to piece together
the story. The Tacoma Police Department reported that
“a state agency was responsible for the killing and the
mess.”  No state or federal agency would take respon-
NP); Thais Bock led in July and Joe Terlow in
August for the monthly census at Nisqually; we went
to Lake Tapps with Fred Tobiason; Sunrise/Burroughs
Mountain (Mt Rainier) with Bob Ramsey; Fort
Steilacoom/Waughop Lake with Walt Adams; Pack
Forest with Ann VisChansky; Bear Park (Mt Rainier)
with Jeff Goulden; and Anderson Island with
Thelma Gilmur assisted by Hazel Heckman
(author of popular books Island in the Sound and
Island Year). Thelma also led a parent/child outing at
Ohanapecosh (Mt Rainier).
The non-game program of the Game Department
was seeking information from Audubon on several
uncommon Washington breeding birds. Doug
Wechsler, habitat Preservation Biologist at the Dept.
asked us for help in acquiring information on the fol-
lowing birds: Common Loon,
Horned Grebe, Red-necked
Grebe, Great Egret, Black-
necked Stilt, Flammulated
Owl, Black Swift, Black-backed
Woodpecker, Ash-throated
Flycatcher, Purple Martin and
Western Bluebird. We won-
der, “How are these special Helen Engle
birds doing now in 2010?” from days of yore.
Feedback, comments and reminiscences welcome,
253-564-3112, Hengle@iinet.com.
sibility, and it seems unlikely any bird collecting or
culling process would have included these species or
would have mandated abandoning the carcasses in a
public park.
So be careful out there, no matter what species you
are. Dr. Wimberger, thanks for alerting the community
and doing the detective work.
Certainly any birds found dead in good condition can
be used at the Slater Museum in their collections or for
teaching purposes, and these victims will live on in that
way. Information can be found on their website,
including fascinating photographs of their definitive
collection of bird wings: http://www.pugetsound.edu/
academics/academic-resources/slater-museum/
How cold is the water?
July/August 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 9
Wenas!
In 1963, Bea Buzzetti, Ruth Anderson and Hazel Wolf wandered serendipitously into the Wenas Creek area on a Memorial Day camping
trip. They were so impressed with the variety of wildlife that they convinced owners Boise Cascade to make the campground available
to Audubon campers on Memorial Day. This was the beginning of an annual Audubon tradition.
rimitive camping does not
have the allure that it once
did. And as the population
ages, sliding between clean
sheets after a long hot shower
that caps off a day of birding is a
nice thought. But there are no motels at
Wenas (although there are some within rea-
sonable driving distance)!
For over 47 years, Audubon has invaded
Wenas during Memorial day. Even though we
got a scare a few years ago when this Boise
Cascade campground was bought by a devel-
oper with visions of 5 acre ranchettes, intrepid
Auduboners helped to get it safely into state
ownership. While not guaranteed safe since it
is DNR Trust Land (and will be selectively
logged), it is still the birder’s mecca that it was
years ago when Bea Buzzetti, Ruth Anderson
and Hazel Wolf wandered into the Wenas
Creek area on a Memorial Day camping trip.
The road is a little dicey in places, but, in
addition to the intrepid tent camping contin-
gent, people hauling trailers and driving camp-
ers and motor homes made it in. My grand-
daughter yelled the whole way so she could
hear the reverberation in her voice as we
bounced over the rocky road. The creek this
– wenasaudubon.org
Story and photos by Kathleen A. LeGreid
year is in the hands of engineers of the dam- edge of bats made the search fun and educa-
building clan of native beaver. Sand has over- tional. Michelle is President of Bats Northwest.
flowed and flooded the road. I shut my eyes (More info at: www.batsnorthwest.org.)
as I drove through, but I was amazed that Field trips were led throughout the valley
even low-slung Honda Preludes can make it. and the bird list is still being tallied. The creek
A wet Spring made for an incredible display offers an opportunity to sit and to just be
of wildflowers and had migrating birds unsure amazed at the colorful birds that we can
of what the agenda was. Breeding seemed to observe at this time of year.
be late. I am a novice birder, I come to
Wenas to sit by the tent with a good book
to read, death camas at my feet, and
binoculars by my side to glance up at
birds that come amazingly close. Bolstered
by Don Knoke’s incredible flower boards,
I am always amazed by what I see and
learn about this area on the “dry” side of
our state.
During our evening “campfire”, Don
Knoke’s 90th birthday was announced.
Typically, campfires are not permitted after
April 15 on DNR land. The first night we
Top left corner: Cassin's Finch; Top right corner:
made do with a propane fire, but because White-Breasted Nuthatch; Above: Western Tanager.
of the wet season, we received DNR per-
mission to have “real” evening campfires and Seattle Audubon brought educational bird
they even brought us wood! I am afraid that
one day we will have to have virtual campfires
with a projector and a screen, such as the
skins (and a couple of pink flamingos). This up
close look at birds was very helpful in our nature
sketching class. On the log-in sheet for Wenas,
Christmas Yuletide fires shown on television. there were 111 individual names listed and an
The bats were as confused as the birds by official count at the campfire circle was over 100.
the weather, even trying to locate them with There were more people there than signed in,
sophisticated electronic equipment was not and many that just came up for the day. Will
easy. However, Michelle Noe’s love and knowl- your name be on the list for next year?
Educational flower boards at Larrison Tree.
 VOLUNTEER Recognition Towhee recognized in NW Excellence in Journalism Contest
Visit with ... Each year the Society of Profes- brought in 2,500 entries from Re-

Thank you and farewell to my Audubon family

sional Journalists holds the Excel- gion 10, including entries from
... Dale Thompson! lence in Journalism Contest to hon- Alaska, Oregon, Washington,
Tahoma Audubon founding or the very best in journalism. Idaho and Montana. The entries
On July 15 the with the unpaid would be a drag, it is exactly the than volunteering. This year the 2009 contest were submitted online for the
member and wildlife artist,
Tahoma Audubon opposite; their positive energy is a buoy that keeps the Besides providing a wonderful family of staff and first time this year, and
Society will say its whole office afloat. Frankly, the days at Audubon volunteers to work with, Audubon supplied me with a Dale Thompson, will be at judged online as well
goodbyes to when volunteers are not scheduled are the days that solid occupational framework that has empowered me Paradise lodge on Mt Rain- by journalists around
AmeriCorps staff seem to drag on. to accomplish so many things. My time with Audubon ier, Fridays and Saturdays the country.
The Towhee and second for page design for non-
members Ken Benton Before my experience at Audubon, I did not really has led me to work with volunteers to coordinate and throughout the summer.
Robert Kelton placed daily newspapers.
and Graham Taylor. grasp the phenomenon of volunteering. Generationally maintain: restoration efforts, issue-driven political
While it is tough to speaking, I must concede that it has not been a pri- campaigns, newsletter articles, membership and devel-
say farewell, it is so
easy to say thank you
mary focus of my fellow “millennials.” I did not
understand what motivated volunteers and, quite hon-
opment practices, community outreach, volunteer and
event scheduling, the website, and most exhilarating of
Look out below!
for the transforma- estly, I was confused by their decision to donate their all, it offered me the chance to shoot, write, direct, and
gtaylor@tahomaaudubon.org
or (253) 565-1884 tional experience valuable time. I have since come a long way toward edit a film. And it wasn’t just any film; it was the cel-
Tahoma Audubon understanding. ebratory 40th anniversary film that would début at
has offered us over the past two years. I am certain that While we know that Audubon’s volunteers partici- Tahoma Audubon’s 40th birthday party on February
I will always look back on my time with Tahoma pate because of their passion for conservation, what is 28th 2009. It was a project that I will treasure in my
Audubon fondly, remembering both the work and the often left unstated is their love of their fellow human memories forever.
people with the utmost favor and respect. being, their neighbor, who is ultimately their friend. In actuality, Audubon has offered me so much more
As the volunteer coordinator, I have been particu- Volunteers demonstrate their passion through compas- than what I have listed. Simply put, I cannot vocalize
larly blessed to work with such a thoughtful and sion, giving up their most valuable possession – their or literate on how much this experience has meant to
kindhearted group of volunteers and staff. To show up time – to work for the community they love. As my me. I can, however, profusely thank everyone that has
at work and be joined by volunteers is a special expe- time with Audubon comes to a close, I cannot think of been a part of this experience. Together we changed the
rience. Although one might think that working daily anything more basic, straightforward or reasonable world. Thank you!

Save the Event: Summer Volunteer Appreciation Potluck

When: 7/13/2010 6pm-8pm
All Tahoma Audubon volunteers are invited to come
celebrate their service at our Summer Volunteer Ap-

Date
preciation Potluck. Whether you are a receptionist,
Where: Adriana Hess Wetland Park a field trip leader, a Towhee writer, editor, a restora-
What: Potluck & Socializing tion volunteer or a data enterer, you are invited to
come join us for an evening of food and socializing!
July 13th Who: ALL VOLUNTEERS! Please bring at least 1 entrée, or dessert to share
from 6pm-8pm. Why: Because we love you! with the group! See you there! Photo/Harry Folster
Frightened seagulls drop excess ballast as they wing their way to safety. Taken at Willapa National
Wildlife Refuge on Long Beach Peninsula.

WELCOME to New and Returning Members

The Great Washington State Birding Trail needs you!
By Diane Yorgason-Quinn
May 16, 2010 to June 15, 2010
Chapter New & Returning: Introductory, Recruited through
On June 1, Christi Norman of Washington Audubon visited our Hal & Kate Amundson, Christine Karczewski, Pamela National Audubon Society
Advanced Birding Class with an exciting proposal for Tahoma Mayer, Barbara Weikert, Jo Ann Savitz, Ann Waldo, D. Dewitt, Jean Rojas, Renee Schrenk,
Audubon. You’ve all seen the great maps that have been coming out Adele & Mark Freeland, Joyce Lundberg, Willliam Holt, Nancy Wheeler, D Abel, Joan M
over the last few years with recommended birding sites in our fabu- R Nelson, Allan F Avery, Charlotte Pierce, Harlan Sethe James, Sally McHugh, R. Nelson,
lously diverse and birdable state: The Great Washington State Birding Joint Chapter & National Renewals, Recruited through Allan Avery, Charlotte Pierce,
Christi Norman Trail maps! Well, we’re now down the wire with just one left to pro- Tahoma Audubon Society: Harlan Sethe
duce—and it’s OUR area! The Puget Sound trough (or suggest a
Captain Horst D. Albrecht, Mary Ellen Church, Eleanor When renewal time comes: A
better name now!) area will be the final map, and then the entire state will be available
Block, Steven & Susan Garrett, Stella B. Jones, Robert month before your membership expires we will send Society. National will send you packs of renewal
to birders from all over! Eventually, site signs will be erected when funding is available
& Barbara Kvamme, Don & Nancy C. Pearson, Arthur you a reminder to renew. Please renew through us, not notices—ignore them! We ask you to renew here
advising visitors to check their map details for information on the spot where they are
& Janis Smith, Howard & Suzanne Leichman, Doreen through National Audubon. They do not give us a share through us for a Chapter Only membership or a Joint
standing. These maps are the best in a universe of 36 states who have now hopped
Aiken, Dennis P. Anderson, Henry Bernard of renewal dues; hence we are unable to support a membership which includes a Chapter Membership
onto the birding trail caravan! Birders from out of state buy these maps when they
plan their trips to the Northwest, and we are using them locally more and more as well.
Introductory, Recruited through membership that includes providing you with a copy of and a National Audubon Membership. If you have
Tahoma Audubon is one of several Audubon chapters who look out on the Puget Tahoma Audubon Society our newsletter, the Towhee. You will not get a Towhee questions, call Thelma Gilmur, Membership Chair,
Sound, and we now have a committee to process suggestions for sites to be included Scott Davis, Herman Robalino Newsletter if you renew through the National Audubon 253-564-8210.
on the map that are within the vision of our chapter. Our committee is headed by Rob
and Natalie McNair-Huff, past co-presidents of Tahoma Audubon and authors of Birding
Washington. The committee hopes by the end of the summer to have our HUGE list

Checks payable to: Tahoma Audubon 2917 Morrison

Rd. W. University Place, 98466 Tahoma Audubon
Society, established in 1969, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Membership Fee:
of Pierce County hot spots pared down to a reasonable number to submit to the map
___ Introductory (first year) $20
makers. So send in your suggestions NOW! You can download a nomination form
___ Joint National/Tahoma Audubon $50

organization. Donations are tax deductible.

from Washington Audubon’s Great Birding Trail webpage or contact Rob and Natalie
right away if you want your voice heard!
The website with the nomination forms and other info on this project is:
Membership

___
___
Chapter member renewal
Other Contributions _____________
$30

http://wa.audubon.org/birds_GreatWABirdingTrail_PugetLoop.html.
Tahoma Audubon is the Pierce County chapter of National Audubon. As
You can also check out the already published maps in the series and download them, an Introductory member of Tahoma Audubon you also receive a National Member(s) Name: _______________________________________
even use them as computer wallpaper! Audubon membership and Audubon Magazine for one year. Renewing Address: _______________________________________________
Rob and Natalie’s contact info: your Chapter Membership ensures that we can continue to do our work in
Rob McNair-Huff rob.mcnairhuff@gmail.com rob@whiterabbits.com Pierce County. Chapter membership includes: Towhee newsletter sub- City______________________________ Zip__________________
Natalie McNair-Huff talie@whiterabbits.com scription, free family events, birding trip invitations, class & book dis- Phone: home ___________________business _________________
counts, conservation activities, annual celebrations and more. Joint TAS/
e-mail: ________________________________________________
National Audubon membership includes: Chapter membership, National
C9ZY020Z

Let’s inundate ‘em with all our best birding sites!! And NOW—before summer’s end! membership, annual Audubon Magazine subscription, and support of
Member #: _______________________________ (office use only)
Important Bird Areas (IBA) and state and national conservation agendas.

Page 10 www.tahomaaudubon.org July/August 2010 July/August 2010 www.tahomaaudubon.org Page 11


Unless otherwise stated -
To register for field trips, call (253)
565-9278 To register for education
classes, call (253) 591-6439
See further descriptions inside.
Check out our calendar online at
http://www.TahomaAudubon.org
for more information and updates
JULY 2010
Nature Detectives camp
@ TNC for 8-11 year-olds
Thu July 1, or Fri July 2, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. See Education
Page for description.
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri July 2, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  Sea to Shore Camp
Nature Detectives camp
@ TNC for 5-7 year-olds
Offered July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8, or July 9,
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center. See Education
Page for description.
Adriana Hess Park Photography Class
Mon July 5, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
An adult program encouraging people to
appreciate nature and how they can incorporate
it into their photography. Call Dixie Harris for
details 564-6373.  Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed July 7, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.. See Field
Trips for more information.  Eco-Explorers Camp
Join Phil Kelley on his weekly bird walks as he
counts the birds at Nisqually NWR.  Call or
email Phil to confirm details.  Phil, in Lacey,
(360) 459-1499, scrubjay323@aol.com.  Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.  Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
TAS Board Meeting
Thu Jul 8, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center.  Wed July 21, Thu July 22, or Fri July 23, 8:30
Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board.  Guests Welcome, please call ahead at
(253) 565-9278.  “Caterpillar and Butterfly”
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri July 9, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  We have several potential chimneys and will
Tiptoe Through the Tidepools at Titlow
Sun Jul 11, 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location:
Titlow Beach. See Field Trips for details.
Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails
Sun Jul 11, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location:
Morse Wildlife Preserve. Page 5 for details.
Sea to Shore Camp
@ TNC for 8-11 year-olds Mon July 12, 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See above description.
Little Explorers Camp:
Tiptoe Through the Tidepools
Mon Jul 12, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess.  Ages 4-6.  $90 per
camper (includes $30 non-refundable deposit)
Register by calling the Nature Center, 253-591-
6439. Explore the creatures in the tidepools.
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Mon July 12, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy a guided bird walk through the park!  Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Sea to Shore Camp
@ TNC for 8-11 year-olds
Tue July 13, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Location:
Tacoma Nature Center. More details page 4.  Little Explorers Camp: Small Wonders
Little Explorers Camp:
Tiptoe Through the Tidepools
Tue Jul 13, or Wed July 14, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. See Field Trips for details.   Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Volunteer Appreciation Potluck
Tue July 13, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location:
Adriana Hess Wetland Park.  All Tahoma
Audubon volunteers are invited to come cele-
brate their service at our Summer Volunteer
Appreciation Potluck. Whether you are a
receptionist, a field trip leader, a Towhee writer,
editor, a restoration volunteer or a data enterer,
For additional information:Tahoma Audubon - 253-565-9278; or www.tahomaaudubon.org Or The Tacoma Nature Center:253-591-6439 or www.metroparkstacoma.org
Calendar
you are invited to come join us for an evening
of food and socializing! Please bring at least 1
entrée, or dessert to share with the group!
Volunteer Work Party Days
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Wed July 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed July 14, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.  Mon Aug 2, Tue Aug 3, or Wed Aug 4, 9:00
Sea to Shore Camp
@ TNC for 8-11 year-olds
Wed July 14, or Thu July 15, or Fri July
16, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Location: Tacoma
Nature Center. See Education Page for details.  nature and how they can incorporate it into
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri July 16 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
@ TNC for 5-7 year-olds Mon July 19, 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location: Tacoma Nature
Center. See Education Page for details.
Little Explorers Camp:
Winter Wonderland Mon Jul 19, or Tue July
20, or Wed July 21 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
See Education Page for details.
Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Mon July 19, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park! 
Sea to Shore Cam @ TNC for 5-7 year-olds
Tue July 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
See Education Page for details.  Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed July 21 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Sea to Shore Camp
@ TNC for 5-7 year-olds
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See earlier description.
Nature Storytime
Thu July 22 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  See Education Page for details.
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri July 23 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  See earlier description.  ticipants may help decide.  This will be a very
Nature Storytime “Bug Life”
Fri Jul 23, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
See Education Page for details.
Volunteer Work Party Days
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Sat July 24, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Dog-A-Thon
Sat July 24, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location:
Ft. Steilacoom Park. Invitees: Tahoma
Audubon Society Come see us at our booth at
the 20th Annual Dog-A-Thon, to benefit Pierce
County Humane Society!  Ft. Steilacoom Park!
Bring your dog and stop and see us!  Thu Sept 9, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ohop Creek Field Trip
Sun Jul 25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
See Field Trips for details.
Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Sun Jul 25, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A family program to encourage families to
appreciate the park by providing information
and opportunities with a guided walking tour.
Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373  grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!
Mon Jul 26, Tue July 27, or Wed Jul 28, 9:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
See Education Page for details.
Wed July 28, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description.  A family program to encourage families to
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri July 30 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  Wed Aug 25, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
AUGUST 2010
Wild Expressions Camp
@ TNC for 5-7 year-olds
Offered Aug 2, Aug 3, Aug 4, Aug 5, or Aug 6,
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
See Education Page for details.
Little Explorers Camp:
Wild About Wetlands
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. See page 4 for details.
Adriana Hess Park Photography Class
Mon Aug 2 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. An adult
program encouraging people to appreciate
their photography. Call Dixie Harris 564-6373.  TGIF Restoration Activity
Birdwalk at Homestead Park: Gig Harbor
Tue Aug 3, 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
See Field Trips for details.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed Aug 4, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description. 
Evening Birdwalk at Homestead Park
Wed Aug 4, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
See Field Trips for details
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri Aug 6, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
Sun Aug 8, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
See Field Trips for details
for Young Teens at TNC
Mon Aug 9, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Fri Sept 3, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
See Education Page for details
Bird Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Mon Aug 9, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy a guided bird walk through the park!  Adriana Hess Park Photography class
Eco-Explorers Camp
for Young Teens at TNC
Offered Aug 10, Aug 11, Aug 12, or Aug
13, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  tography. Call Dixie Harris; 564-6373.
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed Aug 11, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley.
Volunteer Work Party Days
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Thu Aug 12, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri Aug 13, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park!  Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Plant Walk at Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Mon Aug, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Enjoy a guided plant walk through the park!  TAS Board Meeting
Wild Expressions Camp
@ TNC for 8-11 year-olds
Offered Aug 16, Aug 17, Aug 18, Aug 19, or
Aug 20,  8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
See Education Page for details.
Wed Aug 18, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description. 
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri Aug 20, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
Family Walk at Adriana Hess Park
Sun Aug 22 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Park
appreciate the park by providing information
and opportunities with a guided walking tour.
Call Dixie Harris for details 564-6373.  Street. Monthly membership meeting of
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
MONTHLY PROGRAM
No regular monthly membership
meetings for July or August. Be sure to
check our online calendar to find out
what's in store for the September
meeting: TahomaAudubon.org
Or call the office at (253) 565-927
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley.
See earlier description. 
Nature Storytime “Pond Wonders”
Thu August 26, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Fri Aug 27, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
Nature Storytime “Bug Life”
Fri Aug 27, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
See Education Page for details.
Volunteer Work Party Days
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Sat Aug 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Evening Birdwalk at Homestead Park
Tue Aug 31, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
See Field Trips for details.
SEPT. 2010
Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually
Wed Sept 1, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
TGIF Restoration Activity
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
grounds at Adriana Hess Wetland Park! 
Mon Sept 6, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Park. An adult pro-
gram encouraging people to appreciate nature
and how they can incorporate it into their pho-
 
SWIFTS!
Mon Sept 6, Evening
We will go see Swifts do their chimney trick!! 
decide which one closer to the date, and par-
late afternoon/evening event with no walking
except to get your lawn chair and picnic out of
the car and settle down to watch the show!    
Please contact the trip leader so you can be kept
updated on the plans as the date approaches:
Diane Yorgason-Quinn, (253) 857-3367,
Avosetta@hotmail.com 
Wed Sept 8, 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Phil Kelley. See earlier description. 
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center.
Monthly Meeting of the Tahoma Audubon
Board.  Guest Welcome, please call ahead at
(253) 565-9278. 
TGIF Restoration Activity
Fri Sept 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Wetland Park
Come enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the
Conservation Committee
Fri Sept 10, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Adriana Hess Audubon Center
Help Audubon achieve our 5 year goals for
conserving, protecting, and restoring habitats
in Pierce County. 
Membership Meeting
Fri Sept 10 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler
Tahoma Audubon.  All welcome.  Check web
site for program - www.TahomaAudubon.org. 
Call (253) 565-9278.