The Rare Bird Finders
Humboldt County's bird checklist stands at approximately 450 species. Anyone desiring to find a new species encounters long odds. Truly, the addition of two new species—a mere 18 days apart—borders on the mind-blowing. Pictured above are the two fortunate finders: Ron LeValley (left, Crested Caracara at the mouth of Jacoby Creek on September 4th) and Matt Wachs (right, Black Skimmer at the mouth of the Elk River on August 17th).
Eureka Marsh: Progress & Threat?
Long-delayed enhancements to the Eureka (aka Palco) Marsh moved forward September 7 when the Eureka City Council voted to accept the Phase 1A Work Plan. Phase 1A calls for upgrading a culvert connecting the marsh to the bay, replacing or removing tide gates, dredging and cleaning out clogged channels, eradicating common reed and other invasive plants, planting vegetation, and landscaping. Restoring full tidal influence to the salt marsh portion will have the added benefit of decreasing breeding areas for mosquitoes.
In a related development, the city has issued a Notice of Preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Waterfront Drive Extension Project. This 101 bypass would run from the current terminus of Waterfront Drive near Del Norte Street south to Hilfiker Lane, constructing a two-lane road alongside the Eureka Marsh. Copies of the notice document are available from the Eureka Community Development Department for $11.70 (call before picking up); comments are due to Lisa Shikany (268-5265) by October 8.
Ron’s Occasional Picture of the Day
Long time Auduboner and naturalist Ron LeValley is sending out an “Occasional Picture of the Day” to interested natural or photography enthusiasts. If you are interested in receiving a daily nature-oriented picture in your e-mail, send a message to ron@madriverbio.com
Redwood Region Audubon Society Local Membership Category
Local membership in R.R.A.S. is available for our supporters who want to receive The Sandpiper, but not be members of National Audubon. The cost of this service is $15. Please make checks payable to R.R.A.S. and send to P.O. Box 1054, Eureka, CA 95502. Write LOCAL MEMBERSHIP on your check.
Keep Audubon in Mind
Whether it is time to honor someone special in your life, write or revise your will, or searching for tax benefits that will go towards conservation, Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS) is looking for gifts that will help support the mission of the organization. You can help us in many different ways, from asking for people to send donations instead of flowers in an obituary, to leaving a bequest of real or personal property. We are always looking for the ways and means of supporting the healthy ecology of birds in our region, so please consider contributing to RRAS, the next time an opportunity arises. Contact any one of our board members (see box) for more information.
Seeking Candidates
President Elect, Board Members
Hello Audubon member and birders! We are looking for people who would like to become active with a vital organization. The rewards are working with and meeting fun people on interesting topics and local conservation issues. Jim Clark is our current president, now on his 3rd non-consecutive term. The President serves a 3-year commitment, first year as President-elect, 2nd year as President, 3rd year as Immediate Past-president. The year as President-elect term gives new electees a chance to see how our board of directors operates before serving a year as chair. Contact Chet Ogan if you are interested in running for this position. Many other positions are available on long or short-term. Please contact Philip Smyser, our Volunteer Coordinator who works closely with the board scheduling people into activities such as the Godwit Cafe and various other community activities. There are plenty of rewarding ways to get involved!
Wildlife Welcome Mat?
Share It During 2005 Garden Tour
Have you selected landscape plants to attract birds, bees, and butterflies? Would you like to share your experience with others in our community and further the creation of wildlife habitat? Then, we’d like to hear from you about participating in the Third Annual Wildlife & Native Plant Garden Tour!
Please don’t be deterred from nominating your garden because it lacks extensive native plantings. Native plants were heavily represented in the 2004 tour, while properties featuring non-native plants attractive to wildlife for their showy flowers or delicious fruit were scarce. We’d like to return to a balance of garden types this year, as was featured in the inaugural 2003 tour.
All the garden owners on the first two tours told us that they had a positive experience and would do it again. It’s a great motivator for getting yardwork done!!
Please let us know of your interest by sending an e-mail to tomleskiw@aol.com or calling 442-5444 by December 10. Also, if you know of someone else with a candidate garden, we are willing to contact them if you provide information.
The selection committee expects to tour suggested properties in January 2005, with the Tour most likely in July. Please help RRAS and the local chapter of the California Native Plant Society continue this successful event that raises funds AND community awareness of planting for wildlife and natives.
Board Outing
RRAS board members joined birders from Crescent City and southern Oregon on a field trip to Lake Tolowa led by Alan Barron. This marked the second year that the board has held a monthly meeting in Del Norte County, where Lake Earl Branch members welcomed them with a wonderful potluck dinner.