AUDUBON SOCIETY of PORTLAND
JUNE 2008
Volume 72 Number 6
In this issue...
WarblerSummer Camps
Begin!
22nd Annual Wednesday, May 28 – Sunday, June 8
G r e at Blue Heron Wee k
Connecting Green: Cele brating Pa rks, Tra ils, a nd Natural Areas
E ach year since the Portland City Council adopted the
Great Blue Heron as the official city bird in 1986,
the City of Portland and the metropolitan region
have celebrated the heron as an icon for access to nature
in the heart of the city. Creation of Portland Parks and
Recreation’s City Nature Program, passage of Metro’s
$227.4 million bond measure, adoption of progressive
watershed and urban forest management plans for the
City of Portland, and the city’s Grey to Green program all
represent successes toward integrating the built and natural
environments and creating a more ecologically sustainable
metropolitan region.
This year our Wild in the City field trips will highlight the
region’s Connecting Green initiative, which seeks to create
the greatest parks, trails, and natural areas system for the
Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region. We also celebrate
the launching of a Connecting Green Alliance, spearheaded
by Portland Audubon, Trust for Public Land, Metro, and
the Urban Greenspaces Institute. The Alliance will bring
together a coalition of nonprofits, government agencies,
businesses, and park and greenspace advocates to bring
increased funding for the acquisition and maintenance of
the region’s parks, trails, and natural areas; to promote
construction of a regional network of recreational trails;
and to restore the region’s natural areas.
Climb into a kayak, hop on a bike, or come along with us
on a nature hike to celebrate this Great Blue Heron Week
and launching of the Connecting Green Alliance. See Wild
in the City: Connecting Green field trips for listing of our field
tours. For a complete listing of Great Blue Heron Week
activities and field trips, visit www.audubonportland.org,
where full trip descriptions are available. All trips are free,
unless otherwise specified. Descriptions for May 28–31
trips are available in the May Warbler and at the website.
No one has better articulated the significance of the heron
in our life and culture than the late poet William Stafford,
who wrote “Spirit of Place” to commemorate the heron’s
place in our region.
Have your say about Urban and Rural Reserves. See page 4
Audubon Society
of Portland
5151 NW Cornell Road
Portland, Oregon 97210
See page 7
Urban Coyotes
Presentation
See page 4
Spirit of Place
Out of their loneliness for each other
two reeds, or maybe two shadows, lurch
forward and become suddenly a life
lifted from the dawn to the rain. It is
the wilderness come back again, a lagoon
with our city reflected in its eye.
We live by faith in such presences.
It is a test for us, that thin
but real, undulating figure that promises,
“If you keep the faith I will exist
at the edge, where your vision joins
the sunlight and the rain: heads in the light,
feet that go down in the mud where the truth is.”
William Stafford, Oregon Poet Laureate
Great Blue Heron Week, 1987
Sunday, June 1st
Sunday, June 1st, 4pm–6pm
Sternwheeler The Rose, Ross Island Cruise
(see Connecting Green trip description on page 2 for details)
Sunday, June 1st, 8am–10am
Hillsboro Public Library Heron Watch
Join volunteer naturalist Max Smith for a great view of
a heron colony and other birds near the new Hillsboro
Public Library. Max will lead a morning bird walk around
the surrounding wetlands to observe the behavior of
herons and other water birds, and we will also view hawks,
waterfowl, an Acorn Woodpecker colony, and a variety
of nesting songbirds. Max then will remain at the library
to help patrons view the heron colony and discuss the
natural history of these fascinating birds. Contact Max
at 503-720-9730 or oregonmax@gmail.com for more
information. Meet at 8am in the library parking lot at 2850
NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro.
Bird the Blue
Mountains
See page 6
Photos © Mike Houck and Jim Cruce
Sunday, June 1st, 9am–1pm
Three Creeks Natural Area
Tour America’s favorite wetland and upland oak forest
with the all-volunteer Tsunami Crew! This will be a nice
stroll through 89 acres of 400-year-old White Oaks, soggy
bottoms, grasslands, duck ponds, heron hideaways, and
years’ worth of serious habitat restoration. Surrounding
Mt. Scott Creek, this land was once filled with garbage,
campers, and a vigorous weed display. The Three Creeks
area has improved dramatically since work began in the
late 1990s. The tour will look at salmon habitat, restoration
techniques, birds, and peaceful tranquility right next to
major roads and industrial areas. This rare oak habitat is
threatened by major road expansion and new road building.
Meet at the North Clackamas Aquatic Park at 7300 SE
Harmony Road (near the intersection of 82nd Ave and
Sunnyside Rd by Clackamas Town Center). Contact Chris
Runyard to RSVP at crunyard@msn.com or 503-239-5844.
Monday, June 2nd
Monday, June 2nd, 8am–10am
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Walk
(see Connecting Green trip description on page 2 for details)
Monday, June 2nd, 5pm–7pm
Watch Herons Nesting at South Waterfront
Visitors to South Waterfront and residents alike have a
ringside seat from which to watch nesting Great Blue Herons
at the South Waterfront condominiums from the Willamette
Greenway, just a short stroll from the OHSU Tram and
Portland Streetcar. Join Mike Houck, Director of the Urban
Greenspaces Institute, and Bob Sallinger, Audubon Society
of Portland’s Conservation Director, who will have spotting
scopes on hand for close-up views of herons in their nests.
Please bring your own binoculars and spotting scopes if
you have them. The herons start their courtship and nest
building in mid to late February, lay eggs in early April, and
the young are ready to leave their nests in early to mid-June.
These spring and early summer nest-viewing sessions will
provide a great opportunity to track the Ross Island herons
from egg laying, feeding young, and young trying out their
wings, and finally observing first flight from their nesting
colony. All heron nest watches are free and open to the
public, and no pre-registration is required. Nest watches
will go on rain or shine. Directions: The viewing area is just
east of the Meriwether Condominiums on the temporary
greenway path at the east end of SW Curry, and is served by
Portland Streetcar and TriMet buses.
continued on page 12
Inside this issue
Page 2 ......................From the Director
...................................... Free Trips
Page 3 ......................Calendar of Events
Page 4 & 5 ............................... Conservation
Page 6 & 7 .............. Trips & Tours & Camps
Page 8 ......Nature Store & Sanctuaries
Page 9 ................................... Field Notes
.....................................Volunteers
Page 10 ........................Birding Weekends
Page 11 ....................... Bird of the Month
Page 12 ................. Map/Hours/Sponsors
From the Executive Director
Will you be part of the Connecting Green movement?

I s it time for a 21st century

environmental movement?
According to Paul Hawkins, such
a movement is already well under
way. In his most recent book, Blessed
Not exactly our backyards and not exactly on our daily
radar screen.

At the other end of the spectrum is a $300 million

campaign financed by Al Gore that is aimed at mobilizing
goal. It’s as straightforward as this: our region possesses a
remarkable natural heritage and an even greater potential for
building a significantly larger system of parks, trails, and open
spaces that is well beyond what we have today.

Unrest, he describes hundreds of
Meryl Redisch thousands of ordinary people from
around the world who are proactively changing the way
their lives are governed and their personal prosperity is
measured. Most of these locally based actions are low
cost, sitting squarely at one end of a grassroots continuum
regardless of whether it’s environmental or social justice
and whether it’s occurring in Gujarat, India or in Little
Creek, Virginia.
Americans to get more directly involved in the policies
behind reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s called the
“We” campaign and implores all of us to become part
of a movement that will shape our country’s energy and
environmental policies as we address the greatest crisis of
our generation: climate change. Big and bold, this well-
funded initiative may be centered in America but must
reach well beyond us. No doubt that with a six-figure-plus
budget, this campaign will be on our daily monitor screen.
What is happening in our backyards, having gained
To progress from what we now have on paper and virtual
maps to the reality of moving people and wildlife through
neighborhoods, past district boundaries, and across state
lines will take a creative, disciplined, and far-reaching
approach. It will require uniting many of the distinct
projects already under way in the areas of restoration,
acquisition, trails, and conservation education to build and
sustain this parks system.
I was present during the launch of Connecting Green a
few weeks ago at the Bridgeport Brew Pub. Over 150 people

Field Trips
Carpooling is encouraged for conservation
and sociability. For information, call us at
503-292-6855 ext.119.
June 21 (Saturday), 8am–11am
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Join us on the 3rd Saturday walk co-sponsored by Audubon
Society of Portland and Backyard Bird Shop. We’ll have a
leisurely walk around the lake and surrounding woodlands
of Portland’s first wildlife refuge. Scope for waterfowl,
raptors, and others. Bring binoculars. Call Backyard
momentum over the last 20 years, is a movement called
Connecting Green. It’s more closely aligned with what
Hawkins pitches — low key, low cost, and brought about by
thousands of people who have a stake in making our region
more environmentally and economically sustainable.
Connecting Green got off the ground a few months
ago with a commitment by Portland Audubon, Urban
Greenspaces Institute, Trust for Public Land, and Metro
to share best practices and pool resources for the goal of
building the best parks system in the world. This vision,
first articulated by Metro President David Bragdon during
a parks summit last year, laid out the reasons why our
region is uniquely positioned to achieve this ambitious
gathered to celebrate the cumulative work that has brought
us to where we are today. And I was not surprised to see
Portland Audubon’s name appear frequently on the “green
timeline.” After all, our Society has been a driving force
behind many of the nature-based initiatives that has put
Portland, Oregon high on the national sustainability and
livability indices.
It was clear that everyone in that room was ready to
take the next step: pledge support to be part of the
Connecting Green movement. Will you? You can be part
of this movement by joining Portland Audubon on the
Connecting Green “Wild in the City Field Trips” and
by going to www.audubonportland.org/issues-actions/
metro/.

Connecting Green
Bird Shop (503-496-0908) for info and to reserve a spot.
Beginners welcome!
June 22 (Sunday), 8am–11am
Powell Butte Nature Park
Join leader Ron Escano for a walk exploring the unique
habitats of Powell Butte. Should be great to see nesting
Lazuli Buntings. Meet at 8am at the top of the butte
parking lot at the end of SE 162nd Ave. Turn south on SE
162nd Ave off Powell Blvd and drive to the top of the butte.
Bring binoculars, dress for the weather; beginners welcome.
Wild in the City Field Trips
Cycle, Paddle, and Walk the region’s parks, trails, and natural areas. Connecting Green is all about access to nature
in the city. Connecting Green field trips will introduce you to some of the region’s most scenic and wildlife-rich
natural areas and parks and the ever-growing regional trails network.
Late May and the first week of June marks the 22nd Annual Great Blue Heron Week. Several Connecting Green:
Wild in the City trips will be featured as part of Great Blue Heron Week events. Trips are free unless otherwise
noted. Trip enrollment is limited, so sign up early.Register at www.audubonportland.org/trips_classes_camps/
adult_programs/wildcity. If you don’t have internet access, call 503-292-6855 ext.116 to register. Bring your own
equipment for all bicycle and paddle trips — helmets and life jackets are required. Canoe and kayak rentals can

MAGPIES
...love to go birding during the weekdays.
We start a little later, go a little slower,
and try to keep a restroom in sight.
Sandy River Delta
June 5 (Thursday), 8am–Noon
Join leader Ron Spencer for our annual hike around
the Sandy River Delta. At this time of year, the area is
home to a wide variety of species, many of which are
nesting. This outing requires more hiking than most
Magpie trips. From I-84 eastbound, take Exit 18, turn
right at the bottom of the exit, loop around under the
freeway, keep right and look for the gravel parking lot
and the gate. For more information, contact Ron at 503-
656-5170 or rleydens@comcast.net.
Sisters, Oregon
June 16–18 (Monday 8am–
Wednesday 5pm)
This trip will be based in Sisters in Central Oregon and
is limited to 15 people. Call Ann Pickar at 503-246-
8629 to register and for further information.
Mt. Hood Lakes
June 19 (Thursday), 8am–4pm
Join the Magpies for a trip to three locations on the
Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. We will be visiting
Wildwood Recreation Area, Trillium Lake, and Little
Crater Lake Meadows. Meet Denny Graham at the
Olive Garden Restaurant on SE Sunnyside Rd across
from Clackamas Town Center. We will leave the parking
lot at 8am. Bring water, a lunch, sunscreen, insect
repellent, binoculars, and a scope if you have one. For
more information, call Denny at 503-659-1245.
The Audubon Society of Portland is a member of Earth
Share of Oregon. For more information, contact Earth
Share of Oregon at 503-223-9015 or on the web at
www.earthshare-oregon.org.
be arranged through Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe (www.aldercreek.com, 503-285-0464) or Portland Kayak Company
(www.portlandrivercompany.com, 503-459-4050). Directions and other details will be emailed to registrants.
June Waterfront. This is a great opportunity for new residents of
South Waterfront to explore the green connections to “pill
Sunday, June 1st, 4pm–6pm hill.” This is a 5.5-mile walk, with lots of uphill walking, so
Sternwheeler The Rose, Ross Island Cruise be in shape and wear sturdy walking gear. We’ve allowed
Join Portland Audubon and the Urban Greenspaces plenty of time for a leisurely hike, with time for lunch and
Institute on a family-oriented two-hour cruise around
the ride back on the tram.
Ross Island. If you don’t canoe
or kayak, this is the time for you Wednesday, June 4th, 5pm–8pm
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
and your family to see Great Blue
(see June 2nd trip for details)
Heron, Osprey, and Bald Eagle
nests. We’ll cruise through the
Thursday, June 5th, 8am–10am
Holgate Channel and circumnavigate
Rock Creek Herons and Norm
Ross, Hardtack, and East Islands.
Thompson Campus
Leaders: Bob Sallinger (Portland
Join Mike Houck on a hike along
Audubon), Mike Houck (Urban
Hillsboro’s Rock Creek Greenway and
Greenspaces Institute), and Michael
explore the wetlands and riparian habitat
Montgomery (River Renaissance). Mike Houck (with binoculars) leads last
at the Norm Thompson corporate
Fee: $20 per person (children 5 and year’s Sternwheeler cruise. © Mike Faha
under free) to cover the cost of the boat rental.
headquarters. We will also get closeup views
of two Great Blue Heron nesting colonies at Rock Creek.
Monday, June 2nd, 8am–10am
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Friday, June 6th, 7am–9am
Early Birding Bike Ride along Columbia Slough
Join Mike Houck for a stroll around the 160-acre Oaks
Join Jim Labbe (Portland Audubon) and Barb Grover
Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Spring migrants will be back at
Oaks Bottom, and we’ll get great views of nesting Purple
(Events Planner with the Bike Gallery) for a morning ride
along the Columbia Slough Trail. We’ll take a leisurely, pre-
Martins and Osprey. The riparian forest adjacent to
commute bike ride along the Lower Columbia Slough Trail
Holgate Channel will be full of warblers, grosbeaks, and
and enjoy the lively birdlife to be encountered on a spring
other neotropical migrants. This trip is appropriate for
morning. We’ll also learn about future extensions of the
families. The walk is a two-mile loop on both paved and
Columbia Slough Trail and how citizens can get involved in
uneven dirt paths, with two moderate hills.
protecting and restoring
Tuesday, June 3rd, Noon–4pm the slough. You are
Explore the 40-Mile Loop from South responsible for bringing
Waterfront to OHSU and maintaining your
Mike Houck will lead a walking tour along the own bicycle; pumps and
Willamette River Greenway to Willamette Park and up patch kits recommended.
through George Himes Park and Terwilliger Parkway Helmets are absolutely
to OHSU. From there it’s all downhill via the Portland required.
Aerial Tram (it’s free going downhill!) back to South
Birding Oaks Bottom. © Mike Houck

2 JUNE 2008 www.audubonportland.org

 JUNE
Calendar of Events
SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT
GBH: Hillsboro Library 1 GBH: Oaks Bottom 2 GBH: S.Waterfront to 3 GBH: Jackson Bottom, 4 GBH: Rock Creek 5 GBH: Birding Bike Ride 6 GBH: Oaks Bottom 7
Herons, 8am (p.1) Walk, 8am (p.1) OHSU, Noon (p.1) Noon (p.12) Herons, 8am (p.12) along Columbia Slough, Walk, 8am (p.12)
7am (p.12)
GBH: Three Creeks Walk, GBH: Heron Nest Watch, GBH: Working River & GBH: Oaks Bottom Walk, Magpies visit Sandy River GBH: Heron Nest Watch,
9am (p.1) 5pm (p.1) Wildlife, 6pm (p.12) 5pm (p.12) Delta, 8am (p.2) GBH: Tideman-Johnson Noon (p.12)
Park Walk, 4pm (p.12)
GBH: Sternwheeler Ross Birding by Ear Class, Birders’ Night 7:30pm GBH: 2 Rivers & Slough GBH: Willamette Rest. GBH: Legacy Lands III Tour,
Island Cruise, 4pm (p.1) 7pm (May Warbler) Heron Hall Hike, 6pm (p.12) Paddle, 6pm (p.12) 8:30am (p.12)
GBH: Ross Island and 8 9 No Nature Night 10 11 Woodpeckers of 12 13 Woodpeckers of 14
Holgate Channel Presentation Oregon Class, Oregon Field Trip
Regatta with Friends of 7pm (p.7) begins (p.7)
Ross Island, 8am (p.12)
Birding Weekend (p.10)
Birding by Ear Field Trip, = Bird Song Walk, 7am (p. 10)
7am (May Warbler) General Volunteer
Training, 9am
Birding by Ear Field 15 Magpies begin trip to 16 17 18 Magpies visit 19 20 Summer Solstice Walk, 21
Trip, 7am Sisters, OR, 8am (p.2) Mt.Hood Lakes, Oaks Bottom Wildlife
(May Warbler) 8am (p.2) Refuge, 8am (p.3)
Oaks Bottom Wildlife
Birding Weekend (p.10) Refuge Walk, 6pm (p.3) Board Meeting 7pm Oaks Bottom Wildlife
Heron Hall Refuge Field Trip, 8am
Birding by Ear Class, 7pm (p.2)
(May Warbler)
Birding by Ear Field Trip, 22 23 24 Oaks Bottom Wildlife 25 26 27 Ross Island Kayak Trip, 28
7am (May Warbler) Refuge, 8am (p.3) 7am (p.3)

Powell Butte Nature Park

Field Trip, 8am (p.2)
Summer Camp: Creepy Crawlers, Jr. Wildlife Vet 101, Stayin’ Alive, Birding 101
B the Blue Mountains
trip begins (p.6)

29 30 Birders’ Night 7:30pm 1 2 3 Birding Weekend 4 Birding Weekend 5

Heron Hall (p.10) (p.10)

Independence Day: Admin

Office and Nature Store
Summer Camp: Biodiversity Art, Backyard Birds, Waterfallers, Coastal Explorers closed; no Summer Camp

NOTE: An electronic version of this issue and past Warblers is available on our website, www.audubonportland.org.

Saturday, June 7th, 8am–11am

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
(see June 2nd trip for details)

Sunday, June 8th, 8am–11am

Ross Island and Holgate Channel Regatta
with Friends of Ross Island
Participate in a colorful flotilla of canoes and kayaks on this
three-hour paddle around Ross Island to view Great Blue
Herons, Osprey, and Bald Eagles on their nests. The young
herons are large and raucous this time of year. We’ll see and
hear numerous summer birds such as Swainson’s Thrushes,
Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Spotted Sandpipers as we
ply the shallow waters between Hardtack and East Islands.
Leaders include Bob Sallinger, Director of Audubon
Society of Portland’s Urban Conservation Program; Travis
Williams, Director of the Willamette Riverkeeper; Mike
Houck, Director of the Urban Greenspaces Institute; and
Donna Matrazzo, Sauvie Island Conservancy. Captain
Peter Wilcox of RiversWest will provide safety boats and
other assistance.
Monday, June 16th, 6pm–9pm
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
(see June 2nd trip for details)
Saturday, June 21st, 8am–11am
Summer Solstice Walk, Oaks Bottom
Wildlife Refuge
(see June 2nd trip for details)
Watch Herons Nesting at
South Waterfront
Visitors to South Waterfront and residents alike have a ringside seat
from which to watch nesting Great Blue Herons at the South Waterfront
condominiums from the Willamette Greenway, just a short stroll from
the OHSU Tram and Portland Streetcar. Join co-leaders Mike Houck and
Bob Sallinger, who will have spotting scopes on hand for close-up views
of herons in their nests. No pre-registration is required.
Directions: From the Tram station at OHSU Center, walk east on SW
Whitaker and take a right (south) along SW River Parkway to SW Curry. Turn left (east) on Curry and walk to the
end of the street, past the Meriwether Condominiums to the greenway trail.
Monday, June 2nd, 5pm–7pm • Saturday, June 7th, Noon–3pm
Enjoying a Ross Island kayak paddle.
© Mike Houck
Wednesday, June 25th, 8am–11am
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
(see June 2nd trip for details)
Saturday, June 28th, 7am–10am
Ross Island Kayak Trip
Join Mike Houck on a leisurely three-hour paddle
around Ross Island. This early bird outing will get us on
the river long before the power boats and jet skis start
kicking up wakes, and in time for the dawn chorus of
bird song in the quiet Holgate Channel. We’ll paddle
into the Ross Island lagoon to get close looks at herons,
eagles, and — if we are lucky — a river otter or two.
Great Blue Herons in nest. © Mike Houck
Photo by Wendell Wood, courtesy Oregon Wild
Oregon Wild
Summer 2008
Visit the places you want
to see with the people who
know them best!
J oin Oregon Wild and Audubon Society of Portland
volunteer Don Jacobson to enjoy Oregon’s wilderness
gems and old-growth forests this summer. The free and
guided hikes, campouts, and fishing trips start on June
21st and run through September 21st. Many outings will
take groups to proposed wilderness in the Lewis and Clark
Mt. Hood Wilderness Area. We’ll provide participants an
opportunity to learn more and take action in the campaign
to protect Oregon’s wild places.
Whether you are looking for a short family-friendly hike
or a more rugged trek to an amazing vista or waterfall, we
have a hike planned for you! For more information and to
register, please visit www.oregonwild.org after June 1st, or
call Margaret De Bona at 503-283-6343 ext.210.

www.audubonportland.org JUNE 2008 3

Conservation
Columbia River Crossing: Support
the Climate Smart Alternative
(Adapted from Coalition for a Livable Future Position Statements)

C itizens of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan CRC, the project must be dramatically

region have until July 1, 2008, to comment on a
draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a
proposed replacement for the existing I-5 bridge between
Portland and Vancouver. The Columbia River Crossing
(CRC) is a $4.2 billion proposed freeway expansion project
along a five-mile stretch of Interstate 5 between North
Portland and Vancouver, WA. Audubon Society of Portland
encourages its members to submit comments urging
decision-makers to reject all five of the alternatives
contained in the draft EIS. The reason is simple: All five
alternatives accept and perpetuate the assumption that
automobile traffic will increase over time. In fact even the
most conservative option contained in the DEIS creates
capacity for a 40% increase in vehicle miles traveled.
Audubon is instead supporting a “Climate Smart
Alternative” being promoted by the Coalition for a
Livable Future. CLF is a coalition of more than 80 local
organizations (including Audubon) that are committed
to building an equitable and sustainable community. The
Portland metropolitan area is known nationally for our
forward-thinking land use and transportation, and for being
an innovator in sustainable planning. We can and should
seize this moment and capitalize on our sustainability know-
how to be at the forefront of making transportation projects
part of the global warming solution. There is no better
place to begin this challenging work than with the biggest
transportation project in our history — the CRC.
A Climate Smart CRC would reduce global warming
pollution to conform to Oregon’s and Washington’s
climate change goals. To get there, the CRC project must
be dramatically modified to give users the ability to drive
less, which is the key to minimizing the project’s carbon
footprint. A Climate Smart CRC would reduce all pollutants,
re-green the corridor, and give people more transportation
choices — offering numerous health benefits, and creating
a more secure future for all of us. To reach a Climate Smart
modified and scaled appropriately to
reduce future vehicle miles traveled
(VMT) at or below today’s level.
The key elements of a Climate
Smart CRC are as follows:
• Implement congested-based tolling of
the current I-5 bridge or both the I-5 and I-205 bridges
starting immediately, as a strategy for managing demand
as well as a funding mechanism. Use proceeds to fund
transit improvements, while adopting pricing mitigation
measures for low-income users, such as rebates or income-
based exemptions.
• Build light rail in the crossing by first focusing on
extending MAX to Hayden Island and then to Vancouver.
This will dramatically increase the convenience of public
transit on both sides of the river for all users, especially
those most dependent on it, by making it quicker, more
frequent, and more comfortable.
• Maintain or reduce the existing number of lanes.
According to research by Sightline Institute, every extra
one-mile stretch of lane added to a congested highway
will increase climate-warming CO2 emissions more than
100,000 tons over 50 years.
• Reallocate a lane for shared transit/freight/carpool use
and invest in fixing the current railroad bridge to address
existing river navigation issues and increase shipping by
train.
• Create world-class bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the
crossing, including dramatic improvements to facilities
linking riders and walkers to and from the crossing with
the existing network of bike/ped routes both within and
beyond the 5-mile project’s study area.
The Interstate Bridge spans the Columbia River between
Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. © Bob Sallinger
• Dramatically increase funding for programs and
infrastructure that help businesses support their
employees to reduce demand on the transportation
system — through carpools, vanpools, public transit, flex
time, telecommuting, etc.
• Sequester carbon by planting trees and shrubs in the
freeway impact zone (within one-half mile on either side
of the freeway), and by investing in preservation and
expansion of our urban forest regionwide.
• Establish a fund of at least 1% of the total project cost for
community enhancements (natural resource protection
and restoration, health facilities, ventilation systems
in most impacted homes, air pollution monitoring,
landbanking for affordable housing where needed,
etc.) in communities adjacent to the freeway, especially
those within a half mile on either side to mitigate for the
disproportionate negative health impacts caused by the
freeway.
For more information on the Climate Smart CRC Proposal,
go to www.clfuture.org.
To comment on the Columbia River Crossing Draft
Environmental Impact Statement, go to www.
columbiarivercrossing.org/.

Metro and Counties Prepare to Designate

Long-term Urban and Rural Reserves
by Jim Labbe, Urban Conservationist

D ecisions will shape regional growth for decades and

determine the fate of some of the region’s critical
biodiversity lands and surrounding farmland.
Metro and the Counties must designate urban and
rural reserves simultaneously and in coordination.
In doing so they must consider a variety of factors.
Rural reserves will be designated based largely on

? Should Metro expand the Urban Growth

Boundary (UGB) south of the Willamette River?
the quality and location of high-value farm, forest,
and natural areas outside the UGB that is vulnerable
to future urbanization. The designation of urban
? Should additional urban development be allowed
on the west flank of Forest Park?
reserves must consider the suitability of the land for
urbanization; the ability to protect important natural

? Should we allow urban growth to consume

ecologically rich bottomlands and high-value
agricultural areas in Washington County?
landscape features such as steep slopes, floodplains,
stream corridors, and wildlife habitat; and whether
urbanization would displace high-value farmland and
biodiversity lands.
? Or should these natural and working landscapes
that powerfully define our region’s sense of place
and quality of life be put off-limits to new urban
All this is a new approach, especially in considering
impacts to natural areas. For the first time,
development the next 40 to 50 years? the value of rural lands for fish, wildlife, clean
water, and sense of place will be considered
These are some of the questions the region will grapple equally with commercial forestry and farming
with over the coming year as Metro and Multnomah, values in deciding where and when the region
Clackamas, and Washington Counties embark on a expands the urban growth boundary.
planning process that will guide future expansions of the
UGB and determine the shape of the region for In the past, state law has generally
decades to come. For the first time, required cities to avoid high-value
the value of rural agricultural soils first in determining
Under a new state law passed by the 2007 which lands to urbanize. As a result,
Legislature, Metro and the Counties can lands for fish,
cities are often forced to expand onto
simultaneously designate “long-term” (40 to wildlife, clean water, the most sensitive natural resource
50 years) urban and rural reserves. Urban and sense of place lands. As precious as farmland is, we
reserves will identify lands where Metro need a better balance. Agricultural
will expand the UGB — as currently required will be considered
and natural landscapes should be
by state law — over the next 40 to 50 years. equally with treated as an integrated whole, equal
Rural reserves, conversely, will designate commercial forestry parts of a holistic landscape mosaic
lands off-limits to UGB expansion over the and farming values. in future rural reserves.
same time period.
Washington County Farmland and Riparian Corridors: In rural
Washington County, high-value agricultural lands and riparian corridors
intersect in a mosaic of working and natural landscapes. Audubon Society of
Portland and others believe these lands are among the top candidates for
long-term rural reserves. © Mike Houck
To inform the designation of urban and rural reserve
decisions, Metro brought together natural resource
professionals and regional experts to map the “natural
landscape features” that ecologically and culturally
define the region. The inventory extended from Marion
and Yamhill Counties in the south to Clark County
(Washington) in the north, and from the Coast Range to
the Cascade foothills. Natural landscape features near the
existing UGB include the Clackamas River Corridor, the
Willamette River, Willamette Narrows, the Sandy River
Gorge, Tonquin Geologic Area, the Chehalem Mountains,
Forest Park, and Sauvie Island. A subsequent public
workshop hosted by Metro found that citizens identified
these same geographic features as critical to the region’s
sense of place and natural heritage.
continued on page 10

4 JUNE 2008 www.audubonportland.org

 Your Help Is Still
Needed to Send
Raptor Killers to Jail
by Bob Sallinger,
Conservation Director

E fforts to pass federal legislation to make it a felony

to intentionally kill protected bird species received a
huge boost during the month of May. Long articles in
Backpacker and Audubon magazines as well as short articles
in a variety of other national publications has helped raise
Photos of peregrine chicks and parent © Bob Sallinger
nationwide awareness of the recent “roller pigeon” cases in
Fremont Bridge Oregon and Washington, in which clubs that raise pigeons
Peregrines Fledge for hobby deliberately targeted and killed thousands of
federally protected Peregrine Falcons, Cooper’s Hawks, and
Four Young during Red-tailed Hawks.

Spring 2008 Portland Audubon was featured in both of these articles

and we have been receiving calls and emails from across the This Osprey was found in Salem, thin and unable to stand. X-rays

T he Peregrine Falcons that have nested on the
nation from people wanting to know how they can help.
Fremont Bridge since 1994 fledged four young this The outrage is fueled not only by the heinousness of these
year, bringing their 15-year total to 47 fledglings! crimes, but also by the fact that the perpetrators escaped
This peregrine nest site in the with little more than a hard slap on the wrist. The problem
middle of downtown Portland is that current law simply does not provide for significant
is believed to have fledged more penalties even for the most egregious bird crimes.
young than any other peregrine
nest site in the entire state of Congressman Peter DeFazio has
Oregon. These pictures were introduced a bill into Congress to
taken when Audubon staff increase the penalties available for
entered the nest site to band intentionally killing a protected bird
the nestlings and collect blood species from the current misdemeanor
and eggshell samples. Audubon to felony status. The Migratory Bird
has monitored the Fremont nest site since it was first Penalty and Enforcement Act of 2007
established. (HR 4093) would update the nearly
century-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act
of 1918 to allow courts and prosecutors
to treat intentional killing of protected
birds with the seriousness that these
crimes deserve.
revealed multiple shots in the raptor’s neck and body. Wildlife
Care Center veterinarians diagnosed the Osprey with permanent
paralysis and it was humanely euthanized.
Oregon and ask them to encourage their representatives to
support the Migratory Bird Penalty and Enforcement Act.
We will be making a large nationwide push during June,
and support from outside Oregon is critical.
Portland Audubon is teaming with the National
Audubon Society on this effort. Go to the
following National Audubon link for a quick
and easy format for contacting representatives
on this issue: http://audubonaction.org/
campaign/hr4093?rk=pdsW%5fjM1bvUVE.
Photos © Portland Audubon

We need your help! In order to move this legislation, we

need to get representatives from other states to sign on as
cosponsors. Please contact friends and relatives outside

This Red-tailed Hawk came into the Wildlife Care Center in

mid-February from the Beaverton area. The hawk had a frac-
tured right wing and X-rays revealed multiple shots in the wing
and body. This Red-tailed Hawk is recovering from its injuries
and is scheduled to be released shortly.

Coyote pup at Skyline Heights

Wildlife Care Center
construction area © Bob Sallinger

“Living with Coyotes” Teenagers Charged

Presentations Available with Injuring Nesting
by Bob Sallinger, Canada Goose
Conservation Director by Deb Sheaffer, Wildlife Care Center

O ver the past 50 years coyotes have successfully Operations Manager

established themselves in cities across North
America. They have proven adaptable to
even the most urban environments, and the Portland-
Vancouver metropolitan region is no exception. The
presence of the animal that Navajo sheepherders once
called “God’s Dog” in our local neighborhoods has
evoked responses ranging from fascination to fear.
Audubon now offers a 90-minute presentation for
communities interested in learning how to live with
their wild neighbors. The presentation covers the
biology and ecology of urban coyotes, strategies for
reducing conflicts, and the realities of coyote control.
The presentation is based on a model urban coyote
management policy developed by Portland Audubon
and natural resource agencies from across our region
and reviewed by nationally recognized experts on urban
coyotes.
Please contact Audubon Urban Wildlife Specialist Karen
Munday if you would like to request a presentation on
urban coyotes: kmunday@audubonportland.org.
For more information on urban coyotes, go to www.
audubonportland.org/livingwithwildlife/coyotes/.
F
or three years, animal-lover Pam H. has enjoyed
watching a pair of Canada Geese nest near a pond by
her Clackamas workplace. The first spring the pair
raised goslings, but last year the eggs washed away. This
year Pam was excited as hatching time neared for the five
eggs in the nest. However, everything changed for the geese
when the female was injured in mid-April.
On the morning of April 17, the Wildlife Care Center
received a call from Clackamas about a Canada Goose injured
by two teenage boys. According to a witness, the two 14-
year-old boys repeatedly threw rocks at the goose and even
“punted” her into the pond. The female goose was injured
badly enough that she was unable to get to her nest of eggs.
Wildlife Care Center Volunteer Mandy Sims and Oregon
State Police Officer Christopher Allori captured the injured
goose and brought her to the Care Center for assessment and
medical care. Her right upper eyelid was ripped open, there
was a laceration across the top of her head, and there was
severe soft tissue swelling of most of her head. She was off
balance, stumbling and falling over when she tried to walk.
Wildlife Care Center veterinarians diagnosed traumatic head
injury and started immediate treatment with fluid therapy,
anti-inflammatories, pain relief, and antibiotics.
Dr. Sheaffer examines injured Canada Goose with assistance from
volunteer veterinarian Dr. Mary Dickerson. © Portland Audubon
Once stabilized, the goose had to be fed through a tube
because she was unable to eat. Several days passed before
she was able to walk at all, and many more before she
could walk a straight line. After about 2 weeks the wounds
had healed, she was eating on her own, and the goose had
improved enough to be moved to a large cage where she
could swim and rebuild her coordination and strength.
Meanwhile, back at the pond, the male goose was waiting.
Pam reported he “would stand over the nest and call for her.”
On May 16, one month after the abuse, the female goose was
strong and healthy. Pam and Officer Allori watched as she
was released and flew over the pond that she called her home
every spring. Unfortunately, the eggs didn’t survive.
The two 14-year-olds are charged with Animal Abuse and
Harassment of Wildlife, both misdemeanors.

www.audubonportland.org JUNE 2008 5

Educational Trips & Tours These trips are popular. We recommend
that you book early.

AMAZON AND THE GALAPAGOS

Galapagos Islands: November 5–14, 2008 The Amazon:

J oin the Audubon Society of Portland on a journey to one of the most fascinating November 14–19, 2008
natural areas in the world, the islands that Darwin first made famous with his Extend your South American adventure and join us as
historic work, The Origin of Species. See for yourself the many finch species that we explore the Amazon Basin of Ecuador. We will stay 5
inspired his theories of adaptation and evolution. Those who make this journey will days at a comfortable jungle lodge near the Yasuni National
experience wildlife as they never have before — fearless of humans because large land Park (a UNESCO biosphere reserve). Our lodge, set off the
predators never evolved here. main river and located on a quiet lake, is reached after a
short flight, a boat ride down one of the largest Amazon
While on the islands we should see a great number of the endemic island birds including tributaries (the Rio Napo), and finally by canoe to the
Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Mockingbird, and Galapagos lodge. This ride will give us our first opportunity to see the
Flycatcher, as well as the famous Galapagos Finches. Marine Iguanas, Land many bird species including the strange prehistoric-looking
Iguanas, Galapagos Fur Seals, and a chance to see the Galapagos Tortoise also Hoatzin, a bird that still has claws on its wings. Hoatzin © Dan van den Broek
await us. We’ll stay 7 nights on a small (16-passenger) boat anchored offshore, and
by day will visit the islands on foot. We will go to From our lodge we will make excursions to
seabird colonies nearby locations such as a ‘parrot clay lick’
where we may Whether taken together or separately, these will be unforgettable trips! where, from a blind, we will look for Mealy,
see Red-footed, Be sure to contact Steve Robertson at 503-292-6855 ext.118 or Blue-headed, Yellow-crowned, Orange-
Blue-footed, and srobertson@audubonportland.org to sign up or for more information. winged, and Orange-cheeked Parrots amidst
Nazca Boobies, the hundreds of Cobalt-winged Parakeets. At
Tropicbirds, and What is included: All lodging, all ground transportation, all meals except
dinners, guide fees, and the internal round-trip airfare from the city of one clay lick we even have a chance for Scarlet
the endemic Lava Macaw. These parrots flock to eat clay that is
Gull. While at sea Quito, Ecuador, to the Galapagos and Quito to the Amazon Basin. Airfare
from U.S. to Ecuador and return are not included. A portion of your fee is believed to absorb the toxic alkaloids ingested
Swallow-tailed Gull we’ll watch for when they eat certain nuts and fruits. We will
© Dan van den Broek pelagic species such a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland.
visit a few riparian islands that host their own
as Elliot’s Storm-Petrel, Galapagos Shearwater, Galapagos: Cost: ~$3275 members / ~$3495 non-members variety of unique birds and a great canopy tower
and Galapagos Petrel, as well as dolphins and larger Deposit: $1500 required to secure your place where one can watch birds at eye level including
whales. Our route will take us to see the unusual Group size: 14 participants raptors perching above the canopy and flocks of
Flightless Cormorant and the Galapagos Penguin, brightly colored tanagers, toucans, aracaris, and
and we will have opportunities to snorkel so that we Amazon: Cost: ~$1595 members / ~$1795 non-members
Deposit: $500 required to secure your place many more. We will always be on the lookout for
may experience the magnificent reefs that fringe the the many species of mammals that can be found
islands and the unique life they support. Group size: 14 participants
here too, including Red Howler Monkeys and
Leaders: Steve Robertson and Dan van den Broek Giant River Otter.

Birding the
June 22–27, 2008
Blue Mountains
C ome with Portland Audubon on a trip to the wild and rugged mountains
of Northeastern Oregon. We will spend three nights at Wallowa Lake
Lodge, which situates us perfectly to bird the nearby mountain trails
and open grasslands in search of Three-toed Woodpeckers, Gray Jays, and
Golden Eagles. Next we will stay in La Grande, where we will search for NE
Oregon specialties such as the Gray Catbird and Veery. Nearby Ladd Marsh Clark’s Nutcracker © Jim Cruce
is one of Oregon’s Important Bird Areas, and here we should find Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, and Black-
Steens Mountain from the east © BLM crowned Night-Heron. We will visit the John Day area as well, in hope of spotting the Calliope Hummingbird,
Upland Sandpiper, and Flammulated Owl. Interspersed with mountains and valleys, this region is full of scenic
Wildflowers and Birds of beauty. Contact Steve Engel to sign up or for more information at 971-222-6119 or sengel@audubonportland.org.

STEENS
What is included: Transportation by van from Portland, 5 nights double-occupancy lodging, all meals except dinners, and
the services of your leaders. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland.

MOUNTAIN Cost: $645 members / $670 non-members

Deposit: $200 required to secure your place
Leaders: Steve Robertson, Education Director, and
July 23–27, 2008 Dan van den Broek, Master Birder Coordinator

S pend five days exploring Steens Mountain, one

of the most spectacular natural areas in Oregon.
Study the botanical and bird life of the high desert
environment. At Steens’ East Rim Overlook we’ll scan for
the rare Black Rosy-Finch, and if we’re lucky, will look
down on the backs of soaring Golden Eagles and Prairie
Falcons from our vantage point a dizzying vertical mile
above the Alvord Desert. Unique plants include two rare
species of Spring Beauty (Sierran and Alpine) and
Steershead Bleeding Heart at Fish Lake. Along the
way we’ll search for larger animals like Pronghorn and
Bighorn Sheep. Visits to Malheur NWR and Mann Lake
provide a chance to observe a variety of breeding birds.
Accommodations are at the charming Frenchglen Hotel.
Naturalist Steve Engel and botanist Sherry Spencer are
excited to co-lead this trip once again.
What is included: Transportation by van from Portland, 4
nights double-occupancy lodging, all meals except dinners
and first day lunch, and the services of your leaders. A
portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the
Audubon Society of Portland.
Cost: $585 members / $625 non-members
Deposit: $300 required to secure your place
Enrollment limited: 9
Belize! January 7–18, 2009
J
oin experienced naturalists from Portland Audubon on this 12-day adventure to
Belize, one of the most remarkable countries in the world. You’ll bird vast wetlands
and tropical forests, snorkel coral reefs, and visit Mayan ruins, all in a country about Magnificent Frigatebird © Craig Mark
1/10 the size of Oregon! We’ll team up with local experts for the first week to bird
some of the country’s finest hotspots, including the famous Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Belize boasts an
amazing 540+ species of birds, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the Tody Mot-Mot, the Roseate Spoonbill,
and the American Pygmy Kingfisher, just to name a few. We’ll have the opportunity to bird a variety of habitats
and biomes, so we’re sure to build a healthy species list. But this is more than just a birding trip! Belize is also the
Land of the Maya, and on this trek we’ll explore two of the country’s most impressive ancient cities, Altun Ha, and
Caracol, where the Mayan clan that defeated the community of mighty Tikal once lived. Caracol is a vast complex
of structures located well off the beaten path of most travelers. Its main building, ‘Caana,’ was only cleared of
vegetation in 2003, and is one of the tallest structures in all of Belize, ancient or modern.
The last 4 days we’ll be based out of the coastal village of Placencia, our launching pad for several daily excursions.
We’ll spend a magical day snorkeling the pristine coral reefs in the warm blue waters surrounding Laughing Bird
Caye. The Magnificent Frigate Birds overhead and the unbelievable array of sea life below ensure this day will
be one for the memory books. We’ll also take an early morning boat ride up the Monkey River, known for the
Black Howler Monkeys and array of birds that inhabit its forests. Finally, there will be a day to hike the trails of
the Cockscombs Jaguar Preserve, home to one of the healthiest populations of Jaguars in the world. Though

6 JUNE 2008 www.audubonportland.org


HOW TO REGISTER
Adult Classes
1. Phone or email with your contact
information and the classes in which you wish
to reserve one or more spaces.
2. Mail in your payment right away. Make
checks payable to Audubon Society of Portland.
3. We’ll contact you with confirmation of
payment and class details.
Trips & Classes
Educational Trips & Tours Contact: Steve Engel, Adult Mail: Audubon Society of Portland
1. Phone or email to request a registration Education Coordinator 5151 NW Cornell Rd.
packet for the trips of interest. Email: sengel@audubonportland.org Portland, OR 97210
2. Complete and sign the Registration / Waiver Phone: 971-222-6119
Form and return it with the required deposit.
3. We’ll contact you with confirmation of Credit Card Payment: We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. A 3%
payment and further details. processing fee is added to each transaction. Include card number, expiration
date, and billing zip code, or call Steve Engel and pay over the phone.

JUNE
Woodpeckers of Oregon
June 12 (Thursday), 7pm–9pm: Class
June 14–15 (Sat.–Sun.): Field Trip
Learn about the 12 species of woodpeckers that can be
found in Oregon as we cover many of the unique qualities
of this remarkable group of birds.
Many woodpecker species are very
habitat specific, and we will review the
best places in Oregon to find them.
We will discuss the identification of
males, females, and young, as well
as hybrids, and will learn to identify
woodpeckers by calls and drumming
patterns. Not all woodpeckers behave
alike; some sally for insects and others
store food in granaries. So if you’ve
Red-breasted Sapsucker always wanted to learn more about
© Jim Cruce the habitats, habits, identification,
hybridization, and sounds of woodpeckers, and where to
find them, you will want to take this class.
We’ll have a classroom session in Audubon’s Heron Hall
and an overnight trip to Bend. The Bend area is one of
only a few places in the world with such high woodpecker
diversity that we stand a good chance of seeing up to 11
species. Dan van den Broek, Audubon’s Master Birder
Program coordinator, leads this trip.
Cost: $145 members / $165 non-members
Enrollment limited: 14 participants
Pre-registration is required.
Western Kingbird © Jim Cruce
Flycatchers of the Northwest
July 15 (Tuesday), 7pm–9pm, Heron Hall
What are flycatchers? Are they bigger or smaller than
gnatcatchers? Come and find out! These small songbirds
migrate long distances from the tropics to the Northwest
each year. Once here they set up a territory, raise young,
and head right back to Central and South America!
Flycatchers are feisty little songbirds that occur in a wide
variety of habitats across the Pacific Northwest, and they are
notoriously difficult for birders to identify. Tonight Harry
Nehls, local expert and author of Familiar Birds of the Pacific
Northwest and Birds of the Willamette Valley, will enlighten
us on where to find flycatchers and share his tips on how to
recognize them. Attend this class then seek out flycatchers
this summer equipped with your new skills and knowledge.
Cost: $10 members / $15 non-members
This class is FREE for volunteers.
Pre-registration is required.
Wildflowers
of Mt. Hood
Field Trip
July 19 (Saturday),
8am–4pm
Beargrass © Don Jacobson
Once more the ample rain and snowfall this year promises
a great season for the mountain floral display. This class
will emphasize family characteristics as well as wildflower
identification, with both common and scientific names.
A major focus of the class will be on how you can learn
wildflower names. The hiking will consist of about 5 miles
round trip and 600–800 feet of elevation gain. The pace
will be slow with numerous stops for identification, and
handouts including a reference list will be provided. A
carpool location will be available in southeast Portland.
Your instructor will be Don Jacobson, well-known
Portland-area botanist and photographer.
Cost: $25 members / $35 non-members
Enrollment limited: 12 participants
Pre-registration is required.
Least Sandpiper
© Rob Robinson

JULY A fall shorebird outing

is in the works!
Dragonflies We are planning an overnight excursion in August, and the focus will be the
July 23 (Wednesday), returning adult shorebirds in their worn plumages and the sparkling new
7pm–9pm, Heron Hall “2008 models” with just a few thousand miles of wear and tear on their first
coat of feathers. Call Steve Engel if you are interested in more information.
Pachydiplax longipennis
Ever wonder how many species © Jim Johnson
of dragonflies frequent your
local wetland, or how they spend their days? Interest and
knowledge of these fascinating creatures has been steadily
growing over recent years. Did you know that some species
undergo migrations just like many birds? Join Jim Johnson
for an evening class on the Odonates (dragonflies and
damselflies) to learn about various aspects of dragonfly
Summer Camp 2008
life, and especially field identification of the more common Exciting camps for kids entering 1st–12th grades!
To reserve your spot, please call 971-222-6120.
local species. Includes slides, handouts, and discussion.

Cost: $10 members / $15 non members

Here are just a few of this
FREE for volunteers. summer’s great camps!
Pre-registration is required.
For kids entering 6th-8th grade:

we’ll likely only encounter the tracks of this elusive
predator, one never knows! We’ll also be sure to build
in plenty of free time so you can relax and enjoy the
kham
trip! If you would like more information, please call
Steve Robertson at 503-292-6855 ext.118. Your deposit
secures your place on the trip.
What is included: All lodging, ground transportation,
all meals except dinners, all guide fees, park fees, and
planned group activities such as birding, snorkeling,
etc. Not included: airfare to and from Portland, tips for
local guides. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible
contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland.
Cost: $2,685 members / $2,800 non-members
Deposit: $1,200
Leaders: Steve Robertson, Education Director, and
Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator
Animal Tracking
Black Bear, Bobcat and Cougars are all in the forests that
surround Portland, but we rarely see them. Learn to read
animal tracks in the mud, sand and soil. Get down and
dirty as we read and interpret the signs animals leave
behind. Tracking will enable you to learn all about the
lives of wild animals, without ever seeing or hearing
them. Build basic tracking skills the first three days as we
study the animals that live in Audubon’s Sanctuary and
the animals that live out on the Sandy River’s floodplains.
Take it to the next level as we spend the night at Marmot
Cabin and track in the Miller Wildlife Sanctuary on the
last night of camp.
Dates: July 7-11 (overnight Thursday - Friday)
Fee: $285 members/$300 non-members
For a complete listing of camps, please visit us at www.audubonportland.org.
Volcanology 101
Spend a week exploring our own world-famous volcanoes
and the effects they have had on our land. During this
amazing adventure you will find yourself in the middle
of some of the Northwest’s most dramatic landscapes
including Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, Larch Mountain
and the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. Then, spend
two nights up at our very own rustic Marmot Cabin on
Mt. Hood sharing stories around the campfire and you
will even get an introduction to navigating around the
sky. You’ll learn to use a large telescope to locate celestial
objects. The experience will be a fun and interesting
introduction to amateur astronomy. This camp is sure to
blow you away!
Dates: August 11-15 (overnight Wednesday - Friday)
Fee: $375 members/$390 non-members

www.audubonportland.org JUNE 2008 7

Nature Store Highlights
by Sally Loomis & Nancy Mattson, Nature Store Staff
June is a great month for bird-loving techies. At the Nature
Store we are bringing in fun new gadgets to enhance how
we observe, enjoy, and learn about wildlife.
Digital Photos & Videos
Ever wonder who visits your feeders, birdbaths, or nest
boxes while you are away? The weatherproof, motion-
activated, and easy-to-use Wingscapes BirdCam captures
digital photos and videos of your unseen backyard visitors.
Using an infrared sensor to detect birds or small animals,
it then automatically takes photos or videos in stunning
color and detail. The images are easily viewed on any TV or
you can download to a computer for printing, email, video-
sharing, and posting to the web.
iflyer BirdSong
Scanning Wand
Digital Audio
The newest technology in portable
bird song recordings is the iflyer. By
simply pressing a button and scanning
a barcode, the iflyer plays a high-quality
digital recording of a bird’s song. With
each iflyer, you receive 206 bird and 10
frog songs. Scanning labels come in their
own portable scanbook. A second set
can be added to your field guides or bird
books. Take it along on your bird walks
using the included wrist lanyard, handy holster
with belt loop, and carrying case.
Wishing you could hear more bird songs at
home? The Nature Store is bringing back a
great selection of Solitudes Nature Sounds
CDs with or without music. Solitudes CDs
offer a variety of lush ambient nature sounds
and bird songs. If you enjoy your nature
paired with music, you can also choose CDs
with carefully arranged musical scores that
enhance and complement the natural sounds.
Instrumentation includes flute, clarinet, oboe, English
Sanctuaries
Go Native and Report Invasives
Tom Costello, Sanctuaries Director
A s I write this we are busy finalizing preparations
for our 12th Annual Native Plant Sale; by the time
you read this you’ll undoubtedly be hearing me talk
about how successful this year’s sale was. I’d like to take a
brief moment to thank all of the dedicated volunteers who
put their time into organizing and running this wonderful
event, in particular Ann Littlewood, Gregg Everhart, Kyle
Spinks, Brian Vaughn, and Bonnie Shoffner. Thank you all
for the impressive efforts you put into making this sale a
success year after year.
As you may know, native plants are
the primary building block for healthy
habitat for birds and other wildlife
species. Beyond all the funds raised by
our Plant Sale, it is exciting to consider
that each plant sold is also enhancing
the habitat value of our backyard
landscapes. While we put a tremendous
effort into maintaining and enhancing
the habitat value of our Sanctuaries,
we know that wildlife do not recognize
property lines. It is encouraging to see the
community doing their part by planting
natives. Thank you all for going native!
On the other side of the coin, I have been
keeping busy the past month trying to get
more information into the community
about invasive plant species. Portland
Audubon recently hosted a “Weed Oregon Grape, our state flower.
© Marilyn Stinnett
Watcher’s” workshop organized by The
Nature Conservancy and the West Multnomah Soil and
Water Conservation District. The workshop focused on the
“Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)” of invasive
species that are beginning to appear in the Willamette
Valley. Information about species covered and an online
form for reporting the presence of invasives can be found
at www.westerninvasivesnetwork.org. There is also an
online forum to discuss invasives issues with others in the
community who are working hard to stop the invasion.
8 JUNE 2008
COMING
IN LATE
JUNE
horn, harmonica, piano, guitar, and
percussion. These CDs are great
for stress relief, sleeping assistance,
meditation, or just an enjoyable
soundtrack for your everyday life.
Nature DVDs
Our DVD collection continues to
expand. Our newest offering is
“Still Wild at Heart,” a compelling
film by Melissa Peabody, which chronicles the return of
coyotes to urban San Francisco. It explores the complexity,
The Audubon Nature Store is pleased to announce
conflicts, and richness of the fertile interface between our
that we will be receiving the new Leica Ultravid
human landscapes and wild nature.
HD binoculars in late June. With an exciting
array of redesigned features including fluorite
Multi-Media Field Guides lenses, AquaDuraTM coating, and an improved
Readers familiar with Donald Kroodsma’s focusing mechanism, these all-new Leicas will make
Singing Life of Birds will enjoy his new work. experiencing nature more fascinating than ever.
The Backyard Birdsong Guide: Western North
America comes with an electronic module
loaded with common vocalizations of 75
species. Another hot forthcoming title is
the Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of Audubon Society of Portland
North America, which includes 1500 digital gratefully acknowledges these
photographs and downloadable recordings of
over 500 bird songs. The 11th edition of Birds of
thoughtful gifts:
North America (Peterson Field Guides series), due
in August, will combine eastern and western guides
In Honor
into one volume. Range Wink Gross
maps are now conveniently Teresa Fuhrman
located right on the page
with the bird description. Kathy Broadwater
Kathy Bryant
The book also comes with
access to nearly three hours
of video podcasts. In Memory
Carol Shillitto
Anthony Daniels
Marilyn C. Buckhalter
Diana and Charles Kreider
Lucia E. Warren-Powers
W. Charles and Cathy Long
Edward L. Marchbank
Judith Jensen
Clare Wojtynek
Marilyn Jarrell
Portland Audubon
also contributed to
the publication of
the Garden Smart
Oregon booklet,
You can honor a special person with a gift to Audubon
Society of Portland. Your gift will help fund a future
of inspiring people to love and protect nature.
You can make an Honor or Memorial gift online
which was released at www.audubonportland.org or by calling
in conjunction with Miner’s Lettuce, a Pacific Northwest 971-222-6129. A songbird card acknowledging your
the recent broadcast native. © Marilyn Stinnett thoughtful gift will be sent to the honoree or family.
of OPB’s documentary, “The Silent Invasion.” This booklet
highlights 25 of the most prolific and potentially damaging
invasive plant species in Oregon while suggesting several
native and non-invasive ornamental species to plant in lieu
of invasives. Copies of this booklet are available at Portland
Audubon, and they are free! If you are
Wish List & Thank you’s
interested, pick up a copy the next time you
are visiting the Sanctuaries. Thank you to:
Last but definitely not least, I am very excited • Ann P. Littlewood for plants for the Native Plant Sale.
to announce that the Metro Council just • Alan Locklear for 4 Swordferns and 1 Western Red
approved a grant award to the Audubon Cedar.
Society of Portland for $46,500 to restore, • Ian McMahon for kitten food, chicken baby food, and
enhance, and protect habitat in our bleach for the Wildlife Care Center.
Sanctuaries. Grant money will primarily be
used to bring in AmeriCorps crews to remove
targeted invasive species and to purchase
Our Wish List:
native plants for volunteer plantings next For Education:
winter. We are elated to have this influx of Powerpoint projector • Flat screen monitor
resources to complement the hard work Laptop computer
of our sanctuary volunteers and staff.
Combined with our recent $35,000 grant For Sanctuary:
from the Portland Bureau of Environmental Loppers • Hand saws • Work gloves
Watering wand hose attachment
Service’s Watershed Investment Fund, we
now have the resources in hand to make huge strides in our For Wildlife Care Center:
restoration plan for the coming year. Chicken baby food
Science Diet kitten food
Bleach • Camper/trailer
An online form for reporting
the presence of invasives If you can donate these items, please first
contact Audubon Society of Portland at
can be found at 503-292-6855 ext.102, Mon–Fri, to arrange
www.westerninvasivesnetwork.org. a time for delivery/pick-up.
www.audubonportland.org

Keep an Eye Out for Calliope Hummers
T he Calliope Hummingbird is one of the most
interesting of Oregon birds. It is one of the smallest
birds in the world, so small it’s a wonder that it exists
at all. It is also highly migratory, traveling over 3,000 miles
between winter and summer ranges. Traveling at 30–40
miles per hour, where does it store its fuel reserves, and how
often does it stop to refuel? These are only two questions
regarding this spectacular species.
Calliope Hummingbirds migrate individually so Oregon
observers seldom see more than one at a time. It is thought
that males migrate about a week before the females and
young birds. Although females outnumber males five to
one, most of the spring sightings are of males. Later in the
season females are regularly seen.
Super Volunteers!
O
f course, all of Audubon’s volunteers are
“super,” but there are those who have received
special recognition this past year for their efforts
on behalf of Audubon. Please join us in thanking these
individuals for their commitment and dedication to
Audubon.
Education Volunteers with at least...
100 hours of service: Pat Crane, Phil Hubert, Kerma
Murphy, and Jill Nelson-DeBord
200 hours of service: Laura Whittemore
500 hours of service: Lois Bode, Luanne Bye, and
Sharon Coggswell
Nature Store Volunteers with at least...
400 hours of service: Fran Daggett, Anne Eakin, Mike
Peroni, Jane Smith, and Carolyn Snegoski
Membership Volunteer with at least...
400 hours of service: Alan Locklear
Receptionist Volunteers with at least...
400 hours of service: Harriet Anderson, Ginnie
Astrue, Susan Bexton, Diane Field, Marcia Marvin,
Ginnie Ross, Cathy Schar, Betty Stevens, Celeste
Vaughters, and Dean Wilson
Sanctuaries Volunteers with at least...
400 hours of service: Ann Littlewood, Lloyd Rhoades,
and Bonnie Shoffner
Thank you all for supporting Audubon by giving of your
time and enthusiasm.
A bird’s-eye view from the atrium sky bridge overlooking
some of the artists’ booths at last year’s WAF. © Susan Bexton
Donations Needed for
WAF Silent Auction
Items are needed for the Silent Auction for the 2008
Wildlife Arts Festival, to be held November 22 and 23
at Montgomery Park. We are currently accepting gift
certificates for services or facilities such as vacation stays,
art or collectibles (wildlife- or nature-related, please),
and nature-related books. If you have an item that you
would like to donate, go to www.audubonportland.org,
click on the fundraising events link, and go to Wildlife
Arts Festival. There you will find a form to submit online.
For further information or to discuss a possible
donation, call Bob Fields, auction coordinator, at 503-
645-3510 or email Bob at bandjfields@comcast.net. You
can also call the Wildlife Arts Festival phone number
(971-222-6132) and leave a message. The Silent Auction
is an important part of the Festival. Your generous
donations will make it successful again this year.
www.audubonportland.org
During the spring migration small numbers
migrate northward through Western
Oregon. In some years many individuals
are observed, in others only a few. Good
numbers were reported during the spring
of 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2007. With
several sightings in the Portland area, 2008
is another good year. On April 27 Sandy
Leaptrott was able to obtain very good
photos of a bird at her northeast Portland
feeders, and others were reported by
Gerard Lillie, Judy Kolias, Don Moore, Seth
Reams, Chuck Holmes, and Bob Flores.
The female Calliope Hummingbird is quite
similar to female Rufous Hummers and
is often mis-identified. They are smaller Male Calliope Hummingbird © Bill
and shorter billed than Rufous, but that Schmoker (www.schmoker.org/BirdPics) burns that have transitioned into
is seldom noticed in the field. One obvious field point is
that Calliope females have noticeably short tails. When the
Calliope is perched, its wing tips extend well beyond the
end of the tail.
Sightings
Cold unsettled weather this spring has interrupted and
slowed bird movements. Eventually they will return to their
nesting sites, but probably will be in rather poor condition
from lack of ready food. The early nesting period will
probably produce few young birds.
A number of out-of-place and unusual birds are being
reported, including sightings of a possible Frigatebird
along the Columbia River. On April 12 Lynn Withers saw a
very large, long-winged bird over the Columbia River near
Multnomah Falls. On checking bird guides she identified
it as a Frigatebird. Several Fish and Wildlife Service
biologists at a meeting in Skamania April 17 glimpsed a
bird they thought was a Frigatebird. On April 24 there was
a report of a Frigatebird flying downriver near Vancouver.
None of the observers had good detailed looks at the bird.
Chris Warren reports that
he observed a distinctive
Plumbeous Vireo among the
migrant birds on Mt. Tabor
April 28. Kasey Church reported
a Broad-tailed Hummingbird
April 13 on Sauvie Island. Henry
Horvat, checking the sparrow
flocks in Scappoose Bottoms
April 12, saw a bright Brewer’s
Sparrow. Migrant sparrows
Black-necked Stilt
were very noticeable during © www.BjornFredrickson.com
April, and Orange-crowned
and Yellow-rumped Warblers were also very conspicuous
during the month.
Volunteer of the Month:
Lois Bode
by Sarah Swanson, Camp Director/
Onsite Program Specialist
L ois Bode has been a volunteer with Audubon Society
of Portland off and on since 1991. She originally had
a once-weekly receptionist shift, but has since moved
on to the Education Department. She estimates that she has
been volunteering in the Education Department for about
nine years, during which she has done every kind of office
job that needs doing. Lois has also assisted with field trips,
camps, and the Wild Arts Festival.
Lois has worked special events, stuffed hundreds of
packets, and lately has been the copier, filer, and sender of
invoices. The Education Department conducts hundreds
of kids’ programs every year, and each program requires
that an invoice be copied, filed, and sent to a school. This
takes hours of work, and Lois is the perfect person for this
essential job. She works behind the scenes and the job is
not glamorous, but without it we would have to spend more
time in the office and less time outside teaching kids.
JUNE 2008
Field Notes by Harry Nehls
Calliope Hummingbirds are mountain
birds that overlap the range of the Rufous
Hummingbird over most of its breeding
range. In Oregon the Calliope breeds
from the east slopes of the Cascades
eastward and in Southwest Oregon
northward to the Umpqua River. There
have been numerous summer sightings
in the Coast Range in recent years,
especially at Saddle Mountain State Park
east of Seaside, indicating some nesting.
Breeding habitat for the Calliope
Hummingbird is in mountainous areas
mainly in fairly open brushlands,
and in riparian areas along streamsides.
They mainly favor old clearcuts and
shrublands. Higher elevation open areas north and west
of the Portland metro area could harbor nesting Calliope
Hummers, making this another species to look for while
birding these areas.
Long-billed Curlew © www.BjornFredrickson.com
The Tualatin River NWR has been good this spring. Bob
Flores spotted a Eurasian Teal there April 15 and Bjorn
Fredrickson photographed a Long-billed Curlew there
April 13. On April 10 Carol Karlen watched a Long-billed
Curlew at the Yellow-headed Blackbird marsh along
Briedwell Road near Amity. On April 13 Wilson
Cady found a flock of 12 Black-necked Stilts at
the mouth of the Klickitat River in the Columbia
Gorge. Mike Marsh spotted one April 18 near
Chinook Landing in Troutdale. While looking
for the stilt April 19, Andy Frank did not see it
but did see an early Western Kingbird.
Amy Sexton reports that on April 26 she spotted
a White-tailed Kite hovering over an open
field off Hwy 14 just east of Washougal. Jimbo
Beckmann saw a very early Black Swift April
24 flying low over Washington Park. On April
17 Adam Baggs saw a bright breeding-plumaged
Black-bellied Plover in the grassy fields at the western
edge of the Portland Airport.
Mike, Ian, and I appreciate how committed Lois is to the
Education Department and how seriously she takes her
duties. She’s a stickler for detail, and as new staff members
have come on, Lois has been great about making sure that
everyone knows exactly what an invoice should be. We
always love to see her at ‘Lunch and Learn,’ of which she is
a loyal attendee. She is also known for bringing hilarious
white elephant gifts to our annual education volunteer
holiday party. Lois says that she loves being able to help out
and get to know all of the great people that have worked
here over the years. Thank you, Lois, for your many years
of vital service to Audubon!
9
Long-term Urban and Rural Reserves
continued from page 4

But will urban and rural reserve designation support the

long-term protection of these natural features? It is too
early to tell, but listed below are a number of questions
5 Will rural reserves include the highest-value natural
landscape features with the highest-value forest and
farmlands?
citizens should be asking:
The Audubon Society of Portland believes working and

1 How much land will Metro need to bring into the

UGB and how large should the urban reserves be?
natural landscapes are complementary elements of the
region’s sense of place and ecological sustainability.
Rural reserves should include those high-value natural

2 Will Metro base its land needs on how we have grown

in the past — in an era of highways and low-density
sprawl — or on how we know we should grow in
the future — in order to meet the challenges of global
climate change, peak oil, and the imperatives for greener,
smarter, and more pedestrian- and transit-oriented urban
communities?
features and agricultural lands that would be irreparably
lost or jeopardized by urbanization. Those natural features
included in the UGB must be protected and restored as
part of a more livable and more walkable urban landscape.
Keeping nature nearby is a critical ingredient to a regional
growth strategy that fosters more compact, livable urban
communities and reduces the need to expand the UGB in
the future. More of this? Recent urban growth boundary expansions in

3 Will Metro avoid urbanization of the most important

features that could be lost or irreparably jeopardized
by future UGB expansions?
This spring Metro and the Counties will be taking a first
round of public input in the process to designate rural
Washington County have encroached on unprotected wildlife
habitat on Forest Park’s west flank, including the Rock Creek
headwaters (shown here) that provide clear, cold water to the
Tualatin River. © Bruce Forester
and urban reserves. Audubon Society of Portland

4 How will Metro and the Counties ensure that natural

features brought into the UGB are adequately
protected, restored, and managed in designing and
developing vibrant new urban communities?
encourages you to get involved in these important
decisions and ask hard questions. This is your region,
and your voice should be heard in making these critical
Check the Portland Audubon Conservation web page to
get more information and find out how you can get
involved, or contact Jim Labbe at 503-292-6855 ext.112.
long-term decisions about where and how we grow.

Welcome, New Members!

Bird Song Walks Portland Audubon is a force in regional conservation thanks to its strength in membership, standing together since
1902. We appreciate each and every one of our members and celebrate our membership by welcoming our new

A
members monthly. Thank you for joining our vibrant and growing community!
udubon Society of Portland is proud to sponsor
the 2008 season of weekday morning Bird Song April
Walks! From beginners to advanced birders, Lance Bailey Meredith Johnstone John Matzka Alecia Juber
anyone who is fascinated by the sounds of birds should Lois King Daniel Hawken Shane Cline Gene Zimmerman
take advantage of these guided walks to the metro area’s Alex and Sarah Gardner Richard Brown Pam and Rick Meyers Jonny Polivka
Teri Wadsworth Katherine Brevik Marya Ferris Sarah Cogswell
prime spring migration hotspots.
Cynthia Aumann Rob and Janet Barnes Sharon Genasci Pamela Lloyd
Nick Viele Carol Otis and Roger Goldingay Donald Wardwell Crystal Schock
All walks begin at 7am, are free of charge, and last Florence Fukushima Karen Staats Rand Schenck Vikki De Gaa
from one to two hours. Walkers leave whenever they Karen Fukushima Sally Jacobs Diane Burns James Hein
David Argast Virginia Sponsler Jan Houck Ron and Joyce Ayers
need to for work. No pre-registration is required.
Nancy and Jorge Alfaro Robert Wood Don Rossi Heather Gough
Leaders include Paul Sullivan, Gerard Lillie, and Joline Miller Morris Kinser Gary and Susan Winkler Prue Ruby
other Audubon naturalists. Bring your binoculars and Johanna Khan Catherine Cleveland Earl Snyder Gretchen Moline
field guide and be sure to dress properly for the weather; Ian Read Eric Lindstrom Janeen Johnson William Griffiths
Sharon Fontenot Kurt Wehbring and Donna Yvonne Lyles Catherine and William Sheppard
spring mornings can be surprisingly chilly. Try taking
Adina and Chad Hunsucker Dermond Timothy Mullikin Teresa Fuhrman
the bus (routes and phone numbers are given below). Reggie Snyder Boel Stoddard Michael Dennis Jill Johansen
For natural history information, maps, and directions for Barb Seatter Sarah Sterner Elouise Binns Dave and Margie Beckett
any of these natural areas, see Wild in the City: A Guide Denise Salmon Catherine Tcher Holly and Salvez Nelson-Dodd Erik and Barbara Paulsen
Karin and Robert Webb Lucy Dougherty Andy Nelson Elizabeth Fewel
to Portland’s Natural Areas, available at the Portland
Jon and Mary Campbell Sallie Jones Cynthia Withee
Audubon Nature Store. Teacher Brandi’s 2nd Grade Class Daniel Miller Cynthia Gerdes
Andrea Vannelli Jill Kashiwagi Bill Stoller
Tuesdays May 27 & June 3
If you would like to join us or have any questions about membership, please contact Catherine at
Tualatin Hills Nature Park chalpin@audubonportland.org or 503-292-6855.
Directions: From the Westside MAX [www.trimet.org]
get off at Merlo Road Station and walk down the trail
into the preserve to the Interpretive Center. By car, take
Murray Blvd south from Hwy 26 to Millikan Blvd. Turn Audubon Birding Weekends 2008 —
right onto Millikan; the park is at 15655 SW Millikan, a portal to birding Oregon
just past the second railroad tracks. Walks start at 7am.

T his popular program will Registration

Wednesdays May 28 & June 4
Mt. Tabor
Directions: From SE Belmont, go south on SE 69th two
short blocks. Just into the park, turn right and drive as far
as possible to the gate. Park along the street. Mt. Tabor
Park is closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesdays, so be sure
to use this entrance. [Mt. Tabor TriMet Bus #15 stops
at SE 69th & Yamhill; call 503-231-3215 or check www.
trimet.org]. Walks start at 7am.
Thursdays May 29 & June 5
The Nature Conservancy’s
Camassia Preserve
Directions: Take Exit 8 off I-205 and turn toward
Oregon City (but don’t cross the river). At the 76 gas
station, turn right then left to follow Willamette Falls Dr.
Turn right on Sunset, cross I-205, and immediately turn
right on Walnut St. The preserve is at the end of Walnut
St. Walks start at 7am.
Fridays May 30 & June 6
Pittock Mansion
Directions: Follow W Burnside about 1.2 miles west of
NW 23rd and turn right onto NW Barnes Rd. Follow the
well-marked signs through the neighborhood for another
0.7 mile; meet in the Pittock Mansion parking lot [West
Burnside TriMet Bus #20 stops at the bottom of the hill;
call 503-231-3220 or check www.trimet.org]. Walks start
at 7am.
continue for another year. As Registration for Audubon Birding Weekends is
before, it intends to bring birders $35 per person for each weekend. Separate checks are
together from around the state to enjoy preferred. Please make your check payable to the Audubon
birds, see new locations, and maybe add Society of Portland.
to their lists. We aim to help everyone
You must register by the Tuesday before the weekend you
see most of the birds. The pace is
plan to attend. The following registration information is
moderate, and corny jokes may happen
needed for each weekend you wish to attend: • name
from time to time.
Paul Sullivan • address • phone • email • trip you wish to join
• number of attendees • amount enclosed.
What you can expect
About 10 days before each trip, I will provide a letter Please send the registration to:
to registered participants that will give motel options, Paul T. Sullivan
schedule, possible birds, and the meeting place. I will 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26
also help with arranging carpooling. We meet for Beaverton, OR 97005
Saturday breakfast and carpool from there. Participants Questions?
are responsible for their own transportation, food, and Contact Paul at ptsulliv@spiritone.com or
lodging. Participants are also responsible for their own 503-646-7889, or go to www.audubonportland.org/
comfort: snacks, warm clothing, rain gear, insect repellant, trips_classes_camps/adult_programs/birding_
sunscreen, etc. Participants should get gas and lunches weekendsfolder/index_html.
ahead of time.
Upcoming Audubon Birding Weekends 2008
June 14–15 — Klamath County July 4–6 — Wallowa County August 9–10 — Lake County
We will visit this county to look for We will look for nesting songbirds, We will visit southern Lake County:
Yellow Rails, White Pelicans, Red- migrant shorebirds, and the raptors Lake Abert, Hart Mountain NWR,
necked and Clark’s Grebes, Forster’s of the Zumwalt prairie while we and the Warner Valley, to see the
and Black Terns, plus shorebirds, enjoy the beauty of the Wallowas. diverse array of migrant shorebirds,
raptors, and waterfowl on Upper Base: Enterprise. as well as waterfowl and forest birds.
Klamath and Agency Lakes, as well as We may find the Juniper Titmouse.
forest species. Base: Klamath Falls. Base: Lakeview.

10 JUNE 2008 www.audubonportland.org

Jack Ruby
Bird of the Month
by Steve Engel, Adult Education Coordinator

Great Blue Heron

Jack Sparrowhawk, the Ruby, the Turkey Vulture
Ardea herodias
American Kestrel © Rie Luft © Rie Luft

Syd Finnegan

Syd, the Red-tailed Hawk Finnegan, the Peregrine

© Ken Barron Falcon © Jim Pollock

Hazel Julio

“As a picturesque feature of

Hazel, the Northern Spotted
Owl © Don Baccus
Take one of Portland
Audubon’s Wild Things
under your wing!
the landscape or, oftener, the waterscape,
the Heron has no rival. Whether standing motionless upon the flats,
with bills elevated, or depressed, according as men or fish are the objects
of the current moment, or whether flapping slowly across the scene, they lend
Julio, the Great Horned Owl
just that touch of sedate life which the artistic eye requires.” — William Dawson Great Blue Heron © Jim Cruce
© Deanna Sawtelle
Identification Great Blue Herons hunt a wide variety of prey. Fish,
The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North amphibians, reptiles, aquatic invertebrates, birds, and
America, standing four feet tall and with a wingspan of six mammals are all on their menu. Their long necks are
designed to deliver a lightning-quick thrust, and prey is
feet. It is gray in color, tinged in blue, and it has bold white
cheeks and crown set apart by broad, black eye-stripes either speared through or pincered by the bill. They are

O
ur non-releasable educational birds include
Finnegan, the Peregrine Falcon; Hazel, the
Northern Spotted Owl; Jack Sparrowhawk, the
American Kestrel; Julio, the Great Horned Owl; Ruby,
the Turkey Vulture; and Syd, the Red-tailed Hawk.
Our “wild things” are viewable at Portland Audubon’s
Wildlife Care Center. Please come by to visit — and
consider taking one of our animals under your wing.
Your sponsorship donation of $40 or more will help
provide for their food, medical, and housing needs. As a
sponsor of one of our permanent educational animals,
you will receive an official adoption packet that includes
a color photo of your chosen animal, an adoption
certificate, a personal history of the animal, general
information on the species, and information on how you
can help injured wildlife. You will have the satisfaction of
knowing that you are helping promote the protection of
our native wildlife.
that end in plumes. The yellow, dagger-like bill is up to six
inches long. Elegant gray plumes grow from the chest, neck,
and back during the breeding season. A rusty shoulder
patch, rusty thighs, and fine black markings bordering the
white throat complete this heron’s outfit.
Habitat
Great Blue Herons frequent a variety of wetland habitats
such as estuaries, fresh-water marshes, and the shores of
oceans, lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. They may also be
seen in wet meadows and dry fields.
Behavior
In flight the heron is distinguished from cranes by the
way its neck is folded so that its head seems to rest on its
shoulders. Cranes fly with their necks straight, something
the Great Blue Heron only does when taking off and before
landing. It flaps with a slow, stately wingbeat and the wings
have a distinctive arch, each one like flying parentheses,
when seen head-on. Its call is a loud guttural croak.
very adaptable and may even be seen hunting rodents along
freeway medians.
Nesting
Great Blue Herons typically build a bulky platform-nest of
sticks in a grove of trees near good foraging habitat. They are
colonial nesters, forming rookeries of a dozen to hundreds
of pairs. Courtship may begin as early as January followed by
pair formation and egg laying in February and March.
Conservation
Loss of foraging and nesting habitat is the biggest threat
to Great Blue Herons in Oregon. Disturbance of colonies
during early nesting may result in the birds abandoning
the rookery. Statewide their population has not shown
significant decreases in the last 30 years, but there are signs
of fragmentation of historic rookeries.
References
Birds of California,Vol. IV (William Dawson)
Birds of Oregon: A General Reference (Marshall, Hunter, Contreras)
The Sibley Guide to Birds (David Allen Sibley)

A Lasting Way to Show Your

Love and Support for Nature
Members Receive a Discount
D id you know that your will is a simple and lasting
way for you to support birds, other wildlife and at the Nature Store!

A
their habitat right here in the Pacific Northwest?
Your bequest to the Audubon Society of Portland udubon Society of Portland’s Nature Store is
supports our efforts to inspire people to love and protect the headquarters for naturalists in the Portland-
nature and is one of the most forward-looking gifts you Vancouver metro area. We feature nature books,
can give to Portland Audubon. hiking and field guides, birding software, CDs, DVDs,
binoculars and spotting scopes, birdfeeders and seed, plus
Your thoughtful gift will assure that future generations gifts and toys for adults and children, all with a nature
will come to understand and enjoy the natural world! theme. Portland Audubon members receive a 10%
discount off regular prices.
I would like to receive information about including
Portland Audubon in my will. Rising Birdseed Prices
I have included the Audubon Society of Portland in A common question at the store recently is, “Why is the price
my will. of birdseed getting so high?” The short answer is that rising
retail prices are a reflection of skyrocketing wholesale costs.
Name
Address To find out the basics, let’s take a look at the components of
our most popular blend. Merry Mix is a tasty combination
of millet, wheat, corn, and sunflower seeds, guaranteed to
City State Zip
please a wide range of discriminating palates. This April,
Phone Email
commodity prices of wheat doubled, while corn prices
Please send to: had tripled over the previous year. Shortages of wheat are
Development Office, Audubon Society of Portland now being referred to as the “Worldwide Wheat Crisis” by
5151 NW Cornell Road national media. The extreme price jumps are being blamed
Portland, OR 97210 primarily on commodity market speculators rather than
farmers. Rising prices are also linked to increased demand
for use of basic food stocks as fuel by
our growing bio-fuel industry. This has
especially increased demand on corn
supplies, which promotes the continuing
conversion of diversified farmland to corn
production. Thus the cost and availability
of millet may be affected as well. Within
the food industry, increased use of
sunflower oil by major processed-food
suppliers switching from trans fats to the
use of sunflower oil is keeping the price of
sunflower seeds at an all-time high.
Portland Audubon’s
Response
We are responding to the continuing wholesale price hikes
by lowering our store margins on birdseed. While this
unfortunately reduces revenues used for our programs,
we are striving to keep seed affordable. We hope that
nature lovers will continue to “feed the birds” and support
Audubon through purchases of birdseed at the Nature
Store. We promise to do our best to keep seed prices
reasonable while maintaining the high quality that Nature
Store shoppers have come to expect.

www.audubonportland.org JUNE 2008 11

 22nd
Annual
continued from page 1
Great Blue Heron Week
Tuesday, June 3rd
Tuesday, June 3rd, 6pm–8pm
Working River and Wildlife
Join leaders of npGREENWAY on a walk along the future
North Portland Willamette Greenway Trail envisioned by
this nonprofit grassroots organization. The walk will be
along an existing trail, through Willamette Cove, former
industrial sites, under cottonwood trees, and along the
edge of the working Willamette River toward Swan Island.
From the path we will view barges, ocean freighters, ships in
dry dock, and fishermen’s small boats. Watch cormorants
sunning on industrial piers and hearty Great Blue Herons
poking along the shoreline. Bring your binoculars and
wear sturdy shoes. Meet at 6543 N Burlington, the City of
Portland Water Pollution Control Laboratory. The walk is
free, but donations to support npGREENWAY are gladly
accepted. Email info@npGreenway.org or call 503-823-4524
to request more information; npGREENWAY is Option #6.
Tuesday, June 3rd, Noon–4pm
Explore the 40-mile Loop from South
Waterfront to OHSU
(see Connecting Green trip description on page 2 for details)
Wednesday, June 4th
Wednesday, June 4th, 5pm–8pm
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Walk
(see Connecting Green trip description on page 2 for details)
Wednesday, June 4th, Noon–1pm
Lunch with the Birds at Jackson Bottom
Jackson Bottom staff will provide spotting scopes, binoculars,
field guides, and naturalists to help you identify the Great
Blue Herons and other waterfowl and birds that show up at
Jackson Bottom. Meet at the north viewing shelter, next to
the Clean Water Services treatment plant, on Highway 219
south of Hillsboro. The site is wheelchair accessible. Contact
Sarah Pinnock at 503-681-6278 for more information.
Wednesday, June 4th, 6pm–8:30pm
Two Rivers and a Slough Hike
Join Susan Barthel, Columbia Slough watershed program
coordinator for Bureau of Environmental Services, for a
hike along three trails at the northwest side of the 40-Mile
Loop. We’ll walk through cottonwood forests next to the
Audubon Society
of Portland
Inspiring people to love and protect nature since 1902
Audubon Society of Portland promotes the enjoyment, understanding,
and protection of native birds and other wildlife and their habitats.
We focus on our local community and the Pacific Northwest.
ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
5151 NW Cornell Rd • Portland, OR 97210
503-292-6855 • Fax: 503-292-1021
9am to 5pm, Mon. - Fri.
SANCTUARIES
Dawn to dusk every day
NATURE STORE
503-292-9453
10am to 6pm, Mon. - Sat. • 10am to 5pm on Sunday
INTERPRETIVE CENTER & LIBRARY
Same hours as store
WILDLIFE CARE CENTER
503-292-0304
9am to 5pm every day
RARE BIRD ALERT
503-292-6855 • www.audubonportland.org
AUDUBON
Wednesday, May 28 –
Sunday, June 8
Columbia and Willamette Rivers and see new restoration
plantings along the Columbia Slough and the edges of
Smith & Bybee Wetlands. Think of the changes in the
nearly 200 years since the Lewis and Clark Expedition
paddled by these two watery confluences! We’ll talk about
water quality, plants, and habitat, so bring your binoculars
and use them on trees and ships as well as birds. Meet
at the last (turnaround) parking lot within Kelley Point
Park, N Marine Drive and North Lombard, about one mile
Mike Houck leads a kayak trip at Ross Island. © Mike Faha
northwest of Smith & Bybee Lakes. Contact Susan at
503-823-7268 for more information. share information related to efforts to restore Johnson Creek
and where and why native fish are found in our urban creeks.
Thursday, June 5th Meet at SE 37th and Tenino. Call Daniela at 503-886-9870 for
Thursday, June 5th, 8am–10am more information and to pre-register.
Rock Creek Herons and Norm Thompson
Campus Saturday, June 7th
(see Connecting Green trip description on page 2 for details) Saturday, June 7th, 8am–11am
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Walk
Thursday, June 5th, 6pm–8pm (see Connecting Green trip description on page 2 for details)
Willamette Restoration Paddle
Join Willamette Riverkeeper for an evening paddle focused Saturday, June 7th, Noon–3pm
on efforts under way to restore riverside habitat along the Watch Herons Nesting at South Waterfront
Willamette River in Portland, including Ross Island and (see Connecting Green trip description on page 3 for details)
the Eastbank. Bring your own boat or reserve a free canoe
and gear. Previous paddling experience and registration Saturday, June 7th, 8:30am–4pm
are required. Please contact Amy at 503-223-6418 or Legacy Lands III: Waterfalls and Wilderness,
amy@willamette-riverkeeper.org. Meet at the Portland Lewis River Greenway & Cascade Forestlands
Boathouse, 1515 SE Water Ave. By far the largest protected greenway in Clark County, WA
is along the East Fork Lewis River, originating near I-5 and
Friday, June 6th continuing nearly halfway to Mt. Adams. We’ll visit the
Friday, June 6th, 7am–9am broad floodplain and bucolic agricultural lands of the lower
Early Birding Bike Ride along the Columbia river, and continue up past the cascading waterfalls at Lucia,
Slough Moulton, and Sunset Falls. We’ll penetrate the great forests of
(see Connecting Green trip description on page 2 for details) the Cascade foothills, and learn about imminent threats that
could riddle the forestland with roads and houses. And you’ll
Friday, June 6th, 4pm–5:30pm learn about innovative new strategies we’re using to save the
Explore Tideman-Johnson Park forests! Meet at Columbia Land Trust, 1351 Officer’s Row,
Bring your kids and cameras to Johnson Creek, and join Vancouver, WA. Pre-registration is required; contact Tammy
Daniela Cargill and Chad Smith of City of Portland Bureau at tbjorkman@columbialandtrust.org or 360-213-1201.
of Environmental Services and Matt Koozer of Johnson
Creek Watershed Council for an outing geared toward kids Sunday, June 8th
and their parents. Leaders will share information about Sunday, June 8th, 8am–11am
how to make your trips to natural areas safe and enjoyable, Ross Island and Holgate Channel Regatta with
plus fun fish facts and simple identification tips for Pacific Friends of Ross Island
Northwest plants found in our parks. For parents, leaders will (see Connecting Green trip description on page 3 for details)
BUSINESS MEMBERS
Board Officers Through their business practices and financial
President............................................................................ Peter Paquet
Vice President ...................................................................Pat Campbell
contributions, the following business members help
Audubon Society of Portland fulfill its mission. If you
Secretary ............................................................Adrienne Wolf-Lockett would like to become a business member, please
Treasurer..................................................................................Ken Ivey contact our Development Department
Past President ......................................................................Linda Craig at 971-222-6117.
Business Benefactor Business Friends
Board Members Northwest Natural Aurora Landscape
Bob’s Red Mill
Nancy Jane Cushing Wink Gross Karen O’Connor Business Guarantors Carton Service, Inc.
Backyard Bird Shop
John Fitchen John Hammerstad Kruse Duggan, Schlotfeldt and
Martha Gannett Barb Hill Claire Puchy
Portland General Electric Welch PLLC
Kristina Gifford Terry Kem Ron Spencer Business Partners HDR Engineering
Columbia Sportswear Kennedy /Jenks Consultants, Inc.
Board Member Emeritus - Dave Marshall David Evans & Associates McGee Financial Strategies, Inc.
Forest Park Federal Paloma Clothing
Credit Union Pastini Pastaria
Committee Chairs Nike ShoreBank Pacific
Vernier Software & Technology
Conservation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Herring Business Supporters Washman LLC
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terry Kem Enterprise Rent-A-Car Winter’s Hill Vineyard
Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Paquet Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ken Ivey Portland Audubon
Nature Store
Membership & Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Jane Cushing The Standard
Sanctuaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Littlewood
Staff
Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meryl Redisch
Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammi Miller
Development Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Takamoto
Birdathon Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Slone
Membership Development Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine Halpin
Everything for the
Database and Donor Relations Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Dietrich
Wild Bird Enthusiast
Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pamela Aldrich
Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Robertson Seven locations in
Portland and Vancouver
Adult Education Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Engel
503-635-2044
Camp Director/Onsite Programs Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Swanson
www.backyardbirdshop.com
Environmental Educator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Abraham
Environmental Educator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Kin
Urban Naturalist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Houck
Conservation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Sallinger
Urban Conservationist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Labbe
Urban Wildlife Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Munday
Volunteer Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deanna Sawtelle
Wildlife Care Center Operations Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deb Sheaffer
Wildlife Care Center Assistant Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly McAllister Visit the Audubon Society of Portland
Nature Store Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Mattson
NATURE STORE
Nature Store Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marilyn O’Grady
Shady Trails Birding Optics
Nature Store Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally Loomis Nature Books Toys and Gifts
Sanctuaries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Costello Hiking Guides
Sanctuaries Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Kurtz 5151 NW Cornell Rd, Portland OR
503-292-9453 www.audubonportland.org
Minutes from downtown in Forest Park