the

Lahontan Audubon Society •

Pelican
P.O. Box 2304 • Reno, Nevada 89505 • www.nevadaaudubon.org • 775-324-BIRD

Mission statement: To preserve and improve the remaining habitat of birds and other wildlife, restore historical habitat, and educate
the public, with emphasis on children, providing vision to all about our unique Nevada environments.

MONTHLY MEETINGS
Date: Fourth Tuesday of the month
Time: Social at 6:30 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m.
MAY/JUNE Location: South Valleys Library
2008 15650A Wedge Parkway, Reno
Exterior door, west side of building
Directions to South Valleys Library: Take Hwy 395 to the Mt. Rose Hwy. Head west
vol. 45, no. 5 on the Mt. Rose Hwy and take the first right turn onto Wedge Parkway, just past Raley’s
shopping center. Go about one mile on Wedge Parkway and look for the boldly
Inside This Issue designed, mustard yellow library on the right.

1 Monthly Meetings May 27 – Dawn Davie – Prairie Grouse: Status and Conservation
Prairie grouse, including all species of prairie-chicken and the Sharp-tailed Grouse, have
declined precipitously from historical levels throughout the Great Plains. Dawn Davis,
2 Field Trips presently a graduate student at the University of Idaho and formerly a wildlife biologist
with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, has dedicated over 10 years to up-
3 Important Bird Areas land game bird management and conservation efforts. She will discuss the many factors
affecting the life history of prairie grouse and conservation efforts to maintain grassland
species, including prairie grouse. Annual Chapter Elections will be held in a brief
4 From the President’s session prior to the program. The following positions will be up for election: all officers
Perch for one-year terms and trustee seats #1, #2, and #4 for three-year terms. If you wish to
forward a nomination, contact Alan Gubanich or Jacque Lowery (see page 8).
5 Conservation Corner
Stork Battles Pelican for Deadline Priority – Stork Wins
6 Birds In Town In a recent battle between the demands of a printing deadline and the demands of
Mother Nature, Mother Nature persevered, as is Her wont. Jen Martin, editor-in-training
for The Pelican and very much pregnant, had to suspend her efforts when she went
7 LAS Sales/ into labor while putting her first issue together. Soon-to-be former editor Mike Greenan
Membership worked with Jen on the Saturday before she went into labor. “Jen was in great spirits and
very, very pregnant,” Mike said. “I was glad I got out of there before something hap-
pened. I don’t do deliveries.” Jen and the Stork successfully delivered, two weeks early,
Submissions for the July/August issue a lovely baby boy. Mother and baby are doing well. The U.S. Mail has delivered, a little
are due June 1, 2008 late, an 8-page, 2-color Pelican

There are no LAS meetings during the summer months. The next meeting
will be Tuesday, September 23.
The Pelican 1
FIELD TRIPS
Christiane Omer 775-354-2634 happycpo@aol.com

LAS field trips are free and open to the public.
Birders of all skill levels are encouraged
to participate. Please pre-register with trip
leaders so they can contact you in the event
of trip changes or cancellations. Always dress
for changing weather conditions and bring
something to eat and drink. For additional
information, visit the LAS web site at www.
nevadaaudubon.org or contact Field Trip
Chair Christiane Omer.
Saturday, May 3
Swan Lake Nature Study Area
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Clean-up Leader: Bob Goodman
775.972.7848 or Pandion36@aol.com
Here is a chance to contribute to the beauty
of Nevada. We’ll help our birds and other
animals by cleaning up their home at the
Swan Lake Nature Study Area. Please meet us
at the Lemmon Valley McDonald’s parking
lot off 395 and exit 74 north of Reno. We’ll
organize from there. If folks have a pickup
we can use for hauling junk to the transfer
station, it would be helpful.  Rubber boots for
working in the marsh are advised.
May 3-4
Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge
Workday/Field Trip
Leader: Mike Goddard 775.423.5128 or
Mike_Goddard@fws.gov
Place: Badger Campground
Purpose: Saturday Fence Making with
potluck and Sunday Refuge Tour
Sheldon NWR is investigating horse impacts
on the refuge springs. We will be linking
together metal panels to exclude horses from
the springs in order to gauge their effect on
the springs and immediate habitat. Please
join us to help set up the project. The
workday will be Saturday, May 3. Sunday
will be a tour with Brian Day, Sheldon NWR
Manager. Please bring gloves, sunscreen, and
plenty of water. Plan to eat lunch in the field
on Saturday. Make sure your spare tire has
air and good tread as we have encountered
flat tires in the past during our adventures at
Sheldon. Fuel up at Cedarville, Alturas, or
Gerlach. I heartily recommend caravanning
with others and having a Nevada Gazetteer.
Bring your own main course and a side
dish to share for the Saturday night potluck.
We are camping at Badger Campground.
Conditions are primitive with pit toilets and
campfire rings available. Bring your own
drinking and cooking water. There should be
plenty of wildlife to keep us company. Sage
grouse, pronghorn, Great-horned Owls, and
Sandhill Cranes are some we have seen in
the past. A high clearance vehicle is strongly
recommended but 4x4 is not necessary. Please
contact Mike and he will send you a Sheldon
NWR brochure with maps and information.
Mike will arrive Friday afternoon to
greet early arrivals. Anyone interested in
caravanning with him on Friday or anyone
needing a ride may contact him. Go to the
LAS web site for complete directions. Please
RSVP to Mike Goddard so we know how
many people to expect.
Spring Wings Bird Festival
May 9-11, 2008, Fallon, Nevada
www.springwings.org
Join us as we celebrate the spring migration
through the Lahontan Valley. LAS is one of
the many sponsors partnering to present the
11th annual Spring Wings Bird Festival in
Fallon, Nevada on May 9-11. This year’s
festival will be based out of Oats Park and the
Barkley Theater. It is a weekend filled with
great birding trips, children’s activities, art,
vendor booths, environmental information,
and two excellent speakers including
keynote speaker, author and naturalist Scott
Weidensaul. Last year’s festival participants
set a record of 164 bird species seen! It is a
wonderful festival and should really be on
everyone’s must-do list. For more information
go to www.springwings.org. Hope to see you
there.
Saturday, May 17
McCarran Ranch, Truckee River
Time: 7:30 A.M.
Trip Leader: Elizabeth Ammon
775.722.9116 or ammon@gbbo.org
McCarran Ranch is about 15 minutes east
of Reno. Birding the ranch should provide
a good opportunity to see spring riparian
migrants, residents, Osprey, American
Kestrels, orioles, and more. Last year
we found 43 species of birds, numerous
rabbits, and one curious coyote. We’ll
view the wetland restoration project and
learn about the area’s ecosystem. Meet
at 7:30 am at the McDonalds/Chevron
Station on Vista and Brierley near I-80,
off exit 21. Note that Brierly is called
Salomon on the right hand branch of
the street. Turn north (which will be left
for most of you) off exit 21 onto Vista.
Bring water and snacks. Be prepared
for a few hours of birding and walking.
Reservations required and group size is
limited to 12.
Saturday, June 14
Thomas Creek
Time: 7 a.m.
Leader: Alan de Queiroz 775.293.2419 or
alandqz@yahoo.com
This will be a good opportunity to see riparian
and mountain birds in a pleasant, forested
canyon on the edge of Reno. Possibilities
include three nuthatch species, Red-breasted
Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker,
Cooper’s Hawk, Brown Creeper, Clark’s
Nutcracker, Spotted Towhee, and Western
Tanager, among many others. Birders of all
experience are welcome.
(more Field Trips on page 5 and Field Trips
Reports on page 3)

SUBSCRIPTIONS WHERE TO WRITE:

The Pelican is the official newsletter of the Lahontan Audubon
Society and is published six times annually. Subscriptions are
paid for as part of the dues of LAS or the National Audubon
Society. LAS welcomes gifts, donations, and bequests in
general, or gifts in honor or memory of relatives and friends.
Such donations will be used as specified or, if unspecified, will
be used to support LAS education and conservation projects.
All donations are tax deductible.
Keep conservation to the forefront. Write your elected officials and
tell them how you feel:
Senator Harry Reid Senator John Ensign
400 S. Virginia St. #902 400 S. Virginia St. #738
Reno, NV 89501 Reno, NV 89501
Toll-free: 1-866-736-7343 Reno phone: 775-686-5770
Representative Dean Heller Governor Jim Gibbons
400 S. Virginia St. #502 101 N. Carson St.
Reno, NV 89501 Carson City, NV 89710
Reno phone: 775-686-5760 775-684-5670

2 The Pelican
IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM
Robin Powell 775-247-2798 rpowell@audubon.org
In Memory of Jack Boyd
One the first IBAs to be recognized was
the Boyd-Humboldt Wetlands IBA,
which was primarily comprised of the
Boyd Ranch. The Boyd Family and
staff are excellent land stewards and
spent a great deal of time monitoring
Sandhill Cranes, Bobolinks, and other
migratory birds on their ranchlands.
This ranch family also altered their hay
production practices for the protection
and conservation of those avian species
that nested in the fields.
On March 10, 2008, Jack Boyd died
from an accident on the Boyd Ranch.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jack last
year when I visited Boyd Ranch. Jack
was warm, welcoming, and excited to
talk to me about the Important Bird
Areas Program. Jack and his father
Andy gave me a grand tour of the ranch
and were proud of “their” Sandhill
Cranes that were dancing in one of
the fields. To witness the Sandhill
Cranes dance and nest on the ranch was
amazing.
Jack Boyd had been a long-time
proponent of wildlife conservation
in Nevada. Jack was supportive of
conservation efforts through his
participation and strong relationships
with Lahontan Audubon Society,
Audubon Important Bird Areas
Program, the Nevada Department
of Wildlife, and other wildlife
organizations. His energy, vision and
support will be greatly missed.
Round Two for IBA Nominations
Beginning May 1, 2008, the Nevada
IBA Program will be accepting
nominations for additional Important
Bird Area sites in Nevada until August
31, 2008. For a site to be recognized as
an Important Bird Area, the site must
meet the following criteria:
• Site supporting a large congregation
of birds
The Pelican 3
• Site supporting a species of concern
• Site that has specific habitat for a
species of concern
• Site that provides educational
opportunities
• Site that provides scientific research
If you have a site that you believe
could be an Important Bird Area or
if you have questions regarding the
nomination process, please feel free to
contact me at rpowell@audubon.org.
. Migration was definitely in full swing
Error Note: The published IBA article
in the March/April edition of The
Pelican was incomplete and submitted
in error. The mistake was taken
very seriously. My apologies for any
concerns created.
– Robin Powell
Field Trip Reports
Raptors in the Nile Valley/Lovelock
Trip, February 9
Leaders: Debbie and Randy Pontius
We had a spectacular response to this
newly re-offered LAS trip. Thirty
people attended, including several
first time birders, and we had to turn
away another 12!  The weather was
beautiful and whet everyone’s whistle
for spring birding. Even though it
was a large group, we saw plenty of
raptors with great photo opportunities
for Rough-legged, Ferruginous and
Red-tailed Hawks. We had close-up
looks of several Great-horned Owl
pairs. Our resident partial albino Red-
tailed Hawk was obliging and although
it took a while to find him, he did give
us a look. We finished up the trip with
an unexpected treat of a flock of about
15 Bohemian Waxwings, probably
moved from Rye Patch where they
were spotted last month. And for those
that attended, Randy and I spotted a
Merlin just as we pulled into our own
driveway at home after lunch! There
are some pictures from our tour in
Lovelock on the web. They are credited
to Cabby Bloss and this is the link to
her website: www.capturedbycabby.
com.
Sierra Valley Field Trip, March 22
Leader: Alan Gubanich
when 20 of us ventured to Sierra
Valley for a great day of birding. The
weather was wonderful and so was the
viewing -- 37 species for the day, with
some great looks at Sandhill Cranes,
American White Pelicans, Bald Eagles,
Tundra Swans, and much more. Some
winter residents were still around:
Bald Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks
and Tundra Swans, but the highlight of
the day was over 100 Sandhill Cranes
soaring over our heads while we were
on Hariot Lane and Marble Hot Springs
Road. Several landed in the fields along
Marble Hot Springs Road and gave us
nice views through the spotting scopes.
Unfortunately, for those who left after
lunch, but fortunately for the four of
us who stayed, two separate pairs of
cranes walked within 50 to 60 yards
of us as we backtracked along Marble
Hot Springs Road -- fantastic close
looks! Other migrants included at least
White-fronted Geese, Tree Swallows,
American White Pelicans, Long-billed
Curlews, Willets, Greater Yellowlegs
and American Avocets. Horned Larks
were the second highlight of the day for
some birders (oh well, whatever), while
the rest of us enjoyed the melodious
tones of Sage Thrashers, Red-winged
Blackbirds, Western Meadowlarks
and Horned Larks, all proclaiming the
arrival of spring.
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PERCH
In Communication
Our chapter has the good
fortune to count nearly 1000
member households. The Board,
Committees, and various active
members of our organization try
very hard to stay in touch with all
of you.
• The LAS Web Site at www.
nevadaaudubon.org is an excellent
resource for you our members.
Sections give you up-to-date
information on chapter activities,
and the Home page keys you in
on late-breaking items. The links
section, organized thematically,
offers you easy access to a variety
of web sites related to our interests.
The amount of material on the site
is too voluminous to even mention
here. The LAS WebSite, worth
a computer bookmark and some
exploring, is managed by our Web
Master Steve Ting.
• The Nevada Birds List Server
offers up-to-the-minute reports of
bird sightings throughout the state.
You can post to the list server or
simply sign up to receive e-mails
from the list server as they are
posted. A terrific new aspect has
emerged in recent years in frequent
links to photos of birds described
in the postings. The list server is
administered through National
Audubon Society and is moderated
here in Nevada by member Alan
Wallace.
• The LAS E-mail List sends
reminders and late-breaking
information to LAS member
subscribers. The list is sent as
“recipients undisclosed,” relays
only items related to LAS, and is
4 The Pelican
never shared or sold. To subscribe,
please send an e-mail request to
Karen Kish at klkish@pyramid.net.
• The LAS Info Line at
775-324-BIRD (2473), managed
by Jacque Lowery, offers you the
opportunity to leave a recorded
telephone message request for
information; you can also reach
Jacque on a link at our web site for
the “LAS Info Line On-line.”
• The Pelican newsletter is before
you now. We have a new editor
for The Pelican, Jen Martin. Jen
and her husband David Martin
moved here from Redondo Beach,
California, about a year ago. In
southern California Jen edited
television in Burbank. She is a
birder and David is interested in
birds of prey in particular, both
influenced by Jen’s mother-in-law,
who is a hiker and birder. Jen grew
up in Las Vegas. She and David
are expecting their first child at the
end of April. She plans to stay and/
or work at home for a few years.
We thank Jen for volunteering and
Kathy Oakes and Kristin Szabo,
who will be assisting. Another
person we cannot thank enough is
retiring editor Mike Greenan, who
has served diligently as editor for
four years.
• Member Survey: Communication
is a two-way street. Trustee Kenn
Rohrs, in close collaboration with
the Board, has developed a Member
Survey, which you should have
received recently. We would like to
hear from all of you, especially the
“silent majority.” Your participation
will help us be responsive to our
entire chapter and will help us
specifically in our summer Planning
Retreat. Please communicate to us
by returning this survey.
We are an all-volunteer group
brought together by our common
interests in birding, conservation,
and conservation education. Stay in
touch and help us remain a positive,
enjoyable, and vital organization
– Karen L. Kish
Birds & Books
LAS Birds & Books is a flock of
readers interested in nature, especially
birds and birding. The group meets
in Reno on the third Tuesday of the
month from 7-8:30 p.m. at Sundance
Bookstore, 1155 W. 4th Street,
#106-Keystone Square Shopping
Center. You are encouraged to attend
a meeting to see if this group is for
you or to contact Kenn Rohrs at
karohrs@charter.net or 775-849-9530
for more information. For a complete
schedule and brief description of
the selected books, go to the LAS
website www.nevadaaudubon.org
and check the Birds & Books section
of the Meetings page. We will not be
meeting in June, July, and August.
May 20: The Bird Artist by Howard
Norman and the May and June
chapters of A Year of Birdwatching in
the West by Frances Wood.
Donors
Ruby Crowned Kinglet $10-$19
Ron Kaminkow, Cathi Unruh,
Theresa Bel, Randy and Debbie
Pontius
Mountain Bluebird $20-$49
Zena R. Ervin, Stephen Buck,
Cathy and Ken Thormahlen
American White Pelican $100-$499
Jane Bowden
CONSERVATION CORNER
Congratulations to long-time Audubon
member and LAS supporter, Larry
Neel, who recently received the
2007 Partners in Flight (PIF) award
at the 4th International Partners in
Flight Conference in McAllen, Texas.
The award recognizes exceptional
contributions in protecting migratory
and resident landbirds, shorebirds, and
waterfowl and their habitats.
For many years Larry has been a leader
in Nevada bird conservation and has
worked tirelessly throughout the state,
as well as across state borders, forging
partnerships to protect and conserve bird
habitat. Larry has served as the Nevada
PIF chairman and co-authored the early
Nevada PIF Strategy, which set the
stage for bird conservation planning
efforts in Nevada. This initial effort
resulted in the creation of the Nevada
Bird Conservation Plan, edited by Larry,
which defined priority bird species (birds
identified as declining in population) and
made recommendations for conservation
practices for those species. As it is
approaching its 10-year anniversary,
Larry and other members of the Nevada
PIF working group; represented by
federal, state, private groups, and
individuals, is focused on revising and
updating the plan. Consistent monitoring
of birds over the past 8 years has now
provided much data to analyze and
use in the plan revision. Currently, a
subcommittee of PIF is tackling habitat
and individual species assessments as
a necessary step to setting conservation
targets and priorities.
Larry has also been heavily involved
in the Nevada Intermountain West Joint
Venture (IWJV) steering committee.
The IWJV promotes the restoration and
maintenance of all bird populations
and fosters the protection, restoration,
and enhancement of wetlands, riparian
habitats, and the widely diverse upland
characteristic of the intermountain region.
Since 1999, the IWJV has evolved and
expanded its vision to embrace all bird
habitat conservation. This includes
habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading
birds, and songbirds, as well as other
game and non-game avian species.
Larry’s involvement on the steering
The Pelican 5
committee contributes to the IWJV
planning efforts and keeps Nevada on the
forefront of bird conservation efforts.
Many of our members may know
Larry best as a premier bird guide on
tours during the Spring Wings Bird
Festival. Lahontan Valley and Walker
Lake hold a special place in Larry’s heart.
He co-authored Birds of the Lahontan
Valley and helped create the area’s bird
festival. He also drew attention to Walker
Lake and the importance of the lake to
migrating loons, prompting research on
migrating loons and the creation of the
Walker Lake Loon Festival. Thank you,
Larry, for all you have done and all you
continue to do to protect birds and their
habitat throughout the state of Nevada!
--Ali Chaney, Conservation Chair
Birds of the Truckee Meadows
The 2008 sessions for the popular Birds
of the Truckee Meadows identification
classes will begin on Tuesday evening,
May 6, and end on June 10.
The five classes will be held at the
meeting room off the north parking lot of
the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 1100
Valley Road, beginning at 7:00 P.M. Cost
for the five sessions is $40.00, or $10.00
per session. A field trip to the Oxbow
Nature Study Area will be held the
weekend following the introductory class.
The topics and dates are:
May 6, Introduction to Birding, with
David Jickling
May 13, Birds of Lakes and Marshes,
with Larry Neel
May 20, Backyard Birds, with Alan
Gubanich
June 3, Mountain Birds, with Jim Eidel
June 10, Birds of Prey, with Bob
Goodman
Fees are payable at the door, so please
arrive a bit early. For further information
or registering, please call Bob Goodman
at 972-7848, or email Pandion36@aol.
com.
Field Trips
(continued from page 2)
Thomas Creek (continued)
We’ll meet at 7 a.m. in the parking lot of the
Starbucks at the Raley’s Shopping Center at
the corner of Wedge Parkway and the Mt.
Rose Highway. Heading west on the Mt. Rose
Highway from Highway 395, Wedge Parkway
is the first street on the right. The Raley’s
and Starbucks are just before (east of) Wedge
Parkway. We’ll carpool from the Starbucks
the short distance to the Thomas Creek
Trailhead on Timberline Drive. We’ll be out
until noon or a little later, so bring water and a
snack. The number above is a cell phone that
I’ll have with me, so if you’re lost or late you
can call me.
June 20-22
Unionville Birding and B&B
Leader: Alan Gubanich 775.857.0191 or
aag@unr.nevada.edu
Join us for a wonderful weekend in the West
Humboldt Mountains birding in Buena Vista,
Wilson, and Straight Canyons surrounding
the historic mining town of Unionville.
Located south of I-80 about halfway between
Lovelock and Winnemucca, Unionville is rich
in history and bird life. Note: At press time,
this trip was full. Complete trip description
is on our web site; contact Alan Gubanich for
possible standby status.
Saturday, June 28
Birding and Wildflower Trip, Tahoe City
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Trip Leader: Richard Carlson
530.581.0624 or rccarl@pacbell.net
LAS is sponsoring a small-group birding
trip to the north Lake Tahoe area. Enjoy a
profusion of birds and wildflowers as the
group searches for such species as Mountain
Bluebird, Willow Flycatcher, Red-Breasted
Sapsucker, McGillivray’s Warbler, Black-
backed Woodpecker, and Pine Grosbeak in
Tahoe’s flower-covered alpine meadows.
The area also has tree carvings by Basque
shepherds and an old Basque oven. Bring a
bag lunch to enjoy Calliope Hummingbirds
from a private deck overlooking Lake Tahoe.
Free but reservations are required. Contact
leader Richard Carlson for the meeting place.
This is a popular trip and space is limited to
12 people, so sign up early.
 Birds in Town
by Alan Wallace

Rossini’s Overtures are to operas like February and March are to the migration and breeding seasons. Some
overtures start so quietly that one has to listen very carefully to know that music is even being played. Then the main
theme becomes apparent, gradually becomes more strongly and complexly developed, and eventually resounds with
gusto. All leading up to the main event: the opera. And so it is with the early stages of migration and breeding. The
first hints, be they the gradual pairing of Canada Geese, the disappearance of Yellow-rumped Warblers, or the first
melodic songs of a Song or White-crowned Sparrow, set the theme for the coming season. By the end of March, new
themes had been introduced with the early arrival of new species and the addition of new songs to the chorus, coupled
with more activity amongst the players.
Even for the overwintering birds, one of the first hints of the new season is new plumages: the gray-and-white
colors of the adult Ring-billed and California Gulls are sharp and crisp, the American Goldfinches suddenly become
bursts of bright yellow, the bland, tan head stripes of first-year White-crowned Sparrows transition into bold black
and white lines, and the Ruddy Ducks turn into blue-billed, rusty-red waterfowl. Even the black plumages of the
congregating Double-crested Cormorants seem glossier in the early spring.
New additions to the overture began in mid February with the arrival of a few brightly colored Cinnamon Teal,
which joined the many remaining wintering waterfowl on area lakes and ponds. By early March, the fringes of those
waterbodies became lined with early Least Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, and abundant, rusty-headed American
Avocets, along with squawky Yellow-headed Blackbirds and chattery Marsh Wrens in the nearby cattails and sedges.
In Elko, the first Red-winged Blackbirds arrived on March 1 and increased in number through the month. Overhead,
the first swallows darted after small insect hatches on March 1, and most of the swallow species had been reported by
the end of the month, although not in great numbers. Farther overhead, the first Turkey Vultures drifted north in early
March, with scattered sightings after that. Although a few Say’s Phoebes overwinter in some towns, their numbers
really increased in March as they gracefully chased bugs and gave their soft, somewhat melancholy call. In Austin,
the first American Robin arrived on March 2, overlapping with the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches that wintered in that
Toiyabe Range hamlet.
The first signs of breeding began early with the various raptors and owls. Great Horned Owls had laid eggs by
February 12, with one clutch hatching by the middle of March. Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks were building nests
and showing courtship behaviors in early March. American Dippers were paired up by early March, and House Finch
twosomes were exploring for nest sites later in the month. And, as usual, the songs of many species filled the air as the
early spring progressed. The trilling of Dark-eyed Juncos and Spotted Towhees, the early- and late-day songs of the
American Robins, and the monotone staccato of the Northern Flickers became more common, as did the drumming of
the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and Red-breasted Sapsuckers.
Not all of the wintering birds darted off to their breeding grounds. Over 200 Tundra Swans remained at Swan
Lake north of Reno until the middle of March, when they started to become very active and then disappeared by March
23 (when they also were sighted in Montello in northeastern Nevada). This winter’s southerly onslaught of Bohemian
Waxwings lasted into early March, especially in Elko, and Golden-crowned Sparrows still mixed with the White-
crowneds well into March. Cassin’s Finches began their usual spring irruption in Baker in February and March, and
their numbers were picking up in western-Nevada towns in late March. Wild Turkeys in Baker were still flocking in
February, although this species can form mobile early-spring leks that contain a number of males and females.
Northern Nevada birders noted 131 species during the February and March overture to the coming breeding
season, a total that included the yard birds reported to the Great Backyard Bird Count in mid February. Sources of
information for this column included John Anderson, Mary Anderson, Richard Brune, Alan de Queiroz, Mary Jo
Elpers, Bob Goodman, Mike Greenan, Alan Gubanich, Kirk Hardie, Linda Hiller, Ed Kurtz, Jacque Lowery, Sue
Anne Marshall, Diane McAllister, Martin Meyers, Don Molde, Jill Neumann, Kathy Oakes, Christiane Omer,
Fred Petersen, Harold Peterson, Debbie Pontius, Lois and Mark Ports, Lynn Purcell, Dan Rabbers, Melissa
Renfro and John Free, Pat Rupley, Jean Sherman, Jane Thompson, Steve Ting, Myra Ulvang, Frank Whitman,
Dave Worley, and me. Contributions are welcome, so send a postcard/note to 1050 Sumac St., Reno, NV 89509 or an
email to wallacealan@sbcglobal.net, or continue to post items on the Nevada bird listserv. The deadline for the next
column is May 25. Good birding, and enjoy the start of the opera season in April and May!

6 The Pelican
 LAS MEMBERSHIP/DONATION FORM
Lahontan Audubon Society Membership: All funds remain in the community. Members receive The Pelican
newsletter and may elect to receive e-mail activities notices. Please complete and mail this form with payment.

1. o LAS Renewal o New Membership o Send me a National Audubon application

2. o Individual/Family - $20/year o Full Time Student/Senior (over 62) - $15/year

LAS Donations: Please select level:

o Ruby-crowned Kinglet - $10 o Mountain Bluebird - $20 o American Avocet - $50
o American White Pelican - $100 o Golden Eagle - $500 or more

NAME (please print)______________________________________________________

ADDRESS_ ____________________________________________________________
CITY__________________________ STATE_ ________ ZIP CODE_____________
PHONE________________________________________________________________
E-MAIL_______________________________________ o Include on LAS-only e-mail list

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $__________ May/June 2008 issue

Make check payable to Lahontan Audubon Society and mail this form to:
Kathy Oakes, LAS Membership, 4120 Plateau Road, Reno, NV 89519

LAS SALES FORM

Price Postage TOTAL

Important Bird Areas of Nevada $19.95 $4.60 _____

Published by Lahontan Audubon Society, 2005

A Birding Guide to Reno and Beyond--Second Edition $10 $2 _____

Published by Lahontan Audubon Society, 2007

Nevada Birding Map--Second Edition $ 4 $1 _____

Published by Lahontan Audubon Society, 2007

TOTAL ORDER _____

NAME (please print)______________________________________________________

ADDRESS_ ____________________________________________________________
CITY__________________________ STATE_ ________ ZIP CODE_____________
PHONE________________________________________________________________
E-MAIL_______________________________________________________________(in case of a question regarding your order)

Make checks payable to Lahontan Audubon Society and mail with this form to:
Jane Burnham, LAS Sales, 8071 Big River Drive, Reno, NV 89506

The Pelican 7
 Printed on Recycled Paper
THE PELICAN NonProfit org.
Lahontan Audubon Society U.S. Postage
P.O. Box 2304 paid
Reno, Nevada 89505 reno, nevada
permit no. 181

Postmaster: Please send change of

address to The Pelican, P.O. Box
2304, Reno, NV 89505.

If your mailing label is highlighted, please

renew your local LAS membership now.

LAHONTAN AUDUBON SOCIETY

Officers President Karen Kish klkish@pyramid.net 841-1180

Vice President Alan Gubanich aag@unr.nevada.edu 857-0191
Treasurer Dave Straley dstraley@nvbell.net 832-9222
Recording Secretary Bonnie Wagner bwagner@hyattclassic.com 829-6311
Trustees Seat #1 to 2008 Jane Burnham jane.burnham@sbcglobal.net 677-4178
Seat #2 to 2008 Gene Hansel renohansel@hotmail.com 354-2150
Seat #3 to 2009 Ali Chaney ali_chaney@hotmtail.com 813-3494
Seat #4 to 2008 Kathy Oakes oakesy@sbcglobal.net 747-5446
Seat #5 to 2009 Jacque Lowery wbureno@sbcglobal.net 853-1302
Seat #6 to 2010 Linda Badzioch lbadzioch@pyramid.net 851-8353
Seat #7 to 2010 Kenn Rohrs karohrs@charter.net 849-9530

IBA Director Robin Powell rpowell@audubon.org 247-2798

Committee Activity/Program Alan Gubanich aag@unr.nevada.edu 857-0191

Chairs Birding Classes Bob Goodman pandion36@aol..com 972-7848
Birds & Books Reading Group Kenn Rohrs karhors@charter.net 849-9530
Communications Karen Kish klkish@pyramid.net 841-1180
Conservation Ali Chaney ali_chaney@hotmail.com 813-3494
Education Alan Gubanich aag@unr.nevada.edu 857-0191
Field Trips Christiane Omer happycpo@aol.com 354-2634
Hospitality Linda Badzioch lbadzioch@pyramid.net 851-8353
LAS Sales Jane Burnham jane.burnham@sbcglobal.net 677-4178
Membership Kathy Oakes oakesy@sbcglobal.net 747-5446

Publication and The Pelican Editor Jen Martin jensieb@gmail.com 742-2582
Information The Pelican Distribution Connie Douglas nevadaconnie@sbcglobal.net 425-1305
“Birds in Town” Alan Wallace wallacealan@sbcglobal.net 786-5755
LAS Info Line Jacque Lowery 324-BIRD
Web Master Steve Ting scting@charter.net 849-3725

8 The Pelican