April 1997, Volume 30, Number 7

Does the Mandarin Duck Count? April General Meeting Volunteer Opportunites Pee Wee Audubon Thank You Mayacamas Camp-out April 25-26 Madrone Audubon on the Info Autobahn Pee Wee Reports Observations Bird Band Reports MidweekWalkabout Results Beginners Bird Walks Field Trip Report Mandarin Duck Observations Sought News From Our Ranch Preservations Update An Egregious Omission Field Trip to Pepperwood Welcome New Members Bird Rescue Open House Student/Senior Membership Rates

Mandarin Duck Observations Sought The co-existence of Mandarin Ducks with Wood Ducks in Sonoma County isnot necessarily all good news, for, as we humans have learned from the ill-advisedintroductions of the European Starling, House Sparrow and Rock Dove, nativespecies can suffer and the balance of nature can be upset by the intrusionof newcomers. But before any judgements are made, data must first be gathered to determinethe status and viability of this new population. The American OrnithologicalUnion (AOU), which, among other services, monitors bird populations, hascontacted Madrone Audubon for information on the Mandarin Duck. The AOUwants to determine whether to list it as an introduced species with a viablepopulation living in the wild without human assistance. But more informationis needed. Please help by writing a brief report of any Mandarin Duck sightings,and sending it to Betty Burridge, 1653 Arroyo Sierra Way, Santa Rosa, California95405. Include your name and address, the date and time of sighting, numberof adult birds by gender, number of young, the exact location, and whatthe bird(s) were doing. Especially note any breeding behaviors, and nestbox use versus use of natural cavities in trees. If you have any questionsor wish to record your sightings on a form call Betty at 527-0225.

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