The Rural Heritage Initiative, (RHI), sponsored by a committee of Sonoma County citizens and organizations, was formally endorsed by the Madrone Audubon Board of Directors in May. RHI calls for majority voter approval of any amendment to the Sonoma County General Plan that redesignates or increases densities of Agricultural and Rural Resource lands in the County. It is hoped that the initiative will encourage city-centered growth, and reaffirm the current Sonoma County General Plan designations for agricultural and rural lands, our county's blueprint for development. Madrone supports the measure as part of our ongoing commitment to the protection of viable wildllife habitat, and ecosystems that support biodiversity within our community.

Several Madrone volunteers worked to gather the 22,000 signatures required to qualify the anti-sprawl measure for the November ballot. Over 200 volunteers participated in the petition drive throughout the county. The public response in favor of putting RHI on the ballot was overwhelmingly positive, according to Annalise Dalrymple of Greenbelt Alliance. But the hard work still lies ahead. The campaign will need energetic volunteers to help get RHI passed in November. If you can help on a committee or with other tasks, please give Annaliese a call at 575-3661.

To clear up some possible misconceptions, RHI does not change any existing County General Plan policy for Agricultural or Resource and Rural Development designations, nor does it change zoning or subdivision ordinances. RHI does not affect acquisitions of the Agricultural and Open Space District, or those of school districts, hospitals or needed public safety facilities. The Initiative does not stand in the way of development that would be authorized as necessary to comply with state law requirements for provision of low and very low income housing.

For further information on the Rural Heritage Initiative, contact Citizens for Sonoma County's Future, 575-4218,or go to http://www.ruralheritage.net/

Bill Payne and Jeffrey Holtzman were honored at Madrone Audubon's 33rd Annual Meeting, May 15.

Bill was awarded the Bewick's Wren Award for his volunteer work as Chairman of the Mayacamas Sanctuary Committee and all the time he devoted to reaching the final agreement with the City of Santa Rosa on the Geyser Pipeline. Jeff was awarded the Evalyn and Les Bowen Award for his contributions as web master for our award winning web site.

The new Board of Directors was elected at the April general meeting and installed at the May 15 Annual Dinner meeting. They are President Bryant Hichwa, Vice-President Claire Shurvinton, Secretary Phyllis Schmitt, Co-Treasurers Elizabeth Desmond and Rebecca Olson, Corresponding Secretary Janet Bosshard.
The next general meeting will be the third Monday in September.

Bolinas Lagoon Preserve

June is fledgling time for both Homo sapiens graduates and full-feathered avian species. The heronry is full of ready-to-go Great Blue Heron chicks (about a dozen), babbling Great Egret chicks (about 50 in all stages of childhood development), and late-arriving, gurgling Snowy Egrets (3 or more nests). Please join us for the ever-changing show in our Picher Canyon. Public season runs every weekend day through July 9th, 10am - 4pm. Our Ranch Guides (20 of whom fledged in March 2000), are ready to assist you at our two overlooks, ponds and trails. And many thank yous to the wonderful chapter volunteers who are weekend hosts during the season.

Our award-winning Docent School Program starts its biannual training in September. Orientation dates are May 31 and August 30. Please call our ACR office at 415/868-9244 for more information. You, too, could fledge next spring with an amazing wealth of natural history knowledge and eagerness to share it with 4th- and 5th-graders.

Bouverie Preserve

Twenty-two newly-fledged young Juniper graduates are busy mentoring their peers on docent field trips to Bouverie Preserve. These junior naturalists, chosen for their special interest in natural history, completed a 5-week course with our docents. They also accompany docents on Bouverie's popular Guided Nature Walks. Don't miss a chance to wander the beautiful trails of our Valley of the Moon preserve. Fall dates for one of these walks are September 16, October 14, November 11, and December 9. Call (707) 938-4554 for a lottery form to register for a walk.

Audubon Canyon Ranch is an independent non-profit organization which owns and administers 3 educational Nature preserves in Marin and Sonoma Counties. It is supported by 4 Bay Area Audubon chapters including Madrone Audubon Society.

Because summer is upon us, and no one knows whether it will be hot and dry or cool and foggy, and because we do know that northern California will soon be facing a water crisis, it seems prudent at this time to talk about xeriscape gardening for birds. How dire our water shortage will be is unknown, but we are already being told we'll need to cut back on water usage.

Xeriscape, or drought-tolerant landscaping, was a buzzword a few years ago, but we may have become complacent as of late due to an abundance of rain. Xeriscaping means getting the most landscaping for the least amount of water. It can be accomplished in many ways...leaving an area wild or naturalized; it can be done by subtracting plants and adding hardscaping, such as more patios, decks, paths, or gazebos. It can be accomplished by efficient irrigation, digging organic matter into the soil to make it more water retentive, by heavy mulching, by appropriate maintenance and with the use of appropriate plant selection. It most certainly does not mean you must accept a yard of stones and cactus!

Even drought tolerant plants must have summer water in their first two years so they can develop deep strong root systems. Thereafter, you will be able to water some of them every other month; some, such as native manzanitas and ceanothus, not at all. Here are some trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and ground covers that will attract birds, but not run up your water bill.

TREES: In the arbutus family, there is the California native madrone, and from Europe, the strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo. Both provide nectar and berries for birds. Another good tree is the Western hackberry, Celtis reticulata, a shade tree, deep-rooted and deciduous, which can grow up to 30' tall and as wide. Tiny red or brown berries are eaten by birds. SHRUBS: Many to choose from that will provide bird fodder and cover and not demand much or any water. All our native shrubs, such as manzanita, ceanothus, Western redbud, coyote bush, toyon, Pacific wax myrtle, our wild plums and cherries (prunus spp.), barberries, coffee bush, salvias, currants and gooseberries, and many more are bird provident and drought tolerant.

As for non-natives, don't forget the amazingly drought-tolerant rosemary, which provides winter nectar for hummingbirds, as do the grevilleas from Australia, and the pineapple guava, Feijoa sellowiana from South America. Its flowers are an inch large and tri-colored (red, white, purple). The petals are edible by humans, as are its sweet, pulpy fruits. Birds are hugely attracted to the guava plants and they are wonderfully arid-tolerant. Lantanas are attractive to birds and butterflies. The ubiquitous pyracantha and bottlebrush are attended by birds and hummingbirds. The Lady Bank's rose, Rosa banksiae, because of its fast growth habit into a huge flowering thicket provides unbeatable cover for birds, with no summer water at all. A bonus is its long bloom period of yellow or white roses.

PERENNIALS & ANNUALS: Coreopsis and zinnias, Mexican sunflowers, Tithonia speciosa, and coneflowers attract birds to their seeds and can be grown in a xeriscape. One of the hummingbirds' favorites is the California fuchsia, Zauschneria californica, now changed to Epilobium, as are the sticky monkey flowers, Diplacus aurianticus, which are the shrubby natives you see blooming in May on dry hillsides, with buff-orange, tubular flowers.

Duncans Mills/Jenner/Willow Creek, Wednesday, January 5, 2000
Although not an auspicious birding day (only 57 species), Dennis Beall and fourteen birding friends enjoyed a beautiful day of birding and camaraderie at Duncan's Mills, Jenner and Willow Creek. Dennis Beall

Pt. Reyes, Thursday April 13, 2000
Eight birders joined Jim and Jean Tonascia at the Bear Valley Visitor Center at Point Reyes National Seashore on a cloudy, light day with intermittent sprinkles. Along the Earthquake trail, returning spring birds were seen and heard singing. At Drake=92s Beach we had excellent views of the Great Horned Owl, which was also seen at the Fish Docks. Two Black Scoters and many Surf Scoters and Grebes were also seen there. Eighty-seven species were seen. Jean and Jim Tonascia

Warm Springs Dam, Thursday, April 27, 2000
On a warm morning which turned breezy and chilly as a weak front moved in, thirty one birders joined Lew Edmonson at the Warm Springs Dam visitor center in anticipation of seeing colorful spring avian visitors. The Lazuli Bunting and Orange-crown Warbler did not disappoint us, but the Orioles and Tanagers failed to put in an appearance. The highlights of the day were two Spotted Sandpipers at the spillway, a California Thrasher at the campground and an Ash-throated Flycatcher at the visitor center. Forty four species were seen.

Pine Flat Road, Saturday, April 29, 2000
Warm, sunny, spring weather brought out 18 birders led by Lew Edmondson to bird Pine Flat Road, finding 49 species. Highlights included two Golden Eagles, one of which dropped down form a transmission tower with tallons lowered to drive off marauding crows which beat a hasty retreat. A nesting Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a Chipping Sparrow were also noteworthy.

Salmon Creek Road, Wednesday, May 3, 2000
On a splendid spring day, 12 birders plus leader, Betty Groce, traversed Salmon Creek Road by car and on foot. Forty-nine species were heard and/or seen plus 7 species of butterflies and a number wildflowers and shrubs in bloom. Highlights included: a Bushtit pair bringing food to their nest, a Pileated Woodpecker fly-by uttering his raucous call, a Swainson's Thrush serenading us and great close-up looks at Allen's Hummers and Bullock's Orioles. There were numerous new "No Trespassing" Signs and "Keep Out" signs at the end of the road so we judiciously curtailed our activity in that area and, as a result, felt we missed some of the expected species.

Friday, June 16, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Sonoma County Environmental Center Open House
The Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club will host a wine and hors d'oeuvre party at the new Environmental Center on June 16th from 5:30 to 7:00pm. Madrone Audubon members and other Sonoma County Conservation Council members are welcome to attend.

Editorial Staff Volunteers Needed for the Leaves!
After the summer hiatus, the Madrone Leaves will be back in September and we need your help in the publishing process. Two positions are available: Calendar Coordinator and Features Editor. The coordinator compiles the monthly calendar events and bird walk reports that are provided by several contributors who lead the birdwalks and fieldtrips. All you need is a computer and a couple of hours a month. The Features Editor attends board meetings, oversees the articles and announcements contributed for publication and writes a blurb here and there to complete all the news that's fit to print. A computer and a love of the language will provide the right combination to enjoy this work. Please call Bryant Hichwa, 579-1182, as soon as possible to learn more about these opportunities.

Madrone Audubon's New Home
The Sonoma County Environmental Center has officially moved into its new home at 404 Mendocino Avenue, Suite A, Santa Rosa, 95401, (the old Grateful Bagel location). Peeter Vilms deserves the bulk of the credit for negotiating the lease, and in many other ways, making this happen. The space is newly painted and carpeted, with full spectrum fluorescent lighting, and 25% more space than the old site.

Madrone Audubon volunteers Linda Curry, Joannie Dranginis, Jerry Richerts, Diane Hichwa, and Claire Shurvinton gave generously of their time to move the chapter's display and stored materials over to the new location. We really appreciated having the use of Jerry's pickup truck to help with the furniture. The Center will continue to be staffed part time by Tom Devlin of the Sierra Club, and will be open for business well ahead of Madrone's next board meeting on June 7th. Come visit whenever you are downtown.

Help Needed for Pee Wee Audubon and General Meeting Programs
The Pee Wee Audubon needs a Program Chair. The job requires a couple of meetings a year with volunteers to set up a monthly program schedule, and follow-through with the naturalist leaders to make sure all the pieces are in place for each program. Benefits include sparking the joy of discovery in young children and working with great people.

Madrone also has an opening for Program Chair. We have plenty of good prospects for general meeting programs. We just need someone to schedule and welcome the guest speakers at our monthly General Meetings.

Please call Diane Hichwa at 579-1182 for more information if you are interested in either of these positions.

THE ROADRUNNERS
(Betty Groce, Dennis Beall, Jean & Jim Tonascia)

SPONSORS:
Virginia McDonagh, Laurence & Barbara Taylor, Pat Marsh, Neal Conner, Beth Combs, Jim Batchelder, Don McCarthy, Stan & Hedda Gold, Jack Troutfetter, Jim Smith, Catherine Hickey, Sara Gerboth, Kathryn Learned, Cy Stewart, Terry Law, June England, Leslie Goodrich, Carole Sunlight, Avis Anderson, Phyllis Schmitt, Janette Evans, Helen Hay, Bobbie Sparrow, Jackie Stadtman, Clem Maasen, Steve De Salvo, DDS, Jim & Sandy Gilmer, John & Barbara Hopper, Nora Ernst, Phyllis & George Ellman, Mary A. Finn, Shirley Leaphart, Barbara & Gene Toschi, Jack & Joy Ryan, Betty Witchey, Barbara Gumtow, Maureen Rumford, Janet Bosshard, Louise Eddy, Jack Schuyler, Dottie Smith, Margaret Owles, Larraine Laird, Malcolm & B.J. Blanchard, Carol Orme, Ann Shrader, John Klint, Dennis Beall, Teresita Salter-Haag, Ellen Bingell.

THE FEATHERQUESTERS
Bird-a-thon team of Karen Nagel and Diane Hichwa saw 122 species on February 25 (including a badger!). A big thank you to the following sponsors:

SPONSERS:
Rebecca Anderson-Jones, Cindy Barker, Clinton & Dorcas Allison, Ruth Stanton, Martha Bentley, Mike & A.K. Smiley, Gay Bishop, Sam & Viola Brown, Dr. Tim Pile, George & Phyllis Ellman, Noelle Bon, Jayne Brogan, Cathy Vough, Stephen Hemenway, Liz Brown, Margaret Brubaker, Jim & Glenda Gentile, Evelyn Berger, Margaret Brubaker, Liz & Jeff Bundschu, John & Jo Kleis, Phyllis Schmitt, Gloria Shay, Ginny & Grant Fletcher, Gundlach-Bundschu Winery, Jean Hanks, Kit Daine, Karen &Mike Kasper, Steve Sapers & Claire Greene, Maggie Salenger & Peter Haywood, Brenda Lyons, Don & Donna Friedrich, Mike & Jill Silvas, Don &Diane Trowbridge, Pat McLorie, Ted Nagel, Kathy & Dave Biggs, Karen & Jay Abbe, Paul T. Pera, Celeste & Roger Phillips, Marilynn Scott, All Tails Wagging Veterinary Clinic, Jim Seeser, Sally Pola, Jackson Rannells, Janice Vough, John Reese, Arlene Weis, Bill & Bev Penn, Linda Reichel, Richard Shipps, Chuck & Olivia Carniglia, Ernie Smith, Shirley Spina, Gwen Dhesi, Joan Stagnaro, Deborah Votek, Kathy Wright, Robin Richards, Donna Bley, and Judy Brinkerhoff.

SONOMA COUNTY WATER AGENCY

SPONSORS:
Jeanette Wilson, Jane Christensen, Renee T. Webber, Amy Harris, Patty Flugum, Leigh Kingsbury, Sean White, Brian Biro, Jim and Nadine Tattersall, Paul and Cari Olin, Jeanne and Carlisle Holland, David Lamb, Arnold and Marge Lamb, Jennifer McCaffery, Lorraine Parsons, Robert and Tina Martini.

Members may have seen the irate editorial opposition in the Press Democrat when the Open Space District brought before the Board of Supervisors a proposal to acquire the development rights on the 1700 acre Modini Ranch. However, they may not realize how important this is in relation to Audubon's Mayacamas Mt. Sanctuary. The Modini property connects the sanctuary's 1400 acres to the Santa Angelina property, already under Open Space District protection. Combined they control a major watershed.

But even more importantly, the Modini Ranch has a very rare attribute. Ever since Caucasians first came to California, the white man has trod very lightly on this particular piece of land. As a result, its habitat is practically untouched by the intrusion of alien flora and fauna - no star thistle, etc. Therefore it is in an ideal position to serve as the matrix from which one hopes that all the surrounding habitat may eventually be restored. As Dan Taylor, Director of Audubon California, said in a letter to the Press Democrat, "It is the most outstanding parcel of intact coastal oak and evergreen forest I have ever visited in the Coast Range of California."

Regardless of the need for other types of open space land, we should not allow this jewel to be lost to Sonoma County. While housing developments are not currently a looming danger, this is Alexander Valley land and has many acres suitable for upland vineyards and trophy estates. Without doubt the Modinis have already received offers predicated on such a use for the land.

The Madrone Board urges you to let your County Supervisor and the Open Space District know that this is an important parcel to protect now.

PEE WEE AUDUBON NEWS

Dragonflies!
Pee Wee Audubon's next outing will be Sunday, June 11th at 10 am at the Airport Park Pond. Strange place for a Pee Wee outing? Not if one is hunting for dragonflies! Kathy Biggs will lead us again this year n search of these strange and beautiful creatures. Come learn the difference between a damselfly and a dragonfly, and other fascinating facts! Bring sunscreen, hat, water and snacks! And please RSVP to Janice Sinclaire at 433-1150

Orienteering!

My family has recently gotten into orienteering through the Bay Area Orienteering Club. BAOC sponsors orienteering meets in the Greater Bay Area all year long, and is it a hoot! It's basically a big treasure hunt with many different levels of competition. Most people who participate don't seem to me to really compete, they're just out for a nice hike! Great for families! Check out the BAOC web site at www.baoc.org Seems to me to be a nice fit for Audubon members!

Eared Grebe (alternate plu.) 4/12 Shollenberger Park ND
Barrow's Goldeneye (2) 4/6 Cloverdale treatment ponds DN
Common Goldeneye (8) 4/6 Cloverdale treatment ponds DN
Golden Eagle 4/1 near Bouverie Preserve RS
Golden Eagle 5/9 E. Of Geyserville DN, KH
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5/2 McNear School, Petaluma DN
Merlin 4/15 Viansa Wetlands GM, JB Peregrine Falcon (ad.) 5/4 E. of Asti DN, KH
Wild Turkey (3-4) 5/9 E. of Geyserville DN, KH
Lesser Nighthawk 5/2 Bodega Bay residence AC, DC
White-throated Swift 4/2 China Camp, Marin Co. DN
White-throated Swift (1) 5/10 Pacific Bell Park DN,TCN
Vaux' Swift (2) 5/4 Asti DN, KH
Calliope Hummingbird (8-10) 4/15 Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo AW, et al Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4/21 Healdsburg NW
Western Wood-Pewee 5/4 Asti DN, KH
Olive-sided Flycatcher 5/9 Shiloh Regional Park DN
Ash-throated Flycatcher 5/3 Moon Mtn. Rd. DN, KH
Hammond's Flycatcher (2) 4/15 Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo AW, et al Warbling Vireo 5/3 off Trinity Rd. DN
Cassin's Vireo 5/4 Asti DN, KH
Black-throated Gray Warbler 5/4 Asti DN, KH
Yellow-breasted Chat (2) 4/29 W. of Willowside Rd. CS
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2-3) 5/3 Moon Mtn. Rd. DN, KH
Western Tanager (male) 4/27 Henno Rd., Glen Ellen KM
Rufous-crowned Sparrow 3/31 Geyser Rd. AW, NW
Rufous-crowned Sparrow 5/4 E.of Asti DN, KH
Chipping Sparrow (6-8) 4/14 Shady Acres Ln., S. of Pythian RS
Grasshopper Sparrow (2-3) 5/4 E. of Asti DN, KH
Black-headed Grosbeak 4/11 Sylvia Dr., Cazadero DB
Lazuli Bunting (fem.calling) 5/3 Moon Mtn. Rd DN, KH
Lazuli Bunting (singing males) 5/9 E. of Geyserville DN, KH
Hooded Oriole 5/8 behind Safeway, Petaluma DN
Hooded Oriole 5/9 off Riebli Rd., S.R. DN

Contributors: Ann & Dan Cohen, Dennis Beall, John Burgess, Norris Dyer, Kerry Heise, Gerry Mugele, Kathy Mugele, Dan Nelson, Tyler Cannon-Nelson, Roger Sanborn, Claire Shurvinton, Alan Wight and Ed Wynn.

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