Madrone Audubon is undergoing significant changes in its membership structure as a direct result of alterations in policy at National Audubon. The changes have lead to some confusion amongst our members. As your president, I hope to clarify the situation and seek your support and input in order to help us move strongly and positively through this transition.

The National Audubon Society is in the process of ending its financial support of local Audubon chapters. Sonoma County residents who join the National Audubon Society automatically become members of Madrone Audubon. Historically National sent the chapter a portion of each member's annual dues to support newsletter and program costs-this constituted about half of Madrone's operating budget, or about $10,000. This share was cut by half last year and will be eliminated completely as of September, 2003.

This means that while your National membership supports vital national and global conservation issues, it no longer supports the local programs of Madrone Audubon. Therefore Madrone is entirely dependent on donations from Sonoma County supporters to generate all the funds needed for our birding, conservation and education activities here in Sonoma County and for the publication of our newsletter, Madrone Leaves.

We are increasing fundraising efforts in order to continue providing the services our members currently enjoy and expect. Our new local membership gives you the option to join Madrone Audubon directly, in which case all of your dues money will be used here in Sonoma County to pay for local programs and your newsletter subscription. There is a membership form on the back of this newsletter which can be used for joining or renewing as a "Madrone-only" member, or you can contact me and I will send you a brochure. It is important to recognize that when you join Madrone Audubon directly you will not become a member of National Audubon, nor receive its magazine, Audubon.

The Madrone Board of Directors is still in the process of making decisions about implementation of cost-cutting measures, but it is possible that we will not be able to afford to supply the newsletter free of charge to National members in the future. We are currently requesting that National members send Madrone a contribution of $20 ($15 for seniors and students) to cover the annual costs of your newsletter. If you send a check for that purpose, you should indicate that it is a contribution. The form on the back of the newsletter has an option to check for National members who wish to contribute towards their newsletter costs and Madrone's programs.

We ask for your support and encouragement as we go through this transition. Financial independence is an opportunity as well as a challenge for Madrone Audubon, and we expect to emerge as an even stronger and more vital force for birds and the environment in Sonoma County.

The Madrone Board of Directors will be considering these and other measures to cut costs and increase funding at our yearly planning meeting in June. All members are encouraged to share their ideas with us. If you have ideas or concerns, please contact one of the Board members listed on the back of this newsletter.

This year's planning meeting will be held at Bouverie Preserve on Saturday, June 7, 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Please call Claire at 527-6118 , or send an e-mail to cshurvin@earthlink.net, if you cannot attend.

Professional nature photographer Wyn Hoag will present a very special slide show of the remaining "wild" California coast that stretches from the tidepools to the forests to the peaks of the coastal range. This series of photographs portrays different sections of our coast and the ecosystems and wildlife within them, including many species of birds.

Wyn Hoag has a Master's degree in Life Science from Tufts University. He taught at the Colorado and Pacific Crest Outward Bound Schools, leading teens on wilderness expeditions in the Rockies and Sierras. He gives photography classes and workshops in Marin County, and has a gallery in Stinson Beach, very near his current residence at Audubon Canyon Ranch's Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. He is a partner in WildNature, Inc., an educational nonprofit dedicated to communication about the remaining wildlands of the West.

The program will begin at 7:30, following a potluck dinner and the installation of Madrone's officers for the coming year. Please bring a dish to share (entree, salad or dessert), along with your own plate and utensils. We will provide drinks-sorry, no alcoholic beverages allowed at the church.

NOTE: Help to set up before the dinner (or to clean up afterwards), is much appreciated. Please call Virginia McDonagh at 527-9115.

Bodega Bay, Wednesday, March 19
On a clear, calm morning at Bodega Bay leader Don McCarthy was accompanied by 33 birders who observed 77 species. An active Bushtit nest was enjoyed by all. About 800 Western Sandpipers and Dunlin were perched on the rocks of the south jetty, waiting for low tide.

Shollenberger Park, Thursday, March 27
Twenty-four bird enthusiasts took the two-mile hike around Shollenberger Park with leader Bob Dyer in sunny but somewhat windy conditions. Sixty-two species were recorded. Some of us had brief looks at the American Bittern and Virginia Rail but the highlight was the variety of migratory ducks present in the central pond: 14 species, including the Cinnamon, Blue-winged, and Green-winged Teal.
Bodega Bay, Thursday, April 10
Nineteen birders joined Jean Tonascia on an overcast, cold, windy day at Bodega Bay, finding 82 species. The tide was out the entire day. We still observed several shorebirds including many Semipalmated Plovers. The highlight was seeing the Surfbirds and Red-necked Grebes in breeding plumage.

Mayacamas Mountains Audubon Sanctuary, Saturday, April 12
Five birders met with leader Ian Morrison in the rain at the church parking lot in Jimtown, hoping to bird Pine Flat Road and the Mayacamas Mountains Audubon Sanctuary. Birding from the parking lot was productive, producing twenty-two species, including a male Rufous Hummingbird. The rain commenced in earnest as the group drove up to Pine Flat. After taking a quick look at the active Red-tailed Hawk nest, hearing a Stellar's Jay call and seeing two very wet California Quail, the trip was called off due to weather.

The Grey-Headed Searsucker team "won" this year's Birdathon (all for the glory of it-no prizes!) by spotting a total of 141 species, a record high for their team. Searsucker team members were Betty Burridge, Ian Morrison, Becky Olsen, Bill Payne and Ken Wilson.

The Roadrunners, Betty Groce and Jean Tonascia, captured second place with 128 species. They edged out the Feather Questers, Diane Hichwa and Karen Nagel, who sighted 126 species this year, down two from their last year's total. Two teams tied for fourth place-Jim and Elinor Taylor and Daphne Smith and Joannie Dranginis-with 82 species apiece, both higher than their last year's counts.

The Healdsburg Herons, Barbara Stewart and Valerie White, spotted a remarkable 54 species without leaving their immediate area around Healdsburg, and Claire Shurvinton's Pee Wee participants delighted in spotting 40 species in Santa Rosa's Howarth and Spring Lake Parks. As of early April, the donations received from Birdathon total $5459. Look for a final total in next month's Leaves, and do send in any pledges you may have overlooked.

Madrone Audubon thanks the tireless teams, and especially their supporters whose pledges spur them on. The donations from Birdathon go to support the education and conservation programs of Madrone Audubon that are so important to our local community. We encourage those who have not yet participated in a Birdathon to form teams and join in the fun at next year's event. If anyone would like to be on a Birdathon team, or if you would like tips on how to start your own team, please call Joyce MacLaury at 526-9315.

All Tails Wagging Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Tim Pile, Wendy & Chris Iaconis, Karen & Jay Abbe, Don & Donna Friedrich, Judy Temko, Danna Vough, Karen & Mike Kasper, Ann Leavell, Marilynn Scott, Jim & Judy Seeser, Roger & Deb Phillips, Janice Vough, Gloria Shay, Rich Kuehn, Dean Schuler, Katherine Hichwa, Kathy & Dave Biggs, Anoop & Rashmi, Lynn Agrawal & Garrett Cominsky, John & Jo Kleis, Evelyn Berger, Sam & Viola Brown, Claire Green & Steve Sapers, Phyllis Schmitt, Nancy & Bryan Yamasaki.

Dave & Chris Powell, Cathy Zbikowski, Kit Daine, Steve Hemenway, Glenda Gentile, Craig & Kelly Olson, George & Phyllis Ellman, Bev & Bill Penn, Liz Thach, Mike & A.K. Smiley, Ruth Stanton, Terry VanHorn, Val Hanelt, E. Rae Hudspeth, Phyllis Schmidt, Jack Troutfetter, Janette Evans, Don McCarthy, Sandra Martensen, Marilyn Edmondson, Teresita Salter-Hoag, Jean Tonascia, Edith Moran, Donal Richert, Harriet Draper, Bernice Schmitt, Guenter Billman, Judith Barker, Joyce Lynch, Mary Winkler, Carol Orme, C.W. Maasen, Ann Nally, Gordon Harlander, Samuel Brown, George Batchelder, Thomas McCuller, Sara Gerboth, Elizabeth Burridge, Marilyn Strand, Lucille Shepard, Ann Shroder, John Post, Frances Waska.

Leslie Goodrich, Marilyn Sanders, Joylynn Ryan, Jayne Buscho, Dorothy Small, Maureen Rumford, John McMahon, Jr., James D. Clegg, Jr., June England, Ann Anderson, Marilyn Rathman, Cynthia Rathkey, Eleonore Miller, Janet Bosshard, Jane Collins, Malcolm Blanchard, Juhani Klint, Rhio Reigh, Stanley Gold, Caroline Richardson, Barbara Sparrow, Frances Eddy, Jaci Reinecker, John Schuyler, Lise Stevens, Nadine Amoss, John Hopper, Charlotte Oldaker, Laura Stanley, Catherine Hickey, Virginia Stewart, Claire Anderson, Shirley Leaphart, James Gilmer, Avis Anderson, Clarence Hoffmann, Douglas Murray, Donald Howard, Jr., Thelma Stratton.

Frances M. Kohn, Catherine Heater, Jim and Elinor Taylor, Ruth Barcelon, Scott Richardson, Sally Noble, Barbara Thomason, Adelina Mandujano, Gail Arrata, Don Ellsbree, Patty Cade, Nancy Morgan, Betty Wieboldt, Gail Pippi, Delynn Fitts, Melinda Hill, Gyanne Hall, Debbie Caspersen, Sheri Scheibel, Donna Watson, Linda Cervantes, Barbara Stewart, Valerie White, Val Mulcaire, Carole Hale, Arlene Weis, Lisa Cahn, Diane Hichwa, Jean Riffle, Susan Hammond, Shirl and Tom Maxson, Helen Howard, Connie Joachim, Mike Center, Bob Rubin, Robin Fautley, Kirsten Lindstrom, Chris Christopher, Sally Pola, Becky Brown.

Everyone who enjoys birds and birding must always respect wildlife, its environment, and the rights of others. In any conflict between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment comes first.

1. Promote the welfare of birds and their environment.
¨ Support the protection of important bird habitat.
¨ Exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography or sound recording.
¨ Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas, or for attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered or of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area.
¨ Stay on roads, trails and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a minimum.
¨ Sites of rare nesting birds should be made known only to the proper conservation officials.

2. Respect the law, and the rights of others.
¨ Do not enter private property without the owner's explicit permission.
¨ Follow all laws, rules and regulations governing use of roads and public areas, both at home and abroad.
¨ Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people.

3. Ensure that feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments
are safe.
¨ Keep feeders and water clean of decay or disease.
¨ Maintain and clean nest structures regularly.
¨ If you are attracting birds to an area, ensure they are not exposed to danger from cats and other domestic animals, or dangers posed by artificial hazards.

Nesting season is in full swing for the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve's Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets. The Preserve is open to the public every weekend through July 13 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Audubon members can visit the Preserve on certain days during the week (not Mondays), but must call (415) 868-9244 in advance to arrange a time. If you want to visit this beautiful spot on a weekend day and have some extra time, call and ask if you can fill a spot as an Audubon host.

(NOTE: You are invited to attend the Bird Rescue Center's annual Open House on Saturday, May 10, from 10 AM to 4 PM, 3430 Chanate Road, across from Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with a visit to the Center!)

Spring, also known as baby bird season at Santa Rosa's Bird Rescue Center, is an especially busy time-extra volunteers are most welcome. The Center can use help to answer the phone, transport birds and nurse along the babies who have been orphaned at a critical stage in their development.

For an idea of what "especially busy" means, here are a few statistics from 2002: out of about 2400 birds brought to the Center during the year, 569 came in during the month of June-32 of them in one day! Volunteers recorded over 10,500 phone calls received last year, about 2500 of which were in June.

This year Bird Rescue's Martha Bentley has cared for three sets of very young Anna's Hummingbirds, some found and brought in just about two days after hatching and requiring feedings about every 25 minutes for 12 hours a day. When the little hummers have grown and feathered enough to fly and hover, they are placed in a Healdsburg resident's garden in mesh cages where they have flowering plants and a feeder of their own and can observe the behavior of adult hummingbirds feeding around them. It's truly a labor of love, typical of the Center's work.

Orientation sessions for volunteers are regularly scheduled on the first Saturday morning of each month from 9:30 AM to Noon, and also on the third Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:30 PM. Please call 523-BIRD (523-2473) for more information.

You can also help out by observing a few basic guidelines around your home and yard. If you find a baby bird on the ground DO pick it up and attempt to return it to its own nest. Our moms told most of us that if we touch a baby bird the parent will not take it back, but this is not true! Baby birds don't travel very far so look for the nest in the immediate area. Remember, birds nest everywhere from on the ground, to knee-high, head-high and way up in trees. Clues to locate the nest may be a parent coming in with food or the excited cheeps of nestlings as food arrives. If the bird is injured or has been picked up by a cat then it should come for treatment to the Center.

Spring yard clean-up and tree trimming should be finished as soon as possible. With nesting underway, be very careful if you have clean-up left to do. It is inappropriate as well as illegal to disturb an established nest of native birds.
Thank you from the staff at the Bird Rescue Center!

The City of Santa Rosa is requesting community input for the Citywide Creek Master Plan that will protect and enhance the more than 70 miles of creeks that flow through Santa Rosa. The City is leading a six-month effort to document ideas and concerns of the public through a series of public events and workshops. To kick off this phase of the project, people are invited to visit the Creek Information Station and climb aboard the Rosie Trolley for a Creek Explorer Tour at the May 28 Downtown Market. Tours will begin at 6 and 7 PM.

This initial event will be followed in June and July by a series of five public workshops to gather people's ideas about their local creeks. Meetings will be held in the neighborhoods surrounding Roseland, Brush, Piner, Paulin, and Matanzas Creeks. All who are interested in Santa Rosa's creeks are invited to attend. The project team will present the results of these community workshops at a final meeting in September.

Along with the City of Santa Rosa, the workshops are being co-sponsored by the Sonoma County Water Agency and the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. For more information or to schedule a Creek Master Plan presentation for your organization, please contact Sheri Emerson of the Santa Rosa Public Works Department at 543-4225 or sjemerson@ci.santa-rosa.ca.us.

Behind-the-scenes work goes on for Madrone, quietly, persistently, conscientiously. We would like to thank some special people who have been representing our chapter in the community and welcome those who are moving into these positions:

¨ Marianne Caratti has for many years represented Madrone on the Advisory Committee to Sonoma Coast Beach State Parks, giving citizen and environmental input on proposed policies and practices. Scott Barrow will be attending now for Madrone.

¨ Joanne Dranginis has continued, after her presidency of the chapter, to represent us at the Sonoma County Conservation Council's monthly meetings. This is a forum for the broad spectrum of local environmental organizations to discuss issues and strategies. Allana McDonald will step into that role.

¨ For several years George Ellman has been the Madrone representative on the Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District's (RCD) Project Advisory Panel; policies have changed and the RCD will no longer have voting representation from non-governmental organizations.

¨ We now have a full complement of Madrone representation on the Board of Audubon Canyon Ranch as Barbara Ramsey, a Bouverie docent, joins Bryant Hichwa in representing us.

Many thanks Marianne, Joannie, and George for the hours volunteered and the perspectives you have championed on our behalf.

Welcome to new Madrone Audubon Members: ROHNERT PARK: Dale & Elaine Trowbridge. PETALUMA: Gorden Cohen, Judith Cunningham, Gerald Moore. SANTA ROSA: Betty and Jack Groce, Susan Phillips, Maureen Rumford, Arlene & Robert Weis, Dan Wright. SEBASTOPOL: G-Whiz Graphics & Printing, Connie Graeber, Marcia Johnson, Carla Miles, Claire Stylianides,

Welcome to new National Audubon Members: FORESTVILLE; Mary Luttrell. GLEN ELLEN: William & Dana Wiebalk. JENNER: Rachel Kristine. KENWOOD: Jim & Noreen Gunning, John Hopper. PETALUMA: Deanna Brown, Patricia Martinez, Judith I. White. SANTA ROSA: Nicole Cox, J. Foote, Elizabeth M. Lewis, Jon David Loraditch, Anne Lotz. Terry & Valerie Mulcaire, Elliott Norwood, Margaret Olwell, Clair Pearson, Henry Robert, Karen Stanley, Carl Wittenburg, Lou Rose Maniscalco. SEBASTOPOL: Lois Arata, Donald Isaac, Kristine Kunihiro, Constance Sinclair, Elizabeth Tessier, Marina Gold. SONOMA: Gregor T. Goethals, the Kim Norred Family.

The nesting seasons has its impact also on the normal activities of our cities. Madrone Audubon appreciates the concern of the City of Santa Rosa for a colony of nesting herons and egrets that has nested for the past several years on West Ninth Street, halfway between Dutton Avenue and Stony Point Road. There are at least 70 nests in the trees in the median strip of the road. The City has placed plastic netting around under the trees to confine unlucky chicks that fall from their nests, and has blocked off two lanes of the street to give them extra space. These are some of the "casualties" that will be cared for at the Bird Rescue Center.

From a small wide spot near the trees the courtship and nesting behavior of at least three species in the heron and egret family can be observed: Snowy Egrets, Black-crowned Night-Herons and Cattle Egrets. And also heard… according to Madrone's Diane Hichwa, the "Snowies" gurgle, and make a clicking sound after their eggs have hatched, while the Black-crowned Night-Herons give a call she describes as "kwok-kwok-kwok"!

Local sporting events have been affected as well, according to a Press Democrat article in their April 17 sports section. In Sonoma, the high school baseball team was playing only day games for at least three weeks at Arnold Field, so that a Red-shouldered Hawk could incubate its eggs in peace on one of the field's light poles. The team's coach was quoted as happy to play in the daytime and watch the "action" as the male hawk made regular visits to the nest, bringing food for the female sitting on the eggs.

Saturday, May 31, 9:30 to 11:00 AM at Laguna Farms in Sebastopol
"Where Birds Nest" with Wade Belew
Wade is an environmental educator who specializes in the art of providing the right home for the right bird. He has become Sonoma County's resident expert in building and maintaining bird nest boxes, including the ones he has established at Laguna Farms. Join us on this trip to learn about the homes different birds prefer and visit his boxes to spy on the swallows and bluebirds raising their families in them.
We will be walking about three-quarters of a mile over rough terrain so please wear suitable shoes and don't forget hats, sunscreen and water! Call Shona at 869-1577 to sign up for this trip and receive directions.

Saturday, June 7, 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Bodega Harbor
Exploring the mudflats with Peter Leveque
The ever-popular naturalist will once again lead us over the mud to find all manner of wonderful creatures that call Bodega Harbor home, and that we can only see when the tide is low. Wear boots, or other shoes that can get wet and muddy. Bring layers against the cold winds that often blow at the coast, even when it's hot inland! Call Shona at 869-1577 to sign up for this trip and receive directions.

Note from Claire:
I am starting to think about Pee Wee events for next year. I would appreciate any ideas and input. Please call me at 527-6118 if you have any suggestions for events or event leaders. Thanks!
Claire (e-mail: cshurvin@earthlink.net)

Red-necked Grebe (alt. pl.) 4/10 Doran Jetty area BG, et al
Greater Yellowlegs (3) 3/29 Doran Pond MF
Greater Yellowlegs (5) 3/13 Bolinas lagoon BG, et al
Lesser Yellowlegs (3) 3/13 Bolinas lagoon BG, et al
Dunlin (many in alt. pl.) 4/10 Bodega Harbor BG, et al
Semipalmated Plover (50+) 4/10 Bodega Harbor BG, et al
Merlin (apparent window-kill) 3/17 Mill Creek Lane, Healdsburg JF
Merlin 4/6 Lakeville treatment ponds DN
Virginia Rail (ad, 2 juvs.) 3/31 Shollenberger Park BD et al
Virginia Rail (now 9 juvs.) 4/4 Shollenberger Park BD et al
Black Rail (3-4) 4/1 S. entrance to Skaggs Is. (Solano Co.) DN
Black Rail (2) 4/1 S. entrance to Skaggs Is. (Sonoma Co.) DN
Black Rail (7) March Marsh W. of Lakeville tr. ponds DN
Cattle Egret (1) 4/6 Schelleville dairy CL
Cattle Egret (2 pairs) 4/13
Nesting; "Eucs" on W. 9th Street LL, PG
Saw-whet Owl 3/29 Tocoloma bridge area, Marin Co. DN
Saw-whet Owl 3/29 Limantour Road DN
Saw-whet Owl 3/29 Muddy Hollow trailhead, in alders DN
Rufous Hummingbird 3/13-15 Cazadero DB
Rufous Hummingbird 3/8-4/5 Cherry Street, Petaluma DT
Rufous Hummingbird 3/15 Petaluma AA
Rufous Hummingbird (5+) 4/7- 10 Yard, Lawrence Way, w/ NO
Allen's CS Rufous Hummingbird (many) Mar.-Apr. Napa; (Napa Co.), more than usual D&DH
Rufous Hummingbird (1) 3/27-4/10 Yard, Post Street, Petaluma DN
Calliope Hummingbird 4/10 Yard, Napa. D&DH
Western Kingbird (arr.) 3/25 Glen Ellen KM
Western Kingbird 4/10 Llano Road treatment plant DN, RR
Western Flycatcher 3/25 Glen Ellen KM
Western Flycatcher 4/7 near Willowside Road CS
Black-headed Grosbeak 4/9 near Willowside Road CS
Chipping Sparrow 3/21 Scott's rt. of way (near El Molino HS) DC White-throated Sparrow (2) thru 3/31 Yard, Santa Rosa JT
House Finch (golden-yellow) 3/15 Petaluma AA
Great-tailed Grackle 4/3 Shollenberger Park (ph'd) LN, BD, RoS
Bullock's Oriole (pair) 4/6 Lakeville treatment ponds DN
Bullock's Oriole 4/7 Yard, Petaluma (Sunnyslope Ave.) DN
Hooded Oriole (2 males) 3/31, 4/1 Yard, Santa Rosa JT, BG

CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Aames, Dennis Beall, Dennis Cavallo, Bob Dyer, John Farnsworth, Mary Follis, Philip Greene, Betty Groce, Denise & David Hamilton, Lorin Leitner, Kathy Mugele, Dan Nelson, Len Nelson, Ruth Rudesill, Claire Shurvinton, Ron Storey, Don Tanner and Jean Tonascia.

Please come and support Madrone Audubon in our appeal regarding the 1240-acre proposed subdivision in the Mark West Creek watershed east of Calistoga Road. We are strongly urging the Board of Supervisors to acquire the property through the Open Space District to protect the habitat values of this watershed property. For more information see the March issue of Madrone Leaves, or Madrone Audubon's website at <http://audubon.sonoma.net>. You can also call Joannie Dranginis at 523-4373.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Third Annual Environmental Art Exhibit. Ongoing through May 30 at the Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Avenue, Santa Rosa. This year's theme is "Moved by the Land."

Fairfield Osborn Preserve Saturday Field Workshops. FOP is located at the end of Lichau Road on Sonoma Mountain. Call the Preserve at 795-5069 for workshop registration forms.

Early birding with Becky, May 10, 8 to 11 AM, led by Madrone Audubon's avian enthusiast Rebecca Olsen.
Local Reptiles and Amphibians, May 17, 10 AM to 2 PM, led by SSU Biology Professor Nicholas Geist.
From Egg to Flower: Spring Butterflies, May 31, 10 AM to 2 PM, led by amateur lepidopterist Joe Smith.

Ocean Song Earth Day Festival. Saturday, May 10, Noon to 11 PM at Ocean Song Farm & Wilderness Center at, 19100 Coleman Valley Road in Occidental. Features author and activist Starhawk and other performers and musicians. Workshops include plant walks, natural building, and a children's area. For event information, contact Ron Karp at 874-1526.

Watershed Day. Saturday, May 17, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Salmon Creek Middle School on the Bohemian Highway. Workshops, food, music, creek and bird walks. Sponsored by the West County Watershed Network. For information contact David Shatkin at 876-9329 or at dshatkin@sonic.net.

Continuing series, Sonoma County Tomorrow-Then and Now:
Sunday, May 18, 2-4 PM at the Environmental Center, 404A Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa. Longtime Madrone Audubon member George Ellman will talk about his work on transportation issues in Sonoma County as a member of the Sonoma County League of Women Voters and with the Sonoma County Tomorrow Transportation Coalition. For more information please contact Linda Curry at 526-7865.

Laguna Festival 2003-Celebrating our Green Island. Saturday, May 31, from 10 AM to 2 PM (Madrone Audubon Bird Walk from 8:30 to 10:30 AM-see Calendar, page 2). Sponsored by the Laguna Foundation and the Sonoma Land Trust to celebrate the conservation and restoration successes in the Laguna. Self-guided hikes, hay rides, artwork, children's activities, music and food- fun for the whole family-in and around the Laguna de Santa Rosa and the Sebastopol Community Center on Morris Street. For information contact the Laguna Foundation at 824-2966.

Point Reyes Field Seminar: "Resident Raptors." Saturday, June 7. Natural history and observation of the birds of prey that breed on the Point Reyes peninsula, led by John Klobas. For information call (415) 663-1200.

Farther afield, but worth the trip…

Spring Wings Bird Festival in Fallon, Nevada. May 9-11… A great birding weekend on the other side of the Pacific Flyway, coinciding with International Migratory Bird Day and the height of spring migration in the Lahontan Valley wetlands. Special keynote speaker (and available to sign your favorite Sibley guide) is author David Sibley, speaking on books, birding and bird conservation. For information on the weekend's activities see the website at www.springwings.org.

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