Kathy Biggs, local birder and long-time Madrone Audubon member, never sought fame or fortune. Yet, by a series of serendipitous events, she suddenly has been catapulted into national prominence as an authority in the fascinating and largely overlooked areas of dragonfly and backyard wetlands biology. A wildlife pond article showcasing her accomplishments and her backyard pond is scheduled to be published in the June/July issue of Audubon Magazine.

This new passion started innocently enough in 1996 when Kathy, already interested in habitat gardening, read an article in the Press Democrat suggesting the benefits of transforming a backyard swimming pool into a pond. But Kathy's long time love of all things natural-and-native steered her away from thoughts of exotic plants and fish in her new pond. "If native plants create good habitat for birds," she reasoned, "then I'll stay with natives to encourage other wild things that come to enjoy my pond." It was not long before the first dragonfly arrived, then another and another…

Having the bird-listing ethic ingrained in her, she immediately began trying to identify and list the beautiful new winged creatures inhabiting her back yard. To her surprise and dismay, there was little material available anywhere to assist her. In fact, at that time there was so little popular interest in dragonflies and damselflies that there were not even common names for most of them. Thus, she had to use scientific nomenclature, and dusty and fading tomes to gather basic information about how to identify and research these curious and wonderful aquatic creatures.

Hours were spent searching the Internet, and in the field teaching herself unpublished field marks. Organizations promoting construction and nurturing of backyard ponds assisted her, and, in return, she quickly became a leading resource regarding dragonfly information for them. Fortuitously, Tim Manolis, a biologist and well-known birder from Sacramento, was following a parallel path. After discovering each other's interests in dragonflies they began to exchange information on the Internet, spend time in the field, and continue to collaborate closely.

The challenge to write a field guide on dragonflies soon became irresistible, and Kathy was quick to pick up the gauntlet. The very popular Common Dragonflies of California was published in 2000. It is available at local nature and bookstores, as well as through two fascinating Internet web sites, <www.sonic.net/dragonfly> and <http://bigsnestpond.net>. Her second book, Common Dragonflies of the Southwest, is nearly ready for publication.

Interest in learning about and identifying dragonflies has grown exponentially since Kathy first began to unravel the mystery of these common and very useful predacious insects. Today, it would be rare to go on a bird walk without at least some of the participants pointing out and attempting to identify passing dragonflies.

Kathy was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and fondly remembers attending Mt. Diablo Audubon meetings and events as a child. Her early involvement in, and appreciation of nature study was fostered by her mother's great love of nature. Kathy's college years were spent at Humboldt State where she majored in Home Economics, studying early childhood education. She and her quiet, unassuming and highly supportive husband, Dave, joined Audubon as newlyweds.

Kathy credits her personal growth in a large sense to her involvement with the various positions and offices she held on the Madrone Audubon Board of Directors. "The responsibility that was delegated to me for the completion of these duties helped me become a more self-confident and mature person," she states. Kathy served as chair of both the Publicity and Membership Committees. When she and Kathy Jacobs recognized an unmet need for a children's educational program, they founded the highly successful Pee Wee Audubon program. Finally, she was elected Vice-President of Madrone Audubon. However, she voluntarily interrupted her Audubon career when she realized that it was time for her to focus her life on her family. (Then husband Dave began faithfully and very ably supporting Madrone Audubon as Treasurer.) As a teacher's aide she used her personal and professional skills not only to benefit the community, but also to oversee the educational development of their two highly gifted children.

Now that the boys have successfully and permanently fledged she is busier than ever. Finishing her new book is still requiring much of her time and energy. And she is in constant demand for speaking engagements, radio interviews, and consultations on dragonflies and natural pond construction.
Are there more books in her future? "Maybe," says Kathy. "We women tend to just hit our stride when we reach our 50's and 60's, don't we!"

Only a few weekends are left before our Bolinas Lagoon Preserve closes its gates to this year's public season on July 13. So many small miracles await your senses there: a view, perhaps, of Great Egret siblings vying over a meal of fish, the chortles of Snowy Egrets in the Redwoods or Red-winged Blackbirds in the ponds, the scurrying of newt and damselfly larvae in buckets of pond water, or the soft touch of hazelnut leaves and Old-Man's Beard lichen along the Preserve's eight miles of trails.

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the preserve is open 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; on weekdays open only to school groups and the public by appointment. Call (415) 868-9244 for more information.

Nature Enthusiasts Needed to Teach at Bouverie Preserve

Become a member of an award-winning nature education team! Training for volunteer docents at ACR's Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen will start September 5, 2003.

ACR's volunteer docent training program is renowned for the breadth of its content and knowledge of its professional instructors. Bouverie Preserve docents complete an extensive training program of classes one day a week for 22 weeks. The training, which is only given once every two years, covers diverse topics such as birds, insects, Native American culture and teaching techniques. Upon graduation, docents will have the knowledge and confidence to lead school field trips at the Preserve during the fall and spring seasons.

An orientation will be held on June 25. Please call the Preserve at 938-4554 to register for the orientation and/or receive a docent application form. For more information about ACR and the Bouverie Preserve visit our website at <www.egret.org>.

This is the time of year when we say thanks to all our hard-working volunteers and to all our supporters. I will begin by thanking the Board of Directors and the various committee members who have worked hard to keep the affairs of Madrone Audubon running smoothly and to interface with the community on behalf of the birds and other wildlife. It has been a challenging year and you have done a great job. Thanks especially to Joannie Dranginis for stepping in as interim membership chair and also to Janet Bosshard for filling in as corresponding secretary.

Thank you to all those who have led bird walks, to the crew that run the general meetings so efficiently, to those who have taken the outreach booth to various community events, to those who have attended public meetings and written letters in support of environmental protection, and to everyone who has supported Madrone Audubon with their time, enthusiasm, expertise and financial assistance.

At our end-of-year potluck several individuals were singled out for special recognition:

¨ We said goodbye and thanks to the co-compilers of the Christmas Bird Count for the last nine years, Ken Wilson and Russ Agnew. We are still looking for a replacement for Ken, so if you value the Christmas Count and would like to be involved in organizing this year's count, please identify yourself to a board member!

¨ The Bewick's Wren award, given to an individual who has been a long time volunteer for the chapter, went to Mary Haller, the Madrone Leaves production editor. Mary has worked away quietly in the background for four years. She once described planning the layout of the Leaves as doing a jigsaw puzzle-she receives all the text in one long file from the editor and then has to figure out how to make it fit and look attractive. She is the one who incorporates all the lovely bird art into the text. This year, in addition to doing the newsletter each month, Mary also produced the Mayacamas bird checklist, and the new local membership brochure. In both cases creative "accidents" on her part-use of blue ink instead of black, use of speckled instead of plain paper-in the printing of sample documents led to improvements in the look of the finished product. We thank her sincerely for all her hard work on behalf of Madrone.

¨ The Evalyn and Les Bowen award for important contributions to the chapter was awarded to Sylvan Eidelman for his work with the Petaluma Wetlands Park. In the summer of 2001 he was invited by then Petaluma councilwoman Janice Cader-Thompson to a presentation about possibilities for a wetlands filtration marsh and park in Petaluma, adjacent to Shollenberger Park. Sylvan vowed to do everything in his power to make this idea a reality. He realized that the Audubon Strategic Plan called for the establishment of several Audubon Centers in Northern California, and this was a perfect site for such a center. He saw the possibility for bayland restoration, environmentally sensitive water treatment (his paid profession) and a beautiful park with opportunities for outreach and education.

Sylvan helped form the Petaluma Wetlands Park Alliance, a group dedicated to making this dream a reality. He enlisted the support of Mike Sellors of the San Francisco Bay Restoration Project and arranged for tours of the site by legislators and members of the local press. Sylvan's work led to the project receiving substantial grants from both the Coastal Conservancy and the Open Space District for acquisition of land for the treatment marshes and park. Sylvan continues to work hard, together with other members of the PWPA, to ensure that this park becomes a reality. We honor him for his dedication and hard work.

¨ The Bentley-Smith Award, created by Madrone Audubon in 2002, recognizes a member for contributions to the protection and enhancement of the environment; it is awarded in honor of Martha Bentley and Ernestine Smith. The second recipient of this award is Terry Carroll. Terry is a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Oak Grove School whose enthusiasm for the environment stimulates her classes to learn about and respect the natural world and work to conserve it. In Terry's class nature study is incorporated into many subject areas. Students take weekly field trips to identify birds and observe other aspects of natural science. The class participates in Cornell University's Project FeederWatch and studies a different bird species each week in the classroom.

In addition, Terry was a Ranger Naturalist at Mount Rainier National Park for ten summers, and has worked with young people at many Northern California parks. Her love and concern for the environment is reflected in the life she has led and the many students' lives that she has influenced. We applaud you, Terry!

New NATIONAL Audubon Members:
COTATI: Jeffrey Toreson. GLEN ELLEN: Sherry Lutz. HEALDSBURG: Tiffany M. Erickson. PETALUMA: Dorothy L. Lee. SANTA ROSA: Freeman Born, Jr., Ramiro Garcia, Joel Kemmer, Rae Spencer, Vicki & Rod Walling. SEBASTOPOL: Marina Golden, Mr. & Mrs. T.W.S Seeger. SONOMA: John Bohan.

New MADRONE Audubon Members:
BODEGA BAY: Don Toms. HEALDSBURG: Gary Goss, Connie Joachim. SANTA ROSA: Gail Cafferata, Diane Holt, Linda Phillips, Harriette Thompson, Elaine Taylor, Lisa Swank. SEBASTOPOL: Jessica Wilson. SONOMA: Marietta B. Cerruti.

Membership Note: Some new Madrone members report receiving two copies of the Leaves each month. This is happening because there are two separate membership databases (see "Database Dilemmas," page ……….). We are working on merging the two in order to eliminate the duplication. We appreciate your patience.

Howarth Park and Spring Lake, Wednesday, April 16
In spite of overcast skies and threatening rain clouds, fifteen birders joined Betty Groce at Lake Ralphine, where we witnessed two female Common Mergansers literally flying through the water with their necks outstretched and heads under the water. They didn't appear to be chasing one another so we were all mystified. After several minutes, one of the mergansers came up with a BIG fish which it tried to eat. After several unsuccessful attempts, a nearby Double-crested Cormorant swam over, commandeered the fish and ate it in one swift gulp. We also saw little yellow baby Canada Geese on the island with their parents.

Other highlights were first sightings of the year of Ash-throated Flycatcher, a pair of Black-headed Grosbeaks, Bullock's Oriole, Wilson's, Orange-crowned, and one Yellow Warbler, some of which were lifers for a few in the group. A total of 48 species were seen and the rain held off, except for a few sprinkles, until we were finishing up around 2:30-a great day.

Duncans Mills and Bridgehaven, Thursday, April 24
In spite of heavy rain inland, four birders joined Jean Tonascia at Duncans Mills. The weather turned out nice with no rain-so nice we decided after lunch to bird at Duncans Landing and Bodega Harbor. Several nesting Osprey were seen along the Russian River, and a Black Scoter was seen at Duncans Landing. A total of 87 species were recorded.

Shollenberger Park, Wednesday, April 30
Thirty people did a walkabout at Shollenberger Park with leader Bob Dyer. The weather turned fine after two fitful days of rain. The group was able to pay its respects to the last of the migratory species and observe nesting of some of the park residents, including the Canada Geese, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Tree Swallow, and (first time observed) Black Phoebe. Among the more interesting sightings were the Golden Eagle, American Bittern (briefly), Horned Lark, Vaux Swift (first recorded sighting at the park!) and a Peregrine Falcon swooping into a flock of sandpipers. We saw a nice variety of shorebirds including the Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied Plover (breeding colors), Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, and Long-billed Dowitcher. Overall, 71 species were observed, a high for a park tour this year.

Lake Sonoma and Warm Springs Dam, Thursday, May 8
Leader George Batchelder and 17 intrepid birders located 53 species among amazingly green hills around the lake-a day of beautiful scattered clouds, a sprinkle of rain, and breezy sunshine. Highlights were Bullock's Orioles, a Western Tanager and baby Pied-billed Grebes below the dam, then Ash-throated Flycatchers, an Olive-sided Flycatcher and beautiful Blue-gray Gnatcatchers up in the hills. The day was enjoyed by all.

As most readers of the Leaves know, Madrone Audubon and National Audubon are two separate organizations. Although we share a common name and have similar missions, NAS focuses on national conservation matters while Madrone addresses Sonoma County environmental issues. When you join the NAS you become a member of the local Madrone Audubon Society. However, all but about $2 goes to the NAS. Next year none of your NAS dues will come back to support the conservation and educational efforts of Madrone. If you donate additional money to NAS none of it benefits Madrone.

You do have a choice. You can join Madrone directly. A Madrone Audubon Society membership supports educational programs, such as Pee Wee Audubon and monthly general meetings, conservation work with local government agencies to influence wildlife and habitat policies in our area, and of course our newsletter, the Leaves. Membership options appear on the back of the Leaves each month. If you want your membership dollars to support our chapter, use the form provided in the Leaves.

In times past our membership database, used to track membership and produce the Leaves mailing list, was handled by National Audubon. In today's situation, Madrone has had to develop a local database. This task has taken several months, and is nearly completed. Now the program needs to run in order to work out the bugs. We ask our members to please excuse our mistakes and bear with us for a few more months during the transition. We do welcome your immediate feedback to correct any errors. Thanks for your continued support and patience.

(If you want to help with membership or data entry, please contact Claire Shurvinton at 527-8118 or cshurvin@earthlink.net .)

It is great to report that most of the Geysers Recharge Project construction on the Sanctuary is complete. Most of the pipeline has passed pressure testing, most of the fiber optic cable and electrical lines are installed, and most of the exterior work on the Mayacamas Pump Station is finished. The overall impacts to the Sanctuary have been much more substantial than originally anticipated, but the Sanctuary is now quiet and recovering nicely - the wildlife and flowers have been flourishing this spring.

It is likely that some construction and testing activities will continue through September, but the City of Santa Rosa has assured Audubon that such activities will be complete by October 1.

I'm also happy to report that Audubon has begun to implement the Mayacamas Sanctuary Restoration Project, funded by the California Department of Corrections. Approximately 600 woody riparian species were planted in the Pine Flat area between the one lane bridge and the PG&E power lines. The planting includes nine species of native trees grown from seeds collected on the Sanctuary, six species of native shrubs, and Arroyo willow cuttings planted in the banks of Little Sulphur Creek. The planning and installation of this particular planting was conducted by Circuit Rider Productions under contract with Audubon-California.

Madrone Audubon will be on hand for the opening on Friday, June 13, at the Rialto Cinemas Lakeside

"This astonishing, utterly entrancing movie is unlikely to be surpassed in our lifetime! "Winged Migration" leaves you in a state of stunned, exhilarated awe."
--Rene Rodriguez, The Miami Herald

"Winged Migration" follows a year in the life of birds in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Aerial filming was done alongside the birds in an ultralight aircraft modified to hold a pilot and photographer, using a motorized parachute, gliders and balloons. A remote-controlled, land-crawling robot with a camera was used to move slowly into a flock on land. The images are stunning and poetic, with some poetic license taken as well. As in his first film "Microcosmos," a poetic dance of insects, director and producer Jacques Perrin has created a sound track with soaring music and minimal narration. Dr. Henri Weimerskirch, a scientific consultant on the film, notes its appeal to both scientists and nature lovers: "Some people look at it as a great view of the way the animals are living. Others look at it more as a poem."

The film, nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature, will have a limited two-week run, so don't delay-see it on opening day, June 13! Madrone will have a display booth in the lobby and will introduce the film. For times and further information see <www.rialtocinemas.com> or call the theater at 525-4840.

We would like to acknowledge the winners of our first annual Children's Bird Art Competition. There were many wonderful entries and it was very hard for the judges to make their selection. We encourage those who did not win this year to try again next time!

In the 6-8 age group the winners are:
Lily Peterson (7), Sarah Meuhleck (8), Naomi Muehleck (6) and Louise Bradley (7).

In the 9-11 age group the winners are:
Rebecca Hernandez (10), Aaron Peterson (11), Miguel Robles (10), Dayana Leon (11) and Grand Prizewinner Andrea Quintero (10).

The winners' pictures, plus a selection of the other entries, are displayed on the Pee Wee page of the Madrone website : <www.audubon.sonoma.net>.

The Bay Area Audubon Council (BAAC) had its quarterly meeting on April 12. A BAAC meeting gives the representatives of the eight chapters around the bay the chance to get together, catch up on the individual issues facing each chapter and receive an update on the doings of Audubon-California.

The report from Audubon-California's newly appointed director, Jerry Secundy, was very encouraging. Jerry has made some good appointments to his staff, and has decided, along with the board of directors, to move the office of Audubon-California from Sacramento to Los Angeles. Los Angeles was chosen because most of the important environmental organizations on the West Coast are located in San Francisco, leaving great resources for funding and support in southern California virtually untapped.

Jerry is also a supporter of the importance of local chapters in the Audubon family and has brought that message very strongly to the national office in New York. The board of Audubon-California is preparing a position paper on the subject, to be reviewed by national, and it is hoped that changes can be made in national strategy which will strengthen the chapter system.

Two appointees of Audubon-California spoke to BAAC. Craig Palmer has been named Development Director. His fundraising job will be difficult in these weak economic times, but he hopes to target institutions and prepare for a capital campaign. Funds would be used to stabilize the budget of the Richardson Bay Audubon Center, hire a full time environmental scientist for the Bay Restoration project, and fund a large cadre of citizen-scientists to do comprehensive research studies of the Bay.

Julia Levin has been appointed as a legislative analyst. She has a great deal of experience as an environmental lawyer. Her immediate concern is the weakening of the rules for jurisdictional waters of the United States proposed by the Bush Administration. Julia also is interested in local issues and how they apply to state law, and she has pledged to work with local chapters.

It is encouraging to the leaders of Madrone Audubon and to those representing other chapters to know that people at the state level share their concerns and promise to work to make the Audubon family function more smoothly.

Birdathon is a fun way to get together with family and friends, sharpen your bird watching skills, and support our local Madrone Audubon Society, all at the same time. The sponsors of this year's Birdathon are appreciated by all our chapter members. Their donations help our volunteers bring our programs and educational opportunities into our community. We couldn't do it without their support.

Updated and corrected results: Grey-headed searsuckers, 140; Road Runners, 128; FeatherQuesters, 125; Daphne Smith and Joannie Dranginis 82; Team Nuthatch, 74; Healdsburg Herons, 54; Pee Wee, 40; Taylors, 38.

Clinton & Dorcas Allison, Rebecca Anderson-Jones, Gail Arata, Cindy Barker-Monges, Ann Belden, Gay Bishop, Donna Bley, Noelle Bon, Judy Brinkerhoff, Jayne Brogan, Liz Brown, Margaret Brubaker, Liz and Jeff Bundschu, Marianne Caratti, Richard Cuneo, Ted Eliot, Ginny and Grant Fletcher, Glenda & Jim Gentile, Lance Groody, Eleanor Guilford, Gundlach-Bundschu Winery, Karlene Hall, Jean Hanks, Mr. & Mrs. Jack Harper, Maggie Salenger and Peter Haywood, Rebecca and Mike Hengehold, Robert S. Herman, Mr. & Mrs. Don Johnston, Ellen Krebs, La Dolce Vita, Peter Leveque, C. Marie Ludemann, Laurel Luebs, Pat McLorie, Carla Miles, Jim Moir, Nancy Morgan, Ted Nagel, Mrs. Clark Nattkemper, Clyde Nelson, Mike Parmeter, Linda Petrulias, Philanthropic Ventures Foundation Grants, Celeste and Roger Phillips, John Reese, Linda Reichel, Richard Shipps, Ernie Smith, Jean Smith, Shirley Spina, Liz & Mike Thach, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Thomas, Mr. & Mrs. Don Toms, Cheryl Traendley, Don & Diane Trowbridge, Viansa Winery, Deborah Votek, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Wagner, Terry E. Watson, John Waxell, Kathy Wright and Mr. & Mrs. Larry Yabroff,

SCCA Grassroots Gourmet Gala. Saturday, June 7, 6 PM at the Odd Fellows Temple, 545 Pacific Avenue, Santa Rosa. Please join us as we celebrate another year of Sonoma County Conservation Action's hard-hitting work. For information and reservations call Portia Sinnott at 571-8566.

Orienteering Meet. Sunday, June 22, 9 AM to Noon at Spring Lake Park. Practice with map and compass; clinics for beginners. For information call the BOAC hotline at (408) 255-8018 or go to <www.baoc.org>.

Workshop and Community Forum. Saturday, June 28, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol. "Building a Sustainable Local Economy: Alternatives to Globalization." For information, call 869-3660, or go to <www.ecoleader.org>.

Leadership Training for a Sustainable Future is a nine-month program for current and potential community leaders promoting more sustainable public policy in Sonoma County. Classes are first Thursday of each month, beginning September, 2003. Space is limited; application deadline is July 1. For more information, contact the Leadership Institute at 578-9133, or <www.ecoleader.org>.

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