When Madrone Audubon's birders brave the winter chill and fan out over western Sonoma County on January 1, 2006, they will be continuing a 106-year-old tradition.

In 1900, five years before the Audubon Society was founded, Frank Chapman of the American Museum of Natural History in New York proposed a bird count, rather than the traditional Christmas Bird Hunt, in response to the growing concern over bird losses to plume hunting. Twenty-seven individuals responded with data, and the oldest and largest citizen science program in the world was born.

Madrone's CBC and two others in Sonoma County (see page 7 for details) represent a dot on a very large Western Hemisphere map. Today's counters are spread over an area from the North American Arctic to southern South America and from the Mariana Islands in the Pacific to Bermuda.

Birders set out in the field or watch at their feeders each year between mid-December to early January. The numbers of birds and individual species is growing more important as more area is covered and as new statistical methods, aided by the Internet and its accessible technology, broaden the CBC's scope and capacity. CBC data have already been of use in tracking the spread of West Nile Virus and analyzing the status of the birds of the boreal forest, to cite just two examples.

The 2005 count was record-breaking: the largest number of counts ever reported (2022); the most observers (56,623); and the most new count areas added in one year (39). Weather conditions and the lure of rarities may have played a role, but also more international partners outside the U.S. are joining in. Counts in South America have added many new species, although the task remains to finalize the checklist of birds in "species-rich but taxonomically challenging South America."

Two surprises last year were the White-throated Robin, an addition to the cumulative list for North America, and a Kirtland's Warbler spotted in Bermuda-it was a first-ever for the CBC database. Long-term trends confirmed a downward slide in numbers for the Northern Bobwhite, the Red-headed Woodpecker and the Loggerhead Shrike, while the Red-bellied Woodpecker's numbers increased, particularly in the northeastern states and southern Canada.

As part of a general movement northward, hummingbird species and numbers continue to increase, not only in the Pacific Coast, southwest and Gulf Coast, but also northward and eastward into the interior, the coast of New England and even Alaska.

Are these changes due to climate change, habitat alteration or an increase in feeder stations? The CBC data cannot answer that question, but it can quickly and efficiently document the changes as they evolve over time.

Birds sing for many reasons-most of them subtle and perhaps beyond the grasp of human understanding. Newly discovered is the thesis that they sing as but one of many voices in the animal band. Since 1968, Dr. Bernie Krause has traveled the world recording and archiving the sounds of creatures and environments large and small. He will use these "soundscapes" to show us how critters in feathered, furry or scaled costumes tend to produce sound in symbiotic relationships with one another, much like instruments in an orchestra.

Dr. Bernie Krause is a bioacoustician, author and lecturer. He worked at the research sites of Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey and was Scientific Director of the operation that rescued Humphrey the humpback whale from the Sacramento Delta in 1985. Through his company, Wild Sanctuary, he has recorded over 40 natural soundscape CDs-his natural sound archive contains over 15,000 individual creature voices from ants to zorillas. He also creates interactive environmental sound sculptures for museums, zoos and aquaria throughout the world. Krause lives in Glen Ellen with his wife, Katherine, and several furred, feathered and scaled companions.

Coming in February: Diane and Bryant Hichwa present "Photo Safari to Africa's Rwanda and Kenya-the Great Migration and Gorillas, too"

Are you a local member of Madrone Audubon? If you have not yet renewed this year, you will have recently received a postcard reminding you that all these memberships come due in the fall. Please take a moment to renew-you can use the membership blank on the back page of this newsletter. We appreciate your support!
Sylvan Eidelman, MAS President

FORESTVILLE: James Benet. GUALALA: Priscilla Johnstone. MONTE RIO: Richard Eliason. PETALUMA: Paula Lane Action Committee. SANTA ROSA: Bonnie Perkins, Jewell Sechser. SEBASTOPOL: Peter Bruck & Rebecca Sharpe.

Our winter visitors have arrived and are settled in for the season. Juncos, Hermit Thrushes, Varied Thrush, assorted sparrows, kinglets, Cedar Waxwings, our Flicker and large groups of Robins have claimed their various "territories" around the property. The Hermit Thrushes move quietly about on the damp ground beneath dense hedgerows. The kinglets spend most of their day foraging through the oaks with the chickadees and Bushtits. The Flicker roosts at night under the eve of the house opposite that of the Black Phoebe. And the busy flocks of sparrows and juncos scratch around the pathways in the field and other semi-open areas that are not too far from a nearby brush pile or thicket.

After the flocks of sparrows arrive I begin my search for a White-throated Sparrow, one of our winter visitors from Canada's boreal forest. There is usually only one or two who will spend the winter at our house. The White-throated Sparrows who winter along the Pacific coast are a disjunct population. The winter range for most of this sparrow species extends from southern Nova Scotia to central Florida, northeastern Mexico, and Iowa, extending into the Great Plains and upper Midwest.

White-throated Sparrows have similar habits to the other sparrows, spending most of their time on the ground or in the lower portion of dense vegetation. They appear a bit shy, as they are quick to take cover when you approach them. When they're foraging, they double scratch as towhees do to expose seeds and insects in the soil and leaf litter. I have also observed them eating persimmon, coffee berry and pyracantha and in early spring they nibble on the buds of quince and some fruit trees. They will also visit bird feeders.

The field marks of the White-throated Sparrow are distinct, so they're not too difficult to spot in a mixed flock of sparrows. They have a black and white (or brown and tan) striped crown, grey cheek and a yellow lore (area between the eyes and bill). The breast can be gray or lightly streaked, upperparts are mottled rusty-brown and they have a conspicuous white throat. It's a beautiful sparrow. Their song, heard infrequently on their wintering grounds, sounds like "Oh Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody," or if you're Canadian it's "Dear Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada." Their call is a hard metallic chink, similar to the White-crowned Sparrow.

The breeding biology of this species is apparently unique among birds. They are proof that opposites attract. There are two color morphs of this species, white-striped and tan-striped. When it is time to select a mate they commonly choose a mate of the opposite color morph. Because of genetic differences between the morphs, mixed pairs produce (at the population level) equal numbers of each sex and morph.

Eighty-five percent of the global population of the White-throated Sparrow breeds in the Canadian boreal forest. At this time it is the most abundant breeding bird in its range, but studies show that their population is declining. Large-scale clear cutting, aerial application of forest insecticides and other industrial interests are having a detrimental impact.

In the fall, when our summer visitors leave for their wintering grounds in Central and South America, I often think of the tropical forests they will inhabit-about what is being done to protect those places and what I can do to help. Next spring when the White-crowned Sparrow and many of our other winter visitors depart for their northern breeding grounds to choose a mate and raise their young, I will think about the boreal forest.

Look up. It's fall rush hour overhead. The skies are filled with loons, Merlins, and finches…White-throated Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a variety of warblers…

Summer is over for these birds. They've raised their young up in the vast expanse of the boreal forest, kicked them out of the nest to independence and now young and old are winding their way back to southern havens for the winter.

The boreal, Canada's spruce-fir forest, stretches like a great green blanket above our country, reaching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Alaska border. As one of the largest intact forests remaining on the planet, Canada's boreal forest is the nesting ground for as many as one-third of North America's land birds and almost half the continent's waterfowl. Scientists estimate that about three billion birds travel north each spring and, in a good nesting year, some five billion birds make the return trip.

In addition, some of the North American birds that scientists worry about most are also those that rely on the boreal for survival. In the September/October 2005 issue of the magazine Audubon, the article entitled "The Final Frontier" begins, "imagine a place called the boreal forest, an area so vast and intact that three billion birds gather there each year, giving it the greatest breeding-bird biodiversity of any place in North America. Next think of this forest as one big paper mill, being razed at a rate of five acres a minute, and you can see why a unique coalition is racing to save the boreal before it's too late."

A recent report entitled The Boreal Forest Region: North America's Bird Nursery concludes that the future of our birds depends largely on the health of the boreal. In turn, its future depends on us-and that future is still uncertain. Currently ninety per cent of the region is open to industrial development and one-third has already been allocated for a particular industrial use. The area is under increasing pressure from industrial logging, hydropower, mining and oil and gas development.

The Boreal Forest Conservation Framework is an extraordinary alliance of companies in the oil and forestry sectors, Aboriginal people and conservation groups. It calls for increased protection of at least fifty per cent of the boreal-and world-class sustainable development on the remaining landscape. Find out more about the above report and the Conservation Framework by visiting the Boreal Songbird Initiative website at www.borealbirds.org.

It IS possible to balance natural and human activities in the boreal, but it will take the engagement of all players, from individuals to multinationals.
To do something as an individual, cancel your catalog subscriptions and shop online instead. An estimated 17 billion catalogs-or 59 for every man, woman and child in the United States-are mailed annually.

The boreal is worth it. From wildlife habitat, to carbon storage to resource development that sustains communities, the boreal forest's extraordinary ecological, cultural and economic values are of global significance. If we protect this forest, we protect our birds.

Howarth Park and Spring Lake, Wednesday, October 5
A perfect sunny day brought out 15 birders, led by George Batchelder, to identify 66 species. Highlights included the shore bird trio of Virginia Rail, Sora, and American Bittern. Add to that a Black-throated Gray Warbler, a Lincoln Sparrow and a Common
Moorhen to make a great list for the day!

Marin County, Thursday, October 13
Fourteen birders joined Andy Lacasse at Rush Creek and Las Gallinas Ponds, where 85 species were sighted on a very warm and sunny day. Some of the highlights were Merlin, Peregrine Falcon and Kestrel, White-tailed Kite, Osprey, Lark Sparrow, Horned Lark, Snipe, Sora, Virginia Rail, Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Say's Phoebe and White Pelican. A fun and busy day of great birding.

Bodega Bay, Wednesday, October 19
The sun broke through a few clouds to make a warm and very calm day for 19 birders led by George Batchelder. Some careful sleuthing up Owl Canyon helped boost the total species count to an amazing 80. Special sightings included a Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Winter Wren, and a great view of a Red Knot.

Lake Sonoma and Warm Springs Dam, Thursday, October 27
On a clear, warm fall day Diane Voorhoeve led eleven birders around the visitors' center and up into the camping area. The first birds spotted were over 30 Wood Ducks at the pond behind the visitors' center. They quickly took cover in the willow branches. What a beautiful treat. Also, just after lunch in the camping area, we watched a Red-tailed Hawk attack a Golden Eagle several times. Amazing! There was also quite a flock of Lark Sparrows in the campground. We identified fifty-six species.

Sonoma Coast, Wednesday, November 2
Ignoring predictions of morning showers-which didn't materialize-fifteen Auduboners, braving high winds, joined Tom McCuller for a day of Sonoma coast birding, beginning at Duncan's Landing. Among the whitecaps and high surf, they quickly located a White-winged Scoter and Black Scoters. Other sightings at the Landing included Common, Pacific, and Red-throated Loons; Western and Clark's Grebes; Black Oystercatchers; Black Turnstones; Surfbirds; Common Murres; and Pigeon Guillemots.

The group stopped at several coastal spots as they advanced to the mouth of the Russian River. Some of the birds sighted, as they continued along the coast, included a Red-necked Grebe, many more Black Scoters and Red-throated Loons, and large numbers of raptors riding the high winds-at least eight Ferruginous Hawks of varying ages, one immature Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawks, White-tailed Kites, Cooper's Hawks, American Kestrels, and Peregrine Falcons. The shrubbery along the coast produced such birds as Hutton's Vireos, phoebes, wrens, wrentits, warblers, and a variety of sparrows.

The group ended the day with a short trip down Willow Creek Road, where they continued to find many raptors riding the updrafts along the ridges. A very cooperative Merlin, the group's seventy-fifth species, flew back and forth between perches at the end of the outing.

Don't Discard Those Calendars!
Our Audubon Adventures chair and classroom specialist Phyllis Schmitt has a favor to ask. Anyone who wishes to contribute old or unused nature calendars for use in classrooms is encouraged to bring these calendars to her at general meetings. She will be happy to pass them on to teachers who can use the photos with their students.

Birders' Book-a Stocking Stuffer
Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds
by Lyanda Lynn Haupt (Sasquatch books, Seattle, 190 pages)

A light read, but fun, says Madrone Vice-President Veronica Bowers.

From an Amazon.com review: "... seventeen thoughtful essays on birds capture the sense of wonder and connection people have for these marvelous creatures. Naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt, an ornithology teacher and researcher, examines the amazing talents and personalities of the most common of birds."

Birds on Radio: A different kind of music in the air
(From the KRCB-FM October Program guide)

California Bird Talk is a new series of two-minute pieces on the songs and calls of California birds. Starting in October, KRCB-FM will air this series weekly after the noon news on Sundays. Rusten Hogness, the host of California Bird Talk, has been producing short radio pieces on California natural history for ten years, some of them on birds, but birdsong is a new passion for him.

California Bird Talk uses recordings of California bird songs and calls, interviews with bird experts, and a variety of human music to explain how and why birds sing and call.

A New Census at the Galbreath Preserve
Plans are underway for a bird census at the Galbreath Preserve which was recently gifted to Sonoma State University. This preserve occupies nearly 4,000 acres of wildlands located west of Cloverdale off Highway 128. If you are interested in participating in the census, please contact Becky Olsen at olsenr@sonoma.edu or 775-2558.

Northern Spotted Owls in Willow Creek
State Parks Ecologist Brendan O'Neill needs volunteer assistance with monitoring and surveying the owls in the new Willow Creek Park addition. If you are interested please call Julie Marlowe at 874-3088 or send an e-mail to julie@marloweglobal.com.

For Santa Rosa's Creek Master Plan…
The City of Santa Rosa needs your help. Perhaps you have bird lists from walks along your favorite creek… or know of specific habitat areas that should be protected. Please contact Sheri Emerson at 543-4225 or sjemerson@srcity.org with any information you could contribute for the Creek Master Plan. Our local creeks are an important and special resource for fish, wildlife, and people.

Make the New Year "Count" with Madrone!
Compiler: Joy Mander

On Sunday, January 1, 2006, Madrone Audubon will hold it's 39th annual Christmas Bird Count. We invite all interested birders, beginners as well as experts, to participate-we were very fortunate to have 146 counters last year. I'm grateful to all of you who participated and I hope that you will plan on joining us again.

The count begins at approximately 7:30 AM, depending upon your leader, and continues until about 4:00 PM. Following the count there will be a potluck at the Sebastopol Community Center. Please bring your own plates/bowls, utensils and a supper dish for six. Hot food if at all possible is a plus-hot beverages will be provided.

If you are unable to count, we can also use some help to set up the room for the potluck and give a warm welcome to those cold and weary, but exuberant birders at the end of the day. To help at the potluck please contact Peter Leveque at 542-8946.

Our Western Sonoma County Christmas Count is a great way to meet up with old friends and to make new ones, so don't be shy about joining in. To sign up or to get further information, please contact Joy Mander at 778-7865 or send an e-mail to: wscbc@aol.com.

One More in Santa Rosa-
Compiler: Ken Ackerman

The Redwood Regional Ornithological Society also welcomes new participants in their Santa Rosa CBC. This count will take place on Sunday, December 18. Please contact Ken Ackerman to sign up at 538-2038 or markandack@aol.com.

And a Brand-new Count for 2005-CBC Sonoma Valley
Co-founders and co-compilers: Tom Rusert and Darren Peterie

This year for the first time an Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place in the Sonoma Valley, hosted by the Sonoma Ecology Center. On Friday, December 30, from dawn to dusk, five birding teams led by experienced birders will walk and drive throughout Sonoma Valley to canvas designated areas from Sugarloaf Ridge, down through the Sonoma Creek Watershed, all the way to the San Pablo Bay.

With binoculars and bird books in hand, birders will be identifying and counting the approximately 180 species of birds in the Sonoma Watershed. This event is open to individuals of all ages and families with an interest in birds, regardless of birding experience. A hot line "call in" message number will be available to those who prefer to phone in their bird count from the comfort of their own homes during the actual day of the count.

All interested birders are welcome to attend a preparatory meeting. The second of two meetings will be held Thursday, December 13, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in room 113 at Vintage House, 264 First Street East in Sonoma. Sign up to join a full-day or half-day team and review the procedures that will be followed on the day of the count.

Holiday Networking Party
Wednesday, December 7, 6 PM to 8:30 PM
The Sonoma County Conservation Council is sponsoring a benefit for the Environmental Center, to be held at the Omelette Express, 112 4th Street, Railroad Square, Santa Rosa. Food, wine and entertainment! Contact Wendy Krupnick at 544-4582 or wendyk@pon.net.

Laguna Restoration Workday
Saturday, December 10, 9:00-Noon
Become part of the Laguna restoration team! LagunaKeepers are meeting at Stone Farm, home of the future Laguna Learning Center, and the workday will take place inside of the historic hop barn. Be sure to bring your gloves, water and tools, and wear appropriate shoes for outside work. And bring your friends too; we always need new LagunaKeepers! Snacks will be provided. For more information, or to be added to our mailing list, please contact Mary Abbott at 527-9277 ext. 2, or mary@lagunafoundation.org.

Hooded Merganser (fem.) 10/29 Bodega Harbor TA
Harlequin Duck (imm. fem.) 11/4 Bodega Harbor LH, DN
Blue-winged Teal (12-15) Oct. Shollenberger Park M.Ob
Greater White-fronted Goose (1) 10/30 Doran Park SB
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 10/12-11/? Inverness, Marin County RS, AW, et al
Cattle Egret (30+) Oct. High School Road CL, LL, et al
White-faced Ibis (1) 10/28 Shollenberger Park ALaC
Pacific Golden-Plover (4- 5) 10/7-20 Shollenberger Park LH, et al
Bald Eagle (sub-ad.) 10/5 Russian River at Jenner AW, R.R.O.S.
Bald Eagle (imm.) 10/5 Willow Creek Road AW, R.R.O.S.
Ferruginous Hawk 10/23 Joy Road (south end) CL, LL
Rough-legged Hawk 10/29 Outer Point Reyes, Marin County CL, LL
Prairie Falcon 10/22 Las Gallinas treatment ponds BP
Common Poorwill 10/13 Sonoma Mountain T. Eliot
Lewis's Woodpecker 10/ Pine Flat Road fide KW
Bell's Vireo (eastern race) late Oct-Nov. Rhododendron garden, G.G. Park M.Ob
Palm Warbler 10/7 Las Gallinas treatment ponds BL
Western Tanager 10/30-31 Windsor residential area T. Erickson
Chestnut-collared Longspur 10/6 Bay Hill Road (heard-only, fly-by) DN
Chestnut-collared Longspur 10/13-14 Nice-Lucerne cutoff, Lake County DW
White-throated Sparrow 10/12 Santa Rosa residence JT

CONTRIBUTORS: Tice Allen, Sara Blauman, Ted Eliot, Tiffany Erickson, Lisa Hug,
Andy LaCasse, Bob Lewis, Cindy & Leslie Lieurance, Dan Nelson, Bob Power,
Rich Stallcup, Jean Tonascia, Alan Wight, Ken Wilson, Dave Woodward, and members of the Redwood Region Ornithological Society.

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