The Raven

The mission of Juneau Audubon Society is to conserve the

natural ecosystems of Southeast Alaska, focusing on birds,
other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit and enjoyment http://www.juneau-audubon-society.org
of current and future generations.

Volume 35, Number 4 Juneau Audubon Society December 2008

Juneau Audubon Public Meeting – December 11, 2008

7:00 PM, UAS Egan Room 221/222
Capturing Experience for Avian Influenza Sampling in Greenland
Garrett Savory this past July went to Thule Air Base in northwestern Greenland for
USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services. Our purpose was to determine if geese in the area had
avian influenza. I will discuss how we captured the geese and my experience in

Greenland.

Also on the evening program will be a short presentation on the Christmas Bird Count
by Patty Rose and Paul Suchanek. They will talk about techniques for counting and
estimating birds and discuss identification of some of our local birds, especially in
conditions that make getting good views of birds difficult. It should be fun and a nice
orientation for people planning to go on the bird count.
 Contact: Matt Kirchhoff
[email protected]

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN AUDUBON’S

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Holiday Tradition Yields Data Vital for Conservation

Bird watchers from Barrow, Alaska to Belize City, Belize will spend part of their holiday
season far from shopping malls, looking for birds in the great outdoors. The longest
running Citizen Science event in the world, Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count
(CBC) will take place between December 14, 2008 and January 5, 2009. Information
gathered will help scientists learn more about how birds are faring throughout North
America, adding to over a century of data collected by previous generations of
volunteers.

The Christmas Bird Count began over a century ago when the founder of Audubon
magazine, Frank Chapman, changed the course of ornithological history. In 1900,
Chapman led a small group on an alternative to the “side hunt,” when teams competed to
see who could shoot the most game. Instead, Chapman proposed they identify, count,
and record all the birds they saw, founding what is now considered to be the world's most
significant citizen-based conservation effort. During last year’s count, nearly 70 million
birds were counted in all 50 states, every Canadian province, parts of Central and South
America, Bermuda, the West Indies, and Pacific Islands.

“Everyone who takes part in the Christmas Birds Count plays a critical role in helping us
focus attention and conservation where it is most needed.” said Dr. Tom Bancroft, Chief
Scientist for Audubon. “Their observations are the foundation for Audubon’s State of the
Birds Reports, like our Common Birds in Decline analysis, which attracted worldwide
attention and concern when it revealed precipitous declines among many of our nation’s
most common and familiar birds.”

Given habitat and wild areas disappearing at an alarming rate, and global warming
affecting some ranges, scientists will rely on CBC data to identify birds in most urgent
need of conservation action. The holiday bird count is also instrumental in developing
Audubon’s WatchList, which most recently identified species in the continental U.S. and
38 in Hawaii in dire need of conservation help. The counts also reveal good news, the
return of the American bald eagle, for example.

“The Christmas Bird Count is all about the power of individual action – that’s why our
theme is ‘I Count,’” says Geoff LeBaron, Audubon's Christmas Bird Count Director.
“What we do truly counts when it comes to conservation. These birds are sending us a
clear message that their fate is determined by human activity more than anything else. As
we’ve seen with the bald eagle, when we help them through conservation, their chances
improve. But when we damage their habitat, convert wetlands and forests, then they are
more likely to become rare or extinct.”

2
To explore the historical information and learn more about the locations of upcoming
Christmas Bird Counts, visit the Society’s website at
www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/index.html. Anyone with an interest in birds and
birding is encouraged to participate. New participants should contact compilers and sign
up well in advance of count day. Below is a listing of the known counts, with contacts,
taking place in Southeast Alaska this year.

Known Christmas Bird Counts planned in Southeast Alaska

Chilkat December 14 Dan Egolf* 766-2876

Tim Shields 766-2354
Haines December 14 Dan Egolf 766-2876
Tim Shields 766-2354
Juneau December 20 Mark Schwan 789-9841
Gus van Vliet
Ketchikan December 20 Andrew Piston 247-6553
Mitkof Island December 20 Bill Pawuk 772-3985
Sitka January 4 Victoria Vosburg 747-7821
Skagway December 14 Elaine Furbish 983-2049
Dawn Adams 983-3302
Tenakee Springs Date not set yet** Beret Barnes 736-2226
Wrangell December 14 Bonnie Demerjian 874-3665
*Forms and information available at the Back Country Ski Shop
** Date dependent upon optimum tide schedule

The 2008 Juneau Christmas Bird Count

The Juneau Christmas Bird Count will be held this year on Saturday, December 20, the
first Saturday during the designated count period, of December 14 through January 5th.
As usual, volunteers should meet at either of the two McDonald’s Restaurants no later
than 8 a.m. on count day, with appropriate attire and binoculars. People wanting to
count in the downtown, Douglas, and north Douglas Island areas should meet at the
downtown restaurant; birders wishing to work the Lemon Creek, airport, Mendenhall
Valley and Auke Bay areas should meet at the valley restaurant. As always, there will be
a potluck after the count to share in the events of the day and to conduct the tally of birds
and species seen. Let’s have a great turnout and a terrific count! For more information
on this year’s Count, you can call Mark Schwan, at 789-9841.

3
Alaska Audubon Creates Video on Teshekpuk Lake
You've read the news articles and action alerts. Northern Alaska National Petroleum
Reserve: You've sent letters and emails to BLM and Congress. Now see this awesome,
remote wetland for yourself: check out the online video at
http://www.audubonalaska.org/IssuesAction_Teshekpukvideo.html

Our Adopted MoSI station

Last winter Juneau Audubon decided to sponsor a MoSI Station. MoSI (Monitoreo
de Sobrevivencia Invernal - Monitoring Overwintering Survival) bird banding stations
operates through a winter season. With our contribution of $300, we supported a bird
banding station in western Mexico near Culiacan called El Palmito. It is near the town of
Loberas, Sinaloa in tropical and subtropical coniferous forest. We wanted to sponsor a
station that would increase the information about the species that migrate to the Juneau
area. When you sponsor a station you receive information including a list of species and
the numbers of individual birds captured at the station. We first heard about this program
in the Cornell University publication "Living Bird". You can read the article at
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/Winter2007/monitoring_survival.ht
ml.
This is the fifth year of this program. It provides important insights into habitat needs of
migratory birds during winter. The report we received included total number of species
and birds banded for the years since 2003. For more information on this program check
out their webpage: http://birdpop.org/membership.htm.

Calling All Alaska Bird Watchers

More eyes needed to tally state birds

Ithaca, NY-Bird watchers in Alaska are invited to sign up now for the 2008-09 season of
Project FeederWatch. More participants are needed from the state to track the numbers
and kinds of birds at feeders each week and then send the information to the Cornell Lab
of Ornithology. The information provided becomes part of the world’s largest database
on feeder-bird populations.

Project FeederWatch welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels. To learn more
and to sign up, visit www.feederwatch.org or call (800) 843-2473. In return for the $15
fee ($12 for Lab members) participants receive the FeederWatcher’s Handbook, a bird-
identification poster, a calendar, instructions, and the FeederWatch annual report.

4
Bird Highlights, Reporting Results.
November Bird Observations in Juneau
By Mark Schwan

It was an excellent month to watch Short-eared Owls at the Wetlands, as many were seen
early on, and one or two birds could sometimes be seen up to the end of the month.
Unfortunately, one birder witnessed the apparent shooting of a Short-eared Owl on
November 25 by airport personnel adjacent to the runway. We subsequently found out
that the permit issued to the airport now gives them the authority to kill Short-eared Owls
as well as Northern Harriers, and that the number of owls taken this year, and likely just
this fall, is at least fifteen. Perhaps we will learn more as to why this has become a
necessary part of the airport’s bird deterrent program. On a more positive note, here are
the highlights for the month.

Although not rare in

Juneau, two Northern
Goshawks, one immature
and one adult, frequenting
the Wetlands from late the
previous month through at
least November 10, was a
treat for many local birders
(RG, many obs.). Very
rare in Juneau, a Northern
Hawk Owl, was found and
photographed by Patty
Rose on November 1 near
the airport dike trail
parking lot. The bird was
seen later in the day by
Northern Hawk Owl By Patty Rose several other birders
(GV,MM, RG,BA). A
Northern Flicker (yellow-shafted form) was seen on the Wetlands on November 13
(MA,GB,AS). Several birders and non-birders took notice of an immature Townsend’s
Solitaire along the Wetlands trail on November 9 and 10 (RG). An apparent Eastern
Yellow Wagtail was seen on November 11 flying over the wetlands dike trail
(RG,PR,MS). The identification was pieced together by the three birders collectively
gathering enough characters to be comfortable with the identification. Rich Gordon was
the only individual to have a good enough look at the bird to determine it was an adult,
based on a good view of a pale but definite yellowish breast. Other birders have briefly
relocated the bird, on November 23 (GV,MM) and November 24 (PS,DM). The flight
call was heard on the 23rd, which was consistent for the species, but otherwise,
confirmation has been difficult.

Very late and lingering single Wilson’s Warblers were found at Auke Bay on November
15 (GV) and at the Wetlands on November 23 (GV,RG) and November 25 (PS). Most

5
exceptional was the Tennessee Warbler found downtown on November 15 (MA). This
represents the latest and first fall record for this species in Juneau. A Spotted Towhee
briefly visited Brenda Wright’s feeder on November 11. This species is very rare in
Alaska, and interestingly, the majority of records have come from Juneau. A White-
throated Sparrow was located at a downtown residence on November 8, 10, and 27
(MA), and another bird that first appeared at a north Douglas Island feeder late last month
remained loyal to the site through at least November 26 (PS).

Finally, recognition must be given to Gus van Vliet. Gus spotted an American Three-
toed Woodpecker at his residence on November 11. This was the 200th species Gus has
seen either in his yard or from his yard, i.e. his yard list. This is quite exceptional and
represents 20 years of bird records from this location. This is without doubt the most
extensive yard list for any Alaskan birder. It is quite an accomplishment.

Contributors: Bev Agler, BA; Mark Anderson, MA; Gwen Baluss, GB; Rich Gordon,
RG; Molly MacCafferty, MM; Deanna MacPhail, DM; Patty Rose, PR; Mark Schwan,
MS; Andy Smoker, AS; Paul Suchanek, PS; Gus van Vliet, GV; Brenda Wright, BW.
Thanks to those that contributed.

Wrangell Bird Observations By Bonnie Demerjian

This summer’s abundant mountain ash berry crop is continuing to attract and nourish
birds in Wrangell. Both Bohemian and Cedar waxwings were reported feeding on the
berries all month. So also were a flock of about 50 European Starlings.

A small number of White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows have turned up at

feeders this month, as did an Orange-crowned Warbler. A Wilson’s Warbler was
reported early in November.

Black Turnstones were the only shorebird seen this month. A flock of around 1000
Western Grebes was reported. This group shows up each winter and we hope they turn
up on the Christmas Bird Count. More Bonaparte Gulls than usual are staying around so
far this winter.

A small flock of Trumpeter Swans has remained on Pat’s Lake though a larger group
has apparently moved on.

AUTUMN BIRDS IN KETCHIKAN-by Teri Goucher

Many birds of interest have been seen in our area in spite of the typically stormy weather
usual for this season. There were some very windy days but temperatures fell below
freezing just a few times and the snow level made it to sea level only a couple times.

The first ever record of a Cassin's Finch was made a few hundred feet from my home
south of town. Unfortunately I missed this rarity as I was vacationing and working on my

6
Hawaiian reef fish checklist....Darn! This species looks very similar to the Purple Finch,
but the Cassin's Finch has a slightly longer conical bill and the raspberry-red coloring is
brightest on the crown. These birds are usually found in the coniferous forest of
western North America and breed as far north as the inland areas of southwestern
Canada. A Purple Finch was also seen this past month in town.

There are still lots of sparrows and some feeders area wide have attracted up to 5
Golden-crowned Sparrows , several White-crowned Sparrows and a few White-
throated Sparrows this month.

Quite a few American Tree Sparrows are here and many Fox Sparrows remain,
including a 'red' Fox Sparrow. Lincoln's Sparrows and a Chipping Sparrow were found
in the now bare branches of neighborhood shrubs.

A Swamp Sparrow has frequented a brushy area in Saxman where a old house was
recently torn down. Sometimes urban renewal can be good as this created prime habitat
for this species!

Many late warblers were seen here in November including Orange-crowned Warblers
and Yellow-rumped Warblers. An almost latest record ever for a couple of Wilson's
Warblers was made on the 16th of November.

A quick glimpse of an Evening Grosbeak was enjoyed briefly around mid-month.

A Slaty-backed Gull was seen along our waterfront; it's very dark colored back easy to
spot amidst the paler gulls.

A Boreal Owl enjoyed a bit of fame as a photo of this elusive species was posted on
SitNews. This is only the second Ketchikan record but this beautiful owl is surely more
common in our forests than sightings indicate!

This year's Christmas Bird Count for the Ketchikan area will be held December
20th. For more information and to sign up please contact Andy Piston at 225-5195.

Good luck birding to all as we now settle into our winter months here in Alaska!

Skagway Christmas Bird Count

We are having our Xmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 14th. If you know of any
Juneau-ites headed up this direction for that weekend that might want to participate, they
can contact Elaine ([email protected]) or myself ([email protected]).
There are a lot of Yuletide events that weekend that should be great fun as well.

7
 CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERMIT APPLICATIONS
To see the full permit go to: http://www.poa.usace.army.mil/reg/PNNew.htm and
then to Public Notices on the left

Petersburg
Activity: The placement of clean fill material in wetlands for the development of 24
housing driveways and house pads, for use as single-family homes, within the
Tlingit/Haida Subdivision, Petersburg, Alaska.
Application Number: POA-2006-1546

Sitka
APPLICANT: Halibut Point Marina Services; POA-2005-1813
PROPOSED WORK: Reconstruct the boat lift area, reference sheet 6 of 9, "Travelift
Dock Demo and Replacement Plans.
PROJECT MANAGER: John Klutz

Juneau
Applicant: Alaska Marine Lines
Activity: Applicant's stated purpose is "To change the existing configuration of a marine
terminal cargo yard at the Juneau Rock Dump, to increase the volume, speed and
efficiency of cargo handling and transfer."
Application No: POA-2006-1979-M2

Project Manager: John C. Leeds, III - [email protected]

Juneau Audubon Society Officers, Committee Chairs, Events Coordinators

President: Mark Schwan, [email protected]
Vice-President: Jeff Sauer, [email protected]
Secretary: Patty Rose, [email protected]
Treasurer: Brien Daugherty, [email protected]
Programs: Brenda Wright, 789-4656, [email protected]
Membership: Brenda Wright, [email protected]
Education: Beth Peluso, [email protected]
Conservation: Meg Cartwright, 364-2258 [email protected]
Field Trips:
Raven Editor: Mary Lou King, 789-7540, [email protected]
Public Market: Ellen Anderson, 789-1412, [email protected]
Web Master: George Utermohle, [email protected]
New Board Members: Merrill Jensen and Mark Anderson

8
Merrill Jensen comes to the Juneau Audubon Society’s Board with a lifelong passion for
watching birds. He led his first birding field trip when he was in first grade. He took his
fellow classmates out to the playground to observe the horned larks that frequented the
weeds there. Originally from Wyoming, he has birded throughout the western U.S.
(including Hawaii), northern Europe and Asia and continues to add to his life list. He is a
professional Horticulturist and serves as the Arboretum Manager for the CBJ’s Jensen-
Olson Arboretum. This is his 4th public garden that he has had the privilege to work for.
He is looking forward to being actively involved again with Audubon after a ten year
absence.

Mark Anderson grew up in Juneau and graduated from J-D High School in 1970. I
then did a lot of field work for ADF&G and got a B.S. in Fisheries Science from UAS. I
also worked for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation in the
Administration and Water Quality Sections. I have worked for about 10 years as an
Environmental Impact Analyst for the Alaska Dept. of Transportation and recently retired
from the State. I am a local birdwatcher and now find that I am also interested in travel
to see more exotic birding spots. Other interests of mine include skiing, fishing, family,
guitar, and hiking (not necessarily in that order). I am excited to be a new board member
of Juneau Audubon.

"Winter and the Nuthatch" by Mary Oliver, from Red Bird.

Once or twice and maybe again, who knows, the timid nuthatch will come to me if I
stand still, with something good to eat in my hand.
The first time he did it he landed smack on his belly, as though the legs wouldn't
cooperate.
The next time he was bolder. Then he became absolutely wild about those walnuts.
But there was a morning I came late and, guess what, the nuthatch was flying into a
stranger's hand.
To speak plainly, I felt betrayed.
I wanted to say: Mister, that nuthatch and I have a relationship.
It took hours of standing in the snow before he would drop from the tree and trust my
fingers.
But I didn't say anything.
Nobody owns the sky or the trees.
Nobody owns the hearts of birds.
Still, being human and partial therefore to my own successes— though not resentful of
others fashioning theirs—
I'll come tomorrow, I believe, quite early.

***Please consider getting The Raven by e-mail instead of snail mail to save paper, time,
money and view photos in color. Send your request by email to : Membership:,
[email protected]

9
 National Audubon Society Membership Application
For first time members or renewals to the National Audubon Society, please mail this form to:
National Audubon Society, PO Box 422246, Palm Coast, FL 32142-6714
You will receive the National Audubon Magazine plus Juneau Chapter newsletter The
Raven.
$20 (1-year introductory rate) _____; $15 (1-year student/senior rate) _____
$30 Basic renewal____

Name_______________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code____________________________________________
Telephone number_______________________

____My check for $_______is enclosed_____Please bill me

A51 7XCH
__________________________________________________________________
Local Audubon Society Membership Application
If you prefer to support Juneau Audubon Society only, please complete the form above
and send $10 (1-year membership) to: Juneau Audubon Society, Membership Chair, PO
Box 21725, Juneau, AK 99802. You will receive the Juneau Chapter news letter The
Raven.
***Please consider getting The Raven by e-mail instead of snail mail to save paper,
time, money and view photos in color. To choose this option, write your email
address here ____________________________.

10