Altacal Audubon Society A California Chapter of the National Audubon Society

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Mission: To promote the awareness, appreciation, and protection of native birds and their habitats through education, research, and environmental activities.

In all our areas of interest (e.g., Field Trips, Education, Conservation, etc.) we are trying to get things done more efficiently and effectively by asking members to contribute in any way they can by contacting a Committee Chairperson or other Board member and offering to help in some area of interest.  There's no need to sign on for a particular position or office and you can be sure you'd be appreciated.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - 14th Annual SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL of the Pacific Flyway, January 24 - 27, 2013

Altacal Audbon Society plays a huge role in organizing and hosting this wonderful community event. The Altacal board and several members are involved at all levels. Making a difference in our community is what we all strive to do. We are hoping for an even more successful event this year! If you are interested in volunteering please call Jennifer Patten for further information at 345-9356 or jpchico@sbcglobal.net.

Dr. Gail Jones from North Carolina University invites Altacal members (and others) to take a Hobbyist Survey at http://ncsu.qualtrics.com//SE/?SID=SV_7OOsR9G0Pkp5I2N.

Support us by becoming a member: Membership Application (PDF)

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Northern Saw-whet Owl project and ADOPT AN OWL!   Altacal Audubon Society is proudly sponsoring Dawn Garcia and her banding crew as they continue researching the migration ecology of the Northern Saw-whet Owl (ageolius acadicus).  Their project was the recent focus of the Greenways Column in the Chico News and Review, (http://www.newsreview.com/chico/content?oid=1869662). Dawn also recently launched an "Adopt an Owl" program that will help support the long-term monitoring of the owl. Check out her blog at http://birdbling.blogspot.com/, to learn more about the owl project and how to ADOPT AN OWL! The package includes a owl certificate, project brochure, and letter of thanks for your tax free donation.

Upcoming Programs

Program Meetings for the general community are normally held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Chico Creek Nature Center, 1968 E. 8th St. 

In December the meeting is held on the second Monday and in July and August there are no Program Meetings. 

June - Altacal Audubon's Potluck Monday, June 17, 2013 6:30 p.m. Chico Creek Nature Center Well it’s that time again! Time for our annual potluck dinner. Come join us and celebrate friendships and our common love for birds and the natural world at our annual potluck dinner. Monday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. at Chico Creek Nature Center. We will have a chance to visit with old friends and new ones; talk about birds and birding, share stories of recent and future adventures and travels. Also share with the group some interesting facts on one of your favorite birds. It’s been another remarkable year for Altacal Audubon and this will be our last chance to get together as a group until our next program in September. Remember, there are no programs during July and August so you don’t want to miss this one. Bring a dish to share, a beverage for yourself or to share, a plate and fork, and a chair if you like.

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Upcoming Bird Walks and Birding Trips

All of our field trips are open to beginning birders.  Anyone with a sense of wonder is welcome to participate.

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June 1, Saturday - BIRDS & TREES WALK AT CSU BUTTE CREEK ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE Trip leaders: Joseph O’Neil, Certified Arborist; Skip Augur and Pam Hansen We will explore the native trees, shrubs and the birds of Butte Creek.  This is a 4 to 5 mile intermediate hike along the creek (and over some logs) down to the pond.  Bank Swallows, Cooper’s Hawks, Yellow breasted Chats, and assorted warblers have been seen here in early summer.  Turtles, otters and jumping salmon may also be seen.  Bring sturdy shoes/boots, water, and snacks for this 3 hour hike. Meet at the parking lot of the preserve at 9:00 am.  The preserve is on Honey Run Road about 3 miles off the Skyway, just past 1182.  For information, contact Joseph O’Neil at josephoneil@earthlink.net.

June 14 - 16, Friday - Sunday - SIERRA VALLEY / YUBA PASS IS CANCELLED

June 28 - 30, Friday - Sunday- WILLOW LAKE

Come and enjoy Willow Lake, situated just outside Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s a natural lake (kayaks welcome) that features a floating bog (a fen) in a narrow valley-like setting. Piliated Woodpeckers nest in, and are common to the area; other birds include White-headed and Black-backed Woodpeckers, Sandhill Cranes, Western Tanagers, Evening Grosbeaks and a variety of warblers. We will camp on the edge of the lake - only a pit toilet is provided - and hike to the Terminal Geyser, Boiling Lake, and perhaps up to Little Willow Lake and bird the area along Willow Creek. Come for part of or the entire weekend. Contact Gaylord Grams at 530-533-1624 for more information, directions and meeting places.

July 26 - 28, Friday - Sunday - LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK Beat the heat and head for the high country just up the road in Lassen Volcanic National Park. This will be a great weekend to bird and socialize with our neighboring Audubon chapters. We have reserved a site at Lost Creek Group Campground. This year, Wintu Audubon and possibly another chapter will have their Lassen trip on the same weekend. We’ll explore various parts of the park each day. You can join us for one or more of the hikes, kayak or canoe on your own at Manzanita Lake, explore the park on your own, or lounge in camp and let the birds come to you. The birding is great right in the campground area. We’ll get together for dinner and campfire socializing in the evenings and perhaps take a night hike to look for owls. Come for all or part of the weekend. If you aren’t interested in camping, you can join us just for the day. There is a $10 fee per car to enter the park and we will share the campsite fee. Group size is limited. If you would like to join us or need more information, please contact Mary Muchowski at 530-228-0625 or mmuchowski@earthlink.net.

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Tom Rodgers Uncommon Birds (2 MB download)

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Altacal Audubon Society has had an exciting opportunity to create an educational brochure to inform landowners along the Sacramento River about Bank Swallows (Riparia riparia), their nesting habitat, and incentive programs to help protect them.    Members Carolyn Short, Raina King and I were awarded a grant to create the brochure and companion website by the Fund for Wild Nature. Go to Bankswallows.org to learn more about this species population on the Sacramento River.

Image copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Submission of Articles Notices or articles submitted for publication consideration should be sent by e-mail message to the newsletter editor as Microsoft Word (if possible) attachments by the 1st of the month for the next issue of the newsletter (i.e., Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep and Nov 1st) - editor@altacal.org – Thanks.