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Washington E-Newswire Audubon Washington
E-Newswire July 2007 Volume 3 Number 7
Screech of the
Eagle - A Rallying Cry to Save Other Declining Birds
OLYMPIA - The resurgence of the Bald Eagle has resulted in
its recent removal from protection under the Endangered Species
Act, and Auduboners from Washington State to Washington, D.C.
are taking heart. "The rescue of the bald eagle from the brink
of extinction ranks among the greatest victories of American
conservation." said John Flicker, President of the National
Audubon Society. "Like no other species, the bald eagle showed
us all that environmental stewardship has priceless rewards.
In every state, parents and grandparents can still point to
the sky and share a moment of wonder as a bald eagle soars
overhead." More information about the causes of the eagles'
decline and recovery, and about Audubon's role, is at the
National
Audubon website.
The encouraging news about eagles proves the effectiveness of focus, energy and action by conservationists, legislators, regulators and concerned citizens. It comes just after Audubon's State of the Birds Report revealed that many of our most common birds have seen their populations shrink by half or more during the same four decades when the eagle was making its comeback. A link to the Report, as well as pictures and information about some of the Washington state birds in steepest decline, is here.
Oh, Those Baby
Blues!
FRIDAY HARBOR - San Juan Islands Audubon announces with great
joy the birth of three Western Bluebirds on San Juan Island.
These are the first juvenile bluebirds seen in the San Juans
since about 1965. The parents are one of eight pair of Western
Bluebirds translocated from Ft. Lewis in March of this year.
Both parents have survived and were seen feeding the fledglings
insects caught in the short grasses of Garry Oak habitat.
Western Bluebirds were once common in the San Juans, but they
were not able to compete with non-native European Starlings
for nest sites in tree cavities and they disappeared about
1965. The current nest boxes have entrance holes too small
for starlings, but they will allow bluebirds. Biologists reported
that three of the translocated pair returned to Ft. Lewis.
Finding the fourth pair on San Juan Island raises hope that
the other four pair are still in the islands or counties close
by. San Juan Islands Audubon's Barbara Jensen is asking everyone
to be on the lookout for the other four pair. They could be
on Lopez or Orcas or even the mainland. If you see any groups
of bluebirds in the San Juans or adjacent counties, or if
you would like to donate to or participate in this project,
please call Barbara Jensen at 360-378-3068. San Juan Islands
Audubon could also use some more boxes or cedar for building
them. If you're handy, Barbara can even get you plans for
building the boxes.
Coulee Corridor
Birding Trail Route Wins 2007 Scenic Byway Award
MOSES LAKE - The Coulee Corridor route of the Great Washington
State Birding Trail has won the prestigious 2007 Scenic Byway
Award for interpretation, one of the nine categories honored
annually by American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials and Federal Highway Administration. Tim Alling of
the Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway Consortium and Audubon
Washington's birding trail director, Christi Norman, accepted
the award at the recent National Scenic Byways conference.
The Coulee Corridor map was chosen because it connects communities
and volunteers, highlights the natural landscape's international
significance as important bird habitat, and promotes tourism
and conservation. You can see the award here.
It's Official - First New Audubon
Washington Chapter in 25 Years
LONG BEACH, WA - Discovery Coast Audubon Society of Pacific
County is proud to announce its permanent status as a new
chapter of Audubon Washington, the first in 25 years. The
Board of Directors will receive official notice at their July
13th Board Meeting. This Chapter has recently undertaken a
project called "Nature Walk Beautification" at the oldest
salmon hatchery in Washington. On completion of the project,
which is expected to take about three years, the chapter will
apply for its certification as a "Wildlife Garden."
October 6 - Save the Date
SEATTLE - Audubon Washington 2nd Annual Awards Dinner will
take place Saturday, October 6th from 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm at
the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). Tickets are $90
General Admission and $125 for Patrons. Audubon will be transforming
MOHAI's event space into a birder's sanctuary with sights
and sounds of nature. The evening's festivities include live
entertainment, an awards ceremony, and a gourmet sit-down
dinner. And don't forget your checkbook - a raffle for an
exciting birding adventure awaits you. Patrons will be treated
to a cocktail reception and personal tour of the exhibit "John
James Audubon: American Artist and Naturalist" prior to the
awards dinner. This fundraising supports Audubon Washington's
conservation and education programs. For more information,
please contact Christy Wood, Development Coordinator, at (206)
652-2444 ext. 102, or via email.
Nina Stays! AW Operations To Consolidate
in Olympia
OLYMPIA - Audubon Washington's board has announced with pleasure
that Nina Carter, who has made such a difference to our mission
and vision in several Audubon roles, has agreed to remain
as Executive Director. For business efficiencies, business
operations will be consolidated in Olympia about September
1st. Audubon Washington will, of course, continue to have
a presence in Seattle at Seward Park, and quarterly events,
Board meetings, and the speaker's bureau will continue to
be held in the Seattle area. More events will be announced
as they unfold.
Birding Trail to Get Wired
SEATTLE - The Great Washington State Birding Trail will soon
hit the worldwide web. In mid-July, web users will be able
to browse online through the four completed routes: the Cascade,
Olympic, and Southwest loops, and the Coulee Corridor. The
online version won't be a substitute for the full-color paper
maps, featuring original bird art by Washington wildlife painter
Ed Newbold. These will still be available for purchase here.
The online versions are designed to help promote the birding
trail overall and help visitors plan their trips along the
routes.
Tidbits for the
Flock: Federal public land management agencies and the
North American Pollinator Protection Campaign are taking an
active role in public outreach and conservation by creating
pollinator gardens that provide habitat for the monarch butterfly.
Here's their quick-and-easy-access website.
Congratulations to Kitsap Audubon's Gene Bullock, named Activist
of the Year by Washington Conservation Voters. Read all about
it here.
Patricia Cruse of Discovery Coast Audubon Society reports
more and more Bald Eagles living permanently in Pacific County.
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