Ohlone Audubon Society

Date: Jan. 3 Time 7:30 p. m.

Topic: Acorn Woodpecker Lifestyle

Presenter: Ruth Troetschler

Location: Math-Science Nucleus
4074 Eggers Drive, Fremont 94536

Have you ever wondered about those noisy, colorful woodpeckers that live in our oak woodland? Why are they so common? Do they eat anything other than acorns? Why do they sometimes make holes in our houses? How can we prevent that damage while still protecting the birds?

Ruth Troetschler holds a masters degree in biological science, and has studied Acorn Woodpeckers for seven years. She will answer all these questions, as well as give us tips on the relationship of oaks to the protection of this colorful species in a presentation with illustrations and sound.

We will meet in the Children's Natural History Museum. Come a little early and check out the exhibits—the Wes Gordon Fossil Museum, the Miller Planetarium, mineral and animal collections, and the Hall of Small Wonders. The museum is managed by the Math Science Nucleus (http://msnucleus.org.) It is located on the corner of Fremont Blvd. and Eggers Drive, about 1/2 mile north of Mowry Ave, across the street from Washington High School.in central Fremont. —PAG

Bring a cup to enjoy beverages after meetings.

Jan. 8, Sun., 9:00 a.m.

Arrowhead Marsh

Leader: Phil Gordon (510) 538-3550 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

A high tide of 7.4 feet will hit Arrowhead Marsh about 11AM and that should create a good opportunity to see rails. We're going to get there a bit ahead of that and, as the tide comes in, we'll be watching for rails, certainly Clapper Rails, and a chance for Sora and Virginia. Also, ducks and shorebirds should be plentiful. The area is completely paved, so if it's raining, we'll go anyhow as rain and high tide are supposed to be optimum conditions for seeing rails. Just wear your boots and Gortex! This is a wheelchair accessible bird walk. Bring snacks if you like. Beginners always welcome. Restrooms are available. Going west on Hegenberger toward the airport, turn right on Pardee. Make a left at Swan and then right into Arrowhead Marsh driveway, which is part of the Martin Luther King Regional Park. Follow the entry road all the way to the end. However, on the way to the parking area we always drive slowly and keep an eye out for Burrowing Owls on the berms to the right. (If you take I-880, exit at Hegenberger toward the airport, and follow the directions above.)

Jan. 21, Sat., 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Leaders: Kathy Robertson ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) & Steve Huckabone

Wintering waterfowl, Common Gallinules (Moorhens), egrets, herons, grebes and Osprey are found on and around the lakes and ponds, while the trees hold woodpeckers and nuthatches. Notable sightings in past years have included California Thrasher, Common Loon, Common and Hooded Merganser, Wilson's Snipe, and Peregrine Falcon. Wide, level trails make walking easy (one short uphill climb to levee trail). Beginners welcome. Bring your scope if you have one. Directions: Take I-580 east to Pleasanton, exit right on Santa Rita Rd,, left on Valley Ave., left on Stanley Blvd.. The park entrance is on the right at the first traffic signal. Follow signs to the boat rental -- we will meet in the parking lot. Restroom available at meeting location. $6 parking fee. Heavy rain cancels.

Jan. 29, Sun., 9:00 a.m.

Leader: Don Schmoldt This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

In the morning we will drive on West Butte Road looking for Golden Eagles, falcons, Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks and Mountain Bluebirds. At nearby Gray Lodge we will eat lunch, then observe geese and ducks in the afternoon-Eurasian Wigeon is a possibility. Bring water, snacks, and lunch; there are NO rest rooms on this trip until we get to Gray Lodge.

Meet in the town of Sutter at Munger's Market located at the corner of South Butte Road and Acacia Road. Reach Sutter by going east on I-80 to Davis, then go north on SR-113 turning left on SR-20 (near Yuba City), then right on Acacia Road to South Butte Rd. Sutter is about 7 miles west of Yuba City. An alternate route is to take I-5 to Sacramento, go north on SR-99. At Yuba City take SR-20 west to right on Acacia Road and South Butte Road. Hard rain cancels. Almost all is birding from car; all probably wheel chair accessible. Gray Lodge has a $4.32 entrance fee per person which is due to Ohlone at beginning of trip. Please see additional information in this newsletter regarding fees to visit Dept. of Fish & Game wildlife areas. Permits are now required in advance. Ohlone will have 25 of these passes available on this trip.