September 2003 Kitsap Audubon Society Vol. 32, No. 5
By quirk of fate, our September general meeting this year falls on the 2 year
anniversary of the 9-11 disasters. We pay tribute to all who lost their lives on that fateful
day, and to all who have given their lives in related events since then.
HOOTERS & TOOTERS OF KITSAP COUNTY
with Jamie Acker
Give a Hoot! Come have an owling good time on September 11th with
our local expert owler and friend, Jamie Acker. He has prepared a multimedia
presentation to describe the eight species of owls found here in
Kitsap County and to explain the data he has collected while
monitoring Bainbridge Island’s owl population for the past eight
years. Jamie’s experiences and stories always make for a lively
and most interesting evening. At present, he is studying Barred
Owls using telemetry equipment (a subject which he notes that he
could talk about for hours!). How to find owls and the art of “owling” willbe
discussed. Have you ever accompanied Jamie on an “Owl Prowl”? Now is
~ by Lois Sundsmo
the time to come an find out all about it.
Hood Canal Coalition Update
[You may have read about this in a recent Bremerton SUN
article.] The Hood Canal Coalition and the local and state-wide organizations that joined the Coalition’s appeal
to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board have obtained a major victory in their first
legal showdown with Fred Hill Materials over FHM’s gravel strip mine and pit-to-pier proposal near Shine on
Hood Canal. The Board, in a strongly worded unanimous decision (issued Aug. 15, 2003), has agreed with the
Coalition’s contention that Jefferson County violated the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) in approving
a mineral resource overlay comprehensive plan amendment requested by FHM. The matter is remanded to
Jefferson County, who has until Feb. 19, 2004 to submit a report on compliance. This is a major victory that
confirmed the heart of our arguments. Hurray for the good guys!
~ from HCC Press Release
At our Sept. Meeting (in addition to Jamie Acker’s presentation) we are honored to have
HCC President John Fabian scheduled to give the Coalition’s excellent powerpoint
presentation and to talk about their mission. KAS is one of the co-petitioners on the
HCC’s appeal. We look forward to welcoming John to speak to our membership.
MEETING LOCATION KAS general meetings are held in the Community Room on the lower level at
:
Poulsbo Library, 700 NE Lincoln Rd., Poulsbo. Turn off Route 305 at Poulsbo Dental Center and go down the
hill (west) on Lincoln Road. Pass through the first in tersection and the street name changes to NE Iverson St.
The Library is straight ahead. Continue past the front
and turn left into the lower parking lot behind
Pagedriveway
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the Library. There is ample parking, with a level entry into the room. Meeting timeis 7:00—9:00 PM.
Companies and Organizations Who Support KAS
KITSAP AUDUBON SOCIETY
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President, Nancy Ladenberger
297-8063
1st V.P., John Finkbeiner
895-0374
2nd V.P., Tim Cline
830-0738
Secretary, Jan Skelton
698-9684
Treasurer, Dee Finkbeiner
895-0374
Past President, Diana Sheridan
(206) 842-4562
AT-LARGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Richard Anderson
297-2864
Gene Bullock
394-5635
Ron Evans
297-5503
Fay Linger
779-7035
Jim Ulrich
692-4869
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Christmas Bird Count, Gene Bullock
394-5635
Conservation, Richard Anderson
297-2864
Bruce Gundersen
779-1647
Education, Morna Blessing
377-0770
Field Trips, Fay Linger
779-7035
Finance - vacant
Hospitality, Nancy Sageser
779-9155
Doug Quinlan
377-2046
Membership, Glenn Anderson
874-8176
Newsletter Editor, Ron Evans
297-5503
Programs, Lois Sundsmo
779-4502
Publicity, Phyllis Summers
479-3257
Social, Morna Blessing
377-0770
OTHER CONTACTS
Scrub Jay Sightngs, John McDonald
830-2029
WebMaster, Mike Szerlog
297-6794
Wildlife Sightings, Joan Carson
779-2612
NOTE: If not listed, area code for above phone #s is 360.
Printed by BLUE SKY PRINTING in Poulsbo
on Recycled Paper with a minimum of
30% Post Consumer content
The purpose of Kitsap Audubon Society is to
preserve the natural world through education,
environmental study, and habitat protection;
and to promote awareness and enjoyment
of local and regional natural areas.
Wild Birds Unlimited in Gig Harbor gives a percentage from their
sales to KAS members back to Kitsap Audubon Society. Please let
them know you are a KAS member.
Bainbridge Island One Call For All annual community drive.
Kitsap Audubon Society is on this form. Bainbridge Island residents
can designate that they want their contributions to go to KAS.
Bainbridge Gardens gives a 10% discount on native plants and
birding supplies to KAS members. Show an up-to-date NAS or KAS
membership card to receive this discount.
Brenda Prowse, of Brenda Prowse Properties in Poulsbo will
donate 20% of her commission to KAS when a KAS member buys or
sells a home or land through her company.
Raffle Table Donations are provided each month by Wild Birds
Unlimited in Gig Harbor and by KAS members
.
Our sincere thanks to these organizations and
businesses for their support of Kitsap Audubon.
KAS Meeting Schedule for 2003-2004
Board of Directors: Tues 9/2, Tues 9/30, Thurs 11/6, Tues
12/2, Tues 12/30, Thurs 2/5, Tues 3/2, Tues 3/30, Tues 5/4
General Membership Meetings: (all on Thursdays) 9/11,
10/9, 11/13, 12/11, 1/8, 2/12, 3/11, 4/8, 5/13 (Potluck)
All meetings to be held in the Community Room at Poulsbo
Library, starting at 7:00PM. All members are welcome to
attend any of these meetings.
Licensed Kitsap County Wildlife Rehabilitators
Apple Tree Cove Animal Hospital
Kingston 360-297-2898
Island Wildlife Shelter at Bloedel Reserve
Bainbridge Island 206-855-9057
Some Birding Do’s & Don’ts
1. Check up on clumps of birders only if their binoculars are all
raised and pointing in the same direction. When everyone is
looking in their books, the bird has already gone.
2. Hitting a bird with your car is not a very satisfying way to
collect a species. Hitting a birder is even less so.
THE KINGFISHER is the newsletter of KITSAP AUDUBON SOCIETY,
P.O. Box 961, Poulsbo, WA 98370. It is published 5 times each year.
Submissions in the form of articles, letters and art work are welcome.
We reserve the right to edit due to space, grammar or legal reasons.
Mail submissions to P.O. Box 144, Port Gamble WA 98364. Opinions
expressed herein are those of the credited writers and do not
necessarily represent the official position of Kitsap Audubon Society.
Deadline for the OCT/NOV 2003 KINGFISHER is Sept 15, 2003.
WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE Page 2
1-800-562-6000
Your voice counts! Your Legislators are listening. Be heard!
Here’s an excellent fundraising idea: For any relative's or friend's birthday, anniversary,
graduation, or any special occasion, where you may be stumped for what to get them,
consider this: Make a donation to Kitsap Audubon Society in honor of them and this
event. KAS will then send that individual(s) a tasteful card (printed on recycled paper),
acknowledging that a donation has been made in their honor to KAS. We also will send
you a thank you letter, noting the amount of your tax deductible donation, for income tax purposes. Your gift
will acknowledge a special occasion and at the same time will directly benefit KAS’ missions of environmental study, habitat preservation, and public education. Contact our Treasurer, Dee Finkbeiner, for details.
We can always use donations, so this is something very worthwhile to consider............Thank you.
West Sound Conservation Council (WSCC) Update
Last winter Kitsap Audubon Society joined WSCC, a coalition of environmental oriented organizations in Kitsap
County. Also included in this coalition are: Chums of Barker Creek, Hood Canal Environmental Council, Miller Bay
Citizens Action Group, Kitsap Citizens for Responsible Planning, Kitsap Conservation Voters, North Kitsap Coordinating
Council, Stillwaters Environmental Education Center, and Kitsap Trees.
This coalition was formed as a result of the need for one cent ral information source. It is the job of this coalition to
publicize activities involving environmental concerns (particularly those affecting Kitsap County) to the general public,
attending meetings of elected officials, and be a general “watchdog” of happenings here.
August 3rd, WSCC sponsored a fundraising picnic at Evergreen Park in Bremerton. It was a huge success, having a
great turnout for a first time event. The WSCC Executive Director, Peter Schrappen, along with various WSCC individuals ,
did an outstanding job in getting this organized.
The main speaker was Kitsap County Commissioner Patty Lent, who s poke on activities and plans for Kitsap
County. Other elected officials in attendance were State Senator Betti Sheldon, State Legislator Phil Rockefeller, and
Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen.
This was a fun event, the weather was perfect, and the food outstanding. Ted Labbe, representative from Stillw aters, brought clams and oysters that the S’Klallam Tribe had donated for this event. Ted is also that Tribe’s biologist. In
addition to the seafood, there were many other favorite picnic fare items. Definitely no one went away hungry. Richard
Anderson and Nancy Ladenberger represented KAS, set up our display table, and gave away plenty of handouts.
A recent study by the Environmental Working Group, a Wash. DC non-profit environmental research organization, revealed some startling facts about what we eat and the amount of pesticide residue contained therein. Foods containing
MORE residue: celery 81%, grapes from Chile 79%, cantaloupes from Mexico 75%, nectarines 74%, cherries grown
in the USA 71%, peaches 71%, strawberries 70%. Foods containing LESS residue: avocadoes 1%, sweet corn 1%,
bulb onions 5%, cauliflower 6%, asparagus 14% . Solution? - Grow your own produce where possible. Otherwise,
purchase organically grown fruit and vegetables. Read labels carefully.
~reprinted from WSCC Buzz
Take Back Audubon (TBA) Campaign
A group of Chapter leaders from around the nation are recruiting an
alternative Proxy slate to elect replacement (more chapter -sensitive) members to the NAS board. Read their agenda at www.
smbas.org/tba. KAS will be receiving TBA proposals in the near future and will be analyzing them to provide members our
insights on the campaign. The NAS Proxy ballots for the NAS endorsed slate of directors should appear in the next edition
of Audubon magazine (mailed in Augu st). You might want to hold off mailing your Proxy until you have a chance to digest
KAS’ assessment and how the process will work. We plan to include a more extensive discussion of TBA in the Oct/Nov
KINGFISHER. If all goes well, TBA will have their own Proxy to send back to them should you decide to use it. The
TBA group will then hand carry these to the next NAS meeting.
Washington’s Watch List Birds
Please report positive sightings of any of these birds anywhere in Washington to Joan Carson at 360-779-2612, or
email her at jpcarson@earthlink.net. Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, Black-footed Albatross, Snowy Plover, Rufous
Hummingbird, Hermit Warbler, Black Oystercatcher, Red Knot, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Short-billed Dowitcher,
Rock Sandpiper, Flammulated Owl, Lewis’ Woodpecker, Greater Sage Grouse, White-headed Woodpecker, Ferruginous
3 in Kitsap County
Hawk, Brewer’s Sparrow
Bold = havePage
been seen
Opposition to Pit-to-Pier Gravel Mining Operation Grows
~ HCC Press Release
The Hood Canal Coalition and 31 allied environmental and community groups are adamantly opposed to any
permits being issued that would allow the state’s largest gravel strip mine and a massive pier in one of Hood
Canal’s most beautiful areas. “This project will industrialize one of our state’s most pristine waterways,” said
John Fabian, one of several founders of the Hood Canal Coalition. “Hood Canal is a national, region al and
local treasure and it deserves full and long-term protection.”
The proposed strip mine would cover nearly 781 acres, with a pier extending nearly 1,000 feet into Hood Canal that would have a 900 foot dock at the end and rise 90 feet above the water. “It’s incomprehensible that
such a massive and destructive proposal has gotten this far,” Fabian said. “But our 1,600 hundred member
coalition, and 31 allied organizations are 100 percent committed to stopping this outrageous project before it
can damage Hood Canal and its priceless environment, or harm Jefferson County’s economy, or damage the
Hood Canal Bridge.”
Fred Hill Materials, a Poulsbo-based company, has applied to Jefferson County for multiple permits for the
strip mine, four mile long conveyor, and pier, as well as a stormwater permit to expand mining in the Wahl
Lake area. “Fred Hill has been threatening to file these permit applications for the better part of a year,”
Fabian said. “They’ve finally come forward so the citizens of Jefferson County and Washington State can see
the details of the destruction they are proposing. We are going to scrutinize their application and all of their
so-called environmental studies and we expect an extremely comprehensive review and analysis by state and
federal agencies. Hood Canal is a shoreline of statewide significance under the Shoreline Management Act,
which requires protecting its natural character, resources, and ecology. Priority is given to statewide over local
interests, and to long-term over short-term benefits.”
“A few decades of large profits for Fred Hill Materials are a short-term benefit,” Fabian said. “Protecting and
maintaining the unique character and environment of Hood Canal is a long-term benefit that will extend for
centuries. Ensuring denial of permits for this ill-conceived project is important to all Washington’s citizens.”
Fred Hill Materials has used a number of dubious assertions to justify their project. “They’ll try and use gimmicks like offering sand for untested and uncertain beach restoration, bogus sales tax schemes, and unsupportable promises to make their project sound good.,” Fabian said. “These are just further evidence that their a pplication can’t stand on its own.”
Also of concern is that the pier would be across Hood Canal from the Bangor Sub Base that is critical to our
country’s national security. The Hood Canal Coalition along with six other organizations have filed an appeal
with Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board over Jefferson County’s decision to grant a
690 acre mineral resource land overlay (MRL), allowing for greatly expanded strip mining and enabling the
“Pit-to-Pier” project. “We’re surprised at Fred Hill Materials’ arrogance and disregard for the Growth Board,“
Fabian said. “This attempt to push this application through before the Board hears our appeal on an oversized
and unjustified MRL is clear evidence of their attitude and continued disregard for the public good.”
“Regardless of the tactics Fred Hill uses to try and sway citizens and elected policy makers, the Hood Canal
Coalition will shine a bright and very public light on whatever they try to do. In the past our communities and
State Agencies have prevented large scale industrialization of Hood Canal and the devastation that would o ccur as a certain result,” Fabian said. “Now we must stand up again to prevent a mistake that would not only
have terrible consequences on its own, but that would also set the stage for more of the same kind of devastating projects.”
Hood Canal Coalition
P.O. Box 65279
Port Ludlow, WA 98365
**Editor’s note: KAS joined Hood Canal Coalition as a co-petitioner on the appeal to WWGMHB, and
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continues to express our support for preservation ofPage
that environmental
jewel that is the Hood Canal.
KINGFISHER Award
Hearty congratulations to Nancy Ladenberger.
Nancy was selected as our Kingfisher Award recipient for 2002-2003. This award, KAS’
highest annual honor, was presented at our May 2003 meeting. Very much a deserving
winner, Nancy has been involved with KAS for over ten years. She has served as Field Trip
Chair, Christmas Bird Count compiler, and Treasurer, among others, and currently is our
President as well as a Field Trip leader. She is a true cornerstone of Kitsap Audubon.
Congratulations Nancy, and thank you.
Conservation Update
~ from Richard Anderson
Good news—Leg Hold Traps, SSB 5179, that had been passed by our state leg islature in June, was
vetoed by Governor Locke in July. He decided to keep the law as it was since SSB 5179 had reversed
public opinion from a vote only several years ago. We should thank Gov. Locke for this action. Countless
critters certainly are! Thanks to Sen. Betti Sheldon and to Rep. Phil Rockefeller for their NO votes. They
listened to our phone calls. It really does help to contact your elected officials! If you were among the
thousands who called to express displeasure at SSB 5179 passing the Legislature, thank you, and know
that your voice was heard! Unfortunately, Rep. Woods voted in favor of SSB 5179.
Bad news—A proposal from the owners of most large land holdings, some developers, and some
realtors that would drastically change zoning laws here in Kitsap County on interim Rural Forest land.
Proposed Rezoning would allow 1 house per every 5 acres, versus one house per every 20 acres, on 25% of
such designated land. Kitsap County currently has 54,000 acres of rural forest land. This proposal would
reduce this by some 13,500 acres. Due to a large outcry against this proposal by environmentalists, t he
August 19th decision by the County Planning Commission was to further discuss this matter. Another
public hearing has been scheduled on Sept. 2nd. More info on this in next Kingfisher.
ed. note - KAS has expressed our support of an Indianola citizens group that opposes construction
of a communications tower in that town. Also, we wrote to the editor of the Bremerton SUN, supporting
the Hood Canal Coalition in their stand against the proposed Fred Hill Materials strip mine and pier.
Field Trip Reports
Protection Island Cruise
Under sunny skies and upon blue water, the Glacier Spirit, skippered by Captain Pete Hanke,
departed from the Port Townsend dock in the afternoon of Saturday May 10th, with 71 passengers aboard.
This adventure was co-sponsored by Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society and Kitsap Audubon Society.
V.P. John Finkbeiner was the KAS coordinator, Sandra Cripe for OPAS. Together, the two chapters
sponsored Sequim Middle School teacher Roger Magee and 7 of his students. Numerous sea bird species
were seen, including grebes, cormorants, mergansers, scoters, auklets, brandt, guillemots, eagles, and
ducks, along with a large number of seals and sea lions. We all had a grand time, as comments of
disembarking passengers were highly favorable. Also, this was a profitable venture for KAS.
Eastern Washington and the Shrub Steppe Birds
~ by Scott Downes
14 birders ventured across the Cascades to see what we could of shrub-steppe and Eastern Wash.
species on June 22nd. We began by touring the fields of the Kittitas valley, east of Ellensburg. Spotted a
field of winnowing snipes and a grasshopper sparrow. Out the Vantage highway, we noted Brewer’s and
Sage Sparrows, Mountain Bluebirds, Sage Thrashers and a rare Gray Flycatcher. While at lunch at Ginkgo
Overlook State Park, White throated Swifts made an appearance, along with a Common Nighthawk.
Reaching the Columbia River via the Huntzinger road, we were greeted by White Pelicans, screaming
Caspian Terns, two Common Loons in breeding plumage, and an immature Yellow billed Loon. In all,
a total of 66 species were seen. Weather was sunny
Pageand
5 warm, and we all enjoyed a very pleasant day.
Field Trip Chair
Field Trips
Fay Linger
(360) 779-7035
SCHEDULED TRIPS with LEADERS
** SAT, Sept 27th ... “Point No Point, Buck Lake and the Kingston Waterfront”
- Leader: Fay Linger
(360) 779-7035. We will bird the beach area as well as the marsh at Point No Point, moving on to the Buck Lake
trail system, and ending on the Kingston waterfront for those who wish extend this trip into the afternoon.
Bring a lunch and meet at Point No Point Lighthouse parking lot at 8:30 AM.
** SAT, Oct 18th ... “Owl Prowl” - Leader: Jamie Acker (206) 780-5230. Again, Jamie has made himself
available to lead us on an early AM “owl prowl” on Bainbridge Island. After his presentation at our Septmeeting,
you won’t want to miss this terrific opportunity to experience these great birds yourself. Call him to reserve a
spot, for special instructions and directions to the meeting place. This trip is limited to 10 participants.
** SAT, Oct 18th … “Bainbridge Island Boat Trip” - This trip will circumnavigate BI, and will last 4+ hours.
Again, this trip is jointly sponsored by Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society and Kitsap Audubon Society. The cost
is $50.00 per person, and KAS will reap a tidy profit if we can fill our quota of 25 seats. We should see fall and
winter sea ducks, loons, grebes, and more. The time and meeting place will be announced at the September meeting. Call John Finkbeiner (360) 895-0374 for reservations. Checks should be payable to Kitsap Audubon Society.
** SAT, Oct 25th … “Sequim Birding Hot Spots” - Leaders: Gene and Sandy Bullock (360) 394-5635. Our
leaders will take us on a tour some favorite birding destinations, among them John Wayne Marina, Cline Spit, the
Three Crabs area, and more. Bring a lunch and be prepared to spend the day. Meet at Salisbury Point County
Park, just north of Hood Canal Bridge (Kitsap side) at 8AM.
** SAT, Nov 8th … “Whidbey Island” - Leader: Nancy Ladenberger (360) 297-8063. This is an all day tour
with Nancy, who is scouting several new Island locations! Meeting time will be early, as we will catch a Port
Townsend to Keystone ferry. This has been a very popular trip, so call Nancy ASAP to reserve a spot.
Coming events: SAT, Dec 13th, Bremerton Waterfront with Ivan Summers; SAT, Dec 27th, Christmas Bird
Count; SAT, Jan 24th, Sinclair Inlet Waterfront with John Finkbeiner. More details in next KINGFISHER.
FIELD TRIP GUIDELINES
1. Trips are limited to 12 participants unless otherwise specified.
2. Children 12 and under are welcome only on designated family trips or with permission ofthe leader.
3. Call the leader or contact person as soon as possible to reserve a spot and get details.
4. If the weather is questionable, or if you must cancel, call the leader the morning of the trip.
5. Dress for the weather. Please refrain from wearing white or bright colored clothing.
6. Bring binoculars, cash for ride-sharing (see below), and remember a lunch for all day trips.
Field Trip Transportation - Carpooling is desirable to reduce costs and limit the parking space required.
Passengers are asked to share any expenses with the driver. A contribution of $2 for shorter trips and $5 for
overnight trips is suggested, with any Ferry fares and State Park admission fees being divided equally between
the driver and passengers.
Input from members on any aspect of field trips is always welcomed.
“The Quotable Birder”
~ reprinted with permission from The Birdbrainer by James Benton
“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those
that sang best” Henry Van Dyke on Talent
“Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your pet parrot to the town gossip”
Will Rogers
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A New Schedule for The KINGFISHER
Our Board of Directors has elected to save significant costs by publishing our Chapter newsletter, The
KINGFISHER, only five times per year, instead of eight. This will result in substantial savings for KAS. Look
for The KINGFISHER to be published in September, October (for Oct & Nov), December (for Dec & Jan),
February (for Feb & Mar) and April (for April & May). Deadlines for submissions to The KINGFISHER will
fall on August 15, Sept 15, Nov 15, Jan 15, and March 15. We will evaluate the results of this change of printing
schedule toward the end of this fiscal year.
KITSAP AUDUBON SOCIETY — MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Please make your check payable to KITSAP AUDUBON SOCIETY. Mail to KAS, P.O. Box 961, Poulsbo, WA 98370
Name __________________________________________________ Phone _______________________
Address ________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________________ State _______ Zip _____________
Membership application (check appropriate blanks):
_____ Kitsap Audubon Society (KAS) Chapter Only Membership 1 year @ $15 per year
KAS Chapter Only membership includes 5 issues of the KINGFISHER annually
_____ I do not wish to receive any solicitations or communications from National Audubon Society
_____ Do Not share my name or any of my personal information with other organizations
_____ Donation (tax deductible) to Kitsap Audubon Society enclosed
***
KAS cannot accept renewals to National Audubon Society ***
NOTE:
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Silverdale, WA 98383
PERMIT #110
The KINGFISHER
Kitsap Audubon Society
P.O. Box 961
Poulsbo, WA 98370
DATED MATERIAL
Kitsap Audubon is on the
WEB.
www.kitsapaudubon.
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REDUCEREUSERECYCLE