Remember that Red Hot Chili Peppers song about going on a walkabout? It just so happens that there are plenty of people going on just those kinds of foot-y adventures in and around Sonoma County. Whether or not youre a Chili Peppers fan, you will surely appreciate the pedestrian escapades offered by the Madrone Audubon Society.
This incredible corner of the world is perched on a rather epic coastline, so the population of birds, both locals, and immigrants, is extraordinary. And thankfully there are loads of people who want to keep it that way. Part of Madrone Audubon is a group called Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, who work to ensure that the especially crucial wetland habitat and its wildlife lives happily, expansively, and healthfully. If the city wants to build an asphalt plant, theyll sure hear ways to make it environmentally sustainable from the folks on this board. You can get involved helping grow native plant starts at the CASA, that will be used to replant protected wetlands, or just take a docent-led tour of the incredible shoreline areas to learn all the biological gossip. Volunteers are needed at many different times of year for the task of the season be it weeding, counting rare birds, or keeping up nursery activities.
To further appreciate the feathered folks being protected, go birding for yourself. If you miss the docent tours led by the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, or one of the themed Audubon birding outtings, take yourself for a stroll following the detailed maps at http://www.audubon.sonoma.net/birding/birding.html of Bodega Bay, Shollenberger Park, Santa Rosa Creek, Pine Flat Road, Shiloh Park, and Ida Clayton Road all known for unique bird species. Shollenberger Park is often overlooked because of its lack of lawn, but the amazing birds there make it second only to Bodega Bay (a world reknown birding spot), for Sonoma birdwatching. Find rare golden-flecked American Bitterns, tawny Virginia Rails, Black-Crowned Night Herons, yellow-beaked Soras and even birds of prey like the striped tail Coppers Hawk and the Harrier. Greebes, king fishers, thrushes, finches, and a slew of ducks like the Common Teal and Ruddy Duck make fun of each other while otters play with their food. It is a living menagerie of the Sonoma of old, the Sonoma that can be once more with the growing effort to reclaim valuable wetlands. Many of these coastal birds are big links in the food chain, and many also find themselves on the list of endangered species. By following a cheerful docent, planting a few seedlings, or just bringing your binoculars up to your eyes and talking a long, curious look, you too can be a part of the bountiful bird community around here. Enjoy!
Upcoming bird treks with the Madron Audubon Society:
Wednesday September 2, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
BODEGA BAY. Bird Walk. From the center of the town of Bodega Bay, drive north on Highway 1 and turn left at East Shore Road (the Bodega Head turnoff). Then turn right at the stop sign and continue 0.3 mile to the unpaved parking lot on the right. Bring lunch, liquids, and layered clothing. For information, contact Tom McCuller at sisyphus@sonic.net or 546-1812.
Saturday September 5, 8:00 AM to Noon
RAGLE RANCH REGIONAL PARK. Beginners Bird Walk. Meet at the Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol, where we will combine into fewer cars. There is a $5 per car entrance fee to Ragle Park. Rain cancels. Leaders: Tom Cashman, 433-2528; Bill Doyle, 483-8773; Bill Payne, 546-3331; and Bob Speckels, 569-0563.
More info:
Petaluma Wetlands Alliance: http://www.petalumawetlands.org/
Madrone Audubon Society: 707-546-7492, http://www.audubon.sonoma.net/
