Rainier Audubon Society April 2010

Monday, April 19, at 7:00 PM Thais Bock, 1917-2010

Rainier Audubon Presents

Tapped
The Award-Winning Documentary
on the Big Business of Bottled Water

I s access to clean drinking water a basic human right, or is clean drinking

water a commodity that should be bought and sold like any
other article of
commerce?
  Stephanie Soechtig’s debut feature is an unflinching examination of the big
business of water.

From the producers of Who Killed the Electric Car? and I.O.U.S.A, Founder of Rainier Audubon
this timely documentary is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and
unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell the one resource By Adele Freeland
that ought never to become a commodity:  our water.
 
From the plastic
production to the ocean in which so many of these bottles end up, this inspiring
documentary
trails
T hais was born in Pennsylvania
on September 1, 1917. Soon
afterwards, the family moved to Mt.
the path of the bottled Vernon, Ohio, where she began taking
water industry and the piano lessons at the age of six.  Although
communities which are she was a talented young musician,
the unwitting chips on times were hard and her parents found
the
table. that they had to discontinue her lessons
  A powerful portrait – but Thais’ piano teacher kept her
of the lives affected on as a “no-fee” pupil because of her
by the bottled water talent.  Thais and her mother, Mae Dora
industry, this revelatory Webster, enjoyed playing Haydn and
film
features those Beethoven duets on the piano together.
caught at the intersection Moving to the San Francisco Bay
of big business and the public’s right to area in 1943, Thais met and married
water. James Bock. The two of them relocated
Rainier Audubon programs are held at Please join Rainier Audubon in the to Federal Way in the 1960s.  They
Federal Way United M ethodist Church airing of this documentary.  It will be had two children, Djana (presently of
29645 - 51st Ave. So. 98001 an informative and Lynnwood), and James (Tennessee). 
(in unincorporated Auburn) thought-provoking Here in Washington, Thais volunteered
Directions: evening.  As always, with the Seattle Symphony, attended
In Federal Way, take 320th St. EAST good conversation concerts with friends, and took advanced
past The Commons, crossing over I-5 and refreshments piano lessons at the Cornish School of
and Military Rd. At 321st St, turn left. available before, the Arts, University of Puget Sound, and
Stay on 321st as it becomes 51st Ave. during and Pacific Lutheran University. A lifelong
So. Follow 51st Ave. to 296th. Church following the student of music, she practiced and
will be on your left.
program. played every day right up until her final
illness.
(continued on page 6)
 President’s Message by Nancy Streiffert

B y the time you get this, Spring

will have officially sprung,
we’ll be on daylight savings time to
to check with friends who have used
some of these resources for their
opinion before making your decision. 
around but even that is fraught with
difficult choices: whether to spread
peat moss (from diminishing Canadian
take advantage of the longer days, As we are all hearing more and more peat bogs) or spray elemental sulfur (a
and hopefully, you will all be enjoying about global climate change (despite the highly toxic substance deadly to fish and
the yearly miracle of migration.  With naysayers) and becoming aware of our soil biota) to enhance the acidity of my
the beauty and speeded-up pace of personal “environmental footprint,” we blueberry patch!  I guess humans have
nature around us, we are also reminded are all facing choices when it comes been making choices since time began -
of the true cycle of life in losing our to making even small life choices - I hope we are getting better at it!
chapter’s founder, Thais Bock, at age recycled paper or new, take the big  The Tukwila Wildlife Fair will be
92.  As Carol Schulz pointed out, Thais trip but donate to causes that offset May 8th - a fun, local, educational
was active and hiking trails until weeks our carbon use, enjoy exotic locations event on the banks
before her death — may we all enjoy while supporting the local people’s of the Duwamish
such a long, productive, enjoyable life.  co-op, ride the bike for errands or River featuring a bird
Many field trips and birding festivals get in the car.  The choices can seem walk led by Carol
are happening in the next few weeks overwhelming and no one can be Schulz. It coincides
and months. Every birding magazine “environmentally pure” but becoming with International
and the web have advertisements for more aware of our choices is a Migratory Bird Day
trips near and far to see exotic species first step we can and should (in so many interesting
and meet the people who study and my opinion) take!  As a less than activities to enjoy and
know about them.  I’m sure they vary enthusiastic traveler, I am content to very kid and family
in quality and quantity, expertise and stick around home and garden and friendly.  Enjoy the
experience so it’s always a good idea enjoy (or not!) the creatures that come outdoors!

RAINIER AUDUBON OFFICERS

President----------Nancy Streiffert-------------------- (253) 796-2203
Vice President----------Steve Feldman*--------------------- (360) 802-5211
Treasurer----------Jim Tooley *------------------------- (253) 854-3070
Program Chair----------Dale Meland*---------------------- (253) 946-1637
Field Trip Chair----------Carol Schulz------------------------ (206) 824-7618
Backyard H abitat Chair----------Carol Stoner*---------------------- (253) 854-3207
M embership Chair----------Pat Toth*---------------------------- (206) 767-4944
Conservation Chair----------Dan Streiffert*-------------------- (253) 796-2203
M ailing Chair----------Debra Russell----------------------- (425) 271-0682
Hospitality----------Jane Gardner ----------------------- (253) 631-3105
Newsletter Editor----------Nancy Hertzel---------------------- (253) 255-1808
Ivy Eradication Coordinator----------Bernedine Lund--------------------- (253) 839-3729
Education Chair----------Annette Tabor*-------------------- (253) 927-3208
Christmas Bird Count Coordinator----------Nancy Streiffert------------------- (253) 796-2203
Board M ember----------Max Prinsen------------------------- (425) 432-9965
Board M ember----------Erin Wojewodski-Prinsen-------- (425) 432-9965
*Also serves as Board member

Rainier Audubon Society

PO Box 778. Auburn WA 98071. (253) 796-2203
website: www.RainierAudubon.org
email: [email protected]

April 2010 - Page 2

 Mewsings from Millie
ello and welcome back to my monthly

H musings!     To begin with, a few store

customers have had some interesting tidbits
to share. One lady from Seahurst has a Golden Pheasant
visiting her yard every morning. Another customer’s
cat caught a hummingbird, brought it into the house to
show it off, then took it back outside and let it go! I’d
like to meet that kitty — seems like a real cool cat, if
you know what I mean. Lastly, a woman came in to tell
us that safflower seed is keeping the magpies off of her
bird feeder in WYOMING! I’m sure she qualifies for the
customer who travels the farthest!
     Well, the Great Backyard Bird Count is over for
2010. Last time I checked, 91,000 checklists had been
submitted, with more still coming in. The Northern
Cardinal was the most reported bird across the United
States and Canada. In Canada alone, the Black-capped center, and a wildlife care center for injured animals.
Chickadee was number one. It was also reported that a      During this time of year, many people come into the
roost of American Robins topping one million birds had store concerned about woodpeckers pecking on their
taken up residence near St. Petersburg, Florida. That’s a homes and chimneys. All this drumming and drilling done
lot of robins! in late winter is to make noise to court mates. This is
     In Washington state, 203 species had been reported as how they “sing” a song to declare territory. Speaking of
of February 26th with a total of 506,428 birds counted. woodpeckers, did you know that Pileated Woodpeckers
The two biggest counts for a species were 73,172 mate for life?
American Robins and 175,973 American Crows.      I had mentioned in an earlier column that birds need
     Have you ever heard of commensal feeding? gravity to swallow. Most birds must gulp, then throw
According to my favorite radio show, KPLU’s Birdnote, their heads back to drink. Rock Doves, however, have the
it is when more than one species of bird feeds together. ability to use their beaks like a straw to drink water.
This enhances success as one species assists the foraging      To conclude, here are some more collective nouns
of others. For example, a woodpecker pecks off bark used to describe bird groups:
and moss from a tree, exposing grubs for itself, but the
pecking also stirs up insects for chickadees to snatch DOLE or DULE of doves
up. Because the birds are not seeking the same food, DESCENT of woodpeckers
the result is cooperative or commensal rather than MUSTER of crows
competitive. Extra eyes also help look out for predators. NIDE of geese
     Theodore Roosevelt signed into law the first fifty-one
federal bird sanctuaries. He was an avid student of birds,      Until next time, keep enjoying our little feathered
studying them in detail and he was very knowledgable friends.
about bird song. The National Audubon’s oldest songbird  
sanctuary is the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary in
Oyster Bay, New York. Established in October 1923, it
is twelve wooded acres surrounding Roosevelt’s grave. Millie is the big, beautiful cat who hangs out at the Wild Birds
The sanctuary protects a wide range of wildlife including Unlimited store in Burien. Millie is very observant and writes
125 species of birds. The sanctuary is also home to this monthly column to pass on to us what she sees and hears while
many conservation projects, winter and waterfowl census supposedly sleeping on the big bags of seed in the corner.
projects, endangered species work, a museum and nature

April 2010 - Page 3

 Field Trips — by Carol Schulz

Ellensburg to Yakima Canyon Soos Creek Areas Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival
Sunday, April 11 Saturday, April 24 Friday - Sunday
6:30 AM to Early Evening 8:00 AM to Early Afternoon April 30 - May 2
Leader: Roger Orness Leader: Carol Schulz
Assistant Leader: Carol Schulz Many field trips long and short
This should be a wonderful time are offered at this festival in
We will travel roads and visit of year to bird in Soos Creek Park Hoquiam. More details at 1-800-
trails near Ellensburg and Yakima areas in the east part of Kent.  303-8498, or
Canyon that are featured in A We will also visit Linda Bartlett’s www.shorebirdfestival.com
Birder’s Guide to Washington.  We’ll large feeder yard located on the
look for hawks, falcons, eagles, east side of Soos Creek Park.  We
sparrows, bluebirds, and more.  will seek out migrant song birds
This is a chance to see beautiful including flycatchers, vireos, and
country and lots of bird species.  warblers.  We will walk about a Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Festival
A hike up Umtanum Creek Trail mile and a half on paved trails and Saturday, May 8
from the suspension bridge in in Linda’s yard.  Bird walk in the park and along the
Yakima Canyon will be a special Bring: Lunch, snacks, and Duwamish River — 9:45 to 10:45 AM
treat.  We may walk up to one and drinks.  Those who wish to leave
a half miles on a rocky trail.  If early may do so.
A bird walk in the park and
you don’t wish to hike, there are Meet:  At 8:00 AM at the Soos
along the river will be offered
good birds and nice scenery at the Creek Park Maintenance Shop and
during this Tukwila festival on
Umtanum Recreation area by the Barn.  Soos Creek Park/Trail,
Migratory Bird Day.  Programs
suspension bridge.  24810 - 148th Ave. SE, Kent.
and activities will be presented by
Bring: Lunch, snacks, and Directions:  Take James St.
several groups including Rainier
drinks.  Hiking boots or sturdy east from Kent.  To reach James
Audubon, Seattle Audubon, retail
shoes are recommended.  Scopes St, exit I-167 at Willis, turn east
stores, and nature groups.  This
are welcome. to Central, and north to James. 
is a fun, local festival!  Birdwalk
Meet:  BEFORE 6:30 AM at the Travel east on James as it becomes
starts near Rainier Audubon booth
Auburn Safeway store at Auburn SE 240th St.  After about four
at 9:45. More info and directions
Way and Main St.  We will leave at miles, 240th dips and turns
at http://backyardwildlifefair.org
6:35! downhill.  Turn right (south) on
Directions: Take Hwy. 18 to 148th Ave. near the bottom of the
Auburn and exit at Auburn Way hill.  The Soos Creek maintenance
(Hwy 164).  Turn north (right) yard will be down the road about
on Auburn Way and drive three a quarter-mile on the left at a barn
blocks.  Safeway sign and gas and chainlink-fenced parking lot.
station will be on the left.  Park Sign-up: Contact Carol at carol.
in the Safeway lot just beyond [email protected], or (206)
the gas station and straight out 824-7618. 
from the Safeway door.  We will Alternate Meeting
meet and carpool (promptly) from Place: Those who wish to meet
there. Carol down in Kent at 7:30 AM to
Sign Up: Contact Roger at carpool to Soos Creek may call for
[email protected] or by directions to this alternate meeting
phone at (253) 922-7516.  Email is spot.
preferred. 

April 2010 - Page 4

 Field Trips — by Carol Schulz

Weekly Bird Walks at Nisqually Capitol State Forest

Wednesdays 8:00 AM to Noon Saturday, May 1
Leader: Phil Kelley 6:30 AM to Approx. 4:00 PM
Leader: Jeff Cohen
Bird watching has been good Co-Leader: Shep Thorp
at Nisqually.  There is a NEW
DIKE out past the Twin Barns. This is the first time we have offered a field trip to Capitol State Forest, a
It is over half a mile long, and 90,000-acre DNR area located southwest of Olympia in the Black Hills. 
goes toward McAllister Creek, Join Jeff and Shep as we travel back roads to view specialty birds of the
but not quite all the way to it. area.  Target species will be: warblers including Hermit Warbler, Townsend’s,
Join Phil on his weekly bird Wilson’s, MacGillivray’s, and Black-throated Gray warblers!  We also hope to
walks as he counts the birds see and hear Northern Pygmy-owl and returning flycatchers.  We will seek
at Nisqually.  The group walks out other species in the lowlands near saltwater, before we climb on forest
over to the new area near the roads to Capitol Peak, elev. 2,659 feet. Trip will be limited to 10 people in
Visitors Center to view the entry three cars.  We will carpool.  High clearance vehicles are not required, but
road estuary, and then takes the cars may get dusty on dirt and gravel roads.
boardwalk/trail loop out to the Meet: Park & Ride at the junction of Hwy. 512 and I-5, at So. Tacoma Way
Twin Barns south of Tacoma at 6:30 AM. 
and the Meet: Near McDonalds.
Nisqually Directions: Travel on I-5 to exit 127 south of Tacoma, the exit to
River Hwy. 512.  Turn right, and immediately get in the left lane.  Turn left on
overlook So. Tacoma Way, go half a block, and turn left into the Park & Ride lot at
area.  From McDonalds.
there, the Bring: Lunch, drinks, snacks, clothes for the weather at higher elevation,
group shoes or boots for walking on back roads.  We probably won’t walk far. 
walks the new dike, and back to Scopes not necessary, but may be useful at times.
the riparian forest.  The walk Sign Up: Contact Jeff Cohen by email at [email protected] or
totals about two miles. (206) 354-5542 if email not available. (Email is preferred.) This trip is limited
Bring: Good walking shoes or to three cars!  SIGN UP EARLY!
boots, raingear, water, snacks, and
$3 for entry fee unless you have a
pass.  Scopes are welcome. 2010 Great Backyard Bird Count Results
Meet: At the Visitors Center www.birdsource.org/gbbc
pond overlook. In this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count, 203 species were reported in
Directions:  Take I-5 Washington state. The top 26 most often reported were:
south from Tacoma and exit to
American Crow (175,973) House Sparrow (6,610)
Nisqually NWR (Exit 114).  Take
American Robin (73,172) Dunlin (5,430)
a right at the light.
European Starling (22,244) Glaucous-winged Gull (5,174)
Sign-up:  Call or email Phil
Candada Goose (18,348) Bufflehead (4,408)
Kelley to confirm details. (360)
Dark-eyed Junco (16,951) American Goldfinch (4,287)
459-1499, [email protected].
American Coot (16,474) Trumpeter Swan (4,063)
American Wigeon (14,125) Western Grebe (4,030)
Nisqually NWR has been doing a 3-4
Mallard (13,799) Rock Pigeon (3,866)
year estuary reconstruction project.  For
Red-winged Blackbird (8,393) Double-crested Cormorant (3,658)
more information, go to
Pine Siskin (7,400) Chestnut-backed Chickadee (3,608)
http://www.fws.gov/nisqually/ and
Brewer’s Blackbird (7,059) Northern Pintail (3,276)
click on Events and News.
Black-capped Chickadee (6,895) California Quail (3,262)
House Finch (6,626) Bushtit (3,018)

April 2010 - Page 5

 Thais Bock (continued from page 1)
 After her husband’s death classes, and coordinating and
in 1964, Thais tried going back participating in annual Christmas
to “being a secretary,” which Bird Counts and Breeding Bird
she had done once before for Surveys.   She coordinated the
a few years, but hated it so Tahoma CBC Area 2 until 2007
much, she decided to take the when she finally retired at age 90.
plunge and try to make a living Thais was a prolific writer
teaching piano.  She purchased and record keeper. She wrote
her dream piano, a Steinway many articles and letters related
baby-grand, began with just a to birds. In 1975, she started the
handful of students, and went monthly sightings column, “Words
on to teach full-time for the on Birds,” for the Tahoma Audubon
next 30 years, until 1998. Towhee, and continued to write it
Thais organized two recitals Thais at Salty’s with friends for 22 years. She was a sub-regional
for her students each year, one in Michele Carbery and Adele Freeland editor for North American Birds from
June and the other at Christmas.  Her 1975-1985.  She enjoyed challenging our
daughter Djana recalls the Christmas Canyon Rd. inspired her to mount a knowledge of birds with her birding
programs as some of the most enjoyable campaign to stop the Hwy. 18 and 167 quiz, “The Quizzical Owl,” published
times of the year. All the students and interchange that was in the works at the monthly in both the Rainier and
their families were invited. The house time and which would have cut right Tahoma Audubon newsletters. She kept
was full of the spicy scent of warm through the colony. Her campaign was detailed journals of her birding field
Christmas punch, and multitudes of successful and the interchange at Peasley trips and travels to places all around
candles glowed.  There were duets Canyon Rd. was redesigned, preserving Washington state, the west coast,
galore, often with bells and tambourine the herons’ nesting habitat. As the colony Alaska, the Rockies, Michigan, Ohio,
effects provided by the littlest pupils, lay halfway between Seattle Audubon’s Texas, and the southwest, the Florida
and the program would end with the territory and Tahoma Audubon’s territory, Keys and Dry Tortugas, Canada, and
pupils playing carols and all would sing the momentum from Thais’ efforts to England. 
along.  Then they would adjourn to the preserve this marsh led to the carving out The mark of a great teacher is one
other room to enjoy cookies and the and founding of a South King County who has a passion for learning and the
wassail bowl full of Christmas Cheer, Audubon chapter, which came to be gift for sharing that knowledge in a way
and to admire the table-top Christmas known as Rainier, in 1984. that engages the student in the process.
tree decorated with musical ornaments. Thais also joined Zella in working Thais Bock had this gift. She was a
Christmas was a busy time of year to preserve a place now known as friend, mentor, pianist, master birder,
for Thais, because at the same time Protection Island Refuge near Port and teacher who enjoyed sharing her
she was organizing and hosting the Townsend, which provides nesting passions for classical music, birds, and
Christmas recital for her pupils, she habitat for 21,000 pairs of sea birds. nature with everyone around her.
was organizing and participating in Other of Thais’ conservation efforts led
area Christmas Bird Counts – for to the preservation
Thais had discovered another passion, of Dumas Bay
Thais on a birding trip with friends
ornithology, when she joined a Seattle Park, Gog-le-hi-te
Cheryl White and Barbara Petersen
Audubon field trip in 1968. Through wetland, and West
Audubon activities, she met Zella Hylebos Wetlands.
Schultz.  In later years, Thais always  Thais became
credited Zella, a noted ornithologist, a charter member
teacher, writer, and artist, with being of Tahoma
the key influence that got her into Audubon in 1969,
birding. Along with Zella and Eleanor volunteering
Stopps, Thais became an advocate for countless hours
the preservation of bird nesting habitat.  leading field trips,
Her discovery and monitoring of the teaching bird
Great Blue Heron colony on Peasley identification

April 2010 - Page 6

 Remembering Thais — by Linda Bartlett
T hais was a special person I had
been waiting all my life to meet! 
As a child growing up in the Pacific
we all got a good look at.  Whenever
I hear an Orange-crowned Warbler
singing, I think of  Thais.
birders, and listened attentively as they
shared their discoveries with her.  Her
responses were always full of delight
Northwest, I would often hear different Her field trips took me over to and amazement, as if it were the first
bird songs but didn’t know what the water, where she pointed out time she had ever heard of such a thing!
bird was singing, nor did I meet anyone such strange little birds of the alcid Her knowledge of plants was
who knew any more than I did.  Going family I’d never even heard of, and remarkable as well -- something that I
on a field trip led by Thais, I was she even showed us a nest of Pigeon always appreciate in trip leaders.  She
absolutely fascinated that she not only Guillemots under a bridge. was happy to lend my husband and
knew ALL the birds by vocalization, but She was my ‘walking bird me her trip report to Alaska, when
could even coax them out sometimes by encyclopedia’ and knew so much we drove up to Anchorage.  It helped
‘pishing’ or playing a tape of their song.  about our local birds, their nesting and us search out and find many things
I remember a Virginia Rail walking right migration patterns. When she came that she had seen in the same places
up to our little group out of the cattails, regularly and faithfully to my home to on her trip there.  And I will always
after Thais had played a tape of its help get the Heron Heralds ready for remember her positive comment of
strange call!  And the wonder of seeing mailing for a number of years, her encouragement to me that “ferreting
my first Barred Owl down in Wildwood many wonderful stories fascinated us out for yourself and finding birds on
Park in Puyallup — right where she all.   One I’ll never forget was about your own was a good thing rather than
said it would be — calling its young, a Marbled Murrelet that she found just relying on a guide to do all the work
with a frog dangling from its beak!  in her yard, apparently on its way to for you.” 
And the Orange-crowned Warbler she the Sound.  She loved imparting her Thais will indeed be missed by so
recognized by song and then made sure knowledge and encouraging beginning many of us.

Timeline of Thais’ Life

• Born in Sewickley PA in 1917 • Became a sub-regional editor for North American Birds
• Began piano lessons in Mt. Vernon OH at age 6 in from mid-1970s to mid-1980s.
1923 • A founding member of the Rainier Audubon chapter
• Graduated from high school in Detroit MI in 1936 • Christmas Bird Count Coordinator for Rainier, 1979
• Married James Bock in the Lady Chapel of Grace until 2005
Cathedral, San Francisco, in 1943 • Began Midwinter Bald Eagle count for State Dept. of
• Years of being Wife & Mum and doing lots of Fish & Wildlife in 1979 (continued until 1989 in her
volunteer work (including for the Seattle Symphony) area, west side of Hood Canal)
until Jim’s death in 1964 • Began Breeding Bird Atlas 5-yr project for State Dept.
• First Audubon trip, with the Seattle chapter (met Zella of Fish & Wildlife, in charge of Pierce County in 1988
Schultz) in November 1968 (continued until 1993)
• Discovery of marsh with nesting herons, and Plus
• ...Plus ....
commencement of battle with Army Corps of • Instructor of birding classes for Highline Community
Engineers and State Dept. of Transportation to re- College, senior centers, schools, clubs, etc.
route planned highway exit and save marsh, winter • Field trip leader for hundreds of birding trips
1968 • Intrepid traveler on birding trips all over North America
• Participant in Seattle and Tahoma Christmas Bird • Promotor of Zella Schultz’s ornithological paintings
Counts from 1968 on until 2005 • Host of two major recitals per year for her piano
• Involvement with founders of Tahoma Audubon to students, in June and at Christmas
work on the Save the Nisqually Delta campaign in • Prolific writer of articles and letters on environmental
1969 and nature topics
• Taught piano full-time, September 1969 until 1998 • Dedicated attendee of Seattle opera and symphony and
• Involvement with Ilene Marckx and campaign to other area concerts
preserve the Hylebos Wetlands starting about 1975 • Keeper of detailed journals on bird sightings which
• Began writing “Words on Birds” column for Tahoma have been consulted many times by writers and
Audubon newsletter in 1975 (continued for 22 yrs) researchers

April 2010 - Page 7

 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Rainier Audubon Membership Subscription or Renewal Form

One-year Membership in Rainier Audubon — $15
To join or renew, mail this application with your payment to:
Rainier Audubon Society - Membership
PO Box 778
Auburn, WA 98071

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