The document discusses how to recharge batteries in an environmentally friendly way. It states that nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are a greener option than older nickel-cadmium batteries, as they contain less toxic heavy metals. Alkaline batteries produce more waste and should be avoided. Button batteries contain toxic metals and are a priority for recycling due to increasing material costs. The summary also discusses the raven observation study conducted by interns at the Miramar Landfill. They observed that the raven behavior did not seem to pose an aviation hazard but their observations will continue throughout the year.

1. 3
HOW DO YOU
RECHARGE YOUR
BATTERIES?
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highlights for possible
inclusion in a future
newsletter.
Rechargeable
Batteries used to be
highly toxic,
containing cadmium
(NiCad batteries).
These days, common
AA and AAA recharge-
ables are Nickel-
-hydride (NiMH).
NiMH batteries have a
better life and
performance and less
heavy metal, so they
are a greener choice.
Alkaline Dry-cell
batteries cost more
per hour, and cannot
be recharged. They
used to contain very
high levels of
mercury, but the
amounts used have
greatly decreased
over time. Given the
amount of waste
involved these should
be avoided.
Button Batteries
require much metal
for their comparative-
ly small size and they
can contain mercury,
silver, cadmium,
lithium, or other
heavy metals. With an
increase in the price
of raw materials,
these are a desired
recyclable item.
Raving About
Ravens
By Adrienne Garcia
You have probably seen ravens flying
everywhere throughout San Diego.
While they can be interesting to look at,
birds can also pose a hazard for Marine
Corps Air Station Miramar. A bird air
strike hazard (BASH) is a collision
between birds and aircraft. The ravens
at the Miramar Landfill might be
hazardous if the ravens fly high enough
and into the military flight path. My
fellow intern, Mithsy Hernandez, and I
were asked to investigate this possibility.
We had to arrive before the sun rises and stay until after it sets to observe the ravens’ behavior.
On the first day of our observation, Lisa Wood, Burton Ewert, Mithsy and I squeezed into an ESD
truck. Our first week of work for ESD, and we were already up close and personal with our
bosses. We spent the first day mainly taking notes as directed by Burt and Lisa and touring the
landfill.
Our one-day introduction was enough to qualify us as bird-watchers and so, some weeks later,
Mithsy and I were given the chance to continue observations on our own. We began the day
with Burton. As the sun was rising and hundreds of birds were taking off from the powerlines, it
felt as if we were in a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s
The Birds. In the afternoon, we were left on our own,
driving a giant pickup truck, which was a new
experience for us. Things were going smoothly and
we stopped every so often to write down the ravens’
activities. To get a view of the canyon where the
birds congregate, we went onto a specific road that
provides an overlook. For those who have not been
to the landfill, the landfill is a maze of open roads
and we ended up taking the wrong one. Just imagine,
a huge truck on a path that was only getting
narrower as we progressed. Mithsy, an expert Rav4
driver, slowly backed the truck out while I, an expert
Honda driver, held on for dear life. We had mixed
reactions of confusion, concern, and respect from
the employees who witnessed our performance. It
was definitely an adventure to say the least.
We’ve seen hundreds of ravens and it’s amazing to
see their intelligent behavior. Who knew we would
enjoy bird-watching so much? So far, the bird
behavior does not seem to pose a hazard for aircraft,
but our observations will continue throughout the
year, so our bird watching, landfill navigation, and
driving skills will be getting plenty of practice!
How Alan Pitell Recharges
On our December trip to Las Vegas, we found ourselves at the Wynn Resort.
We left San Diego with rain at our heels, to find sunny skies in Vegas, but still a chill in the air. Upon checking
in, registration was decked out in seasonal holiday décor, we could hear “happy holidays” and see a Santa’s
hat atop a reservation host. A special Egg Nog cocktail was featured and the weather provided just the right
chill for a warm toddy just before bed. The nightly lights on the Vegas Strip twinkled with holiday cheer and
many a cell phone would capture it with a decorated tree that was six, eight, even ten feet tall in silver or
gold.
We enjoyed many a meal. The grilled tomahawk steak or pan seared sea scallops were always accompanied
with the tastiest vegetables. Walking through the casino, the sounds of joy and good fortune could be heard,
all day and evening long making you wonder if Santa was there. The resort shop windows displayed
everything from trees hung with ornaments and candy canes to stuffed animals or sparkling jewels of every
kind, color, and shape for any occasion. We left with money in our pockets and fond memories.
Perhaps we’ll do it again next year.
Adriennne Garcia [left] and Mithsy Hernandez [right]