THE VERTEBRATES OF SAN BERNARDINO RANCH

COCHISE COUNTY, ARIZONA

By

Dirk V. Lanning

Prepared For

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

and

The U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Contract No. 14-16-0002-81-213)

ARIZONA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM

30 North Tucson Boulevard

Tucson, Arizona 85716

1981 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract ii

Introduction ...... 1

San Bernardino Ranch ...... 2

Historical Perspective ...... 11

Methods ...... 15

Survey of the Vertebrates Introduction ...... 20 Fish ...... 21 Amphibians and Reptiles ...... 23 Birds ...... 33 Mammals ...... 69

Recommendations ...... 83

Acknowledgments ...... 85

Literature Cited ...... 86 ABSTRACT

The San Bernardino Ranch is located in the northern headwaters of the Rio Yaqui Drainage in southeastern Arizona. During a 1981 vertebrate survey, 234 species of vertebrates were observed on the 984 ha Ranch.

An additional 78 species have been recorded in previous years on the

Ranch or within 10 km of the current Ranch boundaries. The status, relative abundance, habitat preference, 'seasonal activity and breeding status of the vertebrates on and near San Bernardino Ranch are discussed in annotated species lists, with supporting data presented in figures and tables.

ii THE VERTEBRATES OF SAN BERNARDINO RANCH, COCHISE COUNTY, ARIZONA

The San Bernardino Ranch is located in the southeastern corner of

Arizona in the San Bernardino Valley, east of the town of Douglas (Fig. 1).

With its several springs and artesian wells, the 984 ha Ranch is an oasis in an arid land. These waters form the northern headwaters of the

Rio Yaqui, which drain south through northwest Mexico to the Pacific

Ocean. The Ranch has a mosaic of wet and dry habitats that allows a diverse assemblage of vertebrates to live in a relatively small area.

The natural habitats of the San Bernardino Ranch have been extensively and adversely modified by livestock and agricultural use since the early

1800s. Recognized as a valuable riparian habitat that should be protected, The Nature Conservancy purchased the Ranch in 1979. At that time the livestock were removed and the agricultural fields were allowed to go fallow.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) plans to acquire the

San Bernardino Ranch from The Nature Conservancy to manage the aquatic habitats for the endangered and unique fish of the Rio Yaqui and restore the riparian and grassland habitats. Before they can effectively plan their research and management program, base-line information on the Ranch's natural resources is needed. With support from the

USFWS, via the Arizona Natural Heritage Program, I lived on the Ranch and studied the vertebrates from January to October 1981. This report presents the results of my vertebrate survey. 2

THE SAN BERNARDINO RANCH

The San Bernardino Ranch (Fig. 1) is located in the San Bernardino

Valley, with the Peloncillo Mountians to the east, the Perilla

Mountains to the west, the San Simon Valley to the north and the Rio

Yaqui Basin extending south. The San Bernardino Ranch (hereafter the

Ranch) is a 984 ha remnant of the 29,644 ha San Bernardino Land Grant that extended 27 km into Mexico (Fig. 1) and was titled in 1822

(Wagoner 1975). In 1884 the 14,044 ha northern half of the Land Grant, which included the present Ranch, was purchased by John Slaughter and was then called the Slaughter Ranch (Fig. 1; Wagoner 1975). After 1937, when the Slaughter family divided up and sold their ranch, the San

Bernardino Ranch was reduced to about 1000 ha and had approximately the same boundaries it does today (Fig. 1; Wagoner 1975).

The soils and bedrock from which the soils of the Ranch are derived are varied. The western third of the Ranch and areas to the west and northwest are composed of Olivine basalt flows, tuffs and breccias

(Cooper 1959). The remaining two-thirds of the Ranch and areas to the east and north include alluvial deposits, gypsiferous limestones and marls that are probably equivalent to older alluvium (Cooper 1959).

A wide variety of habitats was present on the Ranch during 1981

(Fig. 2). Dominant habitats included Chihuahuan Desertscrub (39%),

Desert Grassland (25%) and Mesquite Bosque (22%). Old Field, which included both the fallow fields and disturbed areas around the buildings and corrals, covered 11% of the Ranch. The Riparian Habitats covered a small but significant 2.4% of the Ranch and contained the Riparian

Forest and Woodland, Riparian Scrub, Marshland and Aquatic habitats. 3

UNTIED STATES Hidalgo / ! Co. Cochlea Co. : S 1 1 ARIZONA Av ,. INEW Black ( MEXICO slit> / \ Drawf: 4 /cP ..... 4 , / :4,pmwt.1 ....-,» 1 di/ Silveri , \ \ Creek *. ' (Bay \ / Hollow -- _, ,...... Draw 1T

SAN BERNARDINO LAND Arroyo GRANT Cajon Bonito Distrito de Arizpe SONORA

csD

Rio San km "Lx.‘1,20m t, Bernardino 1500m 1000131

Fig. 1. Area map of San Bernardino Land Grant and surrounding areas in Cochise County, Arizona, in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, and in Distrito de Arizpe, Sonora, Mexico. In 1822, the San Bernardino Land Grant encompassed 29,644 ha (Parcels 1,2,3). In 1891, the Slaughter Ranch included 14,044 ha (Parcels 2,3). In 1981, the San Bernardino Ranch contained 984 ha (Parcel 3). The 1822 and 1891 boundaries correspond to an 1891 survey map, drawn by P. B. Molera, titled, "Plano de la Superficie y Linea de Division del Rancho San Bernardino, que corresponde a Mgjico en el Distrito de Arizpe."

SAN BERNARDINO RANCH clear change in vegetation diffused change in vegetation

1 4 km Black Draw

i‘ \ ( 1 4.2 2 • i u . • .... e% is 1///11...... d 101 11 - I - 1 fo i I ...... , ....0 • I ) r I 41 • 12 I N 1 ...... • .. , 1 \ r"-^.., ■■. ( 1 6 % % I I 5 N II p , ... .. 1 1 % , f .„// I t s. i' ....„ , r ..,- pit i 8 4 t s-••• `-' 1 ■ -• •• .1 ••■ ‘`..I I ft....,..f ... I 2 _- 44 2 8 4 p nastern- Uplands 1 2 3567 (1) 2 -1 (4 4 )01.6 V144

Fig. 2. Map of San Bernardino Ranch, showing the major habitats during 1981. Shown with the 984 ha ranch is a narrow strip between the ranch and the U.S.-Mexico border to the south, totaling 994 ha. Habitats: 1) DG= Desert Grassland= 255 ha (25%) 5) RS= Riparian Scrub= 10 ha (1%) 2) CD= Chihuahuan Desertscrub= 385 ha (39%) 6) M= Marshland= 6 ha (0.6%) 3) RW= Riparian Forest/Woodland= 7 ha (0.7%) 7) A= Aquatic= 1 ha (0.1%) 4) MB= Mesquite Bosque= 220 ha (22%) 8) OF= Old Field (and Disturbed Areas)- 110 ha (11%) 5

Locations of the springs, ponds, draws and other natural landmarks are shown in Fig. 3. Prominent plants in each habitat are listed in Table

1 (plant names follow Lehr 1978 and Lehr and Pinkava 1980). The habitats were very heterogeneous, with much overlap in species composition and diffuse boundaries.

Natural springs occurred in and around House Pond and in two areas on the east edge of the Mesa in 1981. Artesian wells, originally bored in the late 1800s by John Slaughter, provided water in the Three-Springs

Area (3 wells), North Pond (2 wells) and Border Springs (2 wells). A well at Frog Pond did not have artesian flow and two wells west of

Frog Pond were closed. The wells range from 105 - 205 m in depth and range between approximately 28° and 32° C. (Meinzer and Kelton 1913).

The climate during 1981 at San Bernardino Ranch was generally mild during the winter and warm and wet during the summer. Temperatures at the Ranch during 1981 were normal compared with records from 1941-1970 at the nearest temperature-recording station, 29 km west of the Ranch in

Douglas (Fig. 4; Sellers and Hill 1974). During the winter of 1981, temperatures dipped below 0° C on some nights; high temperatures during the day were usually in the high teens. In the summer of 1981, the temperatures dropped to around 20° during the nights and usually rose to the low 30s during the days. The Ranch received most of its precipi- tation during the summer (Fig. 5) from local and often heavy rains associated with thunderstorms. Four hundred, fifty-eight mm of precipi- tation fell during the first 10 months of 1981, 64% more than the mean annual precipitation between 1941 and 1970 OE = 334 mm; range = 124-550 mm) at the nearest precipitation-recording station, 6 km northeast of the

San Bernardino Ranch (Sellers and Hill 1974). Though there was no snow /4111 Astin, Spring Astin Pond (dry) SAN BERNARDINO RANGE' Indicate an observation transact. Letter after the habitat abbre- viation identifies each line. North Pond = Indicate a small mammal trapline. (bats) Number after the habitat abbre- viation identifies each census.

1158m 1 MB-1 3800' 1 km

DG-D MB-A Three Springs Area: „ar"--Cottonwood Spring ''Middle Spring M-I Pipe Spring M.r-21A1-4Pipe Spring Cienega 1 OF-1 ‘..) OF-2 Central Uplands H-2 OF-3 • well 1158m wells Black 3800' • • Draw OF-B CD-1 I Cattail Frog Pond' (bats) Spring (dry) DG-B • ouse Canal OF-A H-A MB-B G-2 / Hollow Eastern Uplands a ••• • Draw ouse Creek 134m CD-A CD-4 Border Springs RH-1 3720'

Fig. 3. Map of San Bernardino Ranch, showing major natural features, location of buildings and windmill, and location of observation transacts and mammal traplines. (bats)- location where mist nets were set up to catch bats. Habitats: DG= Desert Grassland; CD= Chihuahuan Desertscrub; MB= Mesquite Bosque; RH= Riparian Habitats; M= Marshland; OF= Old Field.

40°

30°

w 20°

r410 ° c=3 0°

F M AMJJ A S O N D MONTHS Fig. 4. Mean monthly temperatures. Vertical bars indicate the daily maximum and daily minimum temperatures at San Bernardino Ranch (1145 in elevation) during February - October 1981. Horizontal lines indicate the daily maximum and daily minimum temperatures in Douglas, (1200 in elevation), 29 km west of the ranch, from 1941 to 1970 (Sellers and Hill 1974). 125—

1100—

75-

50

25- PRECIPITATION TOTALS 0 J F M A M J J•AS O N D MONTHS

Fig. 5. Monthly precipitation. Crosses indicate the precipitation at San Bernardino Ranch (1145 in elevation) during January - October 1981 (458 mm total). The line indicates the mean precipitation an the Stevens Ranch (1219 in elevation), 6 km northeast of the ranch, from 1941 to 1970 (334 mm/year; Sellers and Hill 1974). Table 1. Prominent vegetation in the habitats, along the transects, and near the mammal traplines on San Bernardino Ranch during 1981. Location of the habitats is in Fig. 2. Location of the transects and traplines are in Fig. 3. Habitats: DG=Desert Grassland; CD=Chihuahuan Desertscrub; RW=Riparian Forest/Woodland; MB=Mesquite Bosque; RS=Riparian Scrub; M=Marshland; A=Aquatid; OF=Old Field (and Disturbed Areas); co 1 RH=Riparian2 Habitats (includes RW,RS,M and A). Symbols: A=Abundant; C=Common; A =Abundant in North Pond; A =Abundant in House Pond. Observation Species Habitats Transacts Small Mammal TraPlines - 3 2 44 C4 -- CD /DGD T . X: t'5. <4 M DGC I -4 PI XI P1 rA CA r4 C4 CI .4 rA C4 rA "--, ri CA - - HA x OFA 4 H 4 4 3/RW

/C 5/RS CDA M 1 ■i VD .)Co DG R re RHC 0 A A DG C.) ZOO 2 8 8 q 1 " " C3 C3 E3 c' gl ' 4 4

r R I E I Typha domingensis A A C A Najas marina Al. Aristida glauca C C C Bouteloua aristidoides C C C Bouteloua barbata A A A Bouteloua curtipendula A A A Chloris virgata C C C C C C Cynodon dactylon C C C Eragrostis lehmanniana A A A Erioneuron pulchellum A A Hilaria mutica A C C A C C A C C C Leptochloa filiformis C C Muhlenbergia porteri C C C C C CCCC Paspalum distichum C Al- C Sorghum halapense A A A C Sporobolus airoides A C C A C C A C Sporobolus cryptandrus A C A A C A C C Cyperus niger C C Cyperus odoratus A C A C A Eleocharis parishii A A A C A Scirpus americanus C C C A Populus fremontii A A A C C A Salix gooddingii A A C A A Celtis reticulata C C C CCA C Atriplex canescens C C C C C Salsola iberica AA CA A C A CCAAAAA A A CC CA Amaranthus palmeri C C C A CAC CC CCAA A C A kmaranthus torreyi C C C A C C C Table 1. (continued)

Observation Species Habitats Transects Small Mammal Traplines

(.4

Ci - Z L el r4 N el r4 ry 9-1 --- rA PI tg Z .4 ..f4 PI .4 rCi Pq t) AC PI F-1 .1 ...... , s, .....„ Q C.) M M M P4 Fi4 C-1 t., RH2 0F2/OF DG2 3/RW 8/OF CDA DGD r4 2/CD --I VI .0 1"-• CZ) ra DGC g2 g2 p4 p4 p4 CD CD CI m C3 0 C3 O, g2 IT :51 t

I I I Nymphaea odorata A2 Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum A A Acacia neovernicosa A A A . A A A A A Prosopis velutina CCCAA CC CCAACAA C CC AAAC Larrea tridentata C A C A CAAA Ziziphus obtusifolia C C A C C A C Opuntia phaeacantha C C C C C Berula erecta C C Fouquieria splendens A A Bumelia lanuginosa C C Solanum elaeagnifolium C C C Aster pauciflorus C C Baccharis salicifolia C C Bidens laevis C C C Flourensia cernua A A A A A Gutierrezia microcephala C C C C A C CCCC C Helianthus annuus C A C C C ACAC AACC Hymenoclea monogyra C C'C C Xanthium strumarium , C C C C 10 on the Ranch during 1981, small amounts of snow, sleet and hail have fallen in the area previous winters OE = 19 mm/year; Sellers and Hills

1974). 11

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Though man his been living in southeastern Arizona for the last

11,000 years, the recorded history of the area began when the first

Spanish explorers traveled through in 1539 and 1540 (Wagoner 1975).

Since the late 1600s, military expeditions, emigrants and stock drives have visited San Bernardino Ranch (Wagoner 1975). Some of the travelers, residents and visitors recorded their observations of the

Ranch. They provide a rough record of the early habitats and subsequent habitats created by man, his livestock and his agriculture. Wagoner

(1975) provides a concise history of the entire San Bernardino Land

Grant up to the late 1960s.

The San Bernardino Land Grant was titled to Ignacio de Perez in

1822. He formed the first large community there, making peace with the

Apache Indians. The peace lasted until the 1830s, when the Apaches forced

Perez to leave. The Ranch was at least 29,600 ha then (Fig. 1) and is said to have had 100,000 cattle, 10,000 horses, and 5,000 mules (Haskett

1935). Though the settlers left after only 10 or so years, their cattle remained.

The following accounts describe the habitats, the abandoned cattle and the ruins on the Land Grant during the years 1846-1854:

On December 2, 1846, Cooke,

"descended into the broad flat bottom to the east of it [the ruins of San Bernardino Ranch], crossed, and camped near the old houses and a remarkably fine spring 15 paces in diameter.. .The soil of this great bottom is pronounced very good, but the grass is now very poor and the rising ground is a 'chaparral' of mesquite wood. The ox, in a perfectly wild state, abound here..." (Bieber 1937).

On September 22, 1849, POwell,

"went down into a broad wet bottom on the opposite side of which, 12

about a mile away in a straight course, was the old Rancho of San Bernardino. At the foot of the hill at the East side of the bottom we found the waggons that had deserted us encamped in a miserable swampy spot, with nothing but swamp water to use. The road here takes a sweep round northerly to avoid the wet spots in the bottom. When we got to the other side, we encamped among the mesquite and other bushes on the dry bluff about a quarter of a Mile North of the Rancho and got our water from a fine spring near it. Our cattle had a plenty of grass up a swale near the Camp, but it was not grama; it was a swampy kind of grass, but young and tender. There were a great many cattle tracks worn around in all directions. Murrell of the other party had a scrap with a wild bull...The other party have killed 2 wild bulls." (Watson 1931).

On September 23, 1849, Powell visited the ruins, which,

"is built of adobe and is the ruin of a very large establishment. It is a quadrangle enclosing about 3 acres. On the West side are the main building and offices. On the North, a range of houses or rooms extended the whole length. A long bastion is placed at the North East corner, and another at the South West." (Watson 1931).

On October 2, 1849, Aldrich,

"struck a ravine, furnishing broad grass and water. After a halt we moved on until we came in sight of the ruins of San Barnido [San Bernardino]...It has the appearance of being a large town originally. A flat bottom beneath the ruin bears traces of having been once under good cultivation. Saw a large bear prowling through the ruins;..." (Aldrich 1850).

On May 21, 1854 Bartlett came to,

"the rich valley of San Bernardino. Here was stretched out before us a level patch of green, resembling a luxuriant meadow, some eight or ten miles long, by one broad; and directly beyond, on a little spur of the plateau, lay the ruins of the hacienda of San Bernardino. Crossing this valley we stopped on the banks of a little stream, a tributary, or one of the sources of the Huaqui (Rio Yaqui], which passes within a few rods of the ruins. As we approached, a flock of herons arose from the water...Vast herds of cattle were formerly raised.here...Some cattle which had strayed away and were not recovered at the time, have greatly multiplied since, and now roam over the plains and in the valleys, as wild and fierce than the buffalo." (Bartlett 1854).

During the summer of 1854, Froebel,

"came at last to a large circular plain, surrounded on all sides by hills and distant mountains, and covered with green meadows, with numerous springs and watercourses overgrown with reeds. Here, upon a dry acclivity, on which grows the brushwood, common to the hills of debris in this country, stand the ruins of extensive buildings. 13

These, together with a large tract of land, it amongst the most valuable in Northern Sonora, form the deserted Hacienda of San Bernardino." (Froebel 1859).

During 1854, Emory, who was part of the U.S.-Mexico Boundary Survey, found,

"This basin, forming, as it is said, the head of the Yaqui R., here shows a wide flat plain, extending form north to south, and having a breadth of 3-5 miles. On its western edge is situated the deserted settlement of San Bernardino. Adjoining this rancho are numerous springs, spreading out into rushy ponds, and giving issue to a small stream of running water. The valley is covered thickly with a growth of coarse grass, showing in places a saline character of the soil. The timber growth is confined to a few lone cottonwood trees scattered here and there..." (Emory 1857).

In 1884, John Slaughter purchased the northern half of the original

San Bernardino Land Grant for a cattle ranch. The Slaughter Ranch comprised 14,044 ha in 1891 (Fig. 1). On 3 May 1887 a strong earthquake shook the San Bernardino Valley and caused cracks to form in the alluvium near the water courses. It also caused the alluvial river valley to drop

0.15-0.6 m relative to the surrounding upland mesas, altered the flow of existing springs, created new springs and destroyed Slaughter's home

(Goodfellow 1886). Mearns studied the natural history of the U.S.-Mexico boundary, while part of the Boundary survey team. He stayed at the

Slaughter Ranch during 6-7 July, 29 July - 11 September 1892; and

17-24 August, 4-7 October 1893 (Mearns 1907). Mearns collected 852 specimens of 125 species of vertebrates that are now at the U.S. National

Museum.

"In San Bernardino Valley the line [boundary] crossed the first running water since leaving the Rio Grande, over 192 miles distant. In this valley, a few miles North of the Boundary line, rises San Bernardino Creek, the most northerly tributary of the Yaqui River. Numerous springs are found in the valley and thousands of cattle seek pasture on its marshy surface. A large ranch is established at some fine springs just North of the line, while a short distance south of the line are found the ruins of a bastioned adobe fort and numerous outbuildings, marking the site of a flourishing presidio established during the Spanish rule." (United States 1898). 14

"The San Bernardino River (head of the Yaqui), rising in Arizona, is wooded with willow, cottonwood, boxelder, ash and mesquite; a few red junipers grow on the adjacent hills; and the creosote bush, mesquite, acacia and ocotillo occupy the stony mesas and arroyos which constitute the major portion of the region. The broad meadows below the San Bernardino Springs are now covered by grazing herds; but at the time of Emory's Survey they were occupied by a dense growth of cane which has since entirely disappeared. Waterfowl were abundant along the San Bernardino River and on the marshy meadows and pools below the springs." (Mearns 1907).

Slaughter had accumulated 50,000 head of cattle by 1890 (Wagoner 1975).

Unfortunately a drought came to the Southwest U.S. in 1892 and 1893 and caused Slaughter to mortgage his property (Erwin 1965).

"A couple of years later, bone gatherers passed by the San Bernardino, piling bleached skulls and leg bones in pyramids. Soon trainloads of jumbled skeletons were sent east to bone factories." (Erwin 1965).

By 1900, Slaughter had recovered financially, had 500 acres in hay, barley, wheat and vegetables and continued to raise cattle (Erwin 1965).

The San Bernardino Ranch was steadily ranched and farmed from 1900 until 1979 when The Nature Conservancy bought the property. The streams from the springs and wells were channelled to the fields and cattle tanks.

Black Draw, which apparently did not exist in the 1850s, was a creek lined with cottonwoods in the 1890s, and later became a ditch, 3-5 m deep,

5-25 mmide, and usually dry. The marshlands became fields, mesquite groves and bare trampled earth. The Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Mesquite

Bosque thrived and expanded, Desert Grassland slowly deteriorated or disappeared, and Riparian and Aquatic habitats were destroyed or reduced to disturbed remnants. In 1951, Herbert Brandt concluded his chapter on bird-watching at San Bernardino Ranch by commenting on the destruction of the grasslands and marshalnds in southeastern Arizona's valleys:

"Can primitive conditions be restored? Yes, readily, but mankind today lacks that vital type of intelligence. By tomorrow, he must learn, or face ever-increasing malnourishment for his offspring." (Brandt 1951). 15

METHODS

Habitat Map

After becoming familiar with all areas of the San Bernardino Ranch,

I drew a map of the major landmarks of the Ranch. The scale of the map was 72.4 mm to 1 km, the same scale as a 1979 U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph of the Ranch and surrounding area. I then drew a grid of 4000 squares, each representing 0.25 ha, on the map. With the map, the aerial photos and a compass, I walked the Ranch and recorded the major habitat found in each square. From this original map I developed a map of the major habitats on the Ranch in 1981 (see Fig. 2).

Fishes

I used a dip net to catch fish and estimate each species' relative abundance in the perennial water sources on the Ranch. I sampled at irregular intervals during the year; aquatic vegetation became very thick during the summer and prevented any attempts at a systematic sampling of the Aquatic habitats. I observed the more conspicuous species of fish and estimated their relative abundance. A 10 m seine was used once in

North Pond, which was relatively free of vegetation.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Observations of many amphibians and reptiles were made both day and night while I walked the Ranch or drove and walked within 5 km of the Ranch. I concentrated my search for amphibians during the summer rains. Most of my lizard observations were made in mid-morning. I looked for snakes during warm evenings and nights.

I censused the common, conspicuous lizards of the Ranch by walking transects in mid-morning, when air temperature was 26-35°C. I identified each individual observed and recorded its distance from the transect. The 16 observed density was calculated by dividing the number of each species observed by the area sampled (variable width strip census). The transect width varied with each species and habitat.

Traps were used, with only limited success, to catch some amphibians, turtles and lizards. Lizards and amphibians were caught in four pit-fall traps (400-500 mm deep cans), buried with their tops at the surface and a 12 m drift fence (10 cm tall plastic and aluminum sheeting) placed over the trap. Mud turtles were caught in two turtle traps, made of wire mesh (300x300x900 mm) with funnel entrances at each end. A few lizards were caught in Sherman live-traps set for small mammals.

Birds

Bird statuses and densities were determined primarily from censuses conducted on established transect lines. General observations were also made throughout the Ranch at all times of the day and night, but were concentrated in areas that were difficult to census with transects, such as small areas of grass, cottonwoods or ponds. I recorded each observation of less common species and summarized sightings of the common ones. Active bird nests were looked for in all habitats. I recorded the location and contents of each nest in my journal and on cards sent to Cornell's

North American Nest Record Card Program.

Transects 0.5 to 2.0 km long (Fig. 3) were established in each of the major habitats found on the Ranch. I walked each transect several times each season and recorded birds sighted along the route. Density calculations were based on the number of birds within the perpendicular distanceP that I felt that all birds could be identified and detected.

This distance (transect width) varied with the height and density of the vegetation. The narrowest transects (25 m) were in Riparian Habitats, 17 along watercourses; the widest transects (100 m) were in areas of sparse vegetation, such as Chihuahuan Desertscrub. I usually walked the transects during the first four hours after sunrise. Cessation of observations depended on the activity of the birds. I quit observing earlier on hot days than on cool cloudy days. I identified each bird by seeing it or by hearing it and included all birds within the transect width, including those flying over.

The observed density for each species of bird was calculated by dividing the number of individuals seen by the area sampled and is expressed as the number of birds per 100 ha. The resulting number is an average and represents the numbers and activity of the birds in each habitat throughout the season.

Mammals

I recorded each observation of the less common species of diurnal mammals and summarized observations of the common ones seen on the Ranch.

Voucher specimens of many of the small mammals were collected by netting, trapping or shooting.

Bats were caught in mist nets 2m tall and 6-12 in long. Two to six nets were set over a steel water tank (6 in diameter) at the upper end of

Hay Hollow Draw, around the edges of House Pond (0.7 ha) and North Pond

(0.1 ha), and over creeks and pools (1-5 in wide) in Black Draw, Hay

Hollow Draw and House Creek (see Fig. 3). Nets were open at dusk and usually left open to midnight, depending on the level of bat activity and weather conditions, especially approaching flash floods. Each bat was identified and either released or kept for later examination.

Lagomorphs were censused by repeatedly walking standard transects

(Fig. 3) in each habitat and estimating the distance from the transect 18

line of each rabbit seen. The observed density was estimated by dividing the number of rabbits in the sample by the area sampled (variable width strip census).

Rodents were caught in live-traps set along transects. In all habitats except Marshland 64 Sherman traps (75x90x225 mm) were set as follows: two traps were placed at 16 stations 15 m apart in each of 2 parallel lines

15 m apart (design follows Cockrum 1973). 1n theMarshland, 8 stations

15 m apart were set in 4 parallel lines 15 m apart. Traps were prebaited for two nights by throwing rolled oats around the closed traps and then set and baited with rolled oats for three nights. Traps were set during the two-week period during the last quarter and the first quarter of the lunar cycle when light from the moon was minimal. Each morning the trapped animals were identified, marked by toe-clipping and released: After three days of trapping the traps were moved to perpendicular assessment lines intersecting the transect lines. Four assessment lines with 16 stations set 10 m apart and 1 trap per station were set for two nights.

Relative densities of the species present in each habitat were estimated by two methods. If at least one marked rodent was caught on the assessment lines, outside of the transect lines, then density could be estimated by using the methods described by O'Farrell et al. (1977).

Assessment lines are used to estimate the area of effect, based on the distance that marked anim.41s travel away from the transect lines. The estimated number of animals within the area of effect is calculated by comparing the ratio of marked animals to total animals caught on the assessment line and the total number marked on the transect.

For some species on some transects, marked individuals were not caught on the assessment lines. The area of effect for these animals was based on the average area of effect for that species on the Ranch. 19

The estimate of the number of animals within that area of effect was either the number of individuals caught on the transect or, if there was sufficient mark-recapture data, a population estimate based on a variant of the Lincoln Index called the Schnabel Method (Overton 1971).

Other live-traps used to catch mammals included ten 125x125x380 mm

Sherman traps, two 250x300x800 mm National traps and seven 400x500x1200 mm homemade wire-mesh traps. Four pit-fall traps, 400-500 mm deep, were buried with their tops at the surface of the ground and a 12 m long drift fence (10 cm tall) placed over the trap. The pit-falls were usually checked each day. One hundred snap traps (Museum Specials and Victors) were set in early July.

Additional Observations and Assistance

In part, the results of this survey are based on the records of other observers. Some investigators were at the Ranch in previous years; some were here only in 1981. Some assisted me with my survey work and others worked on their independent projects. I found some records in the

Arizona State University amphibian and reptile collections and the Univer- sity of Arizona bird and mammal collections. Don Wilson looked at the specimens collected by Mearns from San Bernardino Ranch and deposited at the U.S. National Museum. Additional records were found in published accounts. Some unpublished records are on file at the Arizona Natural

Heritage Program. Those persons and organizations who provided observa- tions or assistance are cited in the accounts in the annotated lists of species, in the acknowledgments, or in the literature citations. 20

SURVEY OF THE VERTEBRATES

The main objective of this study was to survey the vertebrates found on the San Bernardino Ranch. In addition to providing a list of species found on the Ranch during 1981, I have censused the more common and conspicuous animals and estimated densities and relative abundances. My observations for 1981 are supplemented by observations and records collected by other naturalists and explorers since the 1840s.

The results of the survey are presented on the following pages. Under each class of vertebrates I first present the results of the 1981 censuses.

These are followed by an annotated list of species. Estimates of relative abundance and observed density are based on observations during 1981 and are based primarily on the censuses. Locations of transects are shown in Figures 1,2 and 3 and habitats are shown in Fig. 2 and are described in Table 1. Specific observations and collected specimens are listed for the less common species to document species occurrence. I have listed all the species collected on the Slaughter Ranch by E.A.

Mearns in 1892-1893 and deposited at the U.S. National Museum. Mearns did the first and only other intensive vertebrate inventory on the Ranch.

The San Bernardino Ranch and the surrounding San Bernardino Valley have changed significantly in the last 150 years. The Ranch is continuing to -change rapidly now that cows have been removed and the fields are fallow. With the changing habitats there are continuous changes in the species and numbers of vertebrates. Some species that were not found on the Ranch in 1981 may have been there in past years and might be there in future years, as the changes continue. 21

Fishes

Six species of fishes were recorded on the San Bernardino Ranch during 1981. Three species were native to the Ranch and three were introduced. There are seven species of fish native to the northern headwaters of the Rio Yaqui (Hendrickson et al. 1980); all formerly occurred on the San Bernardino Land Grant. Five of these species have been found on the San Bernardino Ranch, but all seven may have lived on the Ranch in the past, when the streams and cienegas were intact.

Annotated List of Fishes of San Bernardino Ranch

Fifteen species of fishes are discussed in the following annotated list. Of these, six were recorded on the San Bernardino Ranch during

1981. Previous to 1981, an additional nine species have been recorded on the San Bernardino Ranch (6 species), the Slaughter Ranch (2 species) or the San Bernardino Land Grant (1 species; see Fig. 1).

Notes:

-Taxonomic order and nomenclature follow Hendrickson et al. (1980). -Status, habitat and specimens refer to San Bernardino Ranch, unless otherwise stated. See Fig 1 and Fig 3 for locations. -USNM = U.S. National Museum, Washington, D.C. -Mearns' specimens were collected on the Slaughter Ranch.

CLASS OSTEICHTHYES - -BONY FISHES

ORDER CYPRINIFORMES

Family Cyprinidae

Carp Cyprinus carpio Introduced. Collected in a pond 0.4 km south of the Ranch by Frost and Hendrickson on 8 April 1944 (Miller and Winn 1951, cited in Hendrickson et al. 1980). Goldfish Carassius auratus Introduced. About 20 live in a water trough near the barn. They have been there for at least two years and are treated as pets by the present caretaker. 22

Mexican Stoneroller Campostoma ornatum May have occurred. Collected at the south end of the San Bernardino Land Grant in the Rio San Bernardino, 25 km south of the San Bernardino Ranch, by Hendrickson on 11 May 1978 (Hendrickson et al. 1980). Known in the Yaqui River drainage in Cochise County from Whitewater Draw, Leslie Creek and Rucker Canyon, 30-45 km west and north of the Ranch (Hendrickson et al. 1980).

Yaqui Chub Gila purpurea Common in House Pond and North Pond. Uncommon in Pipe Springs. Fifty-seven were collected by Mearns in 1892-1893; specimens at USNM. • Longfin Dace Agosia chrysogaster Common in the perennial creek in Black Draw.

Beautiful Shiner Notropis formosus Extirpated. Last caught in 1965 by Minckley and Barber (Hendrickson et al. 1980). Four were collected by Mearns in 1892-1893; specimens at USNM. Collected in Black Draw and in ponds and ditches.

Family Catostomidae

Yaqui Sucker Catostomus bernardini Extirpated. Last caught in 1968 in Astin Spring by Minckley (Hendrickson et al. 1980). Collected at the south end of the San Bernardino Land Grant in the Rio San Bernardino, 25 km south of the San Bernardino Ranch, by Hendrickson on 11 May 1978 (Hendrickson et al. 1980). Eight were caught by Mearns in 1892-1893; specimens at USNM. Collected in Black Draw and in Astin Spring.

ORDER SILURIFORMES

Family Ictaluridae

Yaqui Catfish Ictalurus pricei Collected from San Bernardino Creek, near the northern border of Sonora by Price in 1894 (Rutter 1896, cited in Hendrickson et al 1980).

Black Bullhead Ictalurus melas Introduced. Caught in House Pond in February 1980 (USFWS 1980). I observed one 120 mm catfish, probably this species, in House Creek on 6 October.

ORDER CYPRINODONTIFORMES

Family Poeciliidae

Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Introduced. Abundant in House Pond, House Creek, House Canal and Black Draw. Not found in the other spring systems on the Ranch. It was not on the Ranch in the early 1970s (Minckley 1973), but was common by February 1980 (USFWS 1980). 23

Sonoran Topminnow Poeciliopsis occidentalis Abundant in Three-Springs Area and North Pond. Common or uncommon in the other perennial watercourses. Where Mosquitofish have been introduced, they were more abundant than the Sonoran Topminnow. Mearns collected 330 in 1892-1893; specimens at USNM.

ORDER PERCIFORMES

Family Centrarchidae

Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Introduced. Found in February 1980 in House Pond (USFWS 1980).

Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus Introduced. Found in February 1980 in House Pond (USFWS 1980).

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Introduced. Found in February 1980 in House Pond (USFWS 1980).

Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Introduced. Found in February 1980 in House Pond (USFWS 1980).

Amphibians and Reptiles

Nine species of amphibians and 21 species of reptiles were recorded on the San Bernardino Ranch or within 5 km of the Ranch during 1981.

Based on the numbers of each species observed, I have estimated the relative abundance of nine species of amphibians (Table 2), two species of turtles, four species of lizards and nine species of snakes (Table 4) and the density of six species of lizards along transects in four habitats (Table 3).

Annotated List of Amphibians and Reptiles of San Bernardino Ranch

Eleven species of amphibians and 51 species of reptiles are discussed in the following annotated list. Of these, 28 species were recorded on the San Bernardino Ranch during 1981 and two species were found in similar habitats within 5 km of the Ranch. Another 32 species may occur on the Ranch or might have lived there previously; their range includes 24

Table 2. Numbers and relative abundance of amphibians observed on the San Bernardino Ranch or within 5 mi of the Ranch during 1981, with a list of early and late dates of observation. Habitats: DC-Desert Grassland; CD=Chihuahuan Desertscrub; MB=Mesquite Bosque; RH&M/A=Riparian Habitats and Marshland/Aquatic; OF=Old Field Relative Abundance: A=Abundant (>100); C=Common (10-100); U=Uncommon (1-10)

Habitats Rel. Early and Species DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Total Abund. Late Dates

Scaphiopus couchi 13 196 5 214 A 29 June-1 Sept. Scaphiopus hammondi 3 54 57 C 30 June-31 Aug. Bufo alvarius 2 25 1 8 U 26 June-28 Aug. Bufo woodhousei 1 1 U 16 Aug. Bufo punctatus 5 25 30 C 11 July-21 Aug. Bufo cognatus 1 11 25 37 C 30 June-15 Aug. Bufo debilis 5 5 U 10 July-4 Aug. ,1 1 Rana "pipiens" 4 + A Jan.-Oct. +1 1 Rana catesbeiana + A Jan.-Oct.

"These species were so common in and near aquatic areas throughout the Ranch during the entire year that I did not record the numbers sighted.

Table 3. Numbers, observed densities and relative abundance of lizards along transects in four habitats on San Bernardino Ranch from 12 July to 18 August 1981. Some of the 11.2 km of transects were done along established transect lines shown in Fig. 3. Habitats: DG-Desert Grassland; CD=Chihuahuan Desertscrub; NB-Mesquite Basque; OF-Old Field. Relative Abundance: C=Common (>5/ha); FC-Fairly Common (1-5/ha); U=Uncommon (<1/ha) [based on an average of all habitats]. Density in Each Habitat (#Iha) DG CD MB OF Relative Species Sighted (2.5km)1(4.8km) (2.8km) (1.1km) Abund.

Holbrookia maculata 11 15.0 2.3 3.4 Sceloporus clarki 2 10.0 FC Sceloporus undulatus 2 5.0 FC Urosaurus ornatus 8 5.0 6.0 FC Phrynosoma cornutum 1 2.5 Cnemidophorus uniparens 31 10.0 14.6 8.2

1Transect length 25

Table 4. Numbers and relative abundance of snakes observed on San Bernardino Ranch or within 5 km of the Ranch during 1981, with early and late dates of observation. Habitats: DG-Desert Grassland; CD=Chihuahuan Desertscrub; MB=Mesquite Bosque; RH=Riparian Habitats; M/A=Marshland/Aquatic; OF=Old Field. Relative Abundance: FC=Fairly Common (>10); U=Uncommon (<5)

Habitats Rel. Early and Species DG CD MB RH M/A OF Total Abund. Late Dates

Masticophis flagellum 1 3 4 2 10 PC 7 Apr.-24 Oct. Salvadora hexalepis 2 1 3 30 Apr.-11 July Pituophis melanoleucus 1 2 3 28 Mar.-23 Oct. Lampropeltis ,getulus 1 1 2 4 - 24 July Rhinocheilus lecontei 1 1 9 July Thamnophis eques 2 2 4 July-20 Aug. Thamnophis marcianus 2 1 3 6 - 22 July Crotalus atrox 10 2 4 2 18 FC 30 Mar.-6 Oct. Crotalus scutulatus 2 2 5 - 18 Sept.

Total 1 21 6 9 1 6 44 28 Mar.-23 Oct.

southeastern Cochise County and they are known to live in habitats similar to those found on the Ranch.

Notes:

-Taxonomic order and family names follows Stebbins (1966), Names of orders follow Behler and King (1979). Scientific and common names of species follow Collins et al. (1978). -Status, habitat and specimens refer to the San Bernardino Ranch, or areas within 5 km of the Ranch. -Southeastern Cochise County is in southeastern Arizona and includes the San Bernardino Ranch (Fig. 1). -Voucher specimens were collected in 1981 and all were deposited at the United States National Museum (USNM). -Mearns' specimens Were collected on the Slaughter Ranch (Fig. 1) and all were deposited at USMM. 26

CLASS AMPHIBIA --AMPHIBIANS

ORDER SALIENTIA

Family Pelobatidae

Couch's Spadefoot Scaphiopus couchi Abundant in and near ephemeral pools throughout the Ranch during the summer rains in July and August (Table 2). Voucher specimens.

Western Spadefoot Scaphiopus hammondi Common in and near ephemeral pools during the summer rains (Table 2). Voucher specimens.

Plains Spadefoot Scaphiopus bombifrons May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitats.

Family Bufonidae

Colorado River Toad Bufo alvarius Uncommon in and near pools and in Chihuahuan Desertscrub during the summer rains (Table 2). Voucher specimens.

Woodhouse's Toad Bufo woodhousei Uncommon. Only one was seen on 16 August, near Black Draw (Table 2). Voucher specimen.

Red-spotted Toad Bufo punctatus Common in and near ponds during summer rains (Table 2). Voucher specimen.

Great Plains Toad Bufo cognatus Common in and near pools during the summer rains (Table 2). Voucher specimens.

Green Toad Bufo debilis Uncommon in and near pools during the summer rains (Table 2). Heard only one calling at each of three pools, 0.3 - 2 km west of the Ranch. • At one pond I heard one call on 18 July, 21 July and 4 August. Voucher specimens.

Family Hylidae

Canyon Treefrog Hyla. arenicolor May occur. In southeastern Cochise County, though the Ranch has no boulders and few rocks near the creeks, as the frog prefers (Stebbins 1966). 27

Family Ranidae

Leopard Frog Rana pipiens sensu lato Abundant in and near both temporary and permanent aquatic areas throughout the Ranch. Active at all times of the year, though in the winter it is restricted to near the warm springs and wells and in large bodies of water. Voucher specimens.

Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Introduced. Abundant in the larger permanent ponds and creeks. Active at all times of the year. Voucher specimens.

CLASS REPTILIA--REPTILES

ORDER TESTUDINES

Family Chelydridae

Sonoran Mud Turtle Kinosternon sonoriense Uncommon. Saw three in House Pond, on 6 April, 26 June and 1 October, sunning on logs or swimming in the water. Caught five in turtle traps set in House Pond on 1 and 2 October. Voucher specimen. Mearns caught nine in 1892-1893.

Family Testudinidae

Western Box Turtle Terrapene ornata Uncommon. Saw one in Chihuahuan. Desertscrub 200 m north of the Ranch on 20 July. Saw one in Mesquite Bosque with thick grass understory on 22 September. Voucher specimen. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

ORZER SQUAMATA

Family Gekkonidae

Western Banded Gecko Coleonyx variegatus May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Family Iguanidae

Lesser Earless Lizard Holbrookia maculata Common in Desert Grassland, Old Field and Chihuahuan Desertscrub (Table 3). Observed from 21 March to 28 September in sparsely vegetated sand and loam areas throughout the Ranch. Voucher specimens.

Greater Earless Lizard Holbrookia texana May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat. 5 28

Zebratail Lizard Callisaurus draconoides May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Collared Lizard Crotaphytus collaris Uncommon in Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Desert Grassland in sparsely vegetated loam and gravel areas and under rocks. Five sighted during 1 May - 5 September. Voucher specimens.

Longnose Leopard Lizard Gambelia wislizenii Uncommon in Desert Grassland; caught one on bare ground on 3 August. Voucher specimen.

Desert Spiny Lizard Sceloporus magister May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Clark's Spiny Lizard Sceloporus clarki Fairly Common in Mesquite Bosque (Table 3) and in Riparian Habitats. Observed from 13 May to 6 October on mesquites, cottonwoods, willows, rock building and the rock fence near the dwellings. Voucher specimens. Mearns collected one during 1892-1893.

Eastern Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulatus Fairly Common in Mesquite Bosque (Table 3) and in Riparian Habitats. Observed from 19 February to 5 October on mesquites, cottonwoods, willows, dirt banks, rock buildings and rock fence. Voucher specimens.

Side-blotched' Lizard Uta stansburiana May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Tree Lizard Urosaurus ornatus Fairly Common in Mesquite Bosque and Chihuahuan Desertscrub (Table 3). Observed from 16 February - 4 October on mesquites, cottonwoods, willows, desert shrubs, ground between desert shrubs, fallen limbs, fence posts, dirt banks, rock buildings and rock fence. Voucher specimens.

Texas Horned Lizard Phrynosoma cornutum Uncommon in Chihuahuan Desertscrub (Table 3), Desert Grassland and Old Field in sparsely vegetated habitat and near ant colonies. Eleven sighted during 30 April - 30 October. Voucher specimens.

Short-horned Lizard Phrynosoma douglassi May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat. 29

Round-tail Horned Lizard Phrynosoma modestum May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 146); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Regal Horned Lizard Phrynosoma solare Uncommon in Chihuahuan Desertscrub, Desert Grassland and Old Field. Saw five during 5 March - 4 October on bare sand or gravel in sparsely-vegetated areas. Voucher specimens.

Family Scincidae

Great Plains Skink Eumeces obsoletus May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Family Teiidae

Canyon Spotted Whiptail Cnemidophorus burti May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Desert Grassland Whiptail Cnemidophorus uniparens Common in Chihuahuan Desertscrub, Desert Grassland and Old Field (Table 3) and thin Mesquite Bosque. This was the most commonly observed lizard on the Ranch. They were seen from 22 March - 5 October in all open habitats with bare ground. Al]. the Cnemidophorus lizards I saw well had striped backs and greenish tails. Voucher specimens.

Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Cnemidophorus sonorae or Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail Cnemidophorus exsanguis May occur. In southeastern Cochise County. These two closely- related species can occur in desert-grassland and riparian areas (Wright and Lowe 1968).

Western Whiptail Cnemidophorus tigris May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Family Anguidae

Arizona Alligator Lizard Gerrhonotus kingi May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

.Family Helodermatidae

Gila Monster Heloderma suspectum Uncommon. One was found in Riparian Scrub near House Creek on 3 July by Pat Mehlhop. Mearns caught one in 1892-1893. I saw one 8 km west of the Ranch in Chihuahuan Desertscrub on 16 July. 30

Family Leptotyphlopidae

Western Blind Snake Leptotyphlops humilis May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Texas Blind Snake Leptotyphlops dulcis May occur. Two found in the city of Douglas, 25 km west of the Ranch at 1250 m, during June 1964 and 7 June 1970 by Beedle; specimens at University of Arizona. In rocky or sandy deserts, prairies and canyon bottoms (Stebbins 1966).

Family Colubridae

Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Western Hognose Snake Heterodon nasicus May occur. One was caught 6-7 km west of the Ranch at 1250 m during September 1969, probably in Chihuahuan Desertscrub; specimen at Arizona State University. Frequents semidesert habitats and the floodplains of streams where there are alluvial deposits for burrowing (Stebbins 1966).

Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum Fairly Common. 10 were seen in Mesquite Bosque, Chihuahuan Desertscrub Old Field and Desert Grassland from 7 April - 24 October (Table 4). Active during hot days; often seen sunning on bare ground or moving very rapidly on sand, loam and rock areas. Mearns caught one in 1892-1893.

Sonoran Whipsnake Masticophis bilineatus May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Western Patchnose Snake Salvadora hexalepis Uncommon. Three seen in Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Riparian Habitats from 30 April to 11 July (Table 4). Active both day and night in gravel areas and in a sand area near water. Voucher specimen.

Glossy Snake Arizona elegans May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat. Gopher Snake Pituophis melanoleucus Uncommon. Two were seen in Old Field and Chihuahuan Desertscrub from 28 March to 23 October (Table 4). Active day and night in loam and gravel areas. 31

Common Kingsnake Lampropeltis getulus Uncommon. Two were seen in Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Riparian Habitats from 4-24 July (Table 4). Active in evening and night in a gravel area and a loam area near willows and cottonwoods. Voucher specimen.

Longnose Snake Rhinocheilus lecontei Uncommon. One was caught in Riparian Habitats on 9 July (Table 4). Active in evening in a loam area under willows. Voucher specimen.

Blackneck Garter Snake Thamnophis cyrtopsis May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Mexican Garter Snake Thamnophis eques Uncommon. Two were found in Riparian Habitats from 4 July to 20 August (Table 4). One head and upper body was found in Black Draw by Pat Mehlhop after a flood. One was caught in the morning on sand near the creek in Black Draw. Voucher specimen at Arizona Natural Heritage Program. Two were collected on the Ranch by Taylor on 14 June 1954 and one was collected on the Ranch by Bezy on 10 June 1961 --specimens at University of Arizona.

Checkered Garter Snake Thamnophis marcianus Uncommon. Three were observed in Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Marshland/ Aquatic from 6 - 22 July (Table 4). Active at night and in the morning and found on gravel, in sandy loam 5 in from water and in the water. Voucher specimen.

Western Ground Snake Sonora semiannulata May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Western Hooknose Snake Gyalop ion canum May occur. One was caught 26 km north of the Ranch at 1425 in in Desert Grassland; specimen at American Museum of Natural History (no date; no collector). One was caught 22 km north of the Ranch, in Desert Grassland at 1410 m, by Cross on 3 September 1971; specimen at University of Arizona.

Mexican Blackheaded Snake Tantilla atriceps May occur. In southeastern Cochise county (Behler and King 1979); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Yaqui Blackhead Snake Tantilla yaquia May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Behler and King 1979): Ranch has suitable habitat. 32

Plains Blackhead Snake Tantilla nigriceps May occur. One was caught 30 km north of the Ranch at 1430 m in Desert Grassland; specimen at American Museum of Natural History (no date, no collector). One was collected 35 km north of the Ranch, in Desert Grassland at 1430 in by Mendez on 26 August 1970; specimen at University of Arizona.

Lyre Snake Trimorphodon biscutatus May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Night Snake Hypsiglena torquata May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Family Elapidae

Arizona Coral Snake Micruroides euryxanthus May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Stebbins 1966); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Family Viperidae

Massasauga Sistrurus catenatus May occur. Two were caught 22 km north of the Ranch, in Desert Grassland at 1400 in by Lowe on 25 September 1958 and by Walker on 20 July 1969; specimens at University of Arizona. Occurs in yucca grassland in Arizona (Stebbins 1966).

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox Fairly Common. Eighteen were observed in Chihuahuan Desertscrub, Riparian Habitats, Mesquite Bosque and Old Field from 30 March to 6 October (Table 4). This was the most observed snake on the Ranch. It was found in the evening, at night and in the morning on all soils and in all dry habitats from bare open ground to among exposed cottonwood roots, to inside tumbleweed thickets. Voucher specimens. Mearns collected two during 1892-1893.

Western Rattlesnake Crotalus viridus May occur. In southeastern Cochise County (Behler and King 1979); Ranch has suitable habitat.

Mojave Rattlesnake Crotalus scutulatus Uncommon. Two were caught in Chihuahuan Desertscrub from 5-18 September (Table 4). Active at night and in morning in gravel areas. Voucher specimen. 33

Birds

One hundred fifty-eight species of birds were recorded on the

Ranch during 1981. Of these, 121 were observed along established

transects in the major habitats. Based on the transect results, I have estimated the density of each species observed in each of the

habitats during the four seasons (Table 5). Dates of transect runs for

each season were as follows: winter, 25 January to 19 March; spring,

11 April to 31 May; summer, 9 July to 20 August; fall 22 September to

8 October.

Annotated List of Birds of San Bernardino Ranch

Two hundred fifteen species of birds are discussed in the

following annotated list. Of these, 158 species were recorded on the

Ranch during 1981. Prior to 1981, 39 additional species were observed on the Ranch. Mearns saw 17 other species on the Slaughter Ranch

(Fig. 1) during 1892-1893, that have not been seen on the Ranch since his observations. I saw one species 4 km from the Ranch that probably has been on the Ranch.

The completeness of this list is due to the accurate records of

several observers, especially: E.A. Mearns, Herbert Brandt, Doug

Danforth, Arnie Moorhouse and Kay Burk. Other observers are credited

in the specific accounts.

Notes:

-Taxonomic order and nomenclature follows the American Ornithologists Union checklist (A.O.U. 1957 and supplements), as presented in Davis and Russell (1979).

-Abundance, seasonal status and habitat is based on transect data during 1981. Calendar seasons are used in Table 5 but in the annotated list seasons (i.e. summer resident) are general and based on the central period that the bird is on the Ranch. 34

Table 5. Numbers, observed densities and relative abundance of birds along transects in five habitats on San Bernardino Ranch during the four calendar seasons in 1981. Density is shown as the numbers of birds per 100 ha. The transect routes (13.75 km total in the five habitats) are shown in Fig. 3.

Habitats: Numbers in parentheses show the total distance covered in each habitat and the total area sampled for birds during the repeated walks along the transacts. DG=Desert Grassland (67.25 km; 561.25 ha); CD=Chihuahuan Desertscrub (40km; 400 ha); MB=Mesquite Basque (41 km; 205 ha); RH&M/A=Riparian Habitats and Marshland/Aquatic (48.2 km; 120.5 ha) and OF=Old Field (40.7 km; 355.5 ha).

Relative Abundance: A=Abundant ( 100 birds/100 ha); C=Common (50 - 100/ 100 ha); FC-Fairly Common (10-50/100 ha); U=Uncommon ( 10/100 ha). Relative abundance is based on the highest density observed on the transects in any of the habitats during any season. "+" indicates that the bird is present, but in numbers less than 5/100 ha.

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance Great Blue Heron 6 W FC Sp 7 Su 13

Green Heron 9 FC Sp 11 Su 13

Black-bellied 2 Whistling-Duck Sp Su

Mallard 6 W 17 FC Sp Su

Mallard or 7 Mexican Duck or Sp 7 Mallard x Mexican Duck Su

Gadwall 3 w 9 Sp Su

Turkey Vulture 55 FC Sp + + 9 7 + Su 6 31 5 + +28 24 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 Sp Su 35

Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative 5.22-Sat Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance Cooper's Hawk 20 W 14 FC Sp Su 6 35 Red-tailed Hawk 24 20 5 FC Sp Su 6 + 24 Swainson's Hawk 21 W FC Sp + 11 + Su + + 9 5 F Ferruginous Hawk 1 W +. Sp Su

Golden Eagle 1 Sp Su

Marsh Hawk 14 W + + + + FC Sp Su F + + + 12 Prairie Falcon 4 W U Sp Su + F + + + American Kestrel 46 W + 54 26 5 C Sp + 9 21 + Su + 28 25 + F + 24 16 + Gambel's Quail 361 W 100 43 A Sp + + 82 Su 11 275 16 F 310 Sora 1 Sp Su

Killdeer 145 W 60 107 A Sp 7 + Su 13 + F 12 + Common Snipe 8 W 23 FC Sp Su 36

Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance Ring-billed Gull 3 Sp Su

White-winged Dove 19 FC Sp 14 + Su 28 5

Mourning Dove 2679 W 5 5 146 197 + A Sp 188 6 258 854 42 Su 79 56 240 713 71 F 149 40 520 1800 550 Ground Dove 94 W 26 Sp 15 29 Su 52 50 + 28 24 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 5 FC Sp Su 16

Roadrunner 10 W + FC Sp + + + Su + 16 F Barn Owl 20 FC Sp 14 Su + 38

Great Horned Owl 27 W 6 17 FC Sp 21 Su + 22 12 Long-eared Owl 20 W 36 FC Sp Su

Lesser Nighthawk 23 FC Sp 18 Su + 7 + 16

White-throated Swift 2 Sp Su

Black-chinned 4 Hummingbird Sp Su 37

Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RHEIWA OF Abundance Broad-tailed 1 Hummingbird Sp Su

Rufous Hummingbird 1 13 or Allen's Hummingbird Sp Su small hummingbird sp. 32 W + + + Sp + + 7 32 + Su + 6 19 F + Rivolis Hummingbird 1 or Blue-throated Sp Hummingbird Su

Belted Kingfisher 2 Sp Su

COMMA Flicker 13 W + 6 17 FC Sp Su 12 Gila Woodpecker 50 W + 37 Sp 29 Su 53 + + 27 Yellow-bellied 1 Sapsucker Sp Su

Ladder-backed 66 W 8 37 PC Woodpecker Sp + 13 46 Su + + 8 38 6 24 Western Kingbird 143 A Sp 61 10 Su 22 + 8 116 26 31 6 Cassia's Kingbird 100 W PC Sp + 15 11 5 Su 6 + 28 9 F 19 35 41 Wied's Crested 21 W PC Flycatcher Sp 32 Su 38 F 38

Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance Ash-throated 51 W FC Flycatcher Sp + 16 29 Su 7 22 25 F + Wied's Crested 9 W Flycatcher or Sp + Ash-throated Su + 9 + Flycatcher F Black Phoebe 60 W 54 Sp 39 Su + 31 F + 55 Say's Phoebe 53 W + 5 + 29 7 FC Sp + + 18 + Su + + F + + 8 12 Empidonax spp. 13 FC Sp 7 Su + 13 12 Western Wood Pewee 11 FC Sp 5 11 Su 8 16 12 Vermilion Flycatcher 52 W + 26 Sp 79 + Su + 13 + F + Horned Lark 132 W 45 + 61 Sp Su

Violet-green Swallow 39 W 8 13 FC Sp + + 5 11 Su F + Tree Swallow 11 W + + FC Sp + Su + 16 F + Rough-winged Swallow 35 W + 14 Sp +13 61 Su

Barn Swallow 35 FC Sp + + 14 Su 44 + + + 8 6 39

Table 5. Continued

• Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance Cliff Swallow 1 Sp Su

Common Raven 16 Sp + + Su 3

White-necked Raven 11 FC Sp Su + 28

Common Raven or 87 W 12 23 White-necked Raven Sp 12 79 Su + 16 F 6 24 Verdin 2 Sp Su F House Wren 5 Sp Su 6 Bewick's Wren 182 W + +22 37 A Sp 58 86 Su + 48 103 + +36 82 Cactus Wren 5 Sp 7 Su 6

Long-billed Marsh Wren 10 FC Sp Su 35 Rock Wren 35 20 FC Sp 14 Su 41 7 8 Mockingbird 39 W + 11 + PC . Sp + + + 39 5 Su + + + 22 F Curve-billed Thrasher 3 Sp Su 6 40 Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance Crissal Thrasher 55 W 12 14 + FC Sp 7 18 Su 10 31 +16 16 Sage Thrasher 2 W + + Sp Su

Ruby-crowned Ringlet 25 W + 40 FC Sp 7 Su + 27 Water Pipit 6 W 17 FC Sp Su

Loggerhead Shrike 39 W + + + FC Sp + + Su + + + 19 + F 7 + + Starling 79 W 23 9 FC Sp + 36 7 Su 22 29 F 24 Bell's Vireo 57 Sp 9 64 Su 16 56 6 20 Solitary Vireo 1 Sp Su

Warbling Vireo 2 Sp Su 6

Orange-crowned 4 FC Warbler Sp Su 16 Lucy's Warbler 133 A Sp + 122 82 Su + +24 59 8 Yellow Warbler 10 FC Sp 21 Su 9

Yellow-rumped Warbler 10 W 17 FC Sp Su 41

Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance

Black-throated Gray 2 Warbler Sp Su

MacGillivray's Warbler 12 PC Sp 7 Su 22 8 Common Yellowthroat 58 W Sp 100 Su + 69 + F 31 + Yellow-breasted Chat 24 PC Sp 5 11 Su 14 34

Wilson's Warbler 33 Sp 9 64 Su 16 16 Eastern Meadowlark 45 PC Sp 7 5 Su 14 21 Eastern Meadowlark or 21 W 5 14 Western Meadowlark — Sp Su

Yellow-headed 43 W A Blackbird Sp 125 ' Su 16

Red-winged Blackbird 286 W 37 31 A Sp 225 7 Su 21 75 9 267 80 Hooded Oriole Sp Su

Scott's Oriole 9 Sp Su 9

Northern Oriole 16 PC Sp Su + 44 Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance Brewer's Blackbird 43 W 46 Sp 61 10 Su

Great-tailed Grackle 28 FC Sp 50 + Su 19 5

Brown-headed Cowbird 75 A Sp + + 18 111 Su + +20 34 +

Western Tanager 8 FC Sp 4 Su + + 13 4 Summer Tanager 2 Sp Su

Cardinal 53 29 Sp 64 Su 53 + 24 Pyrrhuloxia 7 FC Sp Su + 20 Black-headed Grosbeak 9 FC Sp Su + + 22

Blue Grosbeak 65 Sp 11 Su 9 + 28 78 5

Lazuli Bunting 103 A Sp Su 106. + + 243 Varied Bunting 4 Sp Su 6

Painted Bunting 1 Sp Su 95LA. 66D 43 • A Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance

House Finch 225 W 371 A Sp 9 11 93 Su 8 53 F 129 Lesser Goldfinch 94 W 171 31 A Sp Su 16

Green-tailed Towhee 141 W 9 Sp + 11 Su 6 +130 247 + Rufous-sided Towhee 2 W 6 Sp Su

Brown Towhee 58 W 8 37 Sp + 54 Su 14 34 10 + Lark Bunting 426 W 95 A Sp Su 19 + 30 21 274 45 24 47 Savannah Sparrow 135 w 75 Sp 7 Su

Grasshopper Sparrow 3 Sp Su + + Vesper Sparrow 455 W 56 + + 55 A Sp 12 + 27 Su F 76 5 6 275 247 Lark Sparrow 146 W A Sp + + Su + 6 44 52 F 6 + 231 + Cassin's Sparrow 60 W PC Sp Su 25 14 F 6 5 Black-throated 653 W 41 59 18 + A Sparrow Sp 42 121 20 11 Su 30 122 34 25 F +101 12 24 44

Table 5. Continued

Total Density by Habitat Relative Species Number Season DG CD MB RH&M/A OF Abundance Sage Sparrow 7 Sp Su

Dark-eyed Junco 5 W 10 Sp Su

Gray-headed Junco 12 W 24 FC Sp Su

Chipping Sparrow 124 W + A Sp + Su 7 + 8 F + +42 310 + Brewer's Sparrow 352 W + + A Sp + 9 + 8 Su F 117 29 102 451 87 White-crowned Sparrow 321 W 12 6 130 166 39 A Sp 6 84 21 Su F + 20 224 10 Lincoln's Sparrow 86 W 46 A Sp + 54 Su F 7 + 157 14 Song Sparrow 59 W 8 97 5 C Sp 11 Su F + 8 +

Total Number of Birds 9707

Number of Birds/100 ha 347 187 738 3251 446

Number of species 66 40 69 113 60 45

,Notes (for the Annotated Bird List) continued:

-I am the observer, unless stated otherwise and my observations were made during January - October 1981.

-All observations refer to 1981 and to the Ranch unless otherwise stated

-Sightings by Brandt are published (Brandt 1951).

-Sightings by other observers are personal communications to me

-Mearns' specimens were collected on the Slaughter Ranch (Fig. 1) and were deposited at the U.S. National Museum (USNM), Washington, D.C.

-A "B" after a species name indicates that the species breeds on the Ranch and there is an entry in the Nest Record File. A "pB" indicates that the species probably breeds on the Ranch but there is no evidence for nesting.

CLASS AVES --BIRDS

ORDER PODICIPEDIFORMES

Family Podicipedidae

Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis No recent records but Brandt (1951) observed these on the ponds in April-May 1948.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Common winter resident on House Pond and North Pond. Up to five on House Pond from January to April; returned to House Pond in late September.

ORDER PELECANIFORMES

Family Phalacrocoracidae

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Uncommon winter visitor to ponds. One was on North Pond on 28 February. Brandt (1951) found three in April-May 1948 that had been shot the previous winter. 46

Olivaceous Cormorant Phalacrocorax olivaceus Uncommon visitor. D. Danforth saw two at Frog Pond on 23 April 1977, one on 5 March 1978, one on 2 April 1978, one on 16 April 1978, one on 22 March 1979 and one on 5 May 1979. A. Moorhouse saw one on 7 April 1979.

ORDER CICONIIFORMES

Family Ardeidae

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Fairly common winter resident; uncommon summer resident. Seen near aquatic areas. Usually seen singly but occasionally in groups of two and three during summer. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Green Heron Butorides striatus Fairly common summer resident near aquatic areas. One to three were at House Pond or Black Draw from April to October. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis One record. D. Danforth saw one at House Pond on 23 April 1977.

Great Egret Casmerodius albus No recent records but Brandt (1951) observed three on a pond in April-May 1948.

Snowy Egret Egretta thula 1!ncommon :migrant. One was at House Pond on 18 April. D. Danforth saw two on 23 April 1977 and 5 May 1979. K. Burk saw one in the Three-Springs area during 16-23 March 1980.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Uncommon migrant. One was seen in Black Draw on 7 April and 8 April. Brandt (1951) observed them in April-May 1948. D. Danforth saw one on 5 May 1979. Mearns collected six in 1892-1893.

Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis No recent records but Brandt (1951) collected one in April-May 1948.

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Two records. D. Danforth saw one at Frog Pond on 31 October 1976. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Family Ciconiidae

Woodstork Mycteria americana. No recent records but Mearns collected one in 1892-1893. .1 47

Family Threskiornithidae

White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi Uncommon migrant. Flock of 30 flew over House Pond on 16 April. Two flew over Black Draw on 5 September. One flew over House Pond on 5 October. D. Danforth says that they were present in the agri- cultural fields in the 1970s. Mearns collected six in 1892-1893.

ORDER ANSERIFORMES

Family Anatidae

Canada Goose Branta canadensis Uncommon visitor. Flock of eight on House Pond on 11 March observed by D. Symons.

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons One record. A. Moorhouse saw one on the pond 0.5 km south of the Ranch on 6 January 1980.

Snow Goose Chen caerulescens One record. A. Moorhouse saw one on Frog Pond on 1 January 1980.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Uncommon summer resident. Single birds and groups of up to three around North Pond, Pipe Springs Cienega, Black Draw and House Pond from May to August.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Fairly common winter resident in Black Draw, North Pond and House Pond. Up to four in a flock.

Mexican Duck Anas diazi and MallardxMexican Duck Anas platyrhynchosxdiazi B Fairly common summer resident on North Pond, House Pond and Black Draw. I saw pairs that looked like "typical" Mexican Ducks, but males of some pairs had green feathers on the top of the head. One female with five young on House Pond had a bill that was completely dark dorsally. Brandt (1951) reports a nesting of Mexican Ducks at Astin Tank (100 in north of the Ranch) in the spring of 1947.

Gadwall Anas strepera Common winter resident on House Pond, Black Draw and North Pond. Usually 3-6 and as many as 13 on House Pond.

Pintail Anas acuta Uncommon winter visitor. One male on House Pond on 10 February and 13 March. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893. 48

Green-winged Teal Anas crecca Uncommon winter visitor to House Pond and North Pond. Two seen on 24 January and one male observed on 11 February and 28 February. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Two records. D. Danforth saw one on 16 April 1978 and Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Fairly common winter resident on House Pond. Small flocks of 3-4 seen three times in February. Four to eight resident during March. Gone by early April. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

American Wigeon Anas americana Uncommon winter visitor to House Pond and North Pond. One and five seen in February; 15 and 5 in March; 1 on 12 April. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Uncommon winter visitor. Brandt (1951) saw small flocks in April-May 1948. D. Danforth saw 12 on 22 March 1979. A. Moorhouse saw three on 7 April 1979, one on 24 November 1979, one on 1 January 1980 and 5 on 6 January 1980.

Redhead Aythya americana Uncommon migrant. Two males at House Pond on 16 February. Brandt (1951) saw individuals and pairs in April-May 1948.

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Common winter resident on House Pond and North Pond. Until early April there were 7-17 at House Pond. They began returning in early October.

Canvasback Aythya valisineria Status undetermined. D. Danforth saw at least one between 1973 and 1978.

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Uncommon migrant. Brandt (1941) saw individuals and pairs in April-May 1948. D. Danforth saw one on 16 April 1978. A. Moorhouse saw one on 7 April 1979. Kay Burk saw one at House Pond during 16-23 March 1980.

Buff lehead Bucephala albeola Uncommon migrant to House Pond and North Pond. One or two seen six times in March and April.

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Common winter resident on House Pond. Three to seven from January to April, with one or two until mid-May. A. Morrhouse saw two on House Pond on 1 November. 49

Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Two records. D. Danforth saw one on 5 March 1978. K. Burk saw one on House Pond on 16-23 March 1980.

ORDER FALCONIFORMES

Family Cathartidae

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Fairly common summer resident over all habitats from late March to mid-October. One or two could usually be seen soaring over the Ranch on any warm day.

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Two records. K. Burk saw one over the Three-Springs area during 9-15 October 1981. D. Danforth saw a flock of 12-14 on 24 February 1973.

Family Accipitridae

Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Uncommon winter resident. One seen five times in the winter in cottonwoods, over marsh, mesquites, grassland and in Black Draw. TWO seen in the fall over grassland and in hackberry. A. Moorhouse saw two on 9 November 1980.

Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii Fairly common winter resident; uncommon summer resident. Prefers Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis B Fairly common resident over all habitats. Nests in Riparian Habitats. One pair nested in a cottonwood near Frog Pond. At least four individuals spent the winter. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni B Fairly common summer resident over all habitats. Two pairs started nests, near Pipe Springs Cienega and near North Pond. Only the cienega nest raised young. Arrived in early April and left in late September. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus Uncommon winter visitor. One seen over Mesa on 5 January. A. Mborhouse saw one on 1 January 1980.

Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis Uncommon winter visitor. Sighted one over Black Draw on 4 February. D. Danforth saw one over alfalfa fields on 31 October 1976. A. Moorhouse saw one on 1 January 1980 and 12,17,18 February 1980. 50

Harris' Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus No recent records but Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Uncommon summer resident. Brandt (1951) observed this bird in April-May 1948. Minckley found a nest in cottonwoods near Black Draw and Frog Pond in the mid-1960s.

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Uncommon resident over all habitats. Eight sightings of soaring or perched birds. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Marsh Hawk Circus cyaneus Fairly common winter resident over all habitats. They left in late April and arrived in late August.

Family Falconidae

Caracara Caracara cheriway One record. D. Danforth saw an immature on a cottonwood snag just east of Black Draw on 10 November 1979.

Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus Uncommon winter visitor over any habitat. Sighted eight during the fall and winter and one on 11 August.

Peregrine Falcon Falco pereerinus No recent records but Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

American Kestrel Falco sparverius B Abundant resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque and over Old Field and Desert Grassland. Two nests in cavities in cottonwoods. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

ORDER GALLIFORMES

Family Phasianidae

Scaled Quail Callipepla squamata Uncommon visitor. One group of four sighted 100 m west of the Ranch in Chihuahuan Desertscrub on 20 May. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Gambel's Quail Lophortyx gambelii B Abundant resident in Riparian Habitats and Old Field and found in Desert Grassland and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. In large flocks of up to 50 in winter and up to 25 in summer. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893. 51

Family Meleagridae

Turkey Meleagris gallopavo Unconfirmed record. Paul Ramsower, who owned the Ranch in the 1970s, told Minckley and Danforth that wild turkeys used to come to the agricultural fields.

ORDER GRUIFORMES

Family Rallidae

Virginia Rail Rallus limicola Uncommon winter visitor or resident. One seen four times at House Pond in January and February. Heard three times in fall in Pipe Springs Cienega; call identified by J. Burton, D. Danforth and A. Moorhouse.

Sora Porzana carolina Uncommon resident in Marshland/Aquatic habitats. Inconspicuous in marsh and thick grass. Visible on lilies on House Pond. Seen from February to May and August to September. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Common Gallinule Gallinula chloropus Uncommon visitor. One sighted twice on House Pond in April. One on House Pond on 1 November by D. Danforth and A. Moorhouse. D. Danforth saw one on 5 March 1978, 2 April 1978 and 22 March 1979. A. Moorhouse saw one on 21 May 1980. R. Hibbard saw one at House Pond on 13 September 1980. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

American Coot Fulica americana B Abundant resident on House Pond. Five to ten throughout year. A. Moorhouse saw three immatures on Frog Pond on 14 July 1979. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

-ORDER CHARADRIIFORMES

Family Charadriidae

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus B Abundant resident in Old Field and Riparian Habitats. Flocks of up to 30 foraging on the fields or along Black Draw. Two nests were on bare grotind in fields. Mearns collected four in 1892-1893.

Family Scolopacidae

Common Snipe Capella gallinago Fairly common winter resident along streams and around ponds. Left in early April. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893. 52

Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus Uncommon visitor. Three over Pipe-Springs Cienega on 14 April, flying north.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Status undetermined. D. Danforth observed at least one between 1973 and 1978. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Status undetermined. D. Danforth saw one in the alfalfa fields on 23 April 1977. Mearns collected ten in 1892-1893.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Uncommon migrant at aquatic areas. One observed at cattle tank 200 m north of Ranch on 17 July. Brandt (1951) saw flocks of up to 30 birds in April-May 1948. Mearns collected 20 in 1892-1893.

Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Uncommon migrant. I found one dead from bullet wound in Black Draw on 29 April. Brandt (1951) observed them in April-May 1948. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii No recent records but Mearns collected eight in 1892-1893.

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Uncommon visitor. Brandt (1951) observed them at ponds in April-May 1948. A. Moorhouse saw one on 17 February 1980. Mearns collected nine in 1892-1893.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusillus No recent records but Mearns collected seven in 1892-1893.

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Status undetermined. Brandt (1951) observed them at ponds in April-May 1948. Mearns collected 14 in 1892-1893.

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Status undetermined. Brandt (1951) observed individuals or small flocks at ponds in April-May 1948. D. Danforth saw eight flying around House Pond on 15 March 1981.

Family Recurvirostridae

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus No recent records, but Mearns collected four in 1892-1893. 53

Family Phalaropodidae

Wilson Phalarope Steganopus tricolor Status undetermined. B. Peck saw one on House Pond on 3 May 1980. Mearns collected 22 in 1892-1893.

Family Laridae

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Uncommon winter visitor. One in House Pond on 9 February. Three over Black Draw, flying north, on 18 March.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger No recent records but Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

ORDER COLUMBIFORMES

Family Columbidae

White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica B Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and over Old Field. Seen singly or in groups of two, from April to August. One nest in hackberry.

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura B Abundant resident in or over all habitats. The most numerous and widespread bird on the Ranch, throughout the year. Nests were on the ground in grass, under desert shrubs, in mesquites and in hackberry. Flocks of up to 100 in the early fall. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Ground Dove Columbina passerina B Common resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. In small flocks of up to five, usually near mesquites. One nest was in a mesquite.

Inca Dove Scardafella inca Uncommon visitor. K. Burk saw one in the Three-Springs area during 9-15 October 1981. D. Danforth saw one on 5 March 1978, 2 April 1978 and 16 April 1978.

ORDER CUCULIFORMES

Family Cuculidae

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus B Fairly common summer resident of Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Present from late June to mid-August. One nest in a mesquite. 54

Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus pB Fairly common resident in Riparian Habitats, Mesquite Bosque and in open habitats near edges with cover.

ORDER STRIGIFORMES

Family Tytonidae

Barn Owl Tyto alba B Fairly common summer (year-round?) resident of Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Perched on ground in Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Desert Grassland. Two nests in dirt bank in Black Draw and two nests in cavities in cottonwood snags. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Family Strigidae

Screech Owl Otus asio pB Uncommon summer (year-round?) resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Heard from April to September. Saw one perched in a mesquite on 22 July. Van Rossem collected one on Ranch on 10 March 1947; specimen at Univeristy of Arizona.

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus B Fairly common resident of Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque, perching in trees during the day. One nest in a cottonwood cavity and one nest in an old stick nest in a cottonwood. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia No records from the Ranch but one seen 4 km northeast of the Ranch in Chihuahuan Desertscrub.

Long-eared Owl Asia otus Fairly common winter resident in Mesquite Bosque. There was a roost of five awls in Hay Hollow Draw from January to late May.

ORDER CAPRIMULGIFORMES

Family Caprimulgidae

Poor-will Phalaenoptilus nuttallii pB Fairly common summer resident in Mesquite Bosque, Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Riparian Habitats. Arrived in mid-April and left in mid-October. Foraged over aquatic areas and roosts in mesquites and under shrubs.

Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis B Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Forages over aquatic areas in the evening and morning and roosts under shrubs during the day. One nest on bare gravel/sand in Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893. 55

ORDER APODIFORMES

Family Apodidae

White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis Uncommon spring migrant. Four seen flying over House Pond and Old Field on 5 and 8 March. Two seen over Old Field on 23 September. D. Danforth and A. Moorhouse saw about 20 on 15 March.

Family Trochilidae

Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri B Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Basque from April to October. Found three nests on hackberry limbs. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus Uncommon visitor. One explored the red flagging in Chihuahuan Desertscrub on 20 February. Heard several, probably this species, fly over all habitats in spring and fall. Frequented feeder in September and October.

Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus Uncommon migrant. One male was at feeder all of September; probably this species though may have been Allen's Hummingbird. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope No recent records but Mearns collected five in 1892-1893.

Blue-thrOated Hummingbird Lampornis clemenciae Uncommon migrant. One male was at feeder on 19 September. A large hummingbird, probably this species, flew over Chihuahuan Desertscrub on 19 March.

ORDER CORACIIFORMES

Family Alcedinidae

Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle - alcyon Uncommon migrant near aquatic areas. One at House Pond, Three-Springs area and Black Draw during April. One at North Pond and House Pond in late September and early October. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

ORDER PICIFORMES

Family Picidae

Common Flicker Colaptes auratus Fairly common winter resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Basque. Left in late March and arrived in late September. 56

Gila Woodpecker Melanerpes uropygialis B Common resident in Riparian Habitats, especially in cottonwoods. K. Burk netted female with a brood patch on 9 April 1980. I saw one young, out of the nest, on 12 August. Mearns collected four in 1892-1893.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Uncommon visitor. I saw one in a willow on 19 March. K. Burk saw two in Three-Springs area during 9-15 October. D. Danforth saw one at House Pond on 31 October 1976.

Ladder-backed Woodpecker Picoides scalaris B Common resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. One nest was in a cavity in a mesquite. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

ORDER PASSERIFORMES

Family Cotingidae

Rose-throated Becard Platypsaris aglaiae B No recent records but Brandt (1951) watched one build a nest on 29 May 1948.

Family Tyrannidae

Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus B Uncommon summer resident in the cottonwoods at Frog Pond. D. Danforth saw two on 18 August 1976, four on 10 July 1978, five on 18 July 1978 and at least two during 1979. They nested in the cottonwoods. The pond dried up when the irrigation pump stopped in early 1980. D. Danforth saw at least two in the cottonwoods in the Three-Springs area during 1980. None were seen in 1981.

Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis B Abundant summer resident in Riparian Habitats during the nesting season and spreading out to the other habitats following nesting. Two nests were in cottonwoods and one was in a hackberry. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Cassin's Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans B Fairly common summer resident. Nested in Riparian Habitats and foraged over Old Field, Desert Grassland and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. An adult was feeding one young, out of the nest, on 16 July. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Wied's Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus B Faily common summer resident in Riparian Habitats. Arrived in April and departed in July. One nest in hole in cottonwood snag. 57

Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens B Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Arrived in mid-April to Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Most left in early August. One nest in cavity in cottonwood, one in willow and one in slanting 80 mm diameter iron pipe (heat from the sun killed young birds).

Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe One record. D. Danforth and A. Moorhouse saw one in Three-Springs area on 15 March 1981.

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans B Common resident in Riparian Habitats and near aquatic areas. Usually seen perched near water and catching insects over the water. One nest on a rafter in an unused building. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya B Fairly common resident in Riparian Habitats during the nesting season. Foraged over all habitats during the rest of the year. One nest in an old Barn Swallow nest on an eave on the main house. One nest on a shelf in the dirt bank in Black Draw. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii One record. D. Danforth saw one in willows on 18 August 1976.

Hammond's Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii One record. K. Burk banded one in Three-Springs area during 16-23 March 1980.

Gray Flycateher Empidonax wrightii No recent records but Mearns collected one in 1892-189$.

Western Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis Status undetermined. D. Danforth saw at least one during the period 1973 to 1978. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Western Wood Pewee Contopus sordidulus pB Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Basque. Sighted from May to October. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Olive-sided Flycatcher Nuttallornis borealis No recent records, but Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus B Common summer resident; uncommon winter resident. In Riparian Habitats and wooded edges of Desert Grassland and Old Field. Two nests in mesquite on edge of grassland. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893. 58

Beardless Flycatcher Camptostoma imberbe B Uncommon summer resident. Brandt (1951) found two nests, in a willow and in a hackberry on 22 and 29 May 1948. D. Danforth saw one in willows on 16 April 1978 and has seen others in willows at House Pond and in hackberrys along House Canal.

Family Alaudidae

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Common winter resident of Desert Grassland and Old Field. Usual flock size was 10-50; one flock of 75. Left by late April.

Family Hirundinidae

Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina Fairly common migrant over all habitats from late February to mid-May and again in late September.

Tree Swallow Iridoprocne bicolor Fairly common migrant primarily over Riparian Habitats. Arrived early February and left in early May. Began returning in July, until at least late September. Mearns collected four in 1892-1893.

Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis pB Common spring resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. They arrived in mid-February and stayed until late May. D. Danforth and A. Moorhouse remember them going in and out of holes in Black Draw in previous springs, suggesting that they were nesting. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica B Common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Old Field around the buildings where they nested. They had a nesting colony under the porch of the main house. They arrived in mid-March and left in early October. There were 12 active nests on 8 June and 10 active nests on 2 August. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Uncommon visitor around the house, in Desert Grassland and near Aquatic areas. One frequented the clothesline and perched with Barn Swallows from late June to mid-August. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Family Corvidae

Common Raven Corvus corax Uncommon resident over all habitats. In small groups of up to three birds. Sometimes soared with White-necked Ravens. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893. 59

White-necked Raven Corvus cryptoleucus Fairly common resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Small flocks of up to eight birds in the winter. Few sighted in late spring. During late July and August flocks of up to 220 birds were seen in and over the Riparian Woodland.

Family Paridae

Bridled Titmouse Parus wollweberi Uncommon winter visitor to Riparian Woodland. One to three were sighted twice in January, three times in February and once in March. They usually arrived just after cold weather. K. Burk banded one in Three-Springs area during 9-15 October 1981.

Verdin Auriparus flaviceps Uncommon visitor in 1981. One sighted on 10 February and on 11 April along House Canal in hackberries. D. Danforth saw one in Three-Springs area during 16-23 March 1980. Mearns collected four in 1892-1893.

Bushtit Psaltriparus minumus One record. A. Moorhouse saw one on 31 May 1979.

Family Sittidae

White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis One record. D. Danforth saw one in the cottonwoods by House Pond on 31 May 1979.

Family Troglodytidae

House Wren Troglodytes aedon Uncommon migrant in Desert Grassland with some mesquite and in Riparian Habitats. Two seen in April and three seen in early October. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii B Abundant resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Basque. Two nests in cavities in cottonwood limbs.

Cactus Wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus pB Uncommon resident of Riparian Habitats, Mesquite Basque and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Did not find an active nest but old nests observed. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Long-billed Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris Fairly common winter resident in Riparian Habitats and Marshland. Prefers tules and cattails. Left by early April and returned in late September. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893. 60

Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus B Fairly common resident of Riparian Habitats and Chihuahuan Desert- scrub. Prefers dirt banks and dirt "boulders" in Black Draw and Hay Hollow Draw. Adults fed young on 15 May.

Family Mimidae

Mockingbird Minus polyglottos B Fairly common resident in Riparian Habitats, though observed in all habitats. Prefers to perch in mesquite near open areas. Adult with young seen on 18 July.

Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum One record. K. Burk banded one in Three-Springs area during 15-17 October 1980.

Curve-billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre pB Uncommon resident of Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Pair seemed to be around Cattail Spring through spring and they might have nested. K. Burk saw a brood patch on one female netted in the Three-Springs area on 15 April 1980.

Crissal Thrasher Toxostoma dorsale Fairly common resident of Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Prefers thick vegetation for cover. One nest, in a mesquite, had eggs on 25 March. Another nest in a mesquite had eggs on 31 May.. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus Uncommon winter visitor in Riparian Habitats, Mesquite Bosque and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Sighted one during two days in January and one day in February.

Family Turdidae

American Robin Turdus migratorius Uncommon visitor. One along House Canal in hackberries on 7 February. D. Danforth saw one on 31 October 1976.

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Uncommon winter visitor. A. Moorhouse and D. Danforth saw one along House Canal on 15 March. K. Burk banded one in Three- Springs area on 9-15 October. A. Moorhouse saw one 9 November 1980.

Western Blubird Sialia mexicana Two records. A. Moorhouse saw up to five on 18 February and 24 February 1980. 61

Family Sylviidae

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Status undetermined. D. Danforth saw one on 5 March 1978 and one 22 March 1979. K. Burk saw one in brush in Three-Springs area during 16-23 March 1980.

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Polioptila melanura Uncommon summer visitor to Mesquite Basque and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. One sighted in mid-April and two sighted twice, in late July and early August. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Fairly common winter resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Basque. Stayed until late May and returned in late September.

Family Motacillidae

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Fairly common winter resident near aquatic areas, especially along the creeks. Left in late March.

Family Bombycillidae

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Uncommon and probably irregular to Riparian Habitats. One was on a cottonwood snag on 2 May. B. Smith saw eight in cottonwoods and mulberry on 23 May. B. Peck saw one around house on 3 May 1980.

Family Ptilogonatidae

Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens Irregular visitor. M. Burling saw one in cottonwoods on 26 April. D. Danforth saw one on 5 March and on 16 April 1978. He says that formerly they wintered in mesquites and fed on mistletoe berries. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Family Laniidae

Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus B Fairly common resident in Riparian Habitats, though sighted in all habitats. Usually perched on a bush in open terrain. Adults with young seen on 27 May. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Family Sturnidae

Starling Sturnus vulgaris B Fairly common resident in Riparian Habitats, where it nested and roosted and in Old Field, where it foraged. Four nests in cavities in cottonwoods.

62

Family Vireonidae

Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii Common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Arrived in late March and left in October. Adults with young seen on 31 May.

Solitary Vireo Vireo solitarius Uncommon migrant to Riparian and Mesquite Bosque. K. Burk banded one during 1-6 April. One heard on 13 May and seen on 17 August. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Uncommon migrant to Riparian Habitats. One seen on 25 May and 20 August. K Burk banded two in Three-Springs area during 9-15 October. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Family Parulidae

Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata Fairly common migrant to Riparian Scrub. One seen on 29 L:eptember and three seen on 6 October. K. Burk banded seven in Three-Springs . area on 9-15 October. A. Moorhouse saw one on 21 May 1980.

Lucy's Warbler Vermivora luciae B Abundant summer resident to Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Also seen in Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Desert Grassland where there is scattered mesquite. Arrived in mid-March; conspicuous until early August, when they quit singing. Caught one young in a mist net but no nests found.

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia B Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats. Found from April to September in cottonwood, willow and hackberry trees. Brandt (1951) found four nests in willows on 22 May 1948. Mearns collected ten in 1892-1893. .

Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens One record. K. Burk banded one in Three-Springs area during 9-15 October.

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Fairly common winter resident of Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Left in May and returned in September.

Black-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens Uncommon migrant to Riparian Habitats. Saw one on 17 April, on 27 September and on 6 October. 63

Townsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi Uncommon visitor to Riparian Habitats. Saw one in willows at House Pond on 27 September; also observed by D. Danforth and A. Moorhouse.

Hermit Warbler Dendroica occidentalis Status undetermined. Seen by D. Danforth during the period 1973-1978.

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis No recent records but Mearns collected four in 1892-1893.

MacGillivray's Warbler Oporornis tolmiei Fairly common migrant in Riparian Habitats sighted in April-May and August-October. Mearns collected 11 in 1892-1893.

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas B Common summer resident in Marshland. Arrived in late March and stayed until October. Adults with young seen on 20 August. Mearns collected four in 1892-1893.

Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens B Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Arrived in May and left in August. G. Falxa saw young with adults on 25 July. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla Common migrant in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. On Ranch during April-May and August-October. Mearns collected 14 in 1892-1893.

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla One record. K. Burk banded one in Three-Springs area during 15-17 October 1980.

Painted Redstart Myiohorus pictus No recent records but Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Family Ploceidae

House Sparrow Passer domesticus B Fairly common resident around building. One was seen in Mesquite Bosque, far from dwellings on 19 May. Nested under porch of house.

Family Icteridae

Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna pB Fairly common resident in Old Field and Desert Grassland. In late April I flushed one from the same area in thick bunchgrass, twice in the same day, but could not locate a nest. Mearns collected four in 1892-1893. 64

Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Uncommon winter resident in Old Field and Desert Grassland. Sighted with Eastern Meadowlarks to mid-April.

Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Abundant migrant to Riparian Habitats, Marshland and Old Field. Flocks of up to 34 sighted four times from March to May. Individuals and groups to five sighted from mid-July to October plus one group of 25 on 4 September and a flock of more than 200 on 8 September. Mearns collected nine in 1892-1893.

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus B Abundant resident of Marshland and Old Field. Foraged in fields and roosted and nested in cattails and tules. Saw females with nesting material in May and young in July and August.

Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus Uncommon migrant. Seen in palm tree at house, willows near House Pond and in Mesa grassland, twice in April and once in July and in August.

Scott's Oriole Icterus parisorum B Uncomnon summer resident in Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Riparian Habitats. One in cottonwoods on 2 April. Pair nested in yucca in July and August.

Northern Oriole Icterus galbula B Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque, arriving in late April and leaving in late August. Saw young irith adult on 30 June.

Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Common winter resident in Riparian Habitats and Old Field to mid-May. Foraged primarily in fields.

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus pB Fairly common resident in Riparian Habitats, Marshland and Old Field. Roosted in cottonwoods, willows and marsh and foraged in fields.

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater B Abundant summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque and seen in or over remaining habitats. Arrived in March and left in August. Found two eggs in a Blue Grosbeak nest on 25 July.

Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus Status undetermined. D. Danforth saw them during 1973-1978. A. Moorhouse saw five on 1 January 1980. 65

Family Thraupidae

Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Uncommon summer resident in Riparian Habitats, Mesquite Bosque and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Arrived in May; three sightings of one or two in May. Eight seen during August and one seen in September. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Uncommon summer visitor to Riparian Woodland and Mesquite Bosque. Five sightings of one from May to September. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Family Fringillidae

Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis B Common resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. I saw a male carrying food on 22 May and young in mid-July.

Pyrrhuloxia Cardinalis sinuata Fairly common resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. One or two seen in a few places in wooded areas. More sightings during spring and fall.

Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus Fairly common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Present from mid-July to mid-September.

Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea B Common summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque and sighted in all habitats. Arrived in mid-May and most left by the end of August. Nests in cottonwood, willow, mesquite and sunflower. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena Abundant in late summer and fall in Riparian Habitats. Arrived in early August. Mearns collected 16 in 1892-1893.

Varied Bunting Passerine versicolor Uncommon summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Arrived in mid-May and gone by mid-August.

Painted Bunting Passerine ciris Uncommon visitor. Saw one male in mesquite in Black Draw on 2 October.

Dickcissel Spiza americana No recent records but Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus One record. K. Burk banded one in Three-Springs area during 9-15 October 1981. 66

Cassia's Finch Carpodacus cassinii No recent records but Mearns collected four in 1892-1893.

House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus B Abundant resident in Riparian Habitats, Mesquite Bosque and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Nest under porch of main house during April. Adults feeding young in cottonwoods by House Canal in late May.

Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus Irregular winter visitor and migrant. D. Danforth saw at least one on 31 October 1976 and on 16 April 1978. B. Peck saw 16-20 in mulberry trees, near main house, on 3 May 1980. A. Moorhouse saw three on 9 November 1980.

Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria Abundant winter resident in Riparian Habitats and Old Field. Favored foraging on sunflower heads. Left in early April.

Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus Abundant winter resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. They left in late April and arrived in late September.

Rufous-sided Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus Uncommon spring visitor to Riparian Habitats. One sighted on 17 and 18 March along House Canal. K. Burk banded one in Three- Springs area between 1 and 6 April.

Brown Towhee Pipilo fuscus B Common resident in Riparian Habitats and Mesquite Bosque. Adult feeding young in early May and in mid-July. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys Abundant late-summer and winter resident in all habitats. Left in late March and returned in late July. Flocks of up to 50 birds. Mearns collected 10 in 1892-1893.

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Common winter resident in Desert Grassland. Flocks of up to 20-40 birds. Gone by late April and back in late September. Mearns collected three in 1892-1893.

Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum Uncommon winter visitor in Desert Grassland. Very inconspicuous. Three were visible long enough to identify, in early October. A. Moorhouse saw one in Old Field west of Black Draw on 24 February 1980. 67

Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus Abundant winter resident in all habitats. Flocks of 5-10 and up to 30 birds. Gone by late April and back by late September.

Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus pB Abundant summer resident in Riparian Habitats and Old Field and seen in Desert Grassland and Mesquite Bosque. Flocks of up to 25 during August. Mearns collected six in 1892-1893.

Botteri's Sparrow Almophila botterii pB Brandt (1951) heard and saw two singing males in bunchgrass on 22 May 1948.

Cassin's Sparrow Aimophila cassinii B Fairly common summer resident in Desert Grassland and Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Arrived in early July and inconspicuous by late August. Young being fed by adult on 4 August.

Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata B Abundant resident of Chihuahuan Desertscrub and common in all other habitats except bare fields and thick grass without any shrubs. Nested on ground under shrubs or in low shrubs. Nests and young seen from April through August. Mearns collected four in 1892-1893.

Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli Uncommon visitor to Desert Grassland. A flock of seven were sighted on the central Uplands area on 26 January.

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Uncommon winter visitor to Mesquite Bosque. Flocks of four and ten were seen on 30 January and four were found on 15 March.

Gray-headed Junco Junco caniceps Uncommon winter visitor in Mesquite Bosque. Four flocks of up to 10 sighted during winter.

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerine Abundant winter resident in Riparian Habitats, Mesquite Bosque and Desert Grassland and seen in other habitats. In groups of up to 10-15 birds. Left in late April and returned in early August. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri Abundant winter resident in all habitats. Flocks of up to 10-15 in early fall. Left in early May and arrived in early September. Mearns collected six in 1892-1893. 68

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Abundant winter resident in all habitats. Flocks of up to 20-30 birds. Left in mid-May and returned in late September.

Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla One record. D. Danforth saw one along House Canal on 5 March 1978.

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Uncommon migrant. D. Danforth saw two immatures and one adult in Marshland on 15 March, K. Burk banded one in Three-Springs area on 3-4 April, and one during 16-23 March 1980. • Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii Abundant winter resident in Marshland and in thick Desert Grassland and Old Field. Left in early May and returned in late September. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana Uncommon migrant. D. Danforth and A. Moorhouse saw two at House Pond on 15 March. K. Burk caught and banded four at Three-Springs area during 1-6 April. A. Moorhouse saw one on 9 November 1980. K. Burk banded one in Three-Springs area during 15-17 October 1980.

Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia B Common winter resident in Riparian Habitats, Desert Grassland and Old Field. Brandt (1951) did find a nest in a low mesquite near a pond on 23 May 1948. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Chestnut-collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus Uncommon winter visitor. D. Danforth saw them in the winter during the period 1973-1978. They preferred the alfalfa fields. 69

Mammals

Forty-two species of mammals were recorded on the San Bernardino

Ranch during 1981. Nine species of bats (198 individuals) were caught in mist nets set up for 22 nights, from 17 April to 4 September. Based on the number of each species captured, I have estimated the relative abundance of bats on the Ranch (Table 6). Two species of rabbits were censused along established transects. I have estimated the density of the two species in each habitat and during each season (Table 7).

Fifteen species of rodents were censused with small live-traps set out for 4864 trap-nights. Based on the numbers of marked and unmarked individuals of each species trapped I have estimated each species' density in each habitat (Table 8). For both the rabbits and the rodents, density figures are best considered as relative densities.

Table 6. Numbers and relative abundance of bats caught in mist nets at four sites on San Bernardino Ranch during 22 nights between 17 April and 4 September 1981. The four sites are shown on Fig. 3. Relative abundance: A=Abundant (>100); C=Common (10-100); U=Uncommon (1-10)

Black Hay House North Draw Hollow Pond Pond Total Relative Species 158nh1 171nh 271nh 52nh 652nh Abundance

Leptonycteris yerbabuenae 2 5 7 U Myotis californicus 2 6 8 U Myotis velifer 16 10 1 27 C Eptesicus fuscus 3 3 U Nycteris EA 1 1 U Nycteris borealis 16 2 3 21 C Nycteris cinerea 9 9 U Plecotus townsendi 1 2 2 5 U Tadarida brasiliensis 103 3 11 117 A Total 153 23 22 0 198 Number of bats/net-hour .97 .13 .08 .00 .30 lnh = 1 net (2 m high by 6-12 m long) open for 1 hour 70

Table 7. Observed densities of Sylvilagus auduboni and Lepus californicus along transects in five habitats on San Bernardino Ranch during the four seasons in 1981. Transect routes are shown in Fig. 3. Habitats: DG=Desert Grassland; CD=Chihuahuan Desertscrub; MB=Mesquite Bosque; RH=Riparian Habitats; OF-Old Field.

HABITATS SEASONS Sylvilagus auduboni DG CD MB RH OF WI SP SU FA No. of animals 10 5 10 6 0 5 12 10 4 Area sampled (ha) 202 80 123 97 81 123 191 185 152 No./100 ha 5 6 8 6 0 4 6 5 3

Lepus californicus No. of animals 33 4 5 1 15 18 14 19 7 Area sampled (ha) 471 280 164 96 285 431 318 432 202 No./100 ha 7 1 3 1 5 4 4 4 3 71

Table 8. Numbers, estimated densities and relative abundance of rodents caught in live-traps in six habitats on San Bernardino Ranch in 1981. Data are based on 16 censuses, with a total of 4864 trap- nights. Relative abundance based on average density/census across habitats. Census lines are shown in Fig. 3. Habitats: DG=Desert Grassland (3 censuses); CD=Chihuahuan Desertscrub (4 censuses); MB-Mesquite Bosque (2 censuses); RH=Riparian Habitats (2 censuses); M=Marshland (2 censuses); OF-Old Field (3 censuses).' Relative Abundance: A=Abundant (1-4/ha); C=Common (>.1-1/ha); U=Uncommon (0-.1/ha).

, Density per Census (no./ha) Relative 1 Species #MI MIC' DG CD MB RH M OF Abundance Perognathus flavus 6 6 0.6 U Perognathus baileyi 24 56 0.9 0.8 0.3 C Perognathus penicillatus 22 48 0.2 2.3 0.4 0.9 0.4 C Dipodomys spectabilis 5 19 0.4 0.1 U Dipodomys merriami 106 304 3.1 3.5 0.6 6.1 A Reithrodontomys megalotis 5 8 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 U Peromyscus eremicus 9 11 2.3 C Peromyscus maniculatus 66 118 0.6 1.2 1.6 2.9 1.2 A Peromyscus leucopus 30 74 3.0 4.1 0.1 C Baiomys taylori 1 1 0.2 U Onychomys leucogaster 4 7 0.2 0.2 U Onychomys torridus 2 2 0.2 U Sigmodon arizonae 72 148 3.1 1.0 0.7 2.6 1.5 A Sigmodon fulviventer 118 260 27.6 A Neotoma albigula 78 194 0.1 2.0 4.3 13.2 A Total 548 12a6 8.8 12.3 11.1 22.0 30.6 10.5

1011=Number of Marked Individuals 2MIC=Number of Captures of Marked Individuals 72

Annotated List of Mammals of San Bernardino Ranch

Seventy-nine species of mammals are discussed in the following annotated list. Of these, 42 species were recorded on the San Bernardino

Ranch during 1981. Previous to 1981, an additional 10 species have been recorded on the San Bernardino Ranch (2 species), on the Slaughter Ranch

(5 species), on the San Bernardino Land Grant (1 species), or in similar habitats within 8 km of the San Bernardino Ranch (2 species; see Fig. 1).

Another 27 species possibly occur an the Ranch or might have lived or passed through there previously; all of these have been recorded elsewhere in Cochise County.

Notes:

-Taxonomic order and nomenclature follow Hall (1981). Walker (1968) lists the introduced species. -Status, habitat and specimens refer to San Bernardino Ranch, unless otherwise stated. -Cochise County is in southeastern Arizona and includes San Bernardino Ranch. Hidalgo County, in southwestern New Mexico, borders Cochise County and begins 17 km east of the ranch (Fig. 1). -Voucher specimens were collected in 1981 and were deposited in the U.S. National Museum, Washington, DC. -Mearns' specimens were collected on the Slaughter Ranch (Fig. 1) and were deposited in the U.S. National Museum, Washington, DC.

CLASS MAMMALIA--MAMMALS

ORDER INSECTIVORA

Family Soricidae

Desert Shrew Notiosorex crawfordi Probable resident; may be in any habitat. Secretive and hard to capture. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

ORDER CHIROPTERA

Bats were commonly seen and heard over water and flying near buildings. They probably foraged in all habitats on the Ranch. 73

During the day I heard some bats calling from rafters in the barn. Many bats that foraged on the Ranch probably roosted in caves and cliffs in the mountains, at least 10 km to the west and east of the Ranch. It is not known which bats, if any, occur on the Ranch in winter.

Family Phyllostomatidae

Waterhouse's Leaf-nosed Bat Macrotus waterhousii May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960).

Mexican Long-tongued Bat Choeronycteris mexicana May occur, especially when there is nectar and pollen from blooming plants. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Little Long-nosed Bat Leptonycteris yerbabuenae Uncommon during summer. Seven were caught in mist nets at Black Draw and House Pond between 22 July and 6 August 1981 (Table 6). They prefer nectar and pollen from flowering plants. Voucher specimens.

Family Vespertilionidae

California Myotis Myotis californica Uncommon during spring and summer. Eight were caught in mist nets at Black Draw and Hay Hollow between 17 May and 16 August 1981 (Table 6). Voucher specimens.

Small-footed Myotis Myotis subulatus May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Yuma Myotis Myotis yumanensis May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al 1975).

Cave Myotis Myotis velifer Common during spring and summer. Twenty-seven were caught in mist nets in Black Draw, Hay Hollow and House Pond between 17 May and 16 August 1981 (Table 6). Voucher specimens. Four were collected by Mearns in 1892-1893.

Long-legged Myotis Myotis volans May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975). 74

Fringed Myotis Myotis thysanodes May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Mexican Long-eared Myotis Myotis auriculus One was collected by Mearns in 1892-1893.

Silver-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al 1975).

Western Pipistrelle Pipistrellus hesperus Seventeen were collected by Mearns in 1892-1893.

Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus Uncommon during summer. Three were caught in mist nets in Black Draw between 15 August and 4 September 1981 (Table 6). Voucher specimens.

Southern Yellow Bat Nycteris ega Uncommon during summer. One was caught in a mist net in Black Draw on 16 August 1981 (Table 6). Voucher specimen.

Red Bat Nycteris borealis Common during summer. Twenty-one were caught in mist nets in Black Draw, Hay Hollow and House Pond between 1 July and 16 August 1981 (Table 6). Voucher specimens.

Hoary Bat Nycteris cinerea Uncommon during summer. Nine were caught in mist nets in Black Draw between 22 July and 4 September 1981 (Table 6). Voucher specimens.

Allen's Big-eared Bat Idionycteris phyllotis May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960).

Townsend's Big-eared Bat Plecotus townsendii Uncommon during summer. Five were caught in mist nets in Black Draw, Hay Hollow and House Pond between 1 July and 5 September 1981 (Table 6). Voucher specimens.

Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus Three were collected 8 km west of the Ranch at 1265 m by Gardner on 19 August 1965; specimens at University of Arizona. 75

Family Molossidae

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis Abundant during spring and summer. One hundred, seventeen were caught in mist nets at Black Draw, Hay Hollow and House Pond between 18 April and 4 September 1981 (Table 6). Voucher specimens. Six were collected by Mearns in 1892-1893.

Pocketed Free-tailed Bat Tadarida femorosacca May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Big Free-tailed Bat Tadarida macrotis May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Greater Mastiff Bat Eumops perotis May occur. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

ORDER PRIMATES

Family Hominidae

Man Homo sapiens Four lived there during 1981. Man has probably lived on the Ranch for the last 11,000 years, attracted by the springs and by the fauna and flora that needed the water. Early man used Clovis projectile points to kill Columbian Mammoths (Mammuthus columbi) and other large animals that are now extinct. Sites in the San Pedro River Valley, 65-90 km west of the Ranch, contain bones of these large mammals and Clovis points that have been radio-carbon dated at an average 11,100 years before present (Haynes 1976).

ORDER LAGOMORPHA

Family Leporidae

Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii Common (5-8/100 ha) in Desert Grassland, Chihuahuan Desertscrub, Mesquite Bosque and Riparian Habitats (Table 7). Active all year. Voucher specimens. Two were collected by Meatus in 1892-1893.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepua californicus Common (5-7/100 ha) in Desert Grassland and Old Field. Uncommon (1-3/100 ha) in Chihuahuan Desertscrub, Mesquite Bosque and Riparian Habitats (Table 7). Active all year. Voucher specimens. Six were collected by Meatus in 1892-1893. 76

ORDER RODENTIA

Family Sciuridae

Harris' Antelope Squirrel Ammospermophilus harrisii Uncommon and not often seen. Seven were seen and two were trapped between 10 June and 28 September. Seven were in Chihuahuan Desertscrub; one was in open Mesquite Bosque; one was in sparse Desert Grassland. They apparently hibernated during the winter. Voucher specimen.

Spotted Ground Squirrel Spermophilus spilosoma Uncommon and difficult to see. Five were trapped between 13 April and 27 May. Four were in sparse Desert Grassland and one was in Old Field with sparse vegetation. Though diurnal, they are very secretive and I did not see any. They apparently hibernated during the winter. Voucher specimen.

Rock Squirrel Spermophilus variegatus Uncommon. I saw one at a time, regularly, from March to October on or around the dwellings or crossing the road near the dwellings. I saw one on 16 February and on 24 April along the dirt bank in Black Draw. On 17 March, one was in a mesquite. They are diurnal and are active during all but the coldest months. Voucher specimen. Two were collected by Mearns in 1892-1893.

Black-tailed Prairie Dog Cynomys ludovicianus Probably occurred previously in the Desert Grassland. Mearns (1907) described prairie-dog towns in the Sulphur Springs and San Pedro Valleys to the west and the Animas Valley to the east of the Ranch. They are now extirpated from southeastern Arizona (Cockrum 1960) and probably from southwestern New Mexico (Findley et al. 1975).

Family Geomyidae

Souther Pocket Gopher Thomomys umbrinus Common in sparse Desert Grassland. Scattered in Old Field and in arroyos and draws along Riparian Habitats. This information is based on 14 km of transects walked in all habitats during January and February. I noted the presence or absence of fresh mounds in 100 sq m blocks (4 m wide by 25 m long) along the transect route. They were considered common when more than 50% of the blocks contained a fresh gopher mound. Active all year. Voucher specimens. Mearns collected four during 1892-1893. One was collected on the Ranch by Taylor on 14 June 1934; specimen at University of Arizona.

Family Heteromyidae

Silky Pocket Mouse Perognathus flavus Uncommon. In Old Field (0.6/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens. 77

Bailey's Pocket Mouse Perognathus baileyi Common. In Desert Grassland (0.9/ha), Chihuahuan Desertscrub (0.8/ha) and Old Field (0.3/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens. One was collected on the Ranch by Taylor on 14 June 1934; specimens at University of Arizona.

Hispid Pocket Mouse Perognathus hispidus One was collected 6 km northeast of the Ranch at 1220 in by Patton on 15 November 1964. One was collected 8 km northeast of the Ranch at 1225 in by Justice on 25 August 1956. Specimens at University of Arizona. Often found in Desert Grassland.

Desert Pocket Mouse Perognathus penicillatus Common. In Chihuahuan Desertscrub (2.3/ha), Riparian Habitats (0.9/ha), Mesquite Bosque (0.4/ha), Old Field (0.4/ha) and Desert Grassland (0.2/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens. Mearns collected 13 during 1892-1893. Taylor collected one on the Ranch on 14 June 1934.

Rock Pocket Mouse Perognathus intermedius May occur. Prefers Chihuahuan Desertscrub or Desert Grassland, especially on rocky slopes. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Ord's Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys ordii May occur. Prefers Chihuahuan Desertscrub or Desert Grassland. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys spectabilis Uncommon. In Desert Grassland (0.4/ha) and Old Field (0.1/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimen. Mearns collected nine during 1892-1893.

Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys merriami Abundant. In Old Field (6.1/ha), Chihuahuan Desertscrub (3.5/ha), Desert Grassland (3.1/ha) and Mesquite Bosque (0.6/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens. Mearns collected 10 during 1892-1893. Taylor collected three on the Ranch on 14 June 1934; specimens at University of Arizona.

Family Castoridae

Beaver Castor canadensis Probably occurred. Known in the northern Rio Yaqui drainage from Arroyo de Guadalupe, 14 km east of the Ranch (Baird 1859) and Arroyo de Cajon Bonito, 14 km southeast of the Ranch (Mearns 1907; my observations). Known in Cochise County from the San Pedro River 80 km west of the Ranch (Mearns 1907). Found in Riparian Habitats, Marshland and other Aquatic Habitats. 78 -

Family Muridae

Western Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis Uncommon. In Desert Grassland (0.2/ha), Mesquite Bosque (0.2/ha), Riparian Habitats (0.2/ha) and Marshland (0.2/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimen.

Fulvous Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys fulvescens One was collected on the Ranch by Patton on 26 May 1964. One was collected 4 km northeast of the Ranch at 1210 m by Gardner on 26 May 1964; specimens at University of Arizona.

Cactus Mouse Peromyscus eremicus Common. In Chihuahuan Desertscrub (2.3/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens. Patton collected one on the Ranch on 26 May 1964.

Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Abundant. In Riparian Habitats (2.9/ha), Mesquite Bosque (1.6/ha), Chihuahuan Desertscrub (1.2/ha), Old.Field (1.2/ha) and Desert Grassland (0.6/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens. Mearns collected four during 1892-1893.

White-footed Mouse Peromyscus leucopus Common. In Riparian Habitats (4.1/ha), Mesquite Bosque (3.0/ha) and Old Field (0.1/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens.

Northern Pygmy Mouse Baiomvs taylori Uncommon. Caught one in a pit-fall trap in Desert Grassland on 26 May. Caught one at the edge of Marshland (0.2/ha; Table 8) on 4 September. Voucher specimens.

Northern Grasshopper Mouse Onychomys leucogaster Uncommon. In Desert Grassland (0.2/ha) and Old Field (0.2/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Southern Grasshopper Mouse Onychomys torridus Uncommon. In Chihuahuan Desertscrub (0.2/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens.

Arizona Cotton Rat Sigmodon arizonae Abundant. In Desert Grassland (3.1/ha), Marshland (2.6/ha), Old Field (1.5/ha), Mesquite Bosque (1.0/ha) and Riparian Habitats (0.7/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens

Zacatecan Cotton Rat Sigmodon fulviventer. Abundant. In Marshland (27.6/ha; Table 8) at Pipe Springs Cienega. One was caught in a trap in thick Alkali Sacaton grass in Hay Hollow on 29 May. One was caught in a dip net in a small marsh at North Pond by Burton on 9 July. Voucher specimen. 79

White-throated Wood Rat Neotoma albigula Abundant. In Riparian Habitats (13.2/ha), Mesquite Bosque (4.3/ha), Chihuahuan Desertscrub (2.0/ha) and Desert Grassland (0.2/ha; Table 8). Voucher specimens. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

House Mouse MUs musculus Introduced. One was caught in the Ranch buildings on 12 May. Prefers areas in and around buildings.

Family Erethizontidae

Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum Uncommon. Visible in cottonwoods along Black Draw and in the Three-Springs area before the trees leafed out in early spring. Less often seen sleeping in mesquite and hackberry along Black Draw and House Canal and in the Mesquite Bosque.

ORDER CARNIVORA

Family Canidae

Coyote Canis Latrans Uncommon. Saw one on 6 March on the Mesa, on 22 March just east of House Creek, on 7 April near House Canal, on 20 April north of the House Pond, on 30 May just north of the Ranch and dead on the road northwest of the Ranch on 17 September. Heard throughout the year in all parts of the Rnach. Tracks were most often found along Black Draw and Hay Hollow Draw and on dirt roads. Mearns collected six in 1892-1893.

Gray Wolf Canis lupus Probably occurred. They were known from Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley at al. 1975). They roamed in the Chiricahua Mountains, north of the Ranch and the Peloncillo Mountains, east of the Ranch and probably traveled through the Ranch.

Kit Fox Vulpeavelox May occur; prefers Desert Grassland or Chihuahuan Desertscrub. Known from Cochise County (Cockrum- 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley at al. 1975).

Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus May occur. Generally prefers higher elevations where there are junipers and oaks, though some may be along the Riparian Habitats where there are cottonwoods. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975). 80

Family Ursidae

Black Bear Ursus americanus May occur. Prefers the forested mountains but is known to travel in the lowland. Known in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos Formerly occurred. Householder (1971) interviewed Clay Hunter who "told us of the time a big silvertip killed a huge range bull on the old Slaughter place". Though there is no date, Hunter killed eight Grizzlies in Arizona, the last one during World War I (Householder 1971). He probably saw the Grizzly on the Ranch in the early 1900s. In 1849 Aldrich "saw a large bear prowling through the ruins [of San Bernardino Hacienda]" (Aldrich 1950).

Family Procyonidae

Ringtail Bassariscus astutus May occur. Secretive. Prefers rock areas and cliffs; sometimes lives in buildings. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Raccoon Procyon lotor Uncommon. Six were caught in live-traps 14 times during 147 trap- nights (10% trap success). One was caught in the Mesquite Bosque near North Pond; three were caught in Marshland at Pipe Springs Cienega and 10 were caught in Riparian Habitats in Black Draw. Saw tracks near all water sources. Active all year. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Coati Nasua nasua May occur. Prefers woodlands in the surrounding mountains, but individuals and small groups may, at times, be on the Ranch. Known from Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Family Mustelidae

Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata May occur. Known from Cochise County in both valley and mountain habitats (Cockrum 1960).

Badger Taxidea taxus Uncommon. There were fresh tracks in Black Draw on 10 January and a fresh hole was found on 12 July in desertscrub west of Black Draw. Old holes were in all habitats on the Ranch. A skull was found in a wash east of Hay Hollow Draw. 81

Spotted Skunk Spilogale putoriva May occur. May be found in any habitat. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis Uncommon. One was found dead and partially eaten near Black Draw on 23 September. I briefly saw a skunk, probably this species, in Hay Hollow Draw in the evening, of 18 May. I saw tracks once, near Pipe Springs Cienega on 23 September. I had expected to see many skunks of several species, but did not. Population sizes may be below normal. Mearns collected one in 1892-1893.

Hooded Skunk Mephitis macroura May occur. May be in any habitat. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus mesoleucus May occur. May be in any habitat. Found in Cochise County (Cockrum 1960) and Hidalgo County (Findley et al. 1975).

Family Felidae

Jaguar Felis onca Probably occurred. In Cochise County one was killed in the Dos Cabezas Mountains in 1901 and another was killed in the Chiricahua Mountains in 1912 (Lange 1960). In 1855 Kennerly noted that one was seen along the border in Guadalupe Canyon, 14 km east of the Ranch. He remarked that they preferred the impenetrable thickets of river bottoms, where they preyed on deer, mustangs and wild cattle as they came to water (Baird 1859).

Mountain Lion Felis concolor Rare. Symons reported one on the east edge of the Mesa in late summer or early fall of 1890.

Bobcat Lynx rufus Uncommon. One was seen in Hay Hollow Draw on 27 May. Tracks were regularly seen in Black Draw, Hay Hollow Draw and Pipe Springs Cienega. Active all year.

ORDER PERISSODACTYLA

FAMILY Equidae

Horse Equus caballus

Introduced. One was present during 1981. When it was a working cattle ranch there were many more; during the 1820s and 1830s the San Bernardino Land Grant is said to have had 10,000 horses (Haskett 1835). 82 c Mule Equus asinus-caballus Introduced. Occurred in the past. During the 1820s and 1830s the San Bernardino Land Grant is said to have had 5,000 mules (Haskett 1935). There have probably been mules on the Ranch whenever it WAS a working cattle ranch.

ORDER ARTIODACTYLA

Family Tayassuidae

JaveIina Dicotyles tajacu Uncommon. Ten groups of 1-9 (a total of 50) were seen in Desert Grassland (25), Mesquite Bosque (10), Riparian Habitats (10) and Chihuahuan Desertscrub (5). Forty were seen during winter, three in spring, five in summer and two in fall. I saw tracks throughout the Ranch. Mearns collected two in 1892-1893.

Family Cervidae

Mule Deer Dame hemionus Uncommon. Twenty-five groups of 1-11 (a total of 71) were seen in Mesquite Bosque (28), Chihuahuan Desertscrub (15), Riparian Habitats (14), Old Field (13) and Marshland (1). Four were seen during winter, 51 during spring, 15 during summer and 1 during fall. I saw tracks throughout the Ranch.

White-tailed Deer Dame virginiana • Formerly occurred. Mearns collected three during 1892-1893. "It delights in shaded thickets bordering streams at all levels." (Mearns 1907). • Family Antilocapridae

Pronghorn Ant ilocapra americana Formerly occurred. In 1846 Whitworth passed through the San Bernardino Land Grant and recorded that "Antelope are planty here" (Gracy.and Rugeley 1965). Mearns saw "a few in the San Bernardino Valley, near Monument 77 in 1892 and 1893" (Mearns 1907).

Family Bovidae

Cattle Bos taurus Introduced. Five to ten were on the eastern half of the Ranch for about a month during the summer. One was in Black Draw during early October. They came onto the Ranch because the fences were not properly maintained. During the 1820s and 1830s the San Bernardino Land Grant is said to have had 100,000 cattle (Haskett 1935). The Slaughter Ranch in 1890 supported up to 50,000 cattle (Wagoner 1975). 83

RECOMMENDATIONS

Many people came to the San Bernardino Ranch, made their recommendations and left. I have read numerous reports and letters with recommendations for the Ranch. Despite much talk, plans and cooperative agreements, the erosion, tumbleweeds, introduced fish and livestock continue to grow and prosper.

1) Active management should be instituted immediately, by whoever owns the property. Erosion in the draws needs to be controlled and native grasses need to be planted in the fallow fields. The draws continue to increase in size due to erosion, washing the Ranch into Mexico. The fields continue to lay bare and blow away or grow an abundant crop of tumbleweeds which also blow away. It took active management with live- stock and agriculture to destroy and alter the habitats of the Ranch and it will take active management to repair the damage. With the management completed promptly, the Desert Grassland, Riparian, Marshland and Aquatic habitats that the Ranch was known for should increase in size and become self-sustaining.

2) All livestock should be removed from the San Bernardino Ranch and the fences should be vigorously maintained. Five to ten cows were on the Ranch for 1-2 months during the summer, due to poorly-maintained fences. One horse (the present caretaker's pet that was rarely ridden) was allowed to roam free during all of 1981. Livestock have been on the

Ranch in numbers since the 1820s. The Ranch was overgrazed in 1846! In

1979, when the Ranch was sold to The Nature Conservancy, the cows and horses were finally removed. Since that date, the vegetative cover has increased dramatically. Cattle and horses should continue to be 85 excluded. The pet horse, if he must be temporarily kept on the Ranch, should be kept in the corral or in the fenced pasture south of the barn.

3) All introduced species living on the Ranch should be eliminated.

Some of the non-native species are very mobile, such as the Starling and

House Sparrow and will be very difficult to keep off the Ranch. Others, such as the Mosquitofish and the Goldfish, are limited to only certain aquatic areas and they should be exterminated before they invade the remaining aquatic systems on the Ranch.

4) The environment of the San Bernardino Ranch should continue to be studied to document the changing habitats and their populations of plants and animals. Management practices should be studied to measure their effectiveness. 85

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Several people have helped with this survey. Jerry Burton suggested this study and he and Terry Johnson helped acquire the necessary funding. Tom Stierhoff, Don Wilson, Pat Mehlhop and Gary

Falxa each helped with field work for at least a week. Arnold Moorhouse,

Doug Danforth and Kay and Joe Burk kindly provided their many bird observations from the last several years. Gayle Marrs, with Stan

Smith and Russel Kologiski, identified the common plants during their botanical studies of the Ranch. The Arizona Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy provided some field equipment, such as traps and nets. David and Miriam Symons provided some logistical support and a unique attitude.

At the University of Arizona, Yar Petryszyn permitted me to look at the mammal collection and Mary McKittrick allowed me to inspect the bird collection. At Arizona State University, Jim Collins let me look at the amphibian and reptile collection and Andrew Smith gave me access to the mammal collection. Don Wilson assembled all of the information on the specimens Mearns collected from the Slaughter Ranch in 1892-1893 and deposited at the U.$. National Museum.

The Nature Conservancy and Arizona Natural Heritage Program provided space and office equipment to facilitate writing this report.

Terry Johnson and Scott Mills critiqued the manuscript and Ellen Douthat typed the final draft.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided the funding, which was administered by the Arizona Natural Heritage Program.

I sincerely appreciate the advice, assistance and support of the individuals and organizations listed above. 86 a

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