NotesThe Cactus & Announcements •dition

Volume LV, No. 4 Winter 2006/2007

Common Black-Hawk MAS Meetings & Programs Nov. 2006 – May 2007 Cynthia Donald

Please join us for a terrific year of Botanical Garden. The Garden is located buy and legislation we support impacts speakers with a wide range of topics at 1201 North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, the rain forest. Those impacts come back – flu, Liberty Wildlife, Birding by which is approximately ½ mile north of the to affect us here in , our quality of Ear, Thailand, roadrunners, Bhutan, East Phoenix Zoo. Dorrance Hall is located off life, our health and our economy. Even Africa, and more! the main parking lot and entry to the Gar- if you never visit a rain forest in your life, Meetings are held on the 1st den. There will be signs directing you to you are influencing their survival. David is Tuesday of each month, September the meeting. Although there is no charge a professor at ASU, an avid bird watcher, through May. Our May meeting is our to attend our general membership meet- a world traveler and is passionate about Annual Banquet with a location to be ings, the Annual Banquet does require a our environment. announced. Please check our web dinner reservation and associated cost.

events & programs site or newsletter for the location of A pre-meeting dinner will be held at January 2, 2007 the May 2007 banquet. Pete’s 19th Tee Restaurant, 1405 N. Mill Sandy Anderson The San Pedro River Meetings start at 7:30 p.m., and Avenue in Tempe (at the Rolling Hills Golf feature a general membership meeting, Course) for the September through April Known to local children as the “snake guest speaker, sales tables, refresh- meetings. Come and join us at 6:00 p.m. lady,’ Sandy Anderson volunteers full time ments and a chance to socialize with MAS for a delicious meal (no-host), meet our as educator and curator of the live reptile members. Visitors are most welcome! guest speaker and say “howdy” to other and invertebrate exhibits at The Gray Our September through April meetings birders. Meals at Pete’s average $5.00 Hawk Nature Center, located on the beau- are held in Dorrance Hall at the Desert to $7.00. tiful San Pedro River. The San Pedro River is an internationally recognized treasure November 7, 2006 – the last major free-flowing river remain- Committees/Support David and Diane Reesor of Bhutan ing in the southwestern United States. Its location (in southeastern Arizona and Activist Alert Shawn Baur Come and join David and Diane for a trip northern Sonora) and north-south orienta- 602-828-3607 around the country of Bhutan. Don’t know tion make it a critical corridor for bird [email protected] where this is? Ah…think east from Nepal migration, and plant movement Arizona Audubon Council Rep and north from India. Explore the country, across the border region. Join Sandy Herb Fibel [email protected] meet the birds and and experi- for an informative program on this living ence the Punakha Festival! corridor. Book Store Field Observations December 5, 2006 February 6, 2007 Janet Witzeman David Pearson Why Should We in the Des- Alvin and Arlene Scheuer 602-840-6089 [email protected] ert Care About Tropical Rain Forests? Nesting Roadrunners

Hospitality Gretchen Burgess Even in the desert of Arizona we are con- Join Sonoran Audubon members Al and 480 949-8224 nected by more than sentiment to tropical Web Page rain forests. What we consume, what we continued on page 3 Kurt Radamaker 480.837-2446 [email protected] Maricopa Audubon web site From the Editor, Deva Burns http://www.maricopaaudubon.org

Maricopa Audubon Phone he weather has finally cooled off and Board is presenting a proposal for a change 480-829-8209 that means it’s time to go birding in the by-laws, Jim has put a little different “Man’s greatest joy is to teach the love of around the Valley for the first winter ar- spin on the photo quiz, and Herb and Mark nature.” Anon T rivals. Don’t forget the “invasion” of Fulvous have presented a synopsis of the member- An Investment in the Future Whistling-Ducks and the trio of rarities which ship issues that came before the board this Bequests are an important source of support for graced the Gilbert Riparian Area last year. past summer. the Maricopa Audubon Society. Your chapter has Have you made any plans for fall and winter Don’t forget to look over the CBC sched- dedicated itself to the protection of the natural world through public education and advocacy for the wiser birding outside the state? We’re going to ule and make plans to participate in at least use and preservation of our land, water, air and Costa Rica in December. It’s not really a one count this year, and sharpen your skill other irreplaceable natural resources. birding trip, but we’re looking forward to see- for the CBC season with the Photo Quiz, You can invest in the future of our natural world ing some beautiful tropical species. no peeking at the answers first is allowed. by making a bequest in your will to the Maricopa This issue is packed with information. Remember the information gathered in the Audubon Society. Talk to your attorney for more There is an updated list of Board Members Christmas Counts is vital to our understand- information on how this can be accomplished. on the back page, Walter has nearly com- ing of how the environment is being affected. pleted the Christmas Bird Count list, Bob has Citizen science plays a vital part in what given us a bit of conservation history, the Audubon is all about.

Immature Common Black-Hawk with frog; photographed by Jim Burns in Coconino County, AZ, August, 2006 with Canon EOS 1D body and Canon 600mm f/4 lens.

 The Cactus Wren•dition  from the president - -

20072007 HerbHerb Fibel Fibel Please stick with us. The best is yet If you have a need that you don’t feel If you have a need that and his excitement and enthusiasm are and his excitement and enthusiasm are contagious. Come and learn about bird ing by ear just in time to practice! will be NOTE: The May program associated with our Annual Banquet. or Check our web site, newsletter, member for location contact a board information. environmental issue. Let us know. There There issue. Let us know. environmental a number of us willing to do this for you are (If not ‘have Power and your organization and Point’, at least ‘have slide projector’, will travel!) to come. fortunate to have Larry speak at are We our banquet! A long-time member of Tuc Vermont son Audubon, Larry hails from and is a terrific guide whether in Mexico, Central America, or Arizona. He leads and natural history trips field trips, birding southern Arizona, as well as throughout Belize, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Mata Ortiz and spots. Larry other south of the border Duos column for started the Dastardly Audubon and teaches a course Tucson He loves sharing his by ear. on birding with people of all levels passion for birds 45 minute drive, and less than 20 miles drive, and less than 20 45 minute east Valley every point in the from away, line. as the Pinal County to as far away and bring together birders Our meetings ethic. our environmental others who share fun, attendees Besides being just plain a new our meetings with come away from Cause of what the Audubon appreciation unable to attend is all about. If you are Cactus the through you can stay informed and our outstanding chapter Wren-dition website. fulfilled by Maricopa is being currently of the volunteer Audubon, please let any page of members listed on the back board One example might this newsletter know. be that you belong to another unrelated and would like a Maricopa organization, Audubon member to give your group or about some about birds a program 006 – May May May – – 2006 2006 - - - President’s MessageMessage President’s President’s Birding By Ear Birding Maricopa Audubon represents a proud a proud Maricopa Audubon represents We are assured by National Audubon offi assured are We May 1, 2007 Larry Liese April 3, 2007 MAS Elections the elections of 2006, the MAS Following elections separate to determined Board years. and the annual banquet in future elections will be held So this year’s sched program indoors with a reduced for candidates numerous have If we ule. a short will show we film, Life positions, we of candidates, a slate If have List. we (possibly a program a regular will have The from or a segment workshop scope ). of Birds Life fanatics. Their guide also sent him an awesome collection of digiscoping shots taken over a period of time while leading trips. This should be a wonderful trip Thailand and it fantastic wildlife. around cials that if you are in one of the Zip Codes in one of the Zip cials that if you are and the new group, ultimately assigned to if they solicit you to join this new chapter, you can accept or decline the invitation. If you decline or do nothing your membership stays with Maricopa Audubon. 53 year tradition of nationally recognized virtuous of conservation activism, and to the public teaching environmentalism as well a wide range of programs through please stay as by example. If you agree, with us. Our chapter meetings, if you less than a should choose to attend, are which are in very close proximity to our to proximity in very close which are of The simple application meeting place. readily to a map of the Valley a compass Mesa, almost all of Scottsdale, shows that within 15 and Gilbert Chandler are Tempe, place at the Desertmiles of our meeting the The criteria for Botanical Gardens! according formation of a new chapter, is that the Audubon to National Audubon, served not being adequately members are and that the pres chapter, by their present miles or than 20 ent meeting place is more 45 minutes away! ------Birds of Thailand Thailand of Birds

2006

members is seeking to form a new Audu new a form to seeking is members t would be pointless to ignore the fact pointless to ignore t would be Audubon of Maricopa that a group This time we are not going to give in This time we are It’s like deja vu all over again. In fact it It’s

Winter Winter

Continued Continued MAS Meetings & Programs Sept.Sept. Programs Programs & & MeetingsMeetings MAS MAS that the digital bird shots are high qual shots are that the digital bird ity – done by digiscoping birdwatcher on a Field Guides tour in Thailand, lead Bob says of that country. by a resident tive presentations. He recently went He recently tive presentations. Bob is well-known to us for his informa March 6, 2007 6, March Bob Witzeman and fledge young? privilege of actually seeing a family raise Many of us have seen adult roadrunners Many of us have seen adult roadrunners in Arizona, but how many have had the Federation, and contributes research to Federation, and contributes research the Cornell University Lab of . Wildlife has Habitat. Their property been certified by the National Wildlife May 2001 on their two-acre Backyard Backyard May 2001 on their two-acre ing, egg laying, feeding and fledging of a ing, egg laying, feeding and fledging of a February through family from roadrunner Arlene Scheuer as they present a video Arlene Scheuer as they present nest build of the breeding, they created Maricopa Audubon’s assigned Zip Codes, Maricopa Audubon’s but the proposed usurpation of many of but the proposed without a fight. We are challenging not We are without a fight. only the claimed need for a new chapter, the genesis of Sonoran Audubon. chapter out of Maricopa Audubon’s terri chapter out of Maricopa Audubon’s This is tory in the west part of the Valley. National Audubon to carve a new Audubon group of Maricopa Audubon members group granted authority from sought and were was just six years ago when a disgruntled know, they have not been granted National they have not been granted National know, Audubon chapter status. ing, even though, at this writing, as far as I ing, even though, at this Scottsdale. They appear to have National Scottsdale. They appear bless and Audubon Arizona’s Audubon’s of Central between South Mountain and of Central between South Zip Codes, and all of I-10, two south Tempe Foothills (at one point as far west as 43rd as far west as 43rd Foothills (at one point on both sides Avenue!), downtown Phoenix Cave Creek, Ahwatukee, Ahwatukee Desert Ahwatukee, Ahwatukee Cave Creek, bon chapter in what they are calling the in what they are bon chapter includes Their “East Valley” “East Valley”. I Notes & Announcements

Nominating Committee: If anyone is interested transportation by van, guide fees, a clea n and to: Jack Follett, Maricopa Audubon Society’s in serving on the nominating committee for April’s comfy motel in Socorro, all entry fees, festival membership chair, 1520 E Secretariat Dr, Tempe, elections, please contact any Board Member. registration fee, and fees for all of the festival AZ 85284, and he will forward it on to National activities listed above. Chief Guide and Top Audubon. In the latter case, Maricopa Audubon 2007 Audubon Tyranno: Stephen H. Buck, Ph.D. will receive a rebate of your entire $20.00 National Calendars: Audubon REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 17, Audubon membership fee the first year. Secondly, Arizona and the State 2006 (Festival events fill up fast, so early by becoming a “Friend of Maricopa Audubon”. In Chapters have produced a reservations are required) this case you will become a member of Maricopa beautiful 2007 Calendar. $465 Per Person DOUBLE OCCUPANCY - $565 Audubon Society only, and will not receive the They are available for $5 PER PERSON SINGLE OCCUPANCY CALL Audubon magazine, or any of the “benefits” of announcements at MAS meetings. Doug 520-577-6546 TO SIGN UP OR FOR MORE National Audubon membership but you will receive Green has stated that if INFORMATION E-mail to [email protected] one year of the Cactus Wren-dition. “Friends” you order 10 or more not contribution categories in the form of a check only will you receive a 10% March 31--Gilbert Water Ranch--Feathered made payable to Maricopa Audubon Society, and discount, but he will personally deliver them to Friends Festival. Running from 8AM to 12:00 mailed to Jack Follett, Maricopa Audubon Society’s you. Contact Doug for more information. Also, Expanded Book Store Selections--We now membership chair1520 E Secretariat Dr, Tempe, see the website for a color picture of the front of have a full selection of books on birding topics AZ 85284. The categories are—Anna’s-$20; the calendar. for adults and children alike. Maricopa Audubon Verdin-$35-$99; LeConte’s Thrasher-$100-$249; logo items will include binocular harnesses, tote Cactus Wren-$250-$999; Harris’s Hawk*-$1,000- Impromptu birdwatching listserv: Have you bags, UV-protection caps, and baseball caps. We $9,999; and California Condor*-$10,000+. *These ever been in the mood for a bird outing and will also have bird-themed sandstone coasters levels include a signed, framed photograph by checked the field trip listings only to find none and note-cards. Newly-designed t-shirts will also Jim Burns of your designated raptor. All “Friends” coming up? Maricopa Audubon is initiating an be available. Remember that Friends of Maricopa members receive various discounts. If you reside impromptu birdwatching listserv. Here’s how it Audubon members get a 10% discount and outside the above-indicated geographical area, the works: you send your email address (or phone that your purchase helps to support our event, only way to receive a subscription to the Cactus number) to the field trip chair (laurienessel@ education and conservation efforts Wren-dition is to become a “Friend” of Maricopa hotmail.com). These addresses will be sent out Audubon Society. to everyone else on the list. Then, a day or two Arizona Watchable WildlifeTourism (or more if you know) before you want to go Association (AWWTA)--Check out their website for Credit Card-- The American Birding Association birding, send an email to everyone on the list. (If events around the state--www.azwildlife.com. has negotiated an agreement with US Bank to you are email challenged, call the field trip chair provide ABA members a distinctive US BANK VISA to dessiminate your message). State the day Museum of Northern Arizona--They sponsor Card. Using your card will not only show your you want to go, a meeting time and place for Venture trips that explore and discover the connection to ABA and birding but also, at no carpooling and a destination. State if you would Colorado Plateau in the Four Corners area. For additional cost to you, provide a contribution to like to drive or ride with someone else and list more information contact ABA. If interested, contact www.americanbirding. your closest intersection. This can also be used Lisa Lamberson at 928-774-5211 x241 or I think Audubon should offer something like this! to arrange carpools to chase birds. Please, don’t [email protected]. arrange trips when there are planned MAS trips, The Dovetail Directory (www.dovetailbirding. unless you need to bird much closer to the valley. Environmental Fund-- Green At Work--Thousands com): The Directory is an online catalogue of of employees can now support Maricopa Audubon world birding tours, and our goal is to help birders Globe, AZ--Noftsger Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast Society (MAS) in their annual fall charity campaign. locate that special birding tour, to any of 85 November Birders’ Weekend Specials: Noftsger The Environmental Fund for Arizona get thousands countries around the world. This is a free service. Hill Inn is once again offering a “Birders’ Weekend” of Arizona employees involved with our group and There are no hidden costs or surcharges. Tours special during November. November 4 and many other conservation groups through payroll are offered at the operators price. In addition to November 17 are the dates. For complete details deduction workplace campaigns. Help spread the tours, the Directory also carries a comprehensive about the “Bed & Breakfast & Birds package, word at your office about checking off “Green” inventory of birding-related books. For your further call Rosalie Ayala toll-free 877.780.2479 or choices this fall! If your employer does not yet convenience we maintain a North American, toll- 928.425.2260, or visit the website include environmental/conservation groups, please free number (877) 881-1145, and someone will www.noftsgerhillinn.com. contact Solange Whitehead at the Environmental always happy to take your call. Fund for Arizona: [email protected] or FESTIVAL OF THE CRANES & SOCORRO, NEW (480) 510-5511. Shade-grown coffee: If you are searching for MEXICO – Thursday, November 16 – Sunday, a source to purchase shade-grown coffee and November 19, 2006 Donation Wish List--Maricopa Audubon Society haven’t been successful, try ABA Sales. They A professional wildlife biologist specializing in is looking for a donation of a laptop computer in carry seven kinds of Song Bird Coffee. For birds will accompany us from Tucson to the annual order to provide educational presentations to youth information call 800-634-7736. Also, Trader Joe’s Festival of the Cranes in charming Socorro, NM groups and classes. To donate please contact any carries shade grown coffee, as does Sunflower and at the Bosque del Apache (BDA) NWR. We board member. Market. Another source is Toucanet Coffee/Avian will keep busy by attending the annual dinner Ecologist. They are in the business of serving and doing the fly-out walk, the fly-in walk, the Membership Information--There are two ways Smithsonian certified, bird-friendly coffee. All of BDA manager’s tour, the mountain birding tour, to get on the mailing list in order to receive the their varieties are organic and shade grown. They the Chihuahua Desert flora tour, the BDA wonder Cactus Wren-dition. First, by joining the National also have fair trade varieties. Please visit www. walk, the BDA loop drives, the BDA pond bridge, Audubon Society. If you live in Maricopa County, toucanetcoffee.com for more information about a star party, and museums in Socorro. We’ll also generally east of 43rd Avenue, when National their goals or to place an order. The website also make en-route visits to the Deming Luna-Mimbres Audubon receives your check and membership includes an online community for bird and/or Museum and the NRAO Very Large Array (VLA) application, Maricopa Audubon will receive your coffee lovers. They invite you to join. radiotelescopes on the Plains of San Augustin. name and address from National, and will add Some activities will require short walks/hikes; you to Maricopa Audubon’s Wren-dition mailing More birding and nature festivals. you may participate in these as much or as little list, or you can make a check payable to National www.americanbirding.org and as you wish. Daytime temperatures will be 50-60 Audubon Society for $20.00 and mail it with your www.birdinghotspot.com. degrees, nights 20-30 degrees. Tour fee includes National Audubon Society membership application

 The Cactus Wren•dition Notes & Announcements announcements

Audubon Adventures: Give the gift of discovery about the presented subject matter), “Whats your e-mail address of: [email protected] or call and share your love of the environment. The Ecological Address?” (where to find raptors), and me @ 480-998-5638. program is designated for students in grades 4-6. finally “Raptor Rescue” (injured raptors programs). We will need the following information on all Introduce an entire classroom (up to 32 students) 3. Real Life Dragons and Damsels potential teacher candidates. to the wonders of nature for just $38.50 (plus This is an outstanding full color pictorial of the life A.) School name and street address, city, shipping charges). You can select your favorite of “Dragonflies and Damselflies at Home”--and the zip code. school or let Audubon do it for you. Each packet differences between these two insects. Interesting B.) Teachers full name & email address. contains the following: sub sections include--”Habitat Health Check-Up,” C.) Grades Taught--3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, etc. 1. The Nature of Spiders. This is an outstanding “Eyes on the Dragonflies,” “Dragons, Damsels, and I’m really impressed with this school years’ (2006- brochure that distinguishes between spiders and You” (Living together) and finally a quiz entitled, 07) program. If more information is needed than insects, describes spiders prey, identifies the “What’s your Ecological Address?” shown above---try www.audubon.org/educate/aa various parts of the spider body, and an interesting These 3 above Adventures are the best I have to see Audubon Adventures on line. section on the differences between “Hunters seen. They are all great, and offer our kids and Trappers.” Also included in this full color wonderful educational opportunnities. There is Maricopa Audubon T-Shirts—For information, newsletter are sections entitled--”Along Came a also a chart/poster included with each kit, that contact Laurie Nessel at (480) 968-5614 or mail Spider,” “Friends, Not Foes,” “Nominate a State gets the kids involved in schoolyard/home projects to: [email protected] Spider,” and finally a true-false quiz on “The Truth and nature. Each classroom KIT contains materials about Spiders.” for 32 students. And, contained therein is a Do you have an interesting story to tell about 2. Birds of Prey: Hunters of the Air. teachers & students 64 page guide/classroom birding? Please forward your submissions to the This full color tabloid style news journal covers resource manual, as well. Lastly, as a FREE Editor—Deva Burns. Check the back page for RAPTORs--i.e., hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls. BONUS each kit recipient will receive a one year address/e-mail. Actually, attaching an article to One section is devoted to the subject of “The subscription to Audubon Magazine, an affiliation an e-mail is the absolute easiest way to submit Hunter and the Hunted” and is a match-up exercise with the local MAS Chapter, and an official an article. If you have pictures or slides, you do to choose the correct raptor to the prey animal. certificate of participation. need to send those to me directly. Remember, all Other subject matters are: “Are Bald Eagles really If you have a nominee (teacher and school), please articles may not be published the first month Bald?,” “The Truth about Raptors” (a true-false test have them get in touch with Doug Green @ my after receipt. to Implement Recreation Pass Program Herb Fibel

f you go birding or otherwise recreating, to 3300 to find out where else day permits can be TNF managers believe that people are locations in the TNF such as north of Rio purchased in advance. Other TNF offices that going to appreciate the convenience of buying IVerde, Granite Reef, Phon D. Sutton and Coon you can call are at (480) 595-3300, (928) 467- several passes and stickers in advance and Bluff, it is important that you know that the Tonto 3200, and (602) 225-5200. then using them as they need them. Using the National Forest is doing away with its vending In addition, several retail vendors have agreed TNF webpage, customers can order passes and machine day pass system. Beginning October to work in partnership with the TNF, providing stickers directly from the forest by telephone or 2, 2006, you will have to buy your day and/or over 80 outlets where the passes and stickers by mail using credit cards or debit cards! The overnight passes in advance. The daily use fee is can be purchased. Many outlets are in the web address is: still six dollars per vehicle ($3.00 for Golden Age Phoenix metropolitan area and nearby forest www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/tp. permit holders), and you will still have to post locations, with others in Tucson, Flagstaff, (Herb’s comments—I found out that initially, at your permit on the dashboard of your vehicle. Prescott, Casa Grande, Globe and Payson. least, you will not be able to get the Golden Age Each pass is good for a 24 hour visit, and may Vendors at this time include Bartlett Lake Marina, discounted passes from any of the vendors, only be used at more than one location during the Butcher Hook Store, Big 5 Sporting Goods (21 0f from one of the TNF offices. My opinion, also, specified 24 25 Arizona locations), Canyon Lake Marina, Circle is that until people get familiar with the change, hour period. K Stores (38 of 400 plus Arizona locations), HWY this is going to be a nightmare program. The You can purchase your day permits at the 188 Tackle and Supply, Jake’s Corner Store, lack of publicity so far is going to result in people Forest Service, Mesa Ranger District Office at Kilmer’s Kountry Store, Orange Food Store #8, going to places in the TNF without knowing that 5140 E. Ingram Street, Mesa, which is open The Tackle Box, and Tortilla Flat. Other vendors they need to pre-purchase passes elsewhere, and Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 are expected to join the program in ahead of time.) p.m. You can also call them at (480) 610- the future. By-Law Proposed Changes

t a special MAS board meeting on terms of office of those elected would still run such amendments be mailed to each member September 30, 2006, our board voted to from the annual meeting in May to the next at his/her last known address at least fifteen Apropose to the membership several By- annual meeting in May. days before said meeting. This means that we law changes. The purpose of these changes Our By-laws require that the By-laws may will be voting on these By-law changes at our is to change our annual board elections from be amended by a majority vote of those December membership meeting. the annual meeting in May to the April general members of the Society present at any regular membership meeting. Under the proposal the meeting, provided, however, that notice of

Winter 2006  Photo Quiz Jim Burns

THIS ISSUE’S CLUE —

Here’s a quote from last summer’s photo quiz on

warblers--”next winter, when the sparrows return, photo quiz we’re going to take a look at some patternless

silhouettes . . . .” The sparrows have returned.

It’s time.

A – Good silhouette, easy

B – Tricky silhouette, difficult genus All All Photos by Jim Burns C – Good silhouette, easy genus

 The Cactus Wren•dition az’sspecies special Ruddy Ground-Dove Jim Burns When Ruddy Ground-Dove, an aptly Inca Doves than with Common Ground- DON’T LIST: don’t leave perimeter named little Columbina common in Doves, most likely because Incas, like roads to drive onto farm property; Ithe tropics, was being recorded at Ruddies, seem to prefer wetter habitats don’t point scopes or binoculars toward multiple Arizona sites back in the mid- than Commons. background residences; don’t interfere to-late ‘90s, one regional guidebook Whether you’re looking for Ruddies in any way with farm operations; don’t characterized the species as a “recent posted on the internet or venture out smoke. Yeah, yeah, I know. But you invader.” Unlike the even more recent to search on your own, be aware that need to know that more than one and grossly successful Eurasian this species varies geographically from former Ruddy Ground-Dove site in Collared-Dove invasion however, the paler and grayer in the west to deeper, Arizona has been closed to birders Ruddy Ground-Dove influx sputtered richer rufous farther east where it has because of one or more of these very and died. been recorded in west Texas and the infractions! Reasons for this, speculative at this lower Rio Grande Valley. The upshot of The two most recent hotspots for point, center around some apparent this plumage gradient is that Ruddies this species have been the feedlots missing link in this species’ preferred encountered in Arizona may be paler around the cattle operation west of habitat between southern Arizona and and less rufous than Red Rock, a tiny farming/ranching southern Sonora where it is common expected, female community just off I-10 between southward to El Salvador and Honduras Arizona Picacho Peak and Marana, and the and on into Peru and Argentina. In its El Mirage pond west of Phoenix. range in Mexico it is most common To reach the latter site, exit I- in humid areas, and perhaps has not 10 west at 115th Avenue, drive adapted to the drier conditions that south to Lower Buckeye, then prevail in northernmost Mexico west to El Mirage Road. The pond and Arizona. is half a mile south, just south of Columbina talpacoti was Illini St., on the right. Park on the first recorded in the state shoulder, walk up onto the berm, and in October of 1981 sit and glass all the little doves coming when two males were and going from the reeds. Early found in Phoenix. mornings in fall and winter are best. The first sighting last winter more than a dozen Ruddies in southern were present along with Inca Doves Arizona was in Photo by Jim Burns and one or two Commons around the Green Valley two margins of this pond. years later, and the species With few exceptions, Ruddy Ground- has been noted as far north as Camp Ruddies may not look ruddy at all, and Doves in Arizona have been fall and Verde. There have now been well Arizona males may resemble western over 100 occurrences in Arizona, and Common Ground-Doves in the amount winter phenomena, disappearing when Ruddy Ground-Dove is no longer on the of pinkish coloration. Both ground- warm weather arrives. Appearances Arizona Bird Committee’s Review List. doves have black wing spots, but seem to have decreased in recent Nesting in the state has been note that only Ruddy Ground-Doves years, or maybe in-state birders have confirmed at least once when a pair have them on the scapulars, above all seen them and no one is really was seen with a fledgling at the Nature the wings. An excellent field mark for looking anymore. The invasion that Conservancy’s Hassayampa Preserve western females lacking any pinkish wasn’t appears to be over, but this in Wickenburg in 1993. As recently as tones is the white tips on the greater is a neat little bird, pale pink sides 2004, tenacious field birder Roy Jones wing coverts as shown in Sibley. marked by black spikes, plain gray face observed a male Ruddy transporting Most sightings of Ruddy Ground- and crown, and bright red eyes, well nesting material to an olive tree at a Doves in Arizona have been in brushy worth finding, especially in summer residence in an agricultural district or scrubby areas in proximity to when evidence of actual nesting of far west Phoenix surrounded by agricultural fields with stock ponds or might add valuable information to our fields and irrigation canals. Ruddies irrigation ditches. Whenever you go understanding of this tropical stray associate much more frequently with out for Ruddies, please remember the in Arizona.

Winter 2006  Maricopa Audubon Society Field Trips Laurie Nessel

Attention Field Trip Enthusiasts: Attention Field Trip Leaders! If you the nearby fields. Raptors and other Please check our website for have a field trip scheduled that is not round out the sightings. changes and additions to the listed, please contact the Field Trip Bring lunch. Scope optional. Meet field trip schedule http://www. chair, Laurie Nessel, 480.968.5614 7:00AM on the east side of 91st Ave maricopaaudubon.org/calendar. or [email protected] just south of the Water Treatment

field trips htm. Also check the Notes and Plant. Call leader for information and Announcements for the exciting Maricopa Audubon Society FieldTrips reservations. Limit 20. new program set up by Laurie Leader: Bob Witzeman,(602) 840.0052 Nessel–an impromptu birding list! Saturday, October 14 Lost Dutchman State Park. This Sun, Nov 19 The following field trips are sponsored desert park lies at the base of 8-10:30am, Bird Walk and Talk at by the Maricopa Audubon Society who near Apache the Hassayampa River Preserve ($3 have an organized program of trips Junction. This is a beautiful hike but for Nature Conservancy members, $5 throughout the year. They are open to steep in places. Resident species for others) Reservations required--call the public and are free and include all include Canyon Towhee, Rock and the Preserve. 928.684.2772 skill levels. All the trips are Difficulty Canyon . Bring water, lunch. Level 1 unless noted otherwise. Scope optional. $5 per car entry fee. Wednesday, November 29 Difficulty: 3 Limit 15 Phoenix Zoo Ponds. Meet on the zoo CAR POOLING: Co-Leaders: Laurie Nessel and Mark bridge at 7:00AM for possible Great Maricopa Audubon strongly encourages Horlings 602.279.2238 Horned Owl sightings. We will proceed carpooling on field trips. Please [email protected] for reservations and into the zoo grounds for great, upclose make every effort to organize your carpooling. views of waterfowl. Especially good own carpool, consolidate vehicles for beginners to learn the difference at meeting places; and/or contact Saturday, October 21 between male and females ducks. leaders for car pooling assistance. . 60 Maybe some other zoo surprises as It is recommended that passengers miles east of the valley, this desert well like Black Throated Magpie Jays. reimburse drivers 5 to 10 cents per oasis always produces a good variety No limit. Done by 10:00. Difficulty 1 mile of species and occasionally a genuine Leader: Mike Foley surprise. We will look for early winter Contact [email protected] or LEGEND: arrivals, summer stragglers and 480.968.5614 for reservations Limit: Maximum number of residents including woodpeckers and participants per field trip. Please call cardinals. $7.50 entrance fee per Monday, December 4 early to make your reservations. person. Meet 8:00AM at BTA. Done by Scottsdale’s Urban Ponds. We will Difficulty Levels 1 through 5: 1 noon. Lunch optional. visit the ponds at the Pavilions, Chart equals very low level of exertion, short Leader: Kathe Anderson, 480.951.4890 House and McCormick Ranch to look walking distances, considerable birding or [email protected] for reservations for a variety of ducks, waders and from vehicle and possibly multiple and carpooling. winter waterfowl. Possible species birding stops. 5 equals very high level inclue Hooded Merganser, Eared Grebe, of difficulty with respect to exertion. Wednesday, November 8 Kingfisher and Cormorants plus some Longer hiking distances are expected Rio Verde. Vermillion Flycather, Black desert species. Meet in the parking with possible Phoebe, Bald Eagle, Osprey and Gray lot by the north pond at the Pavilions steep trails. flycatcher are just some of the species at 8:00AM. Done by noon. Scope possible on this trip to the . optional. Limit 12 REMINDERS: Leader: Bix Demaree, (480) 992.2252 Leader: Kathe Anderson, (480) • Wear neutral colored clothing and for meeting time and location. 951.4890 or [email protected] for sturdy walking shoes reservations and carpooling. • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, head Saturday, November 18 protection and water Southwest Phoenix. Waterfowl December 14-January 4 • Avoid wearing bright colors including Sora and Virginia Rail are Christmas Bird Counts: contact • Bring your binoculars possibilities along the Tres Rios and your compiler or check our • Don’t' forget to have FUN!!! PIR. Also learn to identify the difficult website: Savannah and Vesper Sparrows in www.maricopaaudubonsociety.org  The Cactus Wren•dition Maricopa Audubon Society Field Trips field trips field

Saturday, January 6 Saturday, February 10 Saturday, March 17 Palo Verde to Gillespie Dam. We Base & Meridian Wildlife Area- Flagstaff Lakes. On this field trip will travel down old Highway 80 from Gila River. Join us for a visit to we will visit the lakes around Flagstaff Palo Verde to Gillespie Dam, to look for an outstanding riparian habitat area looking for waterfowl and Bald Eagles. gulls, Sandhill Cranes, White Pelicans almost in your backyard! The Base We also hope to find Red Crossbills, and other unusual species spotted on and Meridian Wildlife Area at Avondale Cassin’s Finches and Pinyon Jays. We the Gila River Christmas Count. There Blvd. and the Gila River is the new will meet at Denny’s Restaurant at the are a number of water holes that turn host location for the Tres Rios Nature intersection of I-40 and I-17 at 8:00AM. up a variety of rarities each year. Bring Festival. An accessible mix of open Bring a lunch, water, snacks and a a lunch. A scope is helpful Restroom water, marsh and riparian woodland scope will be very helpful. Difficulty 1 facilities are limited. Limit 12. Difficulty habitats makes this a great location for Leader: Charles Babbitt, (602) 1 (not much walking). waterfowl, waders, osprey, kingfishers, 840.1772 or [email protected] for Leader: Herb Fibel, (480) 966.5246 or and other fish-eating birds. Visit the top reservations [email protected] for meeting of “Monument Hill”, the location where place and time. the Township and Range mapping Saturday, March 24 system for all of Arizona has its zero- Boyce Thompson Arboretum Saturday, January 13 zero coordinate location. We often see Butterflies and Invertebrates. Join Boyce Thompson Arboretum. black vultures here. Help us preview Fred Stewart as we explore the A desert oasis near Superior, BTA the local birds for the nature festival Arboretum for Lepidoptera and attracts resident as well as surprises. buildup! Walking difficulty varies from other invertebrates along with spring We will look for Winter sparrows. easy to rather difficult depending on migrants. Learn about the migration Previous sightings include Rufous extent of your adventurous spirit. Meet patterns of Arizona’s Monarchs from Backed Robin, Varied Thrush and at the Fry’s Parking Lot at Avondale BTA Education Coordinator, Chris Kline, Brown Thrasher. Carpool from Tempe Blvd. and Buckeye Rd. (MC85) at 7:00 who is tracking tagged Monarchs. Limit Public Library at 7:00AM. Lunch and am. Look for the White GMC Yukon 15, Difficulty 2 scope optional. Difficulty 2. with Arizona Game and Fish emblem on Leader: Fred Stewart, (480) 898.7239 Leader: Scott Burge, (480) 968.5141 the door. Limit 12. Difficulty 2. A scope or [email protected] for for reservations is helpful. reservations and information. Leader: Tom Hildebrandt, (480) Wednesday. January 17 324.3552, [email protected] Wednesday, April 18 Le Contes Thrasher Site. This is our (email preferred) for reservations Birds and Butterflies “Butterfly nearly annual trip to this traditional site Canyon” and Seven Springs. An on the far west side of Phoenix at the Saturday, February 24 area much overlooked by birders and intersection of Baseline Road and the Cottonwood. We will visit sites near butterfliers alike, we will investigate the Salome Highway. Resident Bendire’s, Cottonwood, including Peck’s Lake, effect that the Cave Creek Complex Crissal, and Curve-billed Thrashers Tuzigoot national Monument and fire of 2005 had on this transition may be seen as well as Le Conte’s Tavasci Marsh. We will meet in the AM zone. Meet at 7:30 A.M. at the junction and overwintering Sage Sparrows. in northern Phoenix and carpool to of Carefree Highway and the road Prairie Falcons have been observed, Cottonwood. Expect to see a variety to Bartlett Dam. We will check for and typical low desert breeding birds of residents and waterfowl including returning migrants and early butterflies. should be present. The meeting place Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Harrier, Bring a lunch and water. A field guide for those who wish to carpool will be Canada Goose, and Ruby-crowned to butterflies would be helpful. Limit Denny’s parking lot, NW corner of I- Kinglet. Bring lunch andscope. 15. Difficulty 1 10 & Litchfield Road at 7:00AM. The Limit:15. Difficulty: 2 Leader: Janet Witzeman, (602) leader will not be present but will meet Leader: Richard Kaiser (602) 840.6089 for reservations. participants at the site at 7:30AM. 276.3312 or [email protected] The leader must leave at noon, but for reservations. Saturday, April 21 those wishing to visit additional nearby Oak Flat Campground & Haunted sites should bring a lunch. Limit:10. Saturday & Sunday March 17-18 Canyon, Endangered Tonto Difficulty 1 Tres Rios Nature Festival National Forest Public Lands. Leader: Jim Burns, (480) 946.2502, B&M Wildlife Area Avondale Blvd and [email protected] for reservations the Gila River (just north of PIR) continued on page 10 Winter 2006  Maricopa Audubon Society Field Trips Continued from page 9 Celebrate Earth Day visiting two special lunch and water. Difficulty 2 for habitat. The Arboretum is fortunate birding spots in danger of transforming some steep walking. to have Maricopa Audubon Society into copper mines. Early morning stop Leader: Janet Witzeman members who volunteer their time to Oak Flat Campground for a quick (602) 840.6089 for reservations. leading seasonal walks -- don’t miss view of the 4100’ elevation chaparral

field trips your chance to learn visual and vocal habitat where Crissal Thrasher were Sat. June 16 identification alongside the experts. seen. Continue on to Haunted Canyon Charles Babbitt, Flagstaff/ More than 270 species of birds have for a 3-mile round trip hike to a 95% San Francisco Peaks been seen and heard over the years at forest canopy including One-seed the Arboretum – attend a walk this Fall juniper and Arizona alder. We will Continuing: to more knowledgeable about familiar look for spring migrants at this 3500’ Third Saturdays: Family Bird Walks Sonoran Desert birds, and perhaps elevation riparian habitat. Bring lunch at the Gilbert Water Ranch sponsored even see a new life-bird! Walks are and water. Limit 15. Difficulty 3. by Audubon Arizona. Details about included with regular adult admission Leader: Laurie Nessel, (480) 968.5614 birdwalk dates, times, and changing of $7.50, or $3 for ages 5-12. Here or Laurie [email protected] for exhibits can be seen at: are a few of the most common species reservations and information. www.maricopaaudubon.org, and seen around the trails this time of www.riparianinstitute.org year: Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Wednesday, May 2 Cooper’s Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mt. Ord. Enjoy a tour as we travel Mondays: Bird Walks at the Desert Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna’s from the foothill scrub looking for the Botanical Gardens, free with admission Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, watch-listed Gray Vireo and Black- to the garden. Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black chinned Sparrow in the lower scrub, Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Brown-crested Painted Redstart, Hairy Woodpecker, Autumn Birdwalks at Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Violet-green Olive Warbler and other warbler species BoyceThompson Arboretum Swallow, Northern Rough-winged as we climb to near 7128’. Bring lunch Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus snacks. Limit 15. Difficulty 2 for some Late Summer and early Fall are a Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Northern steep walking at the peak. great time to explore the trails at Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Leader: Russ Widner, (480) 595.2977 Boyce Thompson Arboretum; unusual Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow- or [email protected] for sightings reported a year ago include a breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, reservations. male Belted Kingfisher, Gilded Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Nashville Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Wednesday, May 16 Lazuli Bunting, Osprey, Zone-tailed Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Slate Creek Divide. Some of the Hawk, Crissal thrasher, Black-headed Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, specialties of that area are breeding Grosbeak, Common Black-Hawk, and Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Gray Vireo, Black-chinned Sparrow, Green Heron (see attribution credit (sightings above from checklists Scott’s Oriole in the juniper area and below). Guided birdwalks resume for posted online at the BTA website by Red-breasted , Virginia’s the season Sept. 24 and will be offered Jack Bartley, Tracy McCarthey, Rich Warbler and Red-faced Warbler higher at 8:30 a.m. on October 7, 8, 21 Ditch, Cindy Marple, Kurt and Cindy up in the pines. We will meet at the & 22 and also November 4, 12 & Radamaker, Jack Holloway, Pete Denny’s parking lot on the south side 18. Birders from novice to expert are Moulton and Cynthia Donald). For other of Shea Blvd. just west of the Beeline welcome to join these guided birdwalks details visit the Arboretum website Highway (Rt. 87) at 6:30 A.M. Bring a and learn about native birds and their http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA.

10 The Cactus Wren•dition Letter to Les Corey treasurer’sletter Mark Horlings

Mr. Les Corey Vice President & Chief Field Operations Officer 7400 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 326 Tucson, AZ 85704

Dear Mr. Corey:

I am the Treasurer of the Maricopa Audubon Society. I was a board member a few years ago and agreed to return in July, 2006, after several members of the Board resigned to join the newly-forming Desert Rivers chapter. As you know, Herb Fibel won the election for President of Maricopa Audubon Society in May, 2006. The sponsors seeking to form the new chapter wrote Herb Fibel on July 25, 2006, emphasizing the growth of the valley and the need for a new chapter to serve residents in new east valley communities. National Audubon and individual members can certainly debate whether Audubon acts more effectively, in education, conservation, - and the enjoyment of birding, with more but smaller chapters, or with fewer chapters serving a larger geographic base and speaking for a larger membership. Such a debate, focused on the desire to split Maricopa Audubon into two chapters, would have added a le gitimate issue for consideration during the chapter’s recent campaign. However, the group seeking to form the Desert Rivers chapter never mentioned any need for a new chapter during that election. Several of the Desert River Chapter organizers stood for election, were elected, and were installed as officers and directors of Maricopa Audubon at the May election. (Obviously, this does not apply to Mike Rupp or the Saffels.) The successful candidates did not disclose a plan not to serve out the terms to which the membership elected them. Audubon chapters work hard to find people willing to serve, particularly in administrative roles. Practical problems arise when officers resign like this, whether or not they form a competing chapter. The newsletter, website, and stationery need to be updated. As Treasurer, I have yet to receive any chapter income which has not been received by and then forwarded from current or resigned Maricopa Audubon officers. (Fortunately, the chapter’s creditors switched their records to bill me immediately.) Membership records present an even greater problem. - Candidates who stand for election and are elected should be expected to serve. If they leave in mid-term, it should be for personal or job reasons, not in an attempt to torpedo the chapter they agreed to assist. Perhaps one way to recognize this would be for Na tional Audubon to simply table the request of Desert Rivers, for reconsideration in May, 2007, when the terms of office to which most Desert Rivers organizers were elected by Maricopa Audubon’s membership expire. I look forward to meeting with you, Ms. Campana, and Ms. Tennefoss on October 17. In considering this matter, I hope National Audubon will recognize that the petition for a new chapter does not reflect growth in the east valley, but a lost election.

Sincerely,

Mark Horlings

cc: Sam Campana Lynne Tennefoss

Winter 2006 11 Conservationist/Artist Brian Edgar Evans Bob Witzeman rtist Brian Evans is passionately gave us a hand-colored stationery emphasizes bird feeding and devoted to the protection of version for e-mail use. Anyone citizen science. Awildlife and their habitats. desiring to see it in all its beauty, with Born in Utah, he lived in the Valley its subtle, yet impressive colors, visit On the commercial bird magazine for many years. In the 1980’s he the MAS website page of this Cactus side, let’s mention two excellent moved to New Mexico. A consumed Wren-dition issue. publications: Bird Watcher’s Digest, conservation conservationist, he composed much with six editions/yr. and some 800 of the art and graphics and T-shirts To the right is an example of Brian’s “Readers’s Digest”-sized pages used in the Audubon, Sierra Club and pen and ink craft from 1982. It is a annually, ($19.99, 149 Acme St., Arizona Wildlife Federation campaigns pictorial map with many of Arizona’s Marietta OH 45750); and “Birder’s in opposition to the Cliff and Orme flagship birds, animals and herps. World Magazine,” with six editions/yr. Dams in the 70’s and 80’s. After Past issues of our Cactus Wren-ditions of some 600 full-sized pages. Bird moving to New Mexico he continued contain many examples of Brian’s Watcher’s Digest, also periodically to provide artwork for T-shirts and artwork and his dedication to wildlife publishes a valuable analysis and

educational graphics. Memorable protection.purchases and conservation rating of commercial binoculars were his 1980’s and 90’s graphics education programs being undertaken and telescopes. of the Mt. Graham Red Squirrel and its by the local indigenous peoples-- in priceless sky island boreal forest on order to protect those imperiled bird Regarding my comments about the summit of Mt. Graham which UofA species. NAS’ apparent falling from grace astronomers were in the process of by avid birders, our 500 or so destroying. The Cornell Lab. of Ornithology surviving Audubon chapters are publishes Living Bird, ($40.00, 159 an invaluable resource if one is an Many of us know him for the inspiring Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, out-of-town birder seeking to bird letterhead he gave MAS. NY 14850) four issues/yr., totaling a strange city. Secondly, National It features a Bald Eagle in a cliff nest over 200 pages). It is worth Audubon’s Washington, D.C. office, over the Salt or Verde Rivers. In the the subscription just to read the headed by Betsy Loyless, is a citadel nest are two downy young eaglets. evaluation and ranking of binoculars of conservation power even as The other parent is seen flying over and telescopes which it publishes many perceive Audubon today as the river foraging for fish. Brian also every year or so. Living Bird abandoning its conservation roots.

12 The Cactus Wren•dition Conservationist/Artist Brian Edgar Evans conservation Bob Witzeman

Winter 2006 13 14 field observations three nestings produced 10 – 12 – 10 produced nestings three or year’stwo this years; ten past the for TurfParadise at breeding been have to reported were Geese Canada (TC). young) seven and adults 16 least (at ponds sludge Hunter’sthe at and young) seven and adults 29 to (up Pond Mirage El at period the during breeding found were Whistling-Ducks Black-bellied (BG). 80 Highway Old along 13 Aug. and (TC) Ponds Rd. River Lower the at 23 July again seen was 2003) May since Phoenix s.w.of area the (frequenting Ibis visitor.White casual The this for stay extended an such recordpreviousfor no and county the recordsfor June previous no wereThere al.). et (TGs 27 Aug. present still was one and 19 Aug. until least at remained both 24; June individual second a by joined May,was late in Salado Rio The (MW,MM).10 - 7 Aug. TTL at reported were 15 to up and (PD,MM) 27 Aug. – 10 June (GWR) Ranch Water Gilbert the at counted were Cormorants Neotropic 27 and 10 Between (KR). 29 July I-10 along dead found were two (MW,LL),and 16 Aug. – 27 TownJuly (TTL) Lake Tempeon seen werethree to up (KR); 15 Aug. – 30 July Lake Hills Fountain at and (DL), Verde29 Palo July in (BG), 4 July PRD at observed were Pelicans Brown Individual (BG). basis irregular an on years other in and ago year a bred species the where (PRD), Dam Rock Painted below 18 June seen was GrebeWestern one Only JULY,JUNE, 2006 AUGUST & Janet Witzeman FieldObservations Little Blue Heron Blue Little , found at found , calling near El Mirage and the Gila the and Mirage El near calling heard was one and (BG) 17 June PRD near Rd. Sisson of end west the at found were Rails Clapper Three (EL). 3 June there seen was (HRP) Preserve River Hassayampa the at Hawks Red-shouldered the September.of of One first recordedthe beforeseldom is (AP,CF);16 species July the of date early the on Chandler in observed was Harrier N. male A (PD,MM). 16 July – 10 June GWR the at reported were summer) in (uncommon Shovelers TwoN. (MM). adult 27 Aug. GWR the at observed was breeders) TealCinnamon young (uncommon a with adult An (PD,MM). 19 July – 10 June GWR the at observed were July) and June late in uncommon still and rareconsidered (formerly TealBlue-winged three to Up (TGs). period the during Salado Rio at seen be to continued Mallards “Mexican” of number A (LL). 20 Aug. TTL on observed were TwoDucks Wood(TM). male young of Aug. 13 (TC). 13 Aug. of date late the on Hunter’sPonds the at seen was chicks downy three with pair a and (BG) 17 June Pond Ave. Southern & Dysart the at nesting found also was species the (MM,PD); period the during GWR the at reported were Stilts necked Black- of families Many (LL,SG). 25 24- July GWR the at seen was Plover Snowy A (TC). Verde13 Palo Aug. in Ponds Road River Lower the at observed was Plover Black-bellied adult An (CBa,TC). 30 July River

billed Dowitcher billed juvenile A (KR). 26 Aug. Pond Mirage El the at counted were five (CBa,TC); 30 July Mirage El of e. and (MM) 17 July GWR the at seen were Sandpipers Stilt Individual (TC). 13 Aug. Hunter’sPonds the at observed Sandpipers Semipalmated county.Twothe records for juvenile June previousthree only been have there (PMa); 15 June of date late the on GWR the at found was Curlew Long-billed A (PD,BG,MM). period the during Pond Ave. Southern & Dysart the and GWR the at breeding found were also Avocets Am. & 17 (TGs,EL). 17 & 10 June of dates late the on Salado Rio at observed were Flycatchers type “Western” Individual (TC). 27 Aug. Pleasant Lake of s. Wash, City Morganat reported were Flycatchers type “Western” silent six and Flycatchers, type Dusky/Hammonds silent two Flycatchers, Willow Four (JBa). 11-13 June of dates late the on yard Scottsdale a in observed was Flycatcher Willow migrating A (PD). years past in nested has species the where HRP the at 11 June singing heardwere TwoFlycatchers Willow (TC,BI). 5 Aug. and 23 July Hunter’sPonds the at observed were broods several and (BG) 17 June PRD of vicinity the in “everywhere” found were Owls Burrowing (KR). 23-25 Aug. Lake Hills Fountain at observed TernBlack county.A the was for recordsecond the only provided RD), fide (BGri, 14 June GWR the An (KR). 19 Aug. Hunter’sPonds the at heard Elegant TernElegant The Cactus Cactus Wren•ditionThe , photographed at photographed , was seen and seen was

were Short- 15 field observations

Observers: Charles Babbitt, Jack Bartley, Troy Corman, Deviche, Pierre Troy Bartley, Rich Ditch, Donald, Cynthia Brian Steve Ganley, Enos, Craig Fischer, Brandon Grise (BGri), Bill Grossi (BG), & Paul Gloria Halesworth, Brian Ison, Larry Eric Langstaff, Dean Phyllis Luehrs, Latternur, Martin,Martin,Turner Allison McGowan, MichaelJay Miller, Moore, Moulton, Pete Anne Dave Peyton, MichaelPearson, Plagens, Kurt Carlos Ross, Radamaker, Weber. Magill soaring over Signal Peak in the Pinal Mountains, Gila Co., Aug. 26 (PMo,CD). A Blue-throated Hummingbird was found farther north than usual in the Pinal Mountains Aug. 16 (DP et al.). A female N. Parula was discovered at the Sipe Wildlife Area in the White Mountains, Apache Co., July 3 (KR). Abbreviations: Hassayampa River Preserve (HRP), Gilbert Water Ranch (GWR), Painted Rock Dam (PRD), Lake (TTL). Town Tempe

Hooded was seen was Field ObservationsObservationsField Field was found at Rio Salado Broad-winged Broad-winged Hawk Kentucky Warbler seen at El Mirage Pond July 30 (TC) and at the GWR Aug. 3 (MM). A Lark Sparrow was observed at the GWR June 21 at least until July 19 (CR,MM); there were no previous June for records the none county, past mid-May or before late July. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak (a rare transient) was found in a Mesa yard July 23 (JM). Individual male Indigo Buntings (casual spring, and summer, early fall visitors) were A Green-tailed Towhee was observed A Green-tailed Towhee at the GWR on the early date of Aug. 27 (MM), providing only the second August for record the county; the species is not usually recorded before Sept. 7. A very early Brewer’s Sparrow was seen at El Mirage Pond July 30 (TC); this species does not usually begin to return for the winter until late August. A singing male county records, county the records, most recent of which was in recorded the same yard in May 2003. An early male Warbler July 26 and remained for an extended stay at least until Aug. 26 (EL,TGs); there have been a dozen previous county but records none for July or August. Hermit Warblers were observed at Rio Salado Aug. 12 (EL,TGs) and in Aug. 23 (BE). Tempe A singing male Am. Redstart was seen in a Tolleson yard June 17 (BG) and an injured female was found in Phoenix n.w. Aug. 25 (P&GH). A yard June discovered in 22 a Tolleson (BG); there have been five previous was heard and seen in a 2006

Blue Jay

17 (EL); there was only one previous June for record the Individual county. at Rio Salado on the late date of June female Townsend’s Warbler was found female Townsend’s and only a few after A mid-May. date of June 3 (PD); there were no previous June for records the county discovered discovered on Mt. Ord on the late A female Yellow-rumped A Warbler was female Yellow-rumped (KR). reported reported at the same time in 2004 Lake, where the species was also date of Aug. 28 at Fountain Hills Aug. 12 at the GWR (RD). An adult Sage Thrasher was seen on the early of June 18 in Encanto Park (MP) and in the lowlands on the unusual dates Individual Am. Robins were observed at this same time a year ago. but several were also reported there number for so early in the season, House Wrens seen at City Morgan Wash Aug. 27 (TC) was a large the lowlands in the Eight county. summer records summer of records this species in was seen in a Scottsdale yard June 18 (AMc); there were no previous Aug. 27 (TC). A Brown Creeper was observed at City Morgan Wash A Red-breasted Nuthatch (an uncommon migrant in the lowlands) October 2005 in a yard in Glendale. in the county was one reported in only previous record only of previous record this species A Scottsdale yard Aug. 1-3 (JBa); the in recent years. reported reported there June 3 & 11 (EL,PD); both species have nested at the HRP only one Thick-billed Kingbird was reported reported at the HRP June 3 (EL) and Only one Tropical Kingbird was Only one Tropical Winter Winter Field Trip Reports

inal Mountain--Wednesday, one of the cabins near the crest, Eichorst, and MAS board members August 16, six of us from we had many female Broad-tailed Cynthia Donald and Jack Follett. Pthe Maricopa Audubon Hummingbirds and a single female Highlights of the day were a female Society birded Pinal Mountain in CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD. We Lazuli Bunting, a bevy of flycatchers, southern Gila County for 8 hours. heard three male Broad-tailed including a Western Wood Pewee, The weather was in the mid 60s Hummingbirds flying over but saw an Olive-sided Flycatcher, and a to low 70s with overcast skies. In none. The Magnificent Hummingbirds Western type Empid that we couldn’t field trip reports total we found 72 species of birds. reported at these feeders last month agree on, plus the to-be-expected In the chaparral at lower altitudes, were absent. At the lower edge Black Phoebe and Say’s Phoebe. Black-chinned Sparrows, Crissal of the Ponderosa belt, we found Another special find was a White- Thrashers and Juniper Titmice were a singing male BLUE-THROATED throated Sparrow. At the Bubbling still singing. However, we could find HUMMINGBIRD. This is one of the Ponds further up the road, a different no Gray Vireos or Scott’s Orioles. more northerly records for this type hatchery run by Arizona Game In the pine, aspen and fir forests at species in Arizona. We also saw no and Fish, our tape playing elicited higher altitudes the large chickadee- flycatchers or thrushes the whole day responses from both a Sora and a nuthatch-warbler flocks typical of (except for a single TOWNSEND’S Virginia Rail, but neither would come migration season were just beginning SOLITAIRE near the Signal Peak road out of hiding to let us see them. to form. They will probably be at entrance). David L. Pearson, School their maximum densities next week. of Life Sciences, Arizona State We were able, as well, to connect the We saw 11 species of warblers, University. call with the bird, when we both heard including all of the nesting or and saw a vigorously singing Summer passage migrant species expected Page Springs--Saturday, Tanager. It was too late in the at higher altitudes this time of September 16 Seven of us had a season for the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, year, except for Yellow-rumped and great time on the Page Springs Fish which is one of the last neotropical Nashville Warblers. Hatchery Field Trip, near Cornville migrants to arrive in Arizona and the on September 16th. Actually there one of the first to leave in the fall. The huge bright orange blossoms of were eleven of us, but only seven of Agaves attracted many hummingbirds us had a great time. No, just kidding, The trip presented some not so on the drier southern slopes near the there were just seven of us and we ordinary species, several of which top of the mountain. At least 80% all had a great time. The weather posed some major ID challenges of these hummingbirds were Rufous was fair and a little warm. It is sort for us all. Our total for the day type and the rest were Broad-tailed, of a quiet time of year for birding. was 36 species. Certainly not the but of the more than 50 individuals Many of our summer species have least pleasurable of our experiences here, we did not see a single adult moved on south, while our wintering that day was the post picnic lunch male of either species. At the species have not yet arrived. With us sharing of apple and peach cobbler crest of Pinal Mountain in the low was a mix of brand new and veteran ala modes for dessert at the Page bushy flowers in open areas as well birders. Our contingent consisted of Springs Restaurant overlooking Oak as at the hummingbird feeders at Lisa Fitzner, Emerson Stiles, Nancy Creek. Herb Fibel.

16 The Cactus Wren•dition photo quiz answers quiz photo Photo Quiz Answers Jim Burns

hen we did warblers last summer, upper mandible looks slightly decurved, This profile fits the Spizella genus-- the point of the quiz was that giving the bird a “Roman-nosed profile.” American Tree, Chipping, Clay-colored, Wshape and structure can be The body is “chesty” looking giving the Brewer’s Field, and Black-chinned. your first clue to identification of birds in overall impression that this is a medium Spizellas typically form small flocks in families of look alike species. Nothing to large sparrow. The tail is long and it is winter which grow in size as springtime bedevils us quite like the sparrow family, obviously rounded at the tip. nears. Three of the Sprizella sparrows, mostly brown and streaky, many of them Chippies, Clay-colored, and Brewer’s, are skulkers, all of them active feeders who Now, flip through your field guide. This amongst our smallest sparrows and are won’t sit and sing for us in wintertime. combination of the six structural features perhaps the most difficult to separate is Aimophila sparrow jizz. The Aimophila from one another in winter plumage. The Many of you are familiar with the term genus includes Bachman’s, Botteri’s, Sibley field guide has an excellent call-out “jizz” as it applies to bird identification. Cassin’s, Rufous-winged, and Rufous- box on their winter identification. This It is thought to be a bastardized acronym crowned. sparrows do not Aimophilous Chipping Sparrow was photographed in for the concept of “general impression and flock up in winter. Many birders consider December, 2002 in Salineno, Texas. shape” used by plane spotters in World their jizz the easiest of the sparrows. This War II Britain to distinguish at a glance Botteri’s Sparrow was photographed in C) Good silhouette, easy genus whether incoming aircraft were allies or the grasslands below Madera Canyon in This third silhouette is an eye-level enemies. A glance is often all we get August, 1998. side profile, much like our first, but the with sparrows, with no chance to observe bird’s head is turned slightly toward the details of field marks or cryptic plumage. Before we leave the Aimophila genus, here are two side-bars to consider. Because of camera. Let’s check out the six details. Sparrows may all be little brown (or gray) their large bills, half the members of the The head certainly has a different shape jobs with stripes, but each of the twelve Ammodramus genus--Baird’s, Grasshopper, than that of our first two. Not flat, not genera in the sparrow family has its own and Henslow’s Sparrows--profile very even rounded, we have to characterize distinctive jizz. This is Kenn Kaufman’s closely to the Aimophila, but these three this as a peaked crown and it this bird a “generic approach” to sparrows from Ammodramus Sparrows have relatively very large-headed appearance. The bill his book, Advanced Birding. You know short, spiky tails. looks tiny and pointed, but remember our “generic” as a product without brand name caveat. Camera angle has given us a or label. The point of this quiz is simply And secondly, what to do with the Five- false sense of this bill’s actual size, and to place each sparrow silhouette into its striped? Originally classified in the genus we know it must be bigger than correct genus, not to give each a species Zonotrichia with the crowned sparrows, in it appears. label. In fact, from the visual information the seventh edition of the A.O.U. checklist given in these silhouettes, Five-striped was placed in the Aimophila This is a big sparrow with a robust, pot- the latter is impossible. genus. Subsequently, in his Sparrows bellied body and a long tail which seems Of The United States And Canada, the to be sharply squared off at the tip. Easy A) Good silhouette, easy genus “sparrow bible,” Jim Rising placed Five- genus? Sure, this is one of the “crowned” Each of our three sparrows is perched in a striped with the Amphispiza. This is sparrows, the Zonotrichia. This genus similar, rather sparrowly pose. Let’s start more information than you needed, but includes White-throated, Golden-crowned, at the top with each and work downward interesting nonetheless. White-Crowned, and Harris’s. And Five- noting our first impressions of six specific striped if your field guide is old enough. details of shape and structure. Alright, B) Tricky silhouette, difficult genus This genus is often found in large flocks I admit I just used the word “details,” The silhouette you see for our second bird quite early in winter. This White-crowned but aren’t details of shape and structure was not a perfect profile like the other Sparrow was photographed at the easier to catch at a glance than details of two. It was taken from slightly above the Gilbert Riparian Area last winter. Our plumage such as “median crown stripe,” bird, giving us a dorsal view. This allows other large sparrow which shares all of “breast streak coalescing into a central us to see the nicely notched tail, a good the Zonotrichia jizz except the peaked spot,” and “wing bars?” That’s what jizz is clue for this genus, but gives us a false crown is Fox Sparrow. Be forewarned all about. sense of this sparrow’s size. the Fox Sparrow has been rumored a Our first quiz silhouette is the best of the We see a rounded crown and a short, likely candidate for splitting into four (!) three, a perfect profiling for diagnostic sharply pointed conical bill, both quite separate species, but they will comprise looks at all six details we need to help different than our Botteri’s. What we the Passerella genus. us in our genus identification. As we probably can’t deduce, even knowing this enumerate them, compare these details is a dorsal view, is that this is a small, Time to get out there and practice. with the correspondent ones in the other skinny little sparrow. Certainly the tail is Learn jizz first and see if you can put your two silhouettes. This first sparrow has shorter, proportionally, than that of the sparrows in their proper genus. Then, a relatively flattened crown. The bill is Aimophilas, and there is that obvious from that baseline, you can start learning quite long, conical to be sure, but the notch at its tip. field marks in their plumage.

Winter 2006 17 Arizona (& vicinity) Christmas Bird Count Map 2006-2007 christmas bird count

18 The Cactus Wren•dition christmas bird count bird christmas Arizona (& vicinity) Christmas Bird Count Schedule 2006-2007

he National Audubon Society has conducted Christmas bird counts since 1900. Volunteers from across North America and beyond take to the field during one calendar day between December 14 and January 5 to record every bird species and individual bird Tencountered within a designated 15-mile diameter circle. These records now comprise an extensive ornithological database that enables monitoring of winter bird populations and the overall health of the environment.

Participants are typically assigned to teams based on their bird identification skill level and endurance. Many counts hold a compilation dinner at the end of the day where results are tabulated and stories shared. A $5.00 participation fee defrays a portion of the cost of tabulating and publishing the overall count results. Help is needed on most of these counts, so find one that interests you and contact the compiler for more information.

Check the website for up to date information. Some of the counts did not have all their information at press time.

Date Day Code Count Name Compiler Phone E-Mail

12/14 Th SV Salt-Verde Rivers Kurt Radamaker 480-837-2446 [email protected] 12/15 Fr BA Buenos Aires NWR Bonnie Swarbrick 520-823-4251 [email protected] 12/16 Sa AV Avra Valley George Montgomery 520-682-8530 [email protected] 12/16 Sa ML Mormon Lake Elaine Morrall 928-526-1022 [email protected] 12/16 Sa NO Nogales Michael Bissontz 520-577-8778 [email protected] 12/16 Sa PY Payson David Hallock 928-474-9475 [email protected] 12/16 Sa PP Puerto Penasco, Sonora, MX Steve Ganley 480-830-5538 [email protected] 12/16 Sa SC Santa Catalina Mountains Bob Bates 520-296-5629 [email protected] 12/16 Sa TI Timber Mesa Jimmy Videle 928-337-2466 [email protected] 12/16 Sa MY Yuma-Mittry Lake Henry Detwiler 928-343-8363 [email protected] 12/17 Su CH Chino Valley Russell Duerksen 928-925-5567 [email protected] 12/17 Su JE Jerome-Cottonwood Betsy Feinberg 928-203-0676 [email protected] 12/17 Su PA Patagonia Thomas Arny 520-394-0146 [email protected] 12/17 Su TV Tucson Valley Susan Birky 520-743-9390 [email protected] 12/18 Mo EL Elfrida Tom Wood 520-432-1388 [email protected] 12/19 Tu PT Phoenix-Tres Rios 12/22 Fr SD Saint David Tom Wood 520-432-1388 [email protected] 12/23 Sa CP Ajo-Cabeza Prieta NWR Curt McCasland 520-387-4992 [email protected] 12/23 Sa SE Sedona 12/27 We GR Gila River Troy Corman 602-482-6187 [email protected] 12/28 Th GV Green Valley-Madera Canyon Reid Freeman 520-625-9895 [email protected] 12/28 Th HV Havasu NWR Norma Miller 520-578-1399 [email protected] 12/29 Fr BW Bill Williams River NWR Kathleen Blair 928-667-4144 [email protected] 12/29 Fr SP Sierra Pinta-Cabeza Prieta NWR David Griffin 505-382-2080 [email protected] 12/30 Sa DV Dudleyville Tracy McCarthey 602-451-4179 [email protected] 12/30 Sa FL Flagstaff-Mount Elden Terry Blows 928-774-8028 [email protected] 12/30 Sa PO Portal Larry Gates 520-558-1020 [email protected] 12/30 Sa RC Ramsey Canyon Ted Mouras 520-803-0221 [email protected] 12/31 Su CV Camp Verde Betsy Feinberg 928-203-0676 [email protected] 12/31 Su PM Peloncillo Mountains, NM Alan Craig 520-558-2220 [email protected] 1/2 Tu CF Carefree Walter Thurber 480-483-6450 [email protected] 1/3 We GC Glen Canyon John Spence 928-608-6267 [email protected] 1/4 Th SR Superior Cynthia Donald 480-283-4515 [email protected] Unknown HR Hassayampa River Unknown PS Pipe Spring Natl. Monument Andrea Bornemeier 928-643-7105 [email protected] Unknown PR Prescott wt: 10/1/06

Winter 2006 19 miscellaneous

This publication is printed on recycled paper.recycled on printed is publication This to and author original the to credited is material the as long as newsletters other on reprinted be may in material article, the in explicitly stated Unless material of Reprinting Society.Audubon Maricopa the or Society Audubon National the of policy the reflect necessarily not do newsletter this in authors by expressed opinions The Opinions [email protected] to: E-mail issue. upcoming the in appear not may deadlines the by received not Articles 1. October and 1, July 1, April 15, January preferred)by not is however,this double-spaced; and typed or diskette, computer on be (may e-mail, for Copy Submissions at chair,Jack Membership call chapter our in membership your freeze to or change address Summer/Winter Dr.,SecretariatFor Tempe,85284. AZ E 1520 at Follett Jack to send and Society”) Audubon “Maricopa to For to e-mailed be can changes Address 1-800-274-4201. call status, and changes membership For Follett. Chair,Jack Membership to: Society Audubon National to payable order money or check send memberships the of issues quarterly and Magazine Audubon of issues bi-monthly receive members National Society. Audubon Maricopa the and Society Audubon National the in membership to you entitles Yourmembership National detail more for announcements and notes Information--see Membership p.m. 6:00 at starting Course), Golf Hills Rolling the (at TempeAvenue, Tee,Mill Pete’s19th N. at 1405 held are April) through at site web our out check or questions, any have you if member board a contact Please place. meeting the to you directing signs be will there and DBG, the to entry and lot parking main the off just located is Hall Dorrance at website DBG the see please map, a For Zoo. Phoenix the of north mile 1/4 approximately is This Arizona. Parkway,Phoenix, Galvin North 1201 at located is Tempe.DBG The in Club Country Shalimar at May in banquet annual our for except (DBG), Garden Botanical Desert the at Hall, Dorrance is place meeting Our p.m. 7:30 April, through September month, Tuesdaythe First of Meetings Monthly Time-dated material; do not delay! not do material; Time-dated 85060-5451 AZ Phoenix, P.O.15451 Box Society Audubon Maricopa Foreign: add $10 in US funds US in $10 add Foreign: rate Basic rate student or Citizen Senior Introductory rate for new members new for rate Introductory Wren-dition The Cactus Wren-dition Cactus The www.maricopaaudubon.org ...... Cactus Wren-dition Cactus 480-897-798 subscriptions only--$20/year (Make your check payable check your (Make only--$20/year subscriptions m 8 [email protected] or . . For all new National Audubon National new all For ...... must be received by the editor by editor the by received be must [email protected] Cactus Wren-dition Cactus The Cactus Wren*diton Cactus The ...... Pre-meeting dinners (October dinners Pre-meeting . www.dbg.org/ The Cactus Wren*dition Cactus The g . m Editor, Deva Burns. Editor,Deva . . $35/year $15/year $20/year .

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