The CactusNotes Wren•dition & Announcements

Volume LX1, No. 4 Winter 2010-2011

Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Photo by Marceline Van der Water Programs 2010

December 7, 2010 Feb 1, 2011 Dr. John Alcock Discover the Doug Moore, Andean virtues of returning to the same Adventure: Hummingbirds, place repeatedly to really get Orchids, Butterflies, People. to know the nature of change Join TAS field trip leaders, Sally in the desert. Dr. John Alcock Johnsen and Doug Moore, for is Professor Emeritus at ASU a presentation of birds and specializing in Animal Behavior and the evolution of diversity in Insect Mating Systems. He will

events & programs have copies of his new book for sale and will graciously sign them. Webster Auditorium

Committees/Support January 4, 2011 Arizona Audubon Council Reps Dr. Gerald Rosenthal, Herb Fibel Sonoran Desert Life: [email protected] Understanding, Insights, Bob Witzeman [email protected] and Enjoyment Dr. Gerald A. Purple-throated Woodstar Emerson Stiles Rosenthal, Scottsdale resident Photo courtesy of Arthur Morris [email protected] and retired Professor of Biological nature in the Andes Mountains Book Store Sciences and Toxicology, Mel Bramley spent a decade observing and of northern Ecuador. About the 480 969-9893 documenting the flora and fauna size of Arizona, Ecuador has one of the greatest biodiversities on Hospitality of the Sonoran Desert. He has David Chorlton compiled his knowledge into an earth, including 25,000 plants 602-253-5055 informative and lavishly illustrated species and 1600 bird species. The country boasts 130 species Web Page field guide with an emphasis on Kurt Radamaker of hummingbirds and more orchid 480.837-2446 species than anywhere else! The [email protected] program explores habitats and life Maricopa Audubon web site in the west and east cordilleras http://www.maricopaaudubon.org of the Andes flanking the capitol of Quito, from Tropical Cloud Maricopa Audubon Phone 480-829-8209 Forest to Páramo Alpine Tundra. The audience will also see local “Man’s greatest joy is to teach the people working to conserve their love of nature.” Anon lands and live sustainably with An Investment in the Future nature to provide a heritage for Bequests are an important source of their children. Doug Moore is a support for the Maricopa Audubon Society. Photo by Scott Davies naturalist and photographer/artist/ Your chapter has dedicated itself to the illustrator living near Saguaro protection of the natural world through public education and advocacy for the wiser use botany. Dr. Rosenthal will share National Park West outside and preservation of our land, water, air and some of his many images that Tucson, Arizona. Sally Johnsen other irreplaceable natural resources. are part of his research and runs Andean Adventure tours. You can invest in the future of our natural stitch together fragments of the Webster Auditorium world by making a bequest in your will to vast web of life of this unique the Maricopa Audubon Society. Talk to your ecosystem. attorney for more information on how this can be accomplished. Webster Auditorium

Camera: Canon Rebel XTI, Canon Macro Lens EF 100mm F2.8 Milbert’s Tortoiseshell - Nymphalis milberti on Western Sneezeweed – Dugaldia hoopesii (synonym: Helenium hoopesii) 2 The Cactus Wren•dition president’s message president’s President’s Message Mark W. Larson ast week (the end of September) I All this leads me to state that we have a was up on the Mogollon Rim and I great Chapter, an organization that is worth Lsuggested to a passing hiker that, your time and involvement, worthy of your for those of us who live in the Valley of the investment, and deserving of your interest. Sun, summer is our winter. Most of you The Maricopa Audubon Society’s legacy will recognize that for much of the country of conservation achievements is on-going— winter is the season with the fewest there are still worthwhile battles to fight and outdoor activities and the most time we are and will be in the midst of them. spent indoors. In the Sonoran Desert, the To accomplish these ends we need you! reverse is true. We need you to encourage the young The few recent days of brutal hundred people you know to care about the natural degree plus temperatures serve to world and to live their lives helping to illustrate this point, but we are now protect it. We need you to talk to your entering our more salutary season: the families, your friends, and your neighbors time when summer birds depart for the about the importance of the natural world Neotropics and winter birds, including to us and to future generations. And, I snowbirds, arrive, and the time when the Mark W. Larson encourage each of you to strengthen your activities of Maricopa Audubon reactivate personal connection to nature. Research as well. Herb Fibel holds his exemplary “Big Sit” in October is now showing that one’s links to the natural world can pay to raise money for the Chapter, our monthly meetings are well substantial dividends for mental and even physical health. attended, and there is a field trip almost every week. Many of us I sincerely hope that you will become an active member of are getting ready for Christmas Bird Counts in December Maricopa Audubon and, if you are already active, that you will and January. become even more so!

Audubon Taps Noted Conservation & Communications Leader as New President new york ny –embargoed until 2 pm et 29 july 2010 organization grow from $52M to $117M in revenue. He is also The National Audubon Society today announced that President of the organization’s Action Fund, its political action David Yarnold has been named its new President and Chief arm. Executive Officer, giving new momentum to efforts to connect “Audubon’s mission has never been more relevant. From people with nature and their power to protect it. A passionate the grassroots to state houses to national and regional policy, conservationist, Yarnold currently serves as Executive Director its wingspan is unparalleled,” Yarnold said. “I’m excited by the of Environmental Defense Fund and President of Environmental opportunity to work with a nationwide network of Audubon Defense Action Fund. Prior to that, he was a Pulitzer Prize- Chapters and Audubon Centers that combine local concern, winning editor at the San Jose Mercury News. knowledge and action to equal conservation that makes “David brings proven leadership in the for-profit and non-profit a difference on a grand scale. It will be an honor lead an sectors to Audubon at a time when efforts to protect birds, organization whose name has meant ‘trust’ and ‘conservation habitats and the resources that sustain us are needed more achievement’ for more than a hundred years.” than ever;” said Holt Thrasher, Audubon’s Board Chair. “His Yarnold’s San Jose Mercury News was consistently ranked as leadership ability, his passion for conservation and grassroots one of America’s 10 Best Newspapers. His paper was called, action, his communications skills and his organizational “America’s Boldest Newspaper” by a panel of international expertise all make him the perfect fit for the Audubon of 2010 judges. During his time in San Jose, the Mercury News was and beyond.” widely recognized for its commitment to diversity and for its “David is a boundary-crosser, the kind of flexible thinker in-depth coverage of technology. He was also one of three and values-based executive that a complex conservation and Pulitzer Prize finalists for editorial writing in 2005. fundraising landscape demands right now,” Thrasher said. “For me, going to Audubon is like going home. Community- “He shares Audubon’s traditional passion for birds and its based education and action that breeds broader changes has visionary understanding that helping people to protect them will always been engaging and rewarding for me and those are the safeguard our own future as well. I have no doubt that David things Audubon does best,” Yarnold said. will lead Audubon in expanding its reach to new audiences and He will assume the Presidency of Audubon on Sept 1. elevating its conservation successes to new heights.” Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with Yarnold has been at EDF since April 2005, where he is birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Its responsible for all operations, from programs, to development national network of community-based nature centers, Chapters, and marketing/communications. He helped expand EDF’s and scientific, education, and advocacy programs engage innovative corporate partnerships work, focused on EDF’s millions of people from all walks of life in conservation actions to international programs, particularly in China, and helped the protect and restore the natural world. www.audubon.org.

Winter 2010 3 Notes & Announcements

Flagged Shorebirds the avian population. Guests are invited to checking off “Green” choices this fall! If your Although not common in our area, please be share in the responsibilities of supporting the employer does not yet include environmental/ aware of color-flagged Hudsonian Godwits, avian program. They can assist in nest-box conservation groups, please contact Laine Whimbrels, and any other shorebird species building, maintenance and feeding as well Seton at the Environmental Fund for Arizona: which you notice have color bands. You can as trail building and signage. A percentage [email protected] or (480) 510-5511. also contact Dave Krueper, Ass’t. Nongame of each cabana rental will be donated to the Migratory Bird Coordinator, US Fish and CASA center to assist with medical and other Credit Card Wildlife Service, PO Box 1306, Albuquerque, expenses related to the management of the The American Birding Association has NM 87103, (505) 248-6877 or facility. Casa also organizes day-long tours negotiated an agreement with US Bank to [email protected] that in addition to an educational and scientific provide ABA members a distinctive US BANK focus can include bird-watching, horseback VISA Card. Using your card will not only Unwanted Catalogs riding, cave tubing and visiting archeological show your connection to ABA and birding but

announcements Is your mailbox full of unwanted mail? Catalog and World Heritage Sites in Belize and also, at no additional cost to you, provide a works collaboratively with the catalog Guatemala. For more information, call 707-974- contribution to ABA. If interested, contact www. industry to embrace voluntary measures to 4942 or visit americanbirding. reduce unwanted mail by honoring your mail www.casacaballoblanco.com. preferences. Catalog Choice has become The Dovetail Directory a significant consumer voice in the direct Land of the Quetzal (www.dovetailbirding.com): The Directory is mail industry. Nearly 200 catalog mailers Rich Kern and his brother, Jim, are looking an online catalogue of world birding tours, and are participating in Catalog Choice, and this for twenty partners to join us in the purchase our goal is to help birders locate that special number grows every day. Please go to http:// of the 486 acre parcel, which is adjacent birding tour, to any of 85 countries around www.catalogchoice.org/pages/merchants to to Los Quetzales National Park and across the world. This is a free service. There are no reduce the mailing of unwanted catalogs. the Savegre River from Los Santos National hidden costs or surcharges. Tours are offered Preserve in Costa Rica. Preserving an at the operators price. In addition to tours, E-mail Alert System important piece of quetzal habitat is a big part the Directory also carries a comprehensive Maricopa Audubon Society has established of our motivation in choosing the Savegre tract; inventory of birding-related books. For your an e-mail alert system to notify members the area is one of the best places to see this further convenience we maintain a North of upcoming events and activities. E-mail beautiful bird. Besides birds, it is also possible American, toll-free number (877) 881-1145, addresses were obtained from both the to see puma, ocelot, the little margay, jaguar and someone will always happy to take “Friends of Maricopa Audubon” roster and and tapir. Half of the shares for the project your call. the National Audubon roster. There were have been spoken for. If you would like more several addresses that were returned, most information and a copy of the DVD please Shade-grown Coffee likely because the e-mail addresses were not contact Rich Kern at [email protected]. If you are searching for a source to purchase updated. If you would like to be included in or (N.B. The Kern brothers project is independent shade-grown coffee and haven’t been removed from this notification system, please from Audubon.) successful, try ABA Sales. They carry seven let Laurie Nessel know at, laurie@laurienessel. kinds of Song Bird Coffee. For information com. The list will only be used for the stated MAS member, Charles Babbitt, will have an call 800-634-7736. Also, Trader Joe’s carries purpose and not sold or used for any article about his year long quest to find all 13 shade grown coffee, as does Sunflower Market. other reason. Arizona owl species in the upcoming February Another source is Toucanet Coffee/Avian 2011 edition of Birder’s World.Magazine. Ecologist. They are in the business of serving Birding Community E-Bulletin Smithsonian certified, bird-friendly coffee. All A monthly bulletin with rare bird sightings and Book Store Selections of their varieties are organic and shade grown. other birding information. If you would like We now have a selection of books on birding They also have fair trade varieties. Please visit to be put on the monthly emailing list please topics for adults and children alike. Remember www.toucanetcoffee.com for more information contact either Wayne Petersen (Director that Friends of Maricopa Audubon members about their goals or to place an order. The of the Massachusetts Important Bird Areas get a 10% discount and that your purchase website also includes an online community for Program) at 718-259-2178 or wpetersen@ helps to support our event, education and bird and/or coffee lovers. They invite you to massaudubon.org or Paul Baicich at 410-992- conservation efforts. join. Another website for shade grown/organic 9736 or [email protected]. They never coffee is www.cafebritt.com. An additional sell the recipient list and you will receive a lot Arizona Watchable WildlifeTourism website is Thanksgiving Coffee Co–www. of interesting information. Association (AWWTA) thanksgivingcoffee.com or 800-648-6491. Check out their website for events around the And another from Kenn Kaufman is www. Casa Del Caballo Blanco state--www.azwildlife.com birdsandbeans.com EcoLodge — Belize A new six-cabana, eco-friendly accommodation Museum of Northern Arizona More Birding and Nature Festivals in Belize - Casa del Caballo Blanco is a They sponsor Venture trips that explore and www.americanbirding.org. and 23-acre former ranch 9.5 miles from the discover the Colorado Plateau www.birdinghotspot.com Guatemalan border near San Ignacio. It also in the Four Corners area. For more shelters the not-for-profit Casa Avian Support information contact Lisa Lamberson Alliance (CASA) http://www.casaavian.org/. at 928-774-5211 x241 or Su bm i ss ions Its purpose is to understand and support [email protected]. Do you have an interesting story to the biodiversity of Belize that attracts and tell about birding? Please forward your sustains over 530 species of migratory and Environmental Fund submissions to the Editor – Emily Morris. resident birds spotted in a given year. Jodi Green At Work--Thousands of employees Check the back page for address/email. and Vance Benté, owners of the property, can now support Maricopa Audubon Society Attaching an article to an e-mail is the also established The Alliance whose motto is: (MAS) in their annual fall charity campaign. The absolute easiest way to submit an article. “Birds are the farmers of the world - help us to Environmental Fund for Arizona get thousands Please send any pictures to complement help them continue to sow their seeds.” Their of Arizona employees involved with our group your article directly to me as well. Remember, work has been undertaken in cooperation with and many other conservation groups through all articles may not be published the first the Government of Belize’s efforts to protect payroll deduction workplace campaigns. month after receipt. critical habitat, the loss of which threatens Help spread the word at your office about 4 The Cactus Wren•dition Congratulations to Audubon! editor the from Emily Morris he more I work and volunteer for Audubon, the That evening, I joined the rest of the Audubon Arizona prouder I am to be part of such a wonderful staff at Valley Forward’s Environmental Excellence Torganization. Saturday, October 2nd was a truly Awards dinner. Please read the article below to learn amazing day for Audubon! more about Audubon’s successes! I felt so honored to have worked with Audubon volunteers in the morning to I started off the day with the first of our multi-chapter teach kids about the Sonoran Desert and follow that in scouting program, with 15 very excited Cub Scouts. the evening by being part of the team that received Valley Though we hope to have groups of up to 60 kids for the Forward’s top award. Congratulations, everyone! programs in the coming months, 15 was a good number for a test run. With the help of several enthusiastic On one last quick note, I would like to put in a personal volunteers, we worked together to teach the kids how request for everyone to consider joining in on the Chapter to use binoculars, make a bird feeder and identify birds Round-up (details on page 10). Even if you only come along the Rio Salado. It was a fun morning, and I’m for one program or one night, I think you will be inspired looking forward to our future Scouting events! to be a part of this program that brings Southwestern Audubon chapters together. Nina Mason Rio Salado Audubon Center Recieves Valley Forward Association Award

—Valley Forward Press Release n Saturday, October 2nd, Valley Forward Association gave its highest honor to the Nina OMason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, the President’s Award for Special Achievement in Environmental Excellence.

In making the award, Valley Forward noted that “the Center illustrates how innovative design, thoughtful construction, exciting educational programs, and a community committed to the environment can work together r to create an educational and environmental success story.” more than an amazing physical structure that epitomizes For over forty years, Valley Forward Association has environmental design.” One of the Center’s education worked to bring business and civic leaders together to programs, Water’s Changing Journey, received an Award convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and of Merit for outstanding environmental education. to promote cooperative efforts to improve the environment and livability of Valley communities. Valley Forward’s We are grateful to so many supporters for helping us get annual Environmental Excellence Awards program is to this point. We especially acknowledge the Nina Mason Arizona’s oldest and largest environmental competition. Pulliam Charitable Trust, whose leadership gift made it This year marks the competition’s thirtieth anniversary. possible for us to launch our Center capital campaign Over 700 people attended Saturday’s awards program. with critical momentum and whose continued support has given us a tremendous boost in our first two years In addition to the President’s Award, Valley Forward of operations. We also want to specially thank our past also recognized the Nina Mason Pulliam Río Salado Board Chair Lori Singleton and our friends at SRP, whose Audubon Center with a prestigious Crescordia award leadership and generosity are evidenced in ways too in the buildings and structures category. The awards many to number-solar arrays, exhibits, financial support, committee noted that the Audubon Center “represents far help with events, expertise, volunteers-the list goes on!

Winter 2010 5 Maricopa Audubon Society Field Trips Mike Plagens Dec - Feb 2011 by email. Founded by naturalist and benefit the Environmental Education field trip chairperson Mike Plagens, Center at Veterans Oasis Park. Car Pooling: Please make every membership is easy, free and open to Difficulty 1. No reservations. Meet 9 am effort to organize your own carpool; those who have an interest in the flora, at the Curve-billed Thrasher Ramada consolidate vehicles at meeting places fauna, and ecology of Arizona. Not just just north of the parking lot. VOP is on and/or contact leaders for car pooling a trip listing, view the website for trip the north east corner of Lindsay and assistance. It is recommended that reports, flora and fauna databases, Chandler Heights Blvd.

field trips passengers reimburse drivers 10 cents maps, links to google earth including Leader: Laurie Nessel per mile. Be courteous to the trip Gilbert Water ranch, and photos. Trips leader and help cover their gas costs. focus on plants, animals, mycology, Sunday, Jan 9 geology, biology, entomology, Desert Plants and Animals at Limit: Maximum number of participants herpetology, ecology, paleontology, Veterans Oasis Park (VOP). per field trip. Please call early to make birding, anthropology or microbiology. See description for Dec. 5th. No your reservations. Share expenses, experiences and reservations. Difficulty 1 expertise with like-minded travelers. Leaders: Laurie Nessel Difficulty Levels 1 through Proposed trips should include a brief 5: 1 equals very low level of exertion, description of the destination, ways, Monday, Jan 10 short walking distance, considerable means, purpose, hiking difficulty, Route 60, off the beaten path: birding from vehicle and possible departure location, date and time. We’ll leave Gilbert about 7am to multiple birding stops. 5 equals very Drivers and riders will negotiate head straight to Oak Flat, a few miles high level of difficulty with respect between themselves any shared beyond Superior, then work our way to exertion. Longer hiking distances expenses, but it is recommended are expected with possible steep back, skipping the birding hot spot that riders at least cover the cost of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum! trails. Trips are level 1 unless noted of gas. Users can share via e-mail otherwise. Other stops will include Queen Valley questions and experiences they have and probably the “Electric Park” in encountered while hiking through the Mesa. These various environments Reminders: wonders of Arizona’s landscapes. • Be courteous to the trip leader and should give us a nice collection of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/az_ avian desert residents at different help cover their gas costs. nature_fldtrips/ • Wear neutral colored clothing and elevations. Expect to return to Gilbert about 2pm. No entrance fees at this sturdy walking shoes. Friday, Nov 26 • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, head time. Limited to 8 people. Please Rackensack Wash: What better way protection and water. register. is there to burn off that extra slice of • Avoid wearing bright colors. Leader: Kathe Anderson kathe. pie than to go birding? Hike along • Always bring your binoculars. [email protected]. Bring a scope if recommended. Rackensack Wash up stream and then • Submit trip and leader suggestions down from the Seven Springs Road. Saturday, Jan 15 to the field trip chair. Trail start is about 5 miles n. of Bartlet Gilbert Water Ranch: The variety of • Unless stated otherwise, Lake turn off. Some migrants can be birds and number of rarities that have reservations are required. expected in the cottonwoods and been sighted in this reclaimed waste willows along the riparian stretches water facility has made this location *Day Passes Required for National and many desert species in chaparral one of the best and famous birding Forests. Many favorite spots in our areas. Meet 7:00AM @ at Fry’s parking locations in Maricopa County. Rare National Forests now require Day lot, at the SE corner of Tatum & Shea sightings have included Groove-billed Use Passes. You are responsible to Blvd., Phoenix. Difficulty 2+ Ani, Streak-backed Oriole, Harris’ acquire a day pass ($6) in advance of Leader: Mike mjplagens@arizonensis. Sparrow, and Prairie Warbler. But the field trips with an asterisk (*). Passes org or 602-459-5224 for reservations. species we should see in the ponds, are available by phone or mail, at FS fields, and desert trees include Long- district and ranger offices, Big 5, some Sunday, Dec 5 billed Dowitcher, Canada Goose, Circle K’s, the Shell station at Tom Desert Plants and Animals at Gadwall, Orange-crowned Warbler, Darlington and Cave Creek Road and Veterans Oasis Park (VOP): A Wilson’s Snipe, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, elsewhere. Visit http://www.fs.fed. morning walk that explores the plants and Peach-faced Lovebird. Meet at us/r3/tonto/tp/where.shtml for more and animals of the desert and wetland the entrance to the preserve from the information. habitats at Veterans Oasis Park. Bring parking lot, east of the library, at the binoculars (close focus are best for southeast corner of Greenfield and Impromptu Field Trips: Post your insect viewing), water, good walking Guadalupe Roads, at 7:30 A.M. Scope own outings or get notified of others shoes, and a hat. The walks are not is helpful. Difficulty: 1.. planned field trips on short notice. fast-paced, and the terrain is easy. Leader: Richard Kaiser at (602) Also get reminders of MAS field trips There is a suggested $5 donation to 276-3312 or [email protected]. 6 The Cactus Wren•dition Maricopa Audubon Society Field Trips Mike Plagens field trips field Saturday, Jan 29 Mittry north of Yuma. On Saturday before heading to the Salton Sea for Gila River & Arlington Valley: We Morning we will look for birdlife and late afternoon/dusk birding. We’ll stay will meet at 6:30 AM in Goodyear other wildlife around the lake and overnight in Calipatria and explore and car pool to key birding spots in nearby Colorado River. Breaking camp the Salton Sea Visitor Center and the Arlington Valley west of SR-85. by noon, we will continue west to surrounding areas on Monday morning Prepare for early morning chill, wear Salton Sea State Rec. Area and set before making the long trip back to good shoes, bring water and small camp again. Birding along lake before AZ, arriving about 6:30pm. Expenses snack. Spotting scopes a plus. We will return on Sunday. Expenses include include sharing gasoline, hotel (about sharing gasoline,packing own food and see raptors, sparrows, and shorebirds $90 for a double), and a couple of camp gear, and possibly a couple of on the agricultural fields. At ponds and meals out at very reasonable prices. No flooded fields a wide variety of egrets, meals out at very reasonable prices. entrance fees at this time. Limited to 8 ducks, and ibis are likely. Limit 10. Difficulty 2 Limited to 8 people. . people. Difficulty 1.Please register. Reservations required. Difficulty 2 Leader: Mike Plagens, mjplagens@ Leader: Kathe Anderson kathe. Leader: Dave Powell (info & arizonensis.org or 602-459-5224 for reservations w/Mike mjplagens@ reservations. [email protected]. arizonensis.org /602-459-5224). Sun-Monday, Feb 6 & 7 Sunday, Feb 13 Fri-Sunday, Feb 4, 5, & 6 Salton Sea, California: A short trip Desert Plants and Animals at Salton Sea, California: A camping to the Salton Sea is better than no Veterans Oasis Park (VOP). version of Kathe’s trip (see next desc.). trip at all. This will be a full 2 day trip See description for Dec. 5th. No Friday at 5pm we will convene at to CA, stopping at Cibola National reservations. Difficulty 1 rough, dispersed campsite near Lake Wildlife Refuge on the Colorado River Leaders: Laurie Nessel

Book Review: Birds of Southeastern Arizona by Richard Cachor Taylor Reviewed by Cynthia Donald

ot off the press, Birds of a selection of cities, towns Southeastern Arizona by Rick Taylor and popular birding locales for His a great field guide to birds you geographic context. “Resident” can expect to find in, well, southeastern species, birds that breed in this Arizona. And make no mistake about it – part of Arizona, have a purple bar this is a true field guide, capable of being graph; “Migrant” species pass easily slipped into a pocket or daypack. through this part of Arizona in Rick includes photos and species accounts migration and have a yellow bar for over 400 species of birds (almost half graph; “Winter” and “Summer” the number of species found in the United species refer to the obvious States and Canada) which occur in an area with blue and red bar graphs, comprising less than one percent of the respectively; “Year-Round” species, land area of North America. with lilac bar graphs, are not known Starting with an introduction and “how to breed in this part of Arizona. to identify birds” section, the book quickly delves into The second is Rick’s inclusion of a “Noteworthy” section its specialty –southeastern Arizona. Rick identifies and in most species accounts. This provides interesting discusses ten habitats found in this part of the State reading and insight into many species. For example, and includes references to specific birding areas within the “Noteworthy” section for Green Heron (Butorides each type. Not content with only providing descriptions virescens) states, “Green Herons drop food into water and discussing similar species, voice, status, habitat and to attract small fish and other aquatic prey.” And for behavior, Rick has created two unique features for Northern Shoveler, “In winter Northern Shoveler is the most this book. abundant duck in Arizona.” So, you can take this wonderful The first is Rick’s use of an elevation chart to show little book in the field and enjoy reading it while exploring season and altitudes where selected species can be southeast Arizona. I’d recommend this book to everyone found. He not only lists elevations but also incorporates who has an interest in birds that can be found in Arizona! Winter 2010 7 Field Trip Review – Huachuca Highlands, July 18 and 19, 2010 Mike Plagens las, it was the middle of July the Border Patrol able to identify in southeastern Arizona, presence here. We Bridled Titmouse, Awhich brings forth at least felt puzzled when Hepatic Tanager, and two situations. One is our summer we learned that Acorn Woodpecker. monsoon rains, which we did experience a border fence is Abundant species on Saturday, but which did not affect unable to be built were Spotted our birding. The other is identifying between Mexico Towhee, American juvenile birds, which are tough to do, and National Park Robin, Yellow-eyed especially with flycatchers, which we Service property. Junco, and Black- most encountered in Carr Canyon. But But the views and headed Grosbeak. Western Kingbird field trip review birding in the famous canyons of southern cool breeze from Photo by Joy Dolhanczyk Western Wood- Arizona, south of Sierra Vista and close to the overlook and the Pewee and Cassin’s the border, always make for an enjoyable Coronado Peak trail Kingbird were two of escape from the Phoenix heat, with were quite memorable. the flycatchers we did identify. numerous good sightings. We decided to spend the late afternoon A late morning stop at Ash Canyon En route to Sierra Vista, we decided in Ash Canyon, and the bed and (Mary Jo stresses one admission/ to stop at the Sweetwater Wetlands, breakfast property of Mary Jo Ballator, a donation is good for 24 hours) produced right near Interstate 10 in Tucson. It was location I always like to show new birders no new bird species, but just continued late morning when we arrived, so the or first-time visitors. The semicircle of admiration at the ability to sit back and temperature was around 100 degrees, chairs around the numerous hummingbird watch birds! but the facility has lots of shade from feeders provided us sightings of several tall trees. The avian highlight here was a Broad-billed, Anna’s, and Black-chinned The next canyon to visit was Miller, one beautiful male Ruddy Duck (in breeding Hummingbirds, as well as a single Lucifer “up”, or north, from Ash, and south of plumage), but we also saw Killdeer, Hummingbird, a rare species to Arizona, Carr. On Beatty’s Bed and Breakfast Black-necked Stilt, Cliff Swallow and but an annual resident of this property. property, we were shown a few of the Abert’s Towhees. Mammals frequently There was also an Anna’s x Lucifer (Ransey Canyon) Leopard Frogs by Edith provide the most excitement on field hummingbird hybrid visiting the feeders. Beatty, and we talked with Tom Beatty, trips, and, here, an animal that dropped Other bird species viewed from the chairs Sr. at the Controlled Access Site (CAS). in the water from a on the patio of Mary Attracted to his numerous hummingbird lily pad or on heavy Jo’s home included feeders here, we were able to add vegetation in a pond White-winged Dove, the White-eared, Blue-throated and was determined to Blue Grosbeak, Magnificent species. The leucistic Black- be a badger. I had Ladder-backed chinned, and the Berylline, the latter not realized that this Woodpecker, White- which liked the hair that Tom had hung animal occurs in the breasted Nuthatch, for its nesting, were not observed during desert, and around Black-headed our visit. The sun was quite warm, yet we water. Grosbeak, Bewick’s had an interesting talk with Tom Beatty, Wren, and Brown- Jr., and the crossing of illegal immigrants After lunch in headed Cowbird. A coming near, or passing through, Yellow-eyed Junco Sierra Vista, during Canyon Towhee on their property, and so their frequent Photo by Joy Dolhanczyk which occurred a the concrete patio encounters with the Border Patrol. thunderstorm with was real close to us. heavy rain, we traveled south along State We were surprised at the large quantity A mid-afternoon stop at Ramsey Canyon Route 92 to the turnoff to Coronado of House Finches. A couple of Mule Deer was to only admire their bookstore/gift National Memorial. This was a first-time appeared in the yard to also eat, but Mary shop, and confirm that the Whiskered visitation to this historic location, so we Jo chases them as they consume too Screech Owl that nested in a tree in the stopped for a perusal inside the visitor much food. Activity slowed during a rain parking lot a couple of years ago, is no center; unfortunately, the bird feeders shower, but it was still a nice place to sit longer there. We also missed the Violet- once outside the picture window, and and admire, and smell the rain! On the crowned Hummingbird that came to a mentioned in southeastern Arizona birding drive out, we spotted six Wild Turkey, also feeder outside a bookstore window; it guides, are no longer there. We did hear resident to the area. was learned that the bird nested nearby, Mexican Jays around the building. The which is very rare for this canyon. road continues to the top of Montezuma The next morning, we took the drive up to Pass, which at an elevation of 6,575 the higher-elevation campgrounds in Carr It was again a very pleasant and feet, offers views of the San Pedro River Canyon. I spotted a Sonoran Mountain enjoyable field trip to the Huachucas and Valley to the east, and San Rafael Valley Kingsnake crossing the dirt road, and all the canyons in southeastern Arizona. I to the west. Although hearing and seeing of us admired this colorful, non-venomous suspect the enticement will come again Canyon Wrens, including a nest location, reptile. Wandering through for another visit in June or July of was impressive, we talked much about the campgrounds and forest, we were next year.

8 The Cactus Wren•dition Hog Island Renewal Underway renewal island hog

fter last summer’s dormancy, well as New Brunswick. A total of 13 success. Maine Audubon has continued Audubon’s Hog Island has Audubon Chapters, garden clubs and to lend its help in getting the island ready Aenjoyed a vital reawakening, ornithology groups sponsored a total of for the summer, by reinstalling the water hosting service and educational programs 32 participants. Twelve of the 15 teen line, tending to the Island’s generator, on this beautiful setting in Maine’s campers received scholarships including reinstalling the floats and ramps and Muscongus Bay. Programs this year two from the American Birding Association servicing the sewage system. They were operated under Project Puffin (which and four from the National Fish and helped by staff from that splendid Maine is part of National Audubon Society’s Wildlife Foundation through a grant to institution Camp Kieve, whose boat the Science Division). There were three the Audubon Education Department. We Snow Goose transported participants sessions - all focusing on birds. The first were also very fortunate to have Chef Janii to various sites. Our programs also was a five day service learning session Laberge return to the Island to work his benefitted from the assistance and operated in conjunction with Exploritas culinary magic, keeping all the participants counsel of the Cornell Hotel School whose (formerly Elderhostel and now Road well-fed and energetic. faculty and students helped with marketing Scholar). The program was entitled and evaluation. ‘Maine Seabird Biology and Conservation’. None of these programs would have Twenty-four participants took part in the succeeded without the support of our All in all, it was a wonderful summer on program, the highlight of which was a dedicated volunteers, the Friends of Hog Hog Island as participants, staff and census of the eider and gull population on Island. A total of 32 Friends signed on Friends all rediscovered the unique magic Audubon’s Ross Island. for one or more work sessions, donating of that special place and enjoyed the Our second session was titled ‘Joy of a total of about 1,300 hours of work. wonders, complexities and beauty of the Birding’ which featured Pete Dunne, In addition to preparing the camp for surrounding bird-life. I feel strongly that Peter Vickery, Chris Lewey and other occupancy, Friends also assisted during this summer’s activities, supported by notable instructors. We had a total of 52 each of the programs by helping in the the partnership of so many groups and participants in this session. Our third kitchen, the camp store and taking care of agencies, recaptured a vision for the week of June programming was ‘Field various maintenance issues. They scraped future use and mission of this supremely Ornithology and Coastal Maine Birding and painted trim on most of the buildings, significant ornithological resource. for Teens.’ A total of 44 adult and 15 revitalized island gardens, hung flower Certainly that future will present new avid teens attended this session (the boxes on anything that stood still and programmatic, structural and financial largest group in Hog Island history) which most importantly, greeted the participants challenges but I feel confident that those featured Kenn and Kim Kaufman, Scott with an enthusiastic and infectious warm challenges can be met by the growing Wiedensaul, Sara Morris, Lang Elliott and welcome. The staff of birding super-stars, number of dedicated individuals who have other top ornithologists. Our final session inspiring setting, great food, and the witnessed and experienced the Island’s for 2010 is another Road Scholar service extraordinary teaching team all contributed enormous educational potential. I sincerely learning program about Maine seabird to the stellar scores received on the hope that next summer you will come and biology and conservation scheduled for Cornell Hotel School’s evaluations. The discover it for yourself! mid September. This program is already Joy of Birding session received an overall sold out with 30 participants. approval rating of 4.82 out of 5 - only Best wishes, surpassed by the approval rating of 4.96 In total, the Island’s programs hosted out of 5 for the Ornithology session! Steve Kress 165 participants which represents 92% occupancy for the camp facilities. Several partners helped Project Puffin Director, Project Puffin Participants represented 32 states as make these sessions such a complete

2011 Save The Date!!

Please save the date of August 15-20, 2011 for the next Audubon Chapter Leadership Program session at Hog Island Camp. Program and scholarship details will be shared with all Chapter leaders in the fall. Below please find the schedule of Hog Island Camp 2011 summer programs.

May 29-June 3 Seabird Biology and Conservation (with Road Scholar) June 12-17 Joy of Birding June 19-24 Field Ornithology and Maine Coastal Birding for Teens July 14-19 Sharing Nature: An Educator’s Week August 15-20 Audubon Chapter Leadership Program September 11-16 Bird Biology and Conservation (with Road Scholar)

Winter 2010 9 It Is Time To Register “Audubon Round Up” Audubon Chapters’ Learning Conference November 11-14, 2010

Join other Auduboners! Experience the Sonoran Desert along the beautiful audubon round up Salt River at Saguaro Lake Ranch (30 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport) www.saguarolakeranch.com.

Featuring: Learning opportunities that benefit your chapter’s projects and sustainability; having fun networking, “down time”; relaxing with new friends; birding in the amazing Sonoran Desert.

Participants: Audubon Chapter Members in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Colorado

Costs: from $115 PP per day to $140 PP per day (includes all meals) plus event registration fee of $65.00 PP. Camping nearby. Those of you who are local or can stay with a friend may register and pay for meals only if you like!

For On Line Registration and information on accommodations, go to www.sonoranaudubon.org and click on “Audubon Round Up Registration”. Questions? Call Karen LaFrance 602-809-3360 or e mail at [email protected].

Some Confirmed Attendees with Highlighted Speaking Assignments: Brian Rutledge, Wyoming Audubon, Kristine Uhlman, Univ. of AZ Water Resources Center, Mary Ford, National Audubon Society Education Programs Manager, Lynn Tennefoss, NAS VP for Chapters, Garry George, California Chapters Network Coordinator, Joy Hester, NAS Southwest Regional Director and Mary Hoadley, Arcosanti/Upper Agua Fria Watershed Partnership.

Chapters’ Market: bring your wares and your brochures; talk to your fellow Auduboners about your projects during Social Hours…

Underwriting by Together Green, a program of National Audubon Society And Vashti (“Tice”) Supplee, 2008 Together Green Fellow

10 The Cactus Wren•dition Nature Prescriptions: Good for Us, Good for our Kids, Good for Nature drawings nature Gillian Rice “Klee, klee, klee…….klee, klee, klee.” I interrupt my Tai Chi new policies that recognize the interdependence between healthy practice to look up and search for the bird making a call I seldom people and healthy ecosystems.” The city of Sante Fe, New Mexico hear in my backyard. Klee, klee, klee. A kestrel wheeling above my developed a Prescription Trails Program, in response to high rates of neighbor’s ash tree. I experience a surge of excitement, satisfaction, diabetes. and warmth, which add to the pleasant feelings I already have from my Clearly, being in nature is healthy for both adults and children. An Tai Chi meditation. Perhaps the kestrel has come to my neighborhood additional advantage of making it possible for children to be in nature for the winter. I mouth “welcome.” Practicing Tai Chi in my backyard at is critical for Audubon members; when we love nature, we protect sunrise, among my wildflowers, cacti, and trees always provides a good it. Recognizing this, environmental educators assume that teaching start to my day. Lesser Goldfinches feed on the desert marigold seeds. children and people about nature will make them want to conserve it. Hummingbirds spar over the fairy duster blooms. The Curve-billed Yet, the Green Hearts Newsletter explains that education is not usually Thrasher declares his territorial rights. the reason why people conserve nature. Instead, children must first fall E.O. Wilson argues that the positive feelings I experience as I connect in love with nature. Then, they want to learn about it and protect it. The with the fauna and flora around me are innate. In a 1984 book, he heart comes before the head: early love of the outdoors is what nature introduces the concept of “biophilia:” the connection that human beings play promotes. subconsciously seek and need with the rest of life.” For ideas on how to get you, your kids, and your grandkids playing Today, half the world lives in an urban setting. In 1950, 29% of outdoors, visit: people did so. In 2050, writes Jeb Brugmann in Welcome to the http://nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There.aspx Urban Revolution (2010), experts project this figure to be about 70% http://www.greenheartsinc.org/ Urbanization is one important reason humans are disengaged from the http://www.childrenandnature.org/ natural environment. Even in the 19th century, however, city officials http://www.letsmove.gov/letsmoveoutside.php recognized health advantages that result from open space. Frederick Law Olmsted, the 19th century founder of American landscape For local programs, see architecture, believed the restorative quality of green nature “operates http://riosalado.audubon.org/Programs.html by unconscious processes to relax and relieve tensions created by the artificial surroundings of urban life.” Australian researcher, Celily Maller, and her colleagues acknowledge Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights that considerable anecdotal evidence exists to document the benefits of “being in nature,” but the exact effects (for example, using Every child should have the opportunity to: psychophysiological measures) on the human mind, body, and spirit remain mostly unknown. It’s possible, says Maller, that some of the 1. Discover wilderness -- prairies, dunes, forests, benefits develop from a mood state of pleasant arousal and relaxation savannas, and wetlands because being in nature provides us with a more cyclical and slower 2. Camp under the stars sense of time. 3. Follow a trail Ecopsychology, or nature-guided therapy, demonstrates some of 4. Catch and release fish, frogs, and insects the positive effects. Maller and colleagues report one study that tested the ability of nature to improve the concentration of children diagnosed 5. Climb a tree with Attention Deficit Disorder. Children functioned better after doing 6. Explore nature in neighborhoods and cities activities in natural play settings and the “greener” a play setting, the 7. Celebrate heritage less severe the ADD symptoms. 8. Plant a flower A growing body of research finds that children’s unsupervised play 9. Play in the mud or a stream in natural settings stimulates their healthy growth and development: 10. Learn to swim physically, socially, emotionally, creatively, and intellectually. In response, and recognizing Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, as a Source: http://www.kidsoutside.info/billofrights.php leader in the “Leave No Child Inside” movement, The American Academy of Pediatrics invited him to give the plenary keynote address at its October 2010 National Conference. According to the Spring 2010 Newsletter of Green Hearts (The Institute for Nature in Childhood), nature play is vanishing from childhood. Today, American children spend only 1% of their time Facts about Children and Nature outdoors – versus 27% with various forms of electronic media. Louv conceived the term “nature deficit disorder.” As one fifth grader, 1. Children spend half as much time outdoors as they did undoubtedly with this disorder, expressed it to him, in a statement that 20 years ago. has become the signature of the children and nature movement, “I like to 2 Today, kids 8-18 devote an average of 7 hours 38 play indoors better, ‘cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are.” minutes using entertainment media in a typical day In addition to the competition from TVs and computers, many parents (more than 53 hours per week). cite fears of dangerous traffic and stranger abductions as reasons that 3. In a typical week, only 6% of children aged 9-13 play their children stay inside. “But there are also risks in raising children outside on their own. under virtual protective house arrest,” writes Louv in Orion Magazine 4. Children who play outside are more physically active, (2007). “Threats to their independent judgment and value of place, to their ability to feel awe and wonder, to their sense of stewardship for more creative in their play, and are less aggressive and the Earth – and, most immediately, threats to their psychological and show better concentration. physical health.” 5. Sixty minutes of daily, unstructured, free play is essen- “I’ve started to make formal ‘park prescriptions,’” says family tial to children’s physical and mental health. physician, Daphne Miller, in her National Wildlife article (Oct/Nov 2010). 6. The most direct route to caring for the environment “The prescribing instructions are considerably more detailed than ones as an adult is participating in “wild nature activities” you might get with medication; they include the location of a local green before the age of 11. space, the name of a specific trail and, when possible, exact mileage.” Researchers Ambra Burls and Woody Caan write in the British Medical Journal (2005) that “partnerships between healthcare providers Source: http://nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There/Why-Be-Out-There.aspx and nature organizations to share and exchange expertise could create

Winter 2010 11 Court Removes Much-Needed Protections From Desert Bald Eagle By Robin Silver needed to file suit and prove the new human harassment — and the judge’s Species’ Fate decision is illegal. protective order had been the only law protecting Now Uncertain “The Obama administration’s decision eagle habitat. earlier this year was just as politically Today’s tainted as the Bush decision in 2007,” order PHOENIX, said Dr. Robin Silver of the Center. Ariz. — A “We look forward to proving that in federal judge court in a suit today granted a we plan to file request by the desert bald eagle shortly.” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also to remove removes the the desert requirement for Robin Silver nesting bald mandatory mitigation eagle from funding of the NestWatch the endangered species list program. unless and until the Center for Biological Diversity NestWatch provides successfully challenges the For on-site protection for agency’s February 2010 more than the most threatened decision taking the species off three decades, every eagle nests beginning in the list. recognized bald eagle expert the middle of December of has acknowledged the fact that the each year. Between 1983 and 2005, On July 9, 2007, the Bush desert nesting bald eagle is unique NestWatch rescued 9.4 percent of all administration overruled Fish and and important to the species as a young eagles fledged in Arizona, including Wildlife Service biologists, ordering the whole. But on July 18, 2006, Fish and up to 50 percent of a given year’s agency to remove the desert nesting Wildlife Service career administrators reproduction. Until this ruling, agencies bald eagle from the endangered gave their staff “marching orders” to such as the Salt River Project, U.S. species list. It had been on the list abruptly reverse their opinion and “to Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation since the 1970s. The Center filed suit find an analysis that works.” and Department of Defense had been and on March 6, 2008, U.S. District required to contribute yearly money to Judge Mary H. Murguia struck down On March 5, 2008, Judge Murguia the NestWatch program to make up for the delisting decision and ordered the called the agency actions “arbitrary destruction of habitat and harm to eagles. agency to return the bald eagle to the and capricious.” She ordered the endangered species list. agency to issue a new evaluation, and Contact: Dr. Robin Silver, Center for issued an injunction against lifting Biological Diversity, (602) 799-3275 On Feb. 24, 2010, the Obama protection for the eagle in the interim. administration issued a new decision On Dec. 9, 2009, after agency also removing protections from the bald eagle experts again reinforced eagle. This new decision uses the their opinion that the desert nesting same flawed logic as the 2007 bald eagle is unique and important Bush-era decision and also involved to the species as a whole, career agency bureaucrats overruling administrators again ordered the agency scientists. eagle experts to reverse their position, saying, “My staff will work with you on The Center had asked the judge to development of the revised version of keep the species on the list until the the finding.” new decision was legally challenged and resolved. The judge denied that The biggest threats to the eagle are request, telling the Center it first increasing habitat destruction and

12 The Cactus Wren•dition Legislature’s Neglect of State Park System Harms Arizona’s Economy neglect park state By William C. Thornton, Special to the Arizona Daily Star, 10.1.2010

reliminary recommendations by will, no doubt, be eager to take over The measure died when House the Governor’s Commission on profitable parks such as Catalina, Appropriations Committee Chairman PPrivatization and Efficiency come Kartchner Caverns and the Colorado John Kavanagh would not allow a vote as no surprise to those of us who have River parks. They probably won’t show by the panel. Kavanagh claimed to be been on the front lines of the battle to much interest in smaller parks that, in taking a principled stand for taxpayers. It save Arizona’s state parks. themselves, aren’t profitable but still was nothing of the kind. If the measure support local jobs. had passed the Legislature, it still would For the rest of us, it should serve as a have required voter approval. By denying wake-up call of what’s at stake if a lack How did we get here? The Legislature voters a more direct voice in determining of vision and political will is allowed began the systematic dismantling of the future of our parks, Kavanagh to destroy our state park system. our state parks long before it could be exemplified the arrogant abuse of power Conveniently, the final proposal won’t justified by a budget crisis. that prompted the framers of our state be released until after the fall elections; constitution to provide for voter initiatives. General-fund park appropriations ceased in 2002. Legislators told parks In testimony to the House Appropriations to become “more entrepreneurial and Committee, I relayed sharply contrasting self-supporting” through admission fees, experiences at two state historic parks: souvenir sales, etc. When they did, the Judge Roy Bean in Texas and McFarland Legislature took the money. in Arizona. Although it’s far off the beaten path, at Roy Bean we found beautifully As a holistic system, profitable parks maintained facilities that celebrate a could carry those that didn’t break even colorful chapter in the history of the Lone Star State. At McFarland, in the but still generated economic benefits Tucson-Phoenix corridor, we found a for their communities. That was no closed facility with crumbling historic longer possible when the Legislature buildings, even though Senator, Governor swept away every cent parks earned for and Judge McFarland arguably played a themselves. In a particularly outrageous bigger role in Arizona history than Judge fund grab, legislators even took money Roy Bean did in Texas. from park donation jars and $250,000 from the estate of a benefactor who Our tax code is riddled with dozens specifically willed it to state parks. of loopholes that could be closed to but it’s difficult to envision any park distribute the overall tax burden more privatization scenario under which Before leaving office Gov. Janet evenly and allow for investment in our Arizona citizens and taxpayers won’t be Napolitano assembled a task force on state’s future. The legislative leadership the big losers. sustainable parks to consider all options, flatly refused to consider it. including sale and privatization. In comments posted to the Star’s Where do we website, one writer asked: “What’s wrong Gov. Jan go from here? with somebody earning a profit?” Brewer The future may The answer: absolutely nothing, and continued the that’s just the point. look grim, but task force it’s far from when she Hundreds of businesses throughout hopeless. Much took office in our state earn profits by supplying park will be decided January 2009. visitors with gas, groceries, supplies, in the upcoming In October lodging and meals. A 2009 study by elections. If you Northern Arizona University estimated 2009, the agree that we the total economic impact of our state task force need a vibrant parks at $266 million per year, about half recommended system of parks from out-of-state visitors. When a local a modest to preserve our park closes, as has already happened at $12 surcharge on noncommercial- natural, cultural and historic treasures for Winslow (Homolovi), Springerville (Lyman vehicle licenses. In return, anyone with all Arizonans, make your views known to Lake), and Oracle, visitors and the dollars a current Arizona license plate would the governor, your state legislators and they spend go away. gain unlimited admission to all state candidates. parks. The system has worked well in You may ask: “Won’t they do just as well other states. It would have assured the William C. Thornton is a member of the under private management?” future of our state parks and reopened all Arizona Heritage Alliance Board. E-mail The answer: Not likely! Private operators roadside rest areas. him at [email protected]

Winter 2010 13 Conservation Corner Bob Witzeman Amphibians are high on the list of of species from feral cats, rats, threatened wildlife. Of the planet’s goats, etc. have brought many island Woe unto 6285 amphibians, 1895 are species back from near extinction. “ threatened. 39 are already extinct or The good news is that periodically them that extinct in the wild. 484 are critically species are rediscovered that endangered, 754 endangered, and were long considered extinct. The join house to 657 vulnerable. Fiji Petrel was known for just one specimen collected on Gau Island, house, that lay Plants come in the highest on the Fiji in 1855. It was lost to science list of the world’s vulnerability and for the next 130 years. Since 1984 field to field, extinction rates. Of the world’s there have been no confirmed conservation corner 12,151 plants, 8500 are threatened sightings. Eight individuals were till there be no with extinction. 114 plants are recently seen and photographs taken already extinct or extinct in the wild. at sea of the species just south of place that they Gau Island. Some birds, however, have made may be placed remarkable comebacks from near Likewise, a few new bird species extinction. For example, Lear’s are periodically discovered. alone in the Macaw has increased in numbers World Birdwatch highlights midst of these discoveries with remarkable photos and the Earth. ” stories. – Isaiah 5:8 World Birdwatch, a quarterly magazine n outstanding bird magazine, published in England, is “World Birdwatch” (a one of the most exciting Apublication of Birdlife and informative bird International) in their December magazines anywhere. It 2009 issue reviews the world’s provides breathtaking plant, bird, mammal and reptile color photographs of extinction rates. worldwide birds and their habitats being protected Of the 9,998 species of birds found or brought back from the in the world 137 are now extinct or brink of extinction through extinct in the wild. One in eight of the heartening efforts of the world’s known avian species local governments and are either threatened or now extinct. citizens. Subscription 669 are considered endangered cost is about the and 192 critically endangered. There equivalent of two Audubon have been 153 bird extinctions since memberships per year 1500. Some 8,564 birds are not and well worth it. Contact: threatened. 835 are near threatened. [email protected]. as a result of a joint effort of many Of the world’s 5,490 mammals, 79 national and international NGOs, Democratic Representatives are extinct or extinct in the wild 188. the Brazilian government and local Kirkpatrick and Mitchell. Since RCC 449 are critically endangered and landowners. Public education is a consortium of the world’s two 505 are vulnerable. programs, Endangered Species Act largest mining companies, buying protections in the U.S., efforts of one’s way through congresspersons Of the world’s 1,677 reptiles, 469 governmental and local citizens and and even respected conservation are threatened with extinction and 22 indigenous peoples worldwide have groups would come as no surprise. are already extinct or extinct in brought back many species from Best Democrat was Carter, then the Wild. the brink of extinction. Protection Clinton, and Obama, thus far, last.

14 The Cactus Wren•dition Science Corner corner science Karla Moeller Exceptional Which do you think rattlesnake leech (Helobdella), the acting mom Eavesdroppers scent does? Various rodent species, (leeches are hermaphrodites) will including Arizona’s local rock squirrel, not only protect the 20-60 eggs Throughout childhood we are taught have been observed chewing she lays at one time, but she will that eavesdropping is rude, but what on the carcass or shed skin of also protect and feed her young for if it could help save your life? rattlesnakes and subsequently weeks or months after hatch. These Hispid cotton rats, found licking themselves. (Do slick youngsters attach themselves to throughout most of we have any votes for the belly of their parent, and feed off southern Arizona, their appearance of her offerings of snails, worms, or use information as Fear Factor other prey as she carries them, until they overhear from competitors?!) they are large enough to fend for another While this odd themselves. To top it off, the slippery behavior may juveniles are not above sibling rivalry, have a few alternative explanations, species to and they may sometimes compete research suggests that it is used as avoid predation. Blue Jays against one another to get the an anti-predator defense, possibly produce a “scolding” call when “leeches share” of food from mom. to mask the rodent’s own odor, or interacting with predators, which to give off the odor of a rattlesnake can be very useful information for Details of the leech’s behavior are to larger mammalian predators. How nearby prey. Cotton rats use this reported in both the Proceedings well this “sheep in wolf’s clothing” information to change their foraging of the Royal Society B (by Burd, defense actually works has yet to behavior, likely because they interpret be investigated. et al.) and in Animal Behaviour (by this call as a warning of a predator Kutschera and Wirtz). lurking nearby. Surprisingly, they do Details of this defense behavior are not respond to the calls of hawks reported in Animal Behaviour (by (one of their predators), possibly Clucas et al.) and the Journal of because these hawks are Mammalogy (by Xu et al.). not calling while hunting. Thus, cotton rats not only receive information from Loving Entering Desert various species, but are Leeches? By David Chorlton able to decipher Most of us have this information heard of intense The desert is a high-pitched scream appropriately to demonstrations if you want it to be; increase their of parental chances of survival. care—bears a wire stretched from where you stand If only humans fiercely protect to the horizon, were as good their young, at deciphering kangaroos carry a gate inviting the first step overheard gossip! their joeys, to oblivion. Or an embrace and snakes so wide you fall through it Details of the often fast altered behavior are while brooding until the wings of a phainopepla reported in Behavioral their eggs. However, lift you back into the dizzy light, Ecology (by Felts and Schmidt). perhaps a more unusual case of parental care where you’re spinning around your own finger Eau de Viper should be added to the that points at the sun Cologne or perfume of the right list. In a widespread as if offering directions. scent can easily attract or repel. genus of freshwater

Winter 2010 15 Arizona Christmas Bird Count Schedule 2010-2011 By Walter Thurber he National Audubon Society has conducted Christmas bird counts since 1900. Volunteers from across North America and beyond will take to the field during one calendar day between December 14 and January 5 to record Tevery bird species and individual bird encountered within a designated15-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 or more of interest to you and contact the compiler for information. christmas christmas bird count Date Day Count Name Compiler Phone Email* 12/14 Tu Salt Verde River Kurt Radamaker 480-837-2446 kurtrad at mexicobirding.com 12/16 Th Patagonia Abbie Zeltzer 520-604-6320 amindajar at gmail.com 12/16 Th Pipe Spring NM Andrea Bornemeier 928-643-7105 andrea_bornemeier at nps.gov 12/17 Fr Buenos Aires NWR Bonnie Swarbrick 520-823-4251 bonnie_swarbrick at fws.gov 12/17 Fr Saint David Tom Wood 520-432-1388 tom at sabo.org 12/18 Sa Avra Valley Mary Lou Cole 520-578-0114 birdingnana at msn.com 12/18 Sa Hassayampa River Vanessa Montgomery 623-465-0012 hassayampacbc at hotmail.com 12/18 Sa Martinez Lake-Yuma Henry Detwiler 928-210-6474 henrydetwiler at earthlink.net 12/18 Sa Mormon Lake Elaine Morrall 928-526-1022 elaimorr at npgcable.com 12/18 Sa Nogales Michael Bissontz 520-577-8778 seetrogon at comcast.net 12/18 Sa Payson Dave Hallock 303-258-3672 eldoradh at rmi.net 12/18 Sa Ramsey Canyon Ted Mouras 520-803-0221 tedmouras at mindspring.com 12/18 Sa Santa Catalina Mountains Bob Bates 520-296-5629 batesd at cox.net 12/18 Sa Timber Mesa Mary Ellen Bittorf 928-367-2462 maryellen12 at cableone.net 12/19 Su Chino Valley Russell Duerksen 928-636-4916 duerksen at msn.com 12/19 Su Jerome Robert Hunt 928-308-3039 zapata86303 at yahoo.com 12/19 Su Tucson Valley Larry Liese 520-743-3520 larryliese at prodigy.net 12/20 Mo Elfrida Tom Wood 520-432-1388 tom at sabo.org 12/20 Mo Phoenix-Tres Rios David Powell 602-441-5508 vireo at vireos.com 12/22 We Prescott Carl Tomoff 928-778-2626 ctomoff at prescott.edu 12/26 Su Sedona Dottie Hook 928-204-1894 dottiehook1 at aol.com 12/26 Su Superior Cynthia Donald 480-283-4515 planres at earthlink.net 12/28 Tu Gila River Troy Corman 602-482-6187 aplomado at cox.net 12/28 Tu Havasu NWR DeeDee DeLorenzo 928-758-2707 poncho at citlink.net 12/29 We Bill Williams Delta Kathleen Blair 928-667-4144 kathleen_blair at fws.gov 12/29 We Green Valley-Madera Canyon Jeff Gilligan 520-399-0773 jeffgill at teleport.com 12/30 Th Carefree Walter Thurber 480-483-6450 wathurber at cox.net 12/31 Fr Atascosa Highlands Rich Hoyer 520-325-5310 birdernaturalist at me.com 1/1 Sa Flagstaff-Mount Elden Terry Blows 928-774-8028 terence.blows at nau.edu 1/1 Sa Portal Jackie Lewis 520-558-2287 winjac12 at vtc.net 1/2 Su Appleton-Whittell Robert Weissler 520-803-0794 weissler at aves.org 1/2 Su Camp Verde Terry Blows 928-774-8028 terence.blows at nau.edu 1/2 Su Dudleyville Doug Jenness 520-909-1529 d_jenness at hotmail.com 1/4 Tu Glen Canyon John Spence 928-608-6267 john_spence at nps.gov Unknown Ajo-Cabeza Prieta NWR Stephen Barclay 520-387-4987 stephen_barclay at fws.gov

Nearby New Mexico Count 1/2 Su Peloncillo Mountains Nicholas Pederson 505-417-8665 npederson4088 at hotmail.com

Issued 10/15/10 *Change at to @ and delete spaces before sending

16 The Cactus Wren•dition Christmas Bird Count Map cbc map cbc

PG PS GLEN CANYON

KINGMAN 40 FL FLAGSTAFF 40 SE JE ML PRESCOTT CV HV CH

BW PR PY 17 TI HR CF SV GLOBE GR PT SR PHOENIX DV MY 8

YUMA SC AV TUCSON CP SP TV SD EL BA GV PO AW PM AH PA RC PP NOGALES NO DOUGLAS

Winter 2010 17 enchanted enchanted trail

18 The Cactus Wren•dition Nature through the Artist’s Eye: Shane Fero

hane Fero was born in fero shane Chicago, IL in 1953 and has Sbeen a flameworker for 40 years and maintains a studio next to Penland School in North Carolina. He participates in international symposia and conferences by lecturing, and demonstrating. Fero is also an educator and has taught at institutions such at Penland School, Urban Glass, the Pratt Fine Arts Center, the Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass, the University of Michigan, Eugene Glass School, Espace Verre, Montreal, Quebec, the Pittsburgh Glass Center, Pilchuck Glass School, Bild-Werk, Frauenau, Germany, the International Glass Festival in Stourbridge, UK, Scuola Bubacco, Murano, Italy, Chameleon Studio, Tasmania, Australia and in Seto, Osaka, and the Niijima Glass Art Center in Japan.

His work can be found in collections both private and public institutions worldwide. He has had over 23 solo exhibitions since 1992 and has participated in over 400 group exhibitions during his career. He has been honored with three retrospectives; a 30 year at the Berkowitz Gallery at the University of Michigan in 1999, a 40 year at the Huntsville Museum of Art in 2008 and at the Christian Brothers University in 2010. His work can be found in over 20 museum collections worldwide including the Museum of Art & Design, NY, GlasMuseum, Denmark, the Asheville Art Museum, NC, the Huntsville Museum of Art, AL, the Museum fur Glaskunst, Lauscha, Germany, and the Nijiima Contemporary Glass Museum in Japan. He is the Past-President of the Board of Directors of the Glass Art Society.

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