May-June 2003 Vermilionlycatcher Tucson Audubon Society F www.tucsonaudubon.org Leaders in Conservation & Education since 1949 Volume 47, Number 8 ISSN 1094-9909 Tucson Audubon Society’s FOURTH ANNUAL

Spring Appeal Don’t forget to open your spring appeal letter. Let spring migration inspire you to send The ironwood symbolizes the richness The Festival will open at 3:00 p.m. with a in a donation soon. of the Sonoran Desert. It is our finest tree— blessing by the Tohono O’odham Nation’s re- durable, timeless, and nurturing. There is spected elder, Daniel Preston, and will continue no better way to learn about its beauty and into the evening with a variety of activities and its vital role in nature than to attend the entertainment for all ages amidst the bloom- Inside Ironwood Festival hosted by Tucson Au- ing ironwoods and towering saguaros of the na- dubon Society. ture preserve. Included – David Yetman, host of among the activities cel- the public television show ebrating the regional beauty, Calendar ...... 10 The Desert Speaks. diversity, and cultural rich- Tucson Audubon News 4 ness of the Sonoran Desert Dastardly Duos ...... 20 Join us on Saturday, May are live animal presenta- Field Trips ...... 6 3 as the Tucson Audubon So- tions, nature walks, Field Trip Reports ...... 8 ciety hosts the 4th annual Iron- storytelling, cultural perfor- Mason Audubon Center wood Festival with a rich pro- mances, tree planting, News ...... 12 gram of activities and enter- hands-on booth activities, Meeting program ...... 28 tainment. More than 500 regional food and beverages, Membership people are expected to attend and musical entertainment. Information ...... 25 this celebration of the centu- Live animal presenta- Nature Shop ...... 18 ries-old ironwood trees, spon- tions by the Tucson Herpe- RBA Highlights ...... 21 sored by Tucson Electric tological Society, the Coo- TAS Travel ...... 16 Environmental educator Wendy Power. Proceeds from the Fes- per Environmental Science Thanks & Wishes ..... 27 Burroughs with Great Horned Owl tival will benefit the Mason Au- Campus, and local experts Web Corner ...... 28 dubon Center, located at 8751 N. Thornydale will be offered throughout the day, featuring a Road, the site of the Ironwood Festival. IRONWOOD, continued on page 13 2 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Officers Birdathon 2003 President, Robert Merideth ...... 884-4393 Vice President, Bill Mannan ...... 621-7283 Secretary, Linda Stitzer ...... 297-3173 Treasurer, Walter Kavanagh ...... 621-1750 Call Jessie Shinn at 628-1730 to buy Join John for a wonderful foray into Directors at Large raffle tickets, sign up for a Supertrip, the world of hummingbirds. You will Wendy Burroughs Lawrence Liese pledge to a Birdathon, or get details for travel to Madera Canyon, and then 578-3650 743-3520 how to do your own Birdathon. The proceed on the Box Canyon- Don Eagle Robert Mesta 629-0510 629-0510 Birdathon is one of Tucson Audubon’s Greaterville graded dirt road to the Floyd Gray Chris McVie most important annual fundraisers, and Paton’s feeders in Patagonia. The rest 670-5582 629-0510 Lisa Harris Susan Randolph it is by far the most fun! of the trip will be spent enjoying the 629-0510 629-0510 birds of Miller Canyon in the Stephen Hopp Peggy Wenrick Raffle 629-0510 629-0510 Huachuca Mountains. You can be sure Kristi Keller Roger Wolf This year we have our best-ever col- that John will find all the humming- 629-0510 882-9633 lection of raffle prizes, including a pair David Yetman birds around that day. There will be a 621-2484 of Brunton binoculars worth $1,450, little walking and a relaxed pace. Car- Board Committees a trip to Copper Canyon, and $500 pooling will be encouraged. Conservation, Bill Mannan...... 621-7283 worth of outdoor equipment from John Higgins is the coordinator of Education, Susan Randolph ...... 629-0510 Summit Hut. See adjacent page for a our free volunteer-led field trips at Tuc- Development, Robert Merideth ...... 884-4393 full list of prizes. You can’t afford not Nominating, Susan Randolph ...... 629-0510 son Audubon. John’s enthusiasm and Community Presence, Linda Stitzer ...... 297-3173 to buy some tickets. expertise will guarantee that you have Programs and Activities Birdathon Competition a great time. Bird Alert ...... 798-1005 Madera Canyon with Rick Taylor Bird Reporting ...... 696-4461 & Pledges Sunday, May 11 Bird Census, Susan Birky ...... 743-9390 You can help raise funds in another Library, Bill Scott ...... 887-5813 $60/$70 non-members, limited to Mailing, Gerald Sweeney ...... 326-3701 way too. There’s a pretty good chance 15 participants Field Trips, John Higgins ...... 578-1830 you will go birding between now and Program, Tom DeMoss ...... 296-2963 6 a.m. to noon (Meet at entrance May 11—after all, it is spring migra- to Madera Canyon at 6 am.). Bring Audubon Nature Shop & Offices tion. You might as well make it a lunch, water, sun protection, and bin- 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 Birdathon! Just collect a few pledges oculars. Nature Shop Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10–4, Mon. & Thu. 10–5 (per bird species) and go out birding. Shop Manager, Judy Edison Rick Taylor will once again take a Asst. Shop Manager, Susan Birky Call in and get all the details, but you group into Madera Canyon for a won- (520) 629-0510 Fax: (520) 623-3476 will find it is easy and fun. www.tucsonaudubon.org derful hike in search of the Elegant [email protected] Supertrips Trogon, assorted warblers and other Executive Director, Sonja Macys ...... 622-5622 Asst to ED, Jessie Shinn ...... 628-1730 As part of the Birdathon we offer a special migratory visitors. The tour will MAC Outreach Coord., Jamie Brown ..... 744-0004 series of “Supertrips” led by some of finish at the Santa Rita Lodge to look Education Prog. Man., Carrie Dean ...... 622-2230 Tucson’s finest guides. They donate at the feeders. Please bring your own Education Specialist, Dan Wolgast ...... 744-0004 lunch to eat as the trip concludes. Development Director, Holly Foster ...... 629-0757 their time to Tucson Audubon. Take Restoration Projects, Ann Phillips ...... 206-9900 advantage of these opportunities to Rick Taylor is the founder and Di- AZ IBA Coordinator, Scott Wilbor ...... 622-2230 improve your familiarity with south- rector of Borderland Tours in Tucson. Permaculture/Com., Kendall Kroesen .. 206-9900 east Arizona birds and to learn the art He is the author of location checklists Editors, Jane & Warren Tisdale ...... 749-2139 for the birds of the Chiricahua and [email protected] of birding. The number of participants Huachuca Mountains of Arizona, and Mission Statement in each trip will be limited and trips of Trogons of the Arizona Borderlands. Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to im- are filling, so sign up soon. Call Jessie proving the quality of the environment by pro- In 1995, the American Birding Asso- viding education, conservation, & recreation pro- at 628-1730 to register. Additional de- ciation published his complete revision grams, & environmental leadership & information. tails will be sent at that time. Tucson Audubon is a non-profit volunteer or- of A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Ari- ganization of people with a common interest in Spring Hummingbirds with John birding & natural history. Tucson Audubon zona (most recently revised in 1997 and maintains offices in Tucson, an extensive library, Higgins 1999). Rick set a “Big Year” record for & a Nature Shop where nature-related items are Saturday, May 10 sold for the benefit of our programs, (520) 629-0510. the most birds seen in Mexico in 1988 The Vermilion Flycatcher is published $60/$70 non-members, limited to with 717 species. This should be a great monthly except for combined May-Jun., Jul.- Aug., and Dec.-Jan. issues. For address changes 12 participants, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bring trip with a very knowledgeable and en- or subscription problems call (520) 628-1730, or lunch, water, sun protection, binocu- thusiastic guide, who is committed to write to us (see page 26). Submissions for the July-August Flycatcher are due by June 7. lars and USFS fee or pass for Madera. keeping birding sites available to all! J May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 3 Incredible Birdathon Raffle Prizes. Buy Tickets!

Call Jessie at 628-1730 to buy raffle tickets ($2 apiece or 6 for $10). Raffle drawing will be held at the Birdathon Pizza Party on May 16. You need not be present to win. Please patronize the businesses that have contributed generously to our fundraising efforts. Thank you to our donors and supporters!

Brunton Epoch 7.5 x 43 mm binoculars ($1,450 value) Dinner for two at Café Roka $500 worth of outdoor equipment from Summit Hut Lunch for two at Dakota Café Ten-day Tucson Audubon trip to Copper Canyon Gift Certificate to Pastiche Restaurant Two nights and birding with Solipaso Excursions, Alamos Dinner for two at Javelina Cantina Two night’s stay at Cave Creek Ranch Signed limited edition copy of Peterson’s Western Birds One night’s stay at Guest House Inn in Ajo One year’s membership at the Tucson Botanical Gardens One night at Jeremiah Inn Bed & Breakfast Membership for two in the Tucson Film Society Two nights in the Rose Room at Karrels Double K Ranch Gift Certificate to Bookman’s One night’s stay at Ramsey Canyon Bed & Breakfast Gift certificate to Silverbell Trading J Two nights and brunch at the Doubletree, Tucson Birdathoners Compete for these Fabulous Prizes!

Special Drawing: Largest Number of Donors Signed up: Birdathoners are eligible for a drawing for this special prize! One night stay at the George Walker House Four nights at a Condominium in San Carlos, Sonora, New Participant Who Sees the Most “Lifelist Birds”: donated by Susan Randolph Dinner for two at Blue Willow restaurant Most Species Seen: Special Green Valley Prize (Most Species Seen): Winners get their name engraved on our Birdathon Gift Certificate to Wildflower Restaurant Winners plaque, which hangs in the Nature Shop, plus: New Birdathon Participant Drawing: One night’s stay at Stepping Stone Inn, and a $25 gift certificate to Tucson Audubon Nature Shop $50 gift certificate to Native Seed Search Additional prizes: Most Unusual Bird Seen (judges are 3 expert birders): Gift certificate to Pastiche Restaurant Handmade Bird Sweater (made by Tucson Audubon Gift certificate to Magpies Pizza volunteer, Sandy Peterson, with the winner’s favorite bird) Four guest-passes to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Most Donation Dollars Raised: Gift certificate to Swensen’s Restaurant Two nights stay at Casa de San Pedro Bed & Breakfast Many thanks to all Birdathon sponsors! J Juan Caicedo

Pick your favorite spot and go do a Birdathon! (Riparian area at Villa Verde, Sonora, Mexico) 4 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon News

Tucson Audubon Visit the Yucatan Help us Grow! Society hosts Arizona Peninsula with Kenn If you have visited our offices at the Audubon Council Kaufman! historic YWCA, you have probably noticed that we are growing! As we seek This April, representatives from the In November 2003 the Yucatan to expand our library, increase our vol- Arizona Audubon Council (AAC) held Bird Festival will celebrate its second unteer base, and accommodate a their quarterly meeting at the Mason anniversary, and Tucson Audubon will growing staff, our space seems to be Audubon Center. The AAC is com- be there to share in the excitement! Mark shrinking. posed of representatives from Arizona’s your calendars and save the date be- We would like to make several im- eight Audubon Chapters (Yuma, White cause we want you to join us! Tucson’s provements: better facilities for our fine Mountains, Tucson, Sonoran, Prescott, own Kenn Kaufman is the Festival’s library collection, more dependable Maricopa, Northern Arizona and featured presenter, and he has offered electrical wiring (particularly during Huachuca). Meetings also frequently Tucson Audubon members a special the summer monsoon), more on-site include National Audubon representa- opportunity to travel with him to parking, and many others. All of these tives. These ACC meetings provide an Yucatan and enjoy a few days of birding things require more space, and a more opportunity to share best practices, learn before the Festival. modern building. about important regional topics, and ad- You will travel to Merida, Yucatan Can you help us? dress important conservation issues. on November 17 with Tucson Are you looking to donate a prop- Some topics on the Tucson agenda Audubon’s Executive Director, Sonja erty that might be suitable for Tucson included water issues along the San Macys, and be met by representatives Audubon’s offices and Nature Shop? Pedro River (see page 11), participa- of Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan — Do you know of another like-minded tion in the Arizona League of Conser- a local leader in biodiversity conserva- organization with space they might be th th vation Voters’ Conservation Alliance, tion. We will spend the 18 and 19 willing to share? Let us know (622- an update on National Audubon enjoying day trips to some of the 5622). Society’s Arizona State office (watch for Yucatan Peninsula’s most spectacular its newsletter), and Audubon Action birding sites. From November 20 to 24 Alert. We would like to thank the fol- we will join others attending the Thought of the Month lowing participants for their presenta- Yucatan Bird Festival. tions: Dr. Robin Silver from the Cen- This is a unique opportunity to gain We saw neither hide nor hair ter for Biological Diversity; Lynn Wil- an insider’s perspective on the Yucatan of him, but his personality per- son, Arizona League of Conservation Peninsula from Kenn Kaufman, one of vaded the wilderness; no living Voters; Sam Campana, Executive Di- the world’s most popular and beloved beast forgot his potential rector of Arizona Audubon; and Judd bird guides. Pricing and details will be prescence, for the price of un- Klement, Grassroots Coordinator for available soon. For more information, wariness was death. No deer National Audubon Society. For more please contact us at 628-1730, or rounded a bush, or stopped to on how you can get involved in National [email protected]. Space nibble pods under a mesquite Audubon Society’s advocacy opportuni- is limited, so call today! tree, without a premonitory sniff ties, please see page 10. for el tigre [the jaguar]. No camp- fire died without talk of him. . . . John & Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS By this time the [Colorado River] Delta has probably been New Board Members made safe for cows, and forever An announcement will be dull for adventuring hunters. made at the Ironwood Festival, Freedom from fear has arrived, on May 3, 2003, of the new but a glory has departed from members, new President, new the green lagoons. Vice President, and new Secre- —Aldo Leopold, A Sand tary of the Board of Directors. County Almanac, 1949 Jaguar May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 5 Letters to Thank You to Our Volunteer Tucson Field Trip Leaders Audubon John Higgins Tucson Audubon Society continues their annual appreciation field trip in Society to offer more free field trips than any Patagonia. other Audubon Society in the country. Gavin Bieber, John Higgins, Larry Our volunteer leaders have led more Liese and Darlene Smyth led seven or Today my wife and I attended the than 125 trips since April 2002. This more trips during the past year. Janet 6 a.m., Patagonia Lake State Park was despite many good birding areas and Mike Abbott, Bob Bates, Mike field trip. The birding abilities of being inaccessible because of national Bissontz, Clait Braun, Chris Benesh, leader, Steve Barlow, were excep- security and forest fire closures. Steve Barlow, Craig Gordon, Linda tional. By 9:30, Steve had located Thanks to the expertise and energy Figueroa, Ned and Linda Harris, Bill more birds than I care to see for an- of these volunteer leaders, both the Harvey, Jim Hays, Sally Johnsen, other two weeks. But there was more public and Tucson Audubon members Melody Kehl, Gene Loring, Kendall to come. At noon we lunched at the were given an opportunity every Tues- Kroesen, Karen McBride, Norma park in Patagonia, and then visited day and every weekend (except during Miller, Brian Nicholas, Ries Lindley, Mrs. Paton’s back yard. Wow! Enough the Christmas bird counts) to have a Pinau Merlin, Charlis McVey, Dick said. The day was a TEN. Steve is a fun and educational birding experience. Palmer, Diane Touret, Helen Tucker, definite credit to your staff. Some of our new Tucson Audubon Joni Startzman, Bill Wieboldt, David Sincerely, members decided to join after enjoy- West, Roger Wolf and Denis Wright Ed and Carol Hausafus ing one of our free field trips. led one to six trips. Thanks to all of Special recognition goes to our them! many volunteer trip leaders, such as Jim I just wanted to mention that I very If you are interested in leading a Hays who coordinates the Tuesday field much enjoy the Vermilion Flycatcher. I field trip, or learning how to lead a field trips. Darlene Smyth, Gavin Bieber and mentioned this to Susan Birky in the trip, contact John Higgins (578-1830, Larry Liese led trips both on Tuesdays J shop the other day, and she suggested [email protected]). and the weekends. Charlis McVey of- that you might be looking for input. fered two trips especially for beginner Besides the pleasant design, I especially birders at Agua Caliente Park. The first appreciate the clear link between bird Young Birdwatchers of Tucson trip or- diversity / abundance and habitat ganized by Brian Nicholas and Joni conservation. Startzman was a success. Darlene Thanks and best wishes, Smyth continued her unique trips for Ann Wendland J those birders challenged by mobility or endurance. Our outgoing Tucson Audubon president Roger Wolf took two trips to Sweetwater Wetlands. Mike Bissontz led his annual “Sewer de Tucson” tour of our aromatic but birdy sewage ponds

and effluent-watered golf course ponds. Kendall Kroesen During the forest fire closures, bird guide Melody Kehl enabled many birders to see the Buff-collared Night- jar in California Gulch and the Flame- colored Tanager in Miller Canyon. Pro- Chris Benesh, professional birding fessional birding guide Chris Benesh guide, led the trip leader appreciation again took the volunteer leaders out for fieldtrip on April 13 6 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003 Field Trips Birding outings for all interests and abilities

May 3 – Saturday 7 a.m. May 12 – Monday 6:30 a.m. May 18 – Sunday 5:30 a.m. Tanque Verde Ranch Aravaipa Canyon Nature Walk Madera Canyon We have special permission to bird this Enjoy a day in spectacular Aravaipa We will look for Sierra Madrean breed- property located at the very end of East Canyon viewing wildlife, plants, tracks ing birds, which might include Dusky- Speedway. Come see what we can find and scat, holes and birds. Be prepared capped Flycatcher, Elegant Trogon, and migrating along Tanque Verde Wash, for multiple creek crossings, with Painted Redstart. Meet at 5:30 a.m. at with its two ponds, mesquites, cotton- possibly knee-deep water. Bring lunch the Fry’s parking lot on Irvington just woods and open country. Good trip for and lots of water. Back by 4:30 p.m. east of I-19 or at 6 a.m. at the Green beginning birders. Meet at McDonald’s Limited to 10. Call Larry Liese after Valley McDonald’s on Continental parking lot on the NE corner of May 1, to sign up and find out about Road west of I-19. Bring sturdy walk- Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde the meeting place. ing shoes, water, sun protection, lunch Road. Halftime break for snacks. Done Leaders: Pinau Merlin (546-9409) and and a National Forest pass if you have by noon (which gives you time to at- Larry Liese (743-3520, one. Be prepared for a few miles of hik- tend the Ironwood Festival from 3 to 8 [email protected]) ing rough trail. p.m., at Mason Audubon Center—see Leader: Steve Barlow (319-7066) front cover). Call in rare bird sightings and updates to Leader: Bill Wieboldt (885-1227, the voice mailbox at 696-4461, option 3, or May 20 – Tuesday 5:30 a.m. [email protected]) email them to [email protected]. Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mountains This will be a four-mile (round trip) May 6 – Tuesday 5:00 a.m. hike up a steep and rocky trail, but the Fort Huachuca, Huachuca Mountains May 13 – Tuesday 5:30 a.m. reward is a chance for some excellent We hope to bird Garden, Sawmill, and Catalina Highway, Santa Catalina mountain birding and perhaps a real Scheelite Canyons, looking for both Mountains rarity. We will end the morning with migrants and summer residents. Come help us bird our way up Tucson’s some hummingbird watching at the Birding will be mostly on foot, with own mountain paradise! We’ll start in Beatty’s. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes Scheelite being a fairly steep climb. desert scrub and work our way up to and carry water. Bring a lunch to eat Wear boots or sturdy footgear; bring spruce and fir forests, sampling the bird while watching the hummers. Meet at water and lunch. If access to the fort is life at various elevations along the way the car-pooling site for a 5:30 a.m. de- a problem, we will choose a nearby can- up. Band-tailed Pigeon and Red-faced parture, or meet at Houghton Road yon as an alternative. Have car registra- Warbler will be among the birds we north of I-10 before 6:00 a.m. tion, proof of insurance, and a picture hope to see. Bring lunch, water, and a Leader: Diane Touret (299-7490, ID available. Meet at the car-pooling site light jacket for the cooler temperatures [email protected]) for a 5:00 a.m. departure, or at Houghton up high. Meet at the car-pooling site Road and I-10 before 5:30 a.m. for a 5:30 a.m. departure (leader not May 24 – Saturday 5:30 a.m. Leader: Jim Hays (903-1634, present), or at the McDonalds on the De Anza Trail, Tubac [email protected]) northeast corner of Tanque Verde Drive We will walk the de Anza trail south and Catalina Highway before 6:00 a.m. from Tubac looking for lowland ripar- May 10 – Saturday 6 a.m. Leader: Clait Braun (529-4614, sg- ian species such as Gray Hawk, Sum- Catalina Mountains [email protected]) mer Tanager, Bell’s Vireo, Common Bird up to Mt. Lemmon looking for the nesting montane birds such as Red- Field Trip Information faced and Grace’s Warblers, Greater TAS field trips are free. We strongly encourage carpooling on the field trips and Pewee, Western Tanagers and the kinds suggest driver reimbursement of 5 cents per mile. Unless noted otherwise, the of nuthatches. 1/ “carpooling site” is the parking lot behind the First Baptist Church on 5th Ave., 1 2 Meet at the Safeway parking lot on the blocks south of TAS on the west side of the street. Please arrive before the departure NE corner of Catalina Hwy and time listed in the trip description. Don’t forget to stop in the Nature Shop after your Tanque Verde Road. Bring water and trip to check out new books, wonderful nature items, and to chat with volunteers. The lunch. Done by 3 p.m. field trip coordinator is John Higgins (578-1830). Leader: Bob Bates (296-5629) May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 7

Ground-dove, and many more. Meet Leader: Melody Kehl (885-6362, at 5:30 a.m. at the Fry’s parking lot on [email protected]) Other Field Irvington just east of I-19, or at 6:15 Opportunities a.m. at the parking lot of the Tubac June 7 – Saturday 6 a.m. Presidio State Historic Park. Bring sun- Harshaw Creek Road, Patagonia screen, a hat, sturdy shoes, and plenty We’ll see what birds are spending the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – of water. Done by late morning. summer in this intermediate elevation birdwalks every day at 7:30 a.m., May – Sept. Museum entrance. 883- Leader: Kendall Kroesen (206-9900, area. Possible birds include Yellow- 2702. Free with admission. [email protected]) billed Cuckoo, Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Varied Bunting and Thick- Arizona State Parks – birding and other walks; www.pr.state.az.us. Fee. May 27 – Tuesday 5:00 a.m. billed Kingbird, as well as the always- (602) 542-4174. French Joe Cyn., Whetstone Mountains possible rarity. Plan to walk for 2-3 Buenos Aires NWR – Brown Canyon This hard-to-reach canyon has been miles total on level dirt roads. It may & grassland tours; reservations: 823- home to a pair of Rufous-capped War- get quite warm, so bring plenty of wa- 4251; Arivaca Cienega birdwalks ev- blers for several years. We hope to see ter. We’ll eat lunch at the picnic tables ery Sat., Nov. – Apr., 8 a.m. 399-0537. them as well as many other middle-el- in Patagonia followed by the requisite Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Sun- evation birds. The road in is very rough, stop at the Paton’s back yard. Back by day birdwalks, 8:30 a.m., Oct. 6 – Dec. requiring high-clearance vehicles. By 2 p.m. Leader: Larry Liese (743-3520, 8, free with admission. 689-2811. car pooling we hope to be able to take [email protected]) Catalina State Park – 5 a.m. - 10 p.m, all who wish to come, but ADVANCE Fee. 628-5798. SIGNUP WITH THE LEADER IS June 10 – Tuesday 5:00 a.m. REQUIRED. A walk of about three Scotia and Sunnyside Canyons, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve – open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Oct. - miles (round trip) is involved, so wear Huachuca Mountains May. (Closed Mon. & Tues.) Dona- boots or sturdy shoes and bring plenty These two canyons on the western side tion Required. 394-2400. of water and lunch or snacks. Meet at of the Huachuca Mountains have most Ramsey Canyon Preserve – open ev- the car-pooling site for a 5:00 a.m. de- of the same birds for which the eastern ery day 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $5.00 parture, or arrange with the leader for canyons are famous, but are much less general admission; kids 16 and un- an alternate meeting place and time. heavily birded. High-clearance vehicles der free. 378-2785. Leader: Brian McKnight (881-4481, desirable; others should plan to carpool. Sabino Canyon – birding and nature [email protected]) Mostly walking on rocky roads with some hikes. Parking fee. Call 749-8700. possible stream crossings. Bring water and Saguaro National Park – Call 733- May 31 – Saturday 5:30 a.m. lunch. Meet at the car-pooling site for a 5153 (East) and 733-5158 (West) Arivaca Creek and Cienega 5:00 a.m. departure, or at Houghton for schedules of bird and nature walks. Meet at the Fry’s parking lot on Road north of I-10 before 5:30 a.m. Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Irvington just east of I-19. Bring water, Leader: Jim Hays (903-1634, – hawk and crane tours on Saturdays hat, sunscreen and lunch. Back by 3 p.m. [email protected]) and Sundays, fee. 432-1388 Leader: Ries Lindley (882-6202) www.sabo.org. June 17 – Tuesday 5:00 a.m. Tohono Chul Park – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3 – Tuesday 5:30 a.m. Kitt Peak, Quinlan Mountains daily. Birding walks at 8:30 a.m. Carr Canyon, Huachuca Mountains Known mainly for its famous astro- Monday, Wednesday & Saturday, Carr Canyon Road provides automo- nomical telescopes, Kitt Peak, south- Oct. - May. Entrance fee. 575-8468. bile access to some of the high-eleva- west of Tucson, also has a good selec- Tucson Botanical Gardens – 8:30 tion birds in the Huachuca Mountains, tion of mountain birds and spectacu- a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bird and gardening including Buff-breasted Flycatcher, lar views. Enroute, we will look for tours on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., Sept. Band-tailed Pigeon, and Greater Pewee. Crested Caracara. Birding will be - May. Entrance fee. 326-9686. We will make several short hikes away mostly from the road. Bring a scope if Note: All phones are area code 520 from the road, and the trails are rocky you have one. Also wear a hat and sun- unless stated otherwise. Tucson and steep. Wear sturdy footgear and screen, and bring water and lunch. Weekly newspaper lists outdoor bring a daypack capable of carrying Meet at the car-pooling site for a 5:00 events in “City Week” column; water and snacks or lunch. Meet at the a.m. departure, or contact the leader tucsonweekly.com/tw/current/l- car-pooling site for a 5:30 a.m. depar- for an alternative meeting place and time. out.html. ture, or at Houghton Road north of I- Leader: Norma Miller (578-1399, 10 before 6:00 a.m. [email protected]) 8 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003

June 21 – Saturday 6 a.m. present), or at the Green Valley Field Trip Miller Canyon McDonalds (Continental Road Exit) Celebrate the first day of summer by before 6:30 a.m. Reports cooling off in green, birdy Miller Can- Leader: Dick Palmer (648-6735, yon south of Sierra Vista. After check- [email protected]) ing out the hummingbird feeders, we March 8 will slowly hike up the canyon trail for July 4 – Friday 5:30 a.m. Avra Valley two hours looking for tanagers, gros- Upper Madera Canyon Twenty birders checked out the beaks and other montane birds. Bring Instead of being sane and sleeping in early pre-spring migration. Kennedy sturdy walking shoes, water, sun pro- on this holiday, be crazy and get up Lake Park had a showy Anna’s Hum- tection and brunch to eat on the trail. early and enjoy the cooler, greener mingbird. Avra Valley treatment ponds Back to the cars by noon, then ice mountains. We will hike 2 miles up the featured flying Common Mergansers, cream in Sierra Vista and back to Tuc- semi-rough, semi-steep Vault Mine trail Avocets, Black-necked Stilts and Tree son by 3 p.m. looking for “Mexican” specialties like Swallows. Milewide Road had few Leader: John Higgins (578-1830, Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers and birds, but some attractive dwarf wild- [email protected]) Greater Pewee. Bring sturdy walking flowers. As the group broke up at the shoes, sun protection, snack and USFS Saguaro West visitor center, a Rufous- June 24 – Tuesday 6:00 a.m. fee or permit. We will meet at the Fry’s winged Sparrow teed up at eye level Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains parking lot on Irvington just east of I- next to the parking lot and started sing- This favorite nearby birding area 19 or 6a.m the Green Valley ing! should be full of birds now. Trogons, McDonald’s on Continental Road. – John Higgins Painted Redstarts, and many hum- Back by 11am. LIMITED TO TEN mingbirds are possible. We will bird BIRDERS. Please sign up starting 5/ March 16 near the road at lower elevations; then 11/03 at noon. Patagonia those who wish can hike a mile or so Leader: John Higgins (578-183, At the beach area of Patagonia Lake up one of the trails at the upper end of [email protected]) we had an immature Bonaparte’s Gull, the canyon to look for Red-faced War- Black Vultures, Common Loon, Com- blers and other higher-elevation birds. September 6-9, Saturday-Tuesday mon Goldeneye, and other waterbirds. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring Monterey, California Feeders at an RV by the trailhead pro- water and lunch. Wear boots or sturdy Highlight will be an eight-hour birding duced several hummer species. Along shoes if you plan to hike. Meet at the trip on Monterey Bay looking for sea- the Sonoita Creek trail we had a vari- car-pooling site for a 6:00 a.m. depar- birds and marine mammals. The great- ety of summer migrants - 4 species of ture, or at the McDonalds in Green est variety of both is seen during fall swallows, Northern Beardless- Valley (Continental Road Exit) before migration. Shearwaters, jaegers, alcids, Tyrannulet, Lucy’s and Yellow War- 6:30 a.m. storm-petrels, porpoises and whales all blers, Golden Eagle, Osprey, and Leader: Linda Figueroa (298-1936) possible. The boat trip is on Sunday. Townsend’s Solitaire. After lunch in the We plan to spend most of Monday at park at Patagonia we visited the Paton’s July 1 – Tuesday 6:00 a.m. the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We will feeders before the rain came in; high- Bog Springs, Madera Canyon, Santa visit Point Pinos (surfbirds), Moss lights included Violet-crowned Hum- Rita Mountains Landing (shorebirds), Año Nuevo (har- mingbird, White-throated Sparrow, High on the south wall of Madera Can- bor and possible elephant seals) and Bullock’s Oriole, and Cassin’s Finches. yon lies a deeply shaded spring that Point Lobos (oystercatchers and otters). – Steve Barlow attracts many birds, including an oc- Nice place to just be a tourist too!! casional rarity. About three miles of Birders will make own arrangements March 22 hiking (round trip) is required, and for the boat trip, flight, rental car, Upper Santa Cruz and Patagonia there is a fee for parking at the Bog motel and meals, but leader will give A dozen birders celebrated the start Springs Campground. Wear sturdy you information. Space on the boat of spring by looking for riparian birds. walking shoes, and bring water and is VERY LIMITED. Ten percent dis- Lots of Broad-billed Hummingbirds, lunch. After the hike we will relax by count off the boat fee if you register Vermilion Flycatchers, American Rob- watching the feeders at Santa Rita before 6/1/03. ins and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Rap- Lodge. Meet at the car-pooling site for Leader: John Higgins (578-1830) J tors included Peregrine Falcon and a 6:00 a.m. departure (leader not Osprey, but no Gray Hawk. Two Vio- let-crowned Hummingbirds “spoiled” May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 9 us at Paton’s. Big surprise was a Painted Arivaca and enjoyed a large number of Redstart along the stream at Roadside birds at the ciénaga (plus coffee at Get Involved at Rest. Gadsden and pecan and lemon squares – John Higgins at the bakery). No multi-use permit Tucson required! It was a nice group on a nice March 25 spring day. Audubon! Canoa Ranch – Larry Liese The Tucson Audubon Society field We invite you to volunteer with trip to Canoa Ranch was very success- April 8 these Tucson Audubon pro- ful indeed, with 56 species and an his- Nogales & Patagonia Loop grams. Check the website for torical tour of the property’s buildings Seventeen birders joined me for updates of these and other vol- by Robie Pardee, Canoa Ranch Pro- today’s field trip. Our first stop was Palo unteer opportunities (go to gram Manager for Pima County. The Duro wetlands — Nogales Country www.tucsonaudubon.org, and weather couldn’t have been nicer and Club. Here we had a “slam-dunk” scope click on “Want to help?” in the there were plenty of species around. view of an adult Gray Hawk. Several menu on the left margin). Highlights were a singing Crissal species of ducks lingered on the ponds Thrasher, perched up and in the scope; Vermilion Flycatcher and “musical” entertainment was pro- a very responsive Rufous-winged Spar- • Help one Friday per month vided by Red-winged Blackbirds and row almost too close for binoculars; with sorting and labeling the fields moving with sparrows and mead- Great-tailed Grackles. Flycatcher for mailing. owlarks; displaying Vermilion Flycatch- A stop at the first “pond” at Kino Contact Jerry Sweeney, 326- ers; several Ash-throated Flycatchers; “Springs” (quotation marks indicate all 3701 water has been drained by the owners), one Cassin’s Kingbird; many newly-ar- Important Bird Areas Program rived Lucy’s Warblers; three female found few species of interest. Cassin’s • IBA science teams; 2-4 people Lawrence’s Goldfinches at the very last Kingbirds and Vermilion Flycatchers to adopt an IBA and survey moment; a breeding-plumaged Eared were around; the most interesting sight- birds Grebe at the Amado Ponds; an enor- ing was a female Vermilion sitting on a Contact Scott Wilbor, 622- mous black-tailed jackrabbit and a nest. There was also a Rufous Hum- 2230 three-day-old colt at the ranch; and a mingbird feeding on penstemon parryi Habitat Restoration Project congenial lunch at the Cow Palace. in the wash. • Volunteer at the restoration – Karen McBride Patagonia Roadside Rest did not site produce anything out of the ordinary. Contact Ann Phillips or April 5 Lucy’s and Yellow Warblers were cel- Kendall Kroesen, 206-9900 Sycamore Canyon ebrating spring in song and White- Twenty-one birders enjoyed the throated Swifts appeared to be nesting. Birding Fieldtrips towering lichen-covered cliffs and en- Paton’s was our last stop. Here the • Volunteer to lead Tucson Au- dured a 5:00 a.m. departure time on bird activity was lively. Several Violet- dubon birding fieldtrips this trip to Sycamore Canyon west of crowned Hummingbirds joined the Contact John Higgins, 578- Nogales. We had a few new migrants usual show at the feeders. Among the 1830, [email protected] such as Turkey Vulture, White-throated other species viewed here were Black Nature Shop Swifts (though some might winter Vulture, White-winged Dove, North- • Volunteer in the Tucson Audu- there), a heard Dusky-capped Fly- ern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Cassin’s bon Nature Shop—minimum catcher and Violet-green Swallows. finch, Scott’s, Hooded, and Bullock’s commitment 3 1/2 hours per Nice views of an Arizona Woodpecker Orioles, Acorn, Ladder-backed, and week and Rufous-crowned Sparrow were had Gila Woodpeckers, Northern (Red- Contact Judy Edison or Susan there. As we drove down Ruby Road, a Birky, 629-0510 huge flock of hundreds of probable Pin- shafted) Flicker, White-breasted yon Jays flew over the cars. Unfortu- Nuthatch, Lesser Goldfinch, and others. Mason Audubon Center nately, our car windows were shut be- All in all it was a very beautiful day • Grounds helper, General Of- cause of the dust, and we didn’t con- with some good bird sightings. Thanks fice work, Housekeeper. firm them by sound, and they were to Sally Johnsen and Jim Danzenbaker Contact Jamie Brown, 744- gone almost as soon as seen. Many of for their able assistance. 0004 us took the scenic route back through – Gene Loring J 10 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003

Submit calendar items and information to Calendar [email protected], or call 749-2139. May-June

Saturday, May 3, 3 – 8 p.m. stay for the optional guided tour. Also, please bring work Ironwood Festival gloves, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat, water, and anything else Annual festival at the Mason Audubon Center celebrating you may need for a short hike and trail work. We’ll see you the flowering of the ironwood trees. Come learn about the on the 7th! Sonoran Desert, the Mason Audubon Center, and the Tuc- son Audubon Society. For more information, see front cover.

Saturday, May 10, 7 – 9:30 a.m. Arizona-Sonora Desert Migratory Bird Day Event at Tumacácori Museum In celebration of Migratory Bird Day 2002, Tumacácori National Historical Park, Tucson Audubon Society, the Ari- Wednesday, May 1 & Saturday morning, May 3 zona Important Bird Areas Program, and Friends of the Santa Tracking: The First Step Cruz River will host an annual migratory bird inventory and Join naturalist and author Pinau Merlin to dis- area tour. Interested birdwatchers, whether expert or begin- cover how to find and understand not just foot- ner, are welcome to meet in front of the Tumacácori Na- prints, but all the signs animals leave. Slide show tional Historical Park’s Visitor Center at the early hour of 7 and lecture on Wednesday, May 1 at 7:00 to 8:30 a.m., Saturday, May 10. See page 15 for more information. p.m. Field Trip on Saturday, May 3 from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $90 for members of the Arizona Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sonora Desert Museum, $99 non-members. Call Population and Habitat Grassroots Workshop the museum at 883-3086 for more information Judd Klement, Grassroots Coordinator from Audubon’s Pub- or to sign up. lic Policy Office in Washington, D.C. will be conducting a Southeast Arizona Butterfly Population and Habitat Grassroots Workshop Saturday, May Association Events 24 from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Mason Audubon Cen- ter. During this workshop, learn about Grassroots Advocacy Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. and how it impacts the legislative process. Learn how you Field Trip: Box Canyon and Florida Canyon can be involved and use your power as a constituent to en- Some species we may see are all three Hackberry sure our lawmakers do more to protect our environment from butterflies, Desert Cloudywing, Arizona Skipper, population pressures. This will be a fun-filled, interactive Sheep Skipper and Palmer’s Metalmark. Meet at workshop where chapter members will be able to share their 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of Box Canyon Rd experiences and learn to communicate more effectively with (FR 62) and the Continental-Whitehouse-Madera lawmakers. It is free to all Audubon members, and breakfast Canyon Rd. Take the Continental-Madera Can- will be provided. Please contact Jamie Brown at 744-0004 yon exit from I19 (see map on SEABA website). ([email protected]) for more information or Field trip leader will be entomologist Barbara to sign up! Terkanian. Bring sturdy shoes, hat, water, close- focus binoculars, sunscreen and lunch. $5.00 do- Saturday, June 7, 8 – 10 a.m. nation requested. For more info www.naba.org/ National Trails Day chapters/nabasa/home.html. Join us at the Mason Audubon Center on Saturday, June 7 Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 p.m. for a morning of trail work and an optional guided tour. We Butterfly Meeting need your help to widen the trail in some areas and level the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way, trail in others. Trail work begins bright and early at 6:00 Education Room. Guest speaker Jim Brock, co- a.m. and concludes at 8:00 a.m. The optional tour, from author with Kenn Kaufman of “Butterflies of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., will be lead by Mason Audubon North America” will discuss and sign copies of this Center volunteer naturalists and will focus on the topic of new field guide. Free. For more details about ei- saguaros and other cacti (please see description under Natu- ther event, see www.naba.org/chapters/nabasa/ ralist Notebook). Please call Dan or Jamie at 744-0004 to home.html. sign up. Space is limited, so please indicate if you intend to May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 11 Proyecto Corredor Colibrí

Jennie Duberstein, Co-director, Proyecto Corredor Colibrí

Proyecto Corredor Colibrí1 (PCC) is a bi-national, col- PCC’s involvement with these communities is diverse. laborative project that works directly with communities lo- Some of our current projects include: cated in the Mexican portion of the upper San Pedro water- w Environmental education in local schools, including field shed in natural and cultural resource conservation. Our goals trips, classroom programs, and schoolyard habitat gardens; include: (1) capacity-building of local residents, (2) conser- w Community-wide conservation projects, including refor- vation of biodiversity, and (3) the development of ecologi- estation and the development of a native plant nursery and cally, economically, and socially sustainable projects that stand water catchment system; as examples to communities throughout the watershed. We w Economic diversification, including ecotourism and an accomplish our goals through environmental education and Ocotillo Fence Cooperative; community outreach, research and monitoring, habitat res- w Riparian restoration; and toration, and economic diversification, seeking win-win situ- w Bird, mammal, and vegetation research and monitoring. ations for both communities and conservation. Look for an announcement of natural history tours to In June 2002, Tucson Audubon Society (TAS) became Villa Verde in an upcoming issue of the Vermilion Flycatcher, the fiscal sponsor of Proyecto Corredor Colibrí, allowing our and please feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more two organizations to work together toward our common goals about our project, would like to volunteer, or just want to of cross-border conservation and education. With this ar- introduce yourselves. We’re very excited to have this oppor- ticle, we want to introduce ourselves to those TAS members tunity to join forces with TAS and look forward to great who are still unfamiliar with our work, to highlight Villa collaborations in the future! Verde, one of the main spots where we’ve been working, and to invite interested TAS members to join us on an upcoming Jennie Duberstein and Juan Caicedo birding tour of the area. Project Co-directors Villa Verde is a main tributary to the San Pedro River, Proyecto Corredor Colibrí located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of the Bu- P.O. Box 1071 reau of Land Management administered San Pedro Riparian Bisbee, AZ 85719 National Conservation Area and the U.S. border, in Sonora, 520-432-9116 Mexico. Villa Verde is located between two ejidos2 (Ejido [email protected] Ignacio Zaragoza and Ejido Cuauhtemoc), where ranching is the main source of income. Villa Verde’s large reservoir 1 Proyecto Corredor Colibrí is pronounced ‘pro YECK toe and 10 km stretch of riparian habitat support three of the koray DORE koe lee BREE’ and means Hummingbird Corri- most endangered habitats in the San Pedro riparian ecosys- dor Project. PCC began as an idea for a series of pollinator gar- tem: cottonwood-willow gallery forest, ciénega (grassy wet- dens and birding destinations throughout the Mexican portion land), and sacaton grassland. When these three are combined of the watershed. Since then, our mission has expanded sub- with the diversity of other habitats at Villa Verde, the area stantially, but we kept our original name. supports a great variety of bird species. So far we have docu- 2 An ejido (pronounced ‘eh HEE doe’) is a rural, coopera- mented nearly 171 species at Villa Verde, including Yellow- tively-run community. J billed Cuckoo, Gray Hawk, and Bald Eagle. Jennie Duberstein

Juan Caicedo, PCC co-director, talks with ejidatarios about riparian restoration 12 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003 Mason Audubon Center News

Naturalist’s Notebook ing next to washes or near streams grow at a faster rate be- by MAC volunteer naturalist, Doris Evans cause more water is available. Slope direction influences The saguaro is the symbol of the Sonoran Desert, and growth, too. Next time you are in saguaro studded hills, no- visitors come from around the world to experience these tice that south-facing slopes, which receive sun at a more imposing cacti. To those of us who live here, saguaros are a direct angle, have much denser stands of saguaros than north- part of the scenery, and we seldom take time for a close look facing slopes where it is cooler and freezing is more likely. at them. So let’s sharpen our observation powers. Next time If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating plant you are among a stand of saguaros notice how their appear- join the Naturalists at the Mason Audubon Center for the ance changes as they age. monthly public tour on Saturday, June 7th, from 8 to 10 am. Tiny plants less than 10 years old are usually found un- The theme is The Saguaro and Other Cacti. It is imperative der the branches of bursages and other ground cover. Look to reserve your space by calling Dan at 520-744-0004. Res- for a tiny cactus growing under a protective “nurse plant.” ervations are limited in order to give participants a high qual- At about age 15, a saguaro may be 6 inches tall. At this young ity experience. age the growth rate is about a half-inch per year. Uber-volunteers Note the dense crown of stout spines shading the grow- Dan Wolgast, Education Coordinator ing top of the young plant. This reduces water loss and may I’d like to say a very special “thank you” to all of the protect it from freezing or being eaten. Short woolly hairs MAC naturalists who have helped out with Girl Scout pro- beneath the spines cover the top of the stem, further reduc- grams this past year, especially Linda Greene, Sara Swan and ing moisture loss. During its teens, 20s and 30s, the saguaro Betty Augello. The other naturalists, including Peggy has the appearance of a stout baseball bat. Wenrick, Scotty Campbell, Marie Vergata, Diane Szollosi, At about 30 or 40 years of age, a saguaro is about 6 feet Michael Bissontz, Ed Moll, and Audrey Toepper have been tall and additional ribs develop as the saguaro takes on a vital to the running of these programs. However, Linda, Sara pickle shape. Look for new pleats that have been added to and Betty really stepped up to the plate for the “Bees, But- the stem. For every pleat there is a woody rib inside. Exam- terflies and Blossoms activity”. I came down with laryngitis ine the top and you will see many long, gray spines sur- the night before the activity and was only able to give a few rounded by woolly hairs which form a dense protective mat hours notice. But Linda right away took the lead, and Sara over the tip. Peak growth rates happen at this time. A saguaro and Betty, neither of whom had led a group of five- and six- may add up to 5 inches per year. year-olds, each took a third of the group and led tours that Now the shape slowly changes and a bulge develops in were loved by all. What a relief to know that things were in the upper mid-section, giving the saguaro a bowling pin or such capable hands! wine bottle appearance. At about 50 years of age a saguaro is So, many, many thanks to all of the folks who have made about 10 feet tall. The top spines change during this period these activities possible. It is an honor to work among such of growth. They are now shorter, a yellowish color, and there gifted and dedicated individuals, though I feel that there is is an even-denser mass of woolly hairs surrounding each spine no show of appreciation adequate for all that you give to us. — perhaps offering protection from frost. This is where the Thanks! J first flowers will appear. When you see the fuzzy growth at the top, you know that the saguaro is at an age where it will produce flowers. National Trails Day At about 65 the saguaro is nearing a height of 20 feet and Join us at the Mason Audubon Center on Saturday, may begin to grow arms. Most arms appear at the bulge. June 7 for trail work and an optional guided tour. We One or more arms can emerge the same year. At this age the need help to widen and level the trail. Trail work begins plant has developed its largest number of ribs — about 20. at 6:00 a.m. and concludes at 8:00 a.m. The tour, from At about 80 years of age the arms are about as large as the 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., will be lead by Mason Audu- central stem. bon Center volunteer naturalists and will focus on the As a saguaro reaches 150 years it is still growing, but very topic of saguaros and other cacti. Please call Dan or Jamie slowly. It may add only an inch or two a year. A very old at 744-0004 to sign up. Space is limited, so please indi- saguaro may live to 200 years old or more. cate if you intend to stay for the optional guided tour. The numbers given here are averages. The yearly growth Also, please bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, sun-screen, rates of saguaros depend on many factors—location, tem- hat, water, and anything else you may need for a short perature extremes, and the amount of rain. The greater the hike and trail work. We’ll see you on the 7th! average annual rainfall, the faster saguaros grow. Those grow- May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 13

IRONWOOD, continued from front page

The Ironwood Festival pro- vides an opportunity for kids of all Trail walk with a naturalist at the Ironwood Festival ages to learn bobcat, various snakes and lizards, scorpions, tarantulas, small about the desert envi- mammals, and more. More than 20 organizations includ- Tucson Electric Power ronment ing Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tohono Chul Park, the Coa- lition for Sonoran Desert Protection, and the International Dark-Sky Association will be offering a whole host of activi- ties, with displays and items for purchase. One such example includes samples of food prepared from native desert plants by volunteers and staff of Tucson Botanical Gardens. Festival-goers will also enjoy the exciting line-up of mu- sical entertainment beginning with Uncommon Folk at 4:00 Budding herpe- p.m. followed by the Organ Donors at 5:00 p.m. and Morton, tologist at the O’Connor and Davies at 7:00 p.m. Fred Terry, The Singing Ironwood Festival Beekeeper, will also be on hand, playing throughout the Fes- tival. Other entertainment will include Tohono O’odham basketweaving demonstrations, a stiltwalker, an Abenaki In- dian artist, and storyteller Gerard Tsonakwa, who will keep audiences enthralled with his tales. Cooper Environmental Center booth at Admission to the Festival is $5.00, with children 10 and the Ironwood Festival under free. Tickets can be purchased at Tucson Audubon Society’s Nature Shop or at the gate. Parking is available at nearby Tortolita Middle School, 4101 W. Hardy Road, with Desert Protection, Cooper Environment Science Campus/ free shuttle service to the Festival. Please visit TUSD, International Dark-Sky Association, Pima County tucsonaudubon.org/masoncenter/ironwood.htm to learn more. Natural Resources Park & Recreation, Sierra Club, Tohono Partners: Arizona Game & Fish Department, Arizona Chul Park, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and Tucson Her- Department of Water Resources, Coalition for Sonoran petological Society. J The Ironwood Festival is sponsored by:

The Home Depot New Belgium Brewery Summit Hut 14 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003 Owling In Southeast Arizona

By William Harvey

Southeast Arizona is a marvelous place for the birder who Mid-April through June. Recommended and easily acces- is looking for owls and nightjars. During the year a birder sible areas for nightbirding are Mt. Lemmon, Catalina State can find as many as fourteen owl (if one counts Mountain Park, Sabino Canyon, Tucson Mountain Park, Madera Can- and Californicus N. Pygmy-Owls as two species) and five yon, Cave Creek near Portal, and Pinery Canyon. Other simi- nightjar species in southeast Arizona. A few of the owls and lar sites can be every bit as productive. Every site is unique essentially all the nightjar species are here only in the appro- and has a different mix of active nightbirds. Calm, moonlit priate seasons (mostly summer). Some of these birds are abun- nights are probably best for nightbirding. dant in the appropriate habitat while others are so rare that Cave Creek seems to mix a great variety of species almost barely one or two are reported every few years. at the same elevation. One can locate Elf, Western Screech-, If one is going to see and/or identify owls and nightjars Northern Pygmy-, Whiskered Screech-, and Flammulated at night, recordings of their calls and a playback device are Owls, Poorwills and Whip-poor-wills by owling from Portal necessary. On many nights you will merely hear the birds to the end of the South Fork Road. Madera Canyon has the and even when you see a bird you might not be able to visu- ever cooperative Elf Owls in the utility poles at the Santa ally identify it. For some birds their Rita Lodge with calling Whiskered voices are the single sure way to iden- Screech-Owls, Whip-poor-wills, and tify them, so you must familiarize Northern Pygmy-Owls (in 2002) at the yourself with their calls. If you “must” same elevation. Lower down in the can- see one of these elusive birds, your best yon and in the grasslands Poorwills and chance is to lure them into the light Western Screech-Owls call. A hike to by playing a recording of their spe- Boggs Springs (not the campground) cies’ calls. There are ethical and legal sometimes produces Spotted Owls on considerations to doing this. One day perches in the big trees near the should not harass nesting birds, nor springs. Catalina State Park is notable should one disturb birds of special for the high density of calling Elf concern such as the Buff-collared Owls on the ridges bordering Nightjar. Legally protected species John & Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS Sutherland Wash. Western Screech- such as the Ferruginous Pygmy- and Owls and Poorwills are also in this Spotted Owls are just that, protected. area in high numbers. One should not attempt to call in In the Tucson area one can maxi- (even if you can imitate their call) or mize the number of species of even squeak in or approach closely nightbirds which it is possible to lo- one of these protected species. Only cate by birding from Tanque Verde the most passive search methods are Wash to the top of Mt. Lemmon (or appropriate for protected (and sensi- Mt. Bigelow). You will probably need tive) species. Fortunately for birders, to make some tradeoffs on this expedi- Ferruginous Pygmy- and Spotted Owls Spotted Owl tion because of time considerations. can be found in daylight hours. You should prepare for this foray in ad- Other legal prohibitions should be observed. Harassment vance because there is a 10PM curfew at Mt. Lemmon’s more of wildlife, which includes the playing of calls, is strictly for- accessible birding areas. A permit to exceed this curfew can bidden on properties administered by the National Park Ser- be obtained from Forest Service Headquarters at Sabino Can- vice. Playing of recorded calls is prohibited at some popular yon (contact officer: Mindee Roth). Plan to do this trip Mon- birding sites including Madera Canyon, Ft. Hauchuca, South day-Friday because of crowds of weekend revelers. As to the Fork near Portal, and all Nature Conservancy properties. As trip, look for Great Horned-, Barn-, Elf-, and Western a general rule you are allowed to tape birds and animals in Screech-Owls, Lesser Nighthawks, and Poorwills from National Forests and AZ State Parks. Beware of curfews. Tanque Verde Wash to Prison Camp campground. Good One can find owls in southeast Arizona twelve months a spots to check are Tanque Verde Wash at Houghton Rd., year but in general you can maximize your chances of locat- along the borders of Aqua Caliente Park (its possible to get a ing a variety of owl and nightjar species by searching from key to the gate from County Parks), the parking pullout at May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 15 the southern boundary of the National Forest on Catalina there are a number of guides listed on the Tucson Audubon Hwy. (Elf Owl & Poorwills), Molina Basin, and Prison Camp website. Tucson Audubon occasionally sponsors owling trips. (reliable for Western Screech-Owls). From Cypress (Lower The Santa Rita Lodge has nightwalks (owling) during April Bear Canyon) Picnic Area and upwards, look and listen for and May and birdwalks to Boggs Springs where Spotted Owls Flammulated-, Whiskered Screech-, Spotted-, and North- sometimes roost. Nightwalks (emphasis on walk) are regu- ern Pygmy-Owls and Whip-poor-wills. At the very highest larly scheduled at Sabino Canyon and periodically in Saquaro elevations there are remote chances for Saw-whet and National Park. Sometimes researchers (on owls) are happy to Californicus type N. Pygmy-Owls. If you still have the en- have birders accompany them on their rounds. Call Arizona (or ergy on your return go to Sabino Canyon (open 24 hours) U.S.) Fish and Wildlife. where Elf-, Western Screech-, and Great Horned Owls and A tenting expedition is recommended to anyone who is Poorwills are relatively common. If one’s time is limited it is interested in owls and nightjars. In the spring you can fall suggested that one begin at the three Bear Canyon Picnic asleep to the yapping of Elf Owls, the hoots of Great Horned Grounds and work downward along Catalina Highway. A Owls, or the incessant calls of Whip-poor-wills. Boggs Springs trip to Rustler Park in the Chirichuas from either the east or Campground in Madera Canyon and Pinery Canyon are west sides can produce a like mix of nightbirds. You should recommended sites. be aware that at higher elevations nights can be cold and Your own backyard might be a great place for nightbirds that snow and ice can linger well into May in some years. if it backs up against a wash, has extensive natural vegetation One should monitor the hotline and local birding websites or mature landscaping. Poorwills, Western Screech-, Great for owl and nightjar sightings. These reports are your best Horned Owls and even the rare Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl chances for finding out where such winter rarities as Saw- may be regular visitors to your suburban neighborhood. whet-, Long-eared-, and Short-eared Owls are being seen. It is recommended that you make a stop at the Tucson Sightings of the much-sought-after Buff-collared Nightjar Audubon Bookstore and Library where many fine references are also likely to be reported on these media. Click on birding can be obtained. at the Regional/Specialties page. The Owls and Nightjars are out there in the night wait- For those of you who need company outdoors at night ing for you. Go out and get them! J

Arizona’s Important Bird Areas Program

Migratory Bird Day Event at Tumacácori, May 10

In celebration of Migratory Bird Day 2002, Tumacácori the species commonly seen, with rarer sightings of Com- National Historical Park, the Arizona Important Bird Areas mon Black-Hawks, Gray Hawks, and White-faced Ibises. Program, and Friends of the Santa Cruz River will host an In conjunction with the bird count, the National Park annual migratory bird inventory and area tour. Interested Service will also be conducting a MAPS station (Monitoring birdwatchers, whether expert or beginner, are welcome to Avian Productivity and Survivorship) at the river where bi- meet in front of the Tumacácori National Historical Park’s ologists will be capturing and banding birds. Bird day par- Visitor Center at the early hour of 7 a.m., Saturday, May 10. ticipants will rotate through the station to observe proce- The group will start in the mission parking lot and slowly dures and get a general overview. The MAPS team conducts make their way to the Santa Cruz River spending two bird surveys in various parts of the state, including twelve hours observing and noting bird species. While expert days per year at Tumacácori. The results show the area to be birders are welcome, no experience is necessary to par- one of the most diverse sites studied. ticipate, and the National Park Service will supply bin- The bird tour will end in the park garden at 9:30 a.m., oculars, if needed. with a special presentation by Audubon on Santa Cruz River International Migratory Bird Day counts have been con- restoration projects, the Arizona Important Bird Areas Pro- ducted since 1995 at Tumacácori. Over 200 species are known gram and its focus on the Tumacácori area. A continental to use the area and over 40 species are usually sited during breakfast, and coffee and juice will be provided at the the event. Verdins, Common Yellowthroats, Vermilion Fly- park garden. catchers, Summer, Western, and Hepatic Tanagers, various For details, please contact Roy Simpson at Tumacácori woodpeckers, and Yellow-breasted Chats are just a few of National Historic Park (520) 398-2341, extension 28. J 16 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003

Tucson Audubon Travel Larry Liese

International Birding Trips!

Full information for the abbreviated trip descriptions call WINGS at 320-9868 in Tucson or email below can be found on the Tucson Audubon website, [email protected]. You can also visit their web site www.tucsonaudubon.org, or by using the contact informa- at www.wingsbirds.com. tion given. All trip prices include a tax-deductible donation Yécora and Alamos, Sonora to Tucson Audubon. Eight-day tour hosted by David & Jennifer MacKay of Costa Rica Birding with Borderland Tours Solipaso Excursions, October 5-12, 2003, $1,600 Thirteen-day tour by Rick Taylor, July 1-13, 2003, $2,845 See Story on adjacent page. Explore Costa Rica’s network of scenic national parks and Birding in the Colorado wildlife preserves from lowland River Delta rain forest to the northernmost A three-day and two-night páramo (tropical alpine zone) in tour hosted by La Ruta de Central America. Views of 350- Sonora, September 26-28, 400 birds are expected, with vis- 2003, $665 its to Carara National Park, the Experience the lower Colo- Rio Savegre area high in the Cor- rado River, the Colorado River dillera Talamanca, Rancho Delta, and the upper Sea of Naturalista in the bird-rich

Kendall Kroesen Cortez in this water-based foothill zone of the Cordillera birding adventure. Destinations Central, the La Selva field sta- include the Imperial Wildlife tion in the Caribbean rain for- Refuge, the wetlands of La est, and the world famous Cienega de Santa Clara (canoe Monteverde Cloud Forest. Visit exotic bird habitat with Tucson Audubon excursion), and El Golfo de For more information and/ Santa Clara (boat ride). or a complete trip packet please For information on this exciting eco-adventure please call call Borderland Tours at 882-7650, or email La Ruta de Sonora Ecotourism Association at 792-4693 or [email protected]. email [email protected]. A Week at Palenque with Rich Hoyer Copper Canyon Birding An eight-day birding trip to southern Mexico hosted by A ten-day tour co-led by Larry Liese and Rochelle Rich Hoyer of WINGS October 18-25, 2003, $2040 Gerratt October 7-16, 2003, & 18-27, 2003, $1799 Birdwatchers who love Mexico return time and again to This trip offers an opportunity to experience some of the Palenque. Indeed, many first become acquainted with tropi- most breathtaking scenery of North America and see excit- cal birds at this wonderful site. The small town and spec- ing neo-tropical bird species such as Russet-crowned Mot- tacular Maya ruins of Palenque lie in the Gulf of Mexico mot and Eared Trogon, as well as observe the fascinating lowlands, at the foot of the Yucatán Peninsula and just in- mix of Mexican and Tarahumara. Activities include a float land from the vast Usumacinta marshes. A week at Palenque trip near the Colonial town of El Fuerte, the magical train is an excellent tour for those who wish a pleasant introduc- ride across the Sierra Madre to Creel, and two full days in tion to tropical birding, a shorter Mexican experience, and a Batopilas located deep within this huge canyon system. trip with the comfort and convenience of a single locality. For information contact Rochelle Gerratt at 696-2002, For more information and/or a complete trip packet please or email [email protected]. J La Ruta de Sonora May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 17 Yecora and Alamos, Sonora

October 5 – 12, 2003 (8 Days), $1600 per person The additional habitats and areas included offer the op- Solipaso Excursions in partnership with the Tucson Au- portunity to see birds such as Gray-collared Becard, Mili- dubon Society is excited to announce a tary Macaw, Brown-backed Solitaire, new and exciting tour itinerary to the Hooded Grosbeak, Spotted Wren, state of Sonora, Mexico. Like the Alamos Slate-throated Redstart and Black- trips that we have offered for the past headed Siskin. Upwards of 250 spe- several years, this trip includes time in cies are possible on this trip, includ- beautiful colonial Alamos, and explor- ing 30 Mexican endemics. ing the tropical forest that surrounds it. The dates for the tour are October 5 Additionally, this trip offers three days – 12, 2003. This tour is limited to a in the higher elevation pine, oak forests maximum of 9 participants and is led of the Sierra Madre Occidental near by David MacKay, co-owner of Solipaso Yecora, Sonora, where many other inter- Excursions. The price is $1600 per per- esting bird species can be found. This is son and is all inclusive of meals, accom- some of the best and most accessible high modations, guide and round trip trans- elevation habitat available in the northern Kendall Kroesen portation from Tucson. $150 of the tour Sierra Madre of Mexico. price is a donation to the Tucson Audu- The course of this trip explores an bon Society. array of interesting and diverse areas in- A detailed itinerary will be avail- cluding the beautiful Sonoran Desert, able on the Solipaso website on May extensive riparian habitat of the Rio David MacKay, expert guide, will host the 1 at www.solipaso.com. You can also Sonora, oak forests of the Sierra Madre Yecora/Alamos trip email David and Jennifer at foothills, pine clad canyons of the Sierra Madre, the sea and [email protected] with questions, for more information, or shore birds of Isla Huivulai, and the diversity of the tropical to register for the tour; or call 011 52 647 428 0466. J deciduous forest of the Sierra de Alamos.

Recent Alamos Trip

Kendall Kroesen

Nature enthusiasts enjoyed another very successful trip Streak-backed Orioles, and Sinaloa Crows visited the court- to Alamos, Sonora from May 30 to April 5. The trip was a yard, which contained palms, mangoes, brilliant bougain- part of Tucson Audubon’s grow- villeas, orchids, and other flowers. ing travel program and was The drive to southern Sonora hosted by David and Jennifer is long, but it was broken up by MacKay of Solipaso Excursions. rest stops, a delightful lunch in Solipaso and its guesthouse, Guaymas, and a stop for ocean La Ciudadela, are located in birding. That stop produced life Alamos, a small, colonial-era birds for some people even before mining town in the foothills of we reached Alamos (the Magnifi- the Sierra Madre. La Ciudadela cent Frigatebirds, Yellow-footed provides fine food, charming and Kendall Kroesen Gulls and Roseate Spoonbills were comfortable rooms, and spacious a big hit!). colonial architecture. When we In Alamos we rose early for were not birding we were often breakfast and morning birding. chatting or reading outdoors David MacKay’s expert Ferrugi- under ramadas held up by large, Great looks at Green Kingfishers and an Elegant nous Pygmy-Owl calls successfully arched pillars. Bullock’s and Trogon at the Cuchujaqui River, near Alamos ALAMOS, continued on page 23 18 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003

Audubon Nature Shop Judy Edison

Backyard Bird Watching

Many of our members enjoy watch- Society and Tucson Audubon pub- Desert. Plants included in this book are ing birds in their backyards. This can lished a booklet, Desert Bird Garden- desert adapted, commercially available, be a wonderful family activity and can ing ($2.00), that can help you get and low maintenance, although all will stimulate a lifetime started in landscap- need to be watered after initial plant- interest in birds and in ing for birds. This ing and many may need supplemental nature in general. It is, publication includes water in the summer. In The Hum- however, not without 45 plant species that mingbird Garden ($12.95) bird and some risk to the birds. were chosen because gardening expert Mathew Tekulsky Drawing birds to a of their usefulness in uncovers the simple steps any gardener feeder can put them attracting birds, and can take to attract and enjoy humming- in danger of predation because they are birds. He introduces the reader to hum- from house cats and adapted to condi- mingbird habits and reveals the regions hawks. Even the win- tions in the deserts of where they live and migrate. Hum- dow you use to watch the Southwest. In ad- mingbird Gardens, from the Brooklyn the birds can be lethal. dition, 24 bird spe- Botanic Garden, tells readers how to Large congregations cies commonly seen attract hummingbirds by planting their of birds can also in- in southwestern gar- favorite flowers. It begins by explain- crease the risk of dens are described ing the birds’ migration and feeding transmission of some and illustrated. habits, extraordinary flying abilities, diseases. During the Taylor’s Weekend courtship rituals, and nest-building summer, here in the Gardening Guide— techniques, then provides an illustrated Southwest, we need to Attracting Birds & encyclopedia of 18 hummingbird spe- be particularly vigi- Butterflies ($14.00) cies found in the U.S. and Canada. Also lant. Trichomoniasis, a is a beautiful yet included is advice on installing a feeder disease carried by pi- practical book that and information about hummingbird- geons and doves, is es- shows how to trans- attracting plants. Attracting & Feeding pecially bad during form a garden into Hummingbirds ($7.95) written by the warm months and one that welcomes hummingbird expert, Sheri can be spread to other songbirds, hum- seed-eating birds as well as to the rap- mingbirds, and butterflies and is easy tors that might eat sick birds and feed to care for as well. them to their young. Summer in the desert is humming- If you feed birds, you can reduce bird season. If you feed hummingbirds, the incidence of disease by providing remember to change the solution ev- the cleanest environment you can, and ery other day in hot weather and to concentrate on attracting a variety of scrub and rinse the feeder each time you species — not a large number of indi- fill it. Fill the feeders with a solution of viduals. If you notice sick birds in your four parts water to one part sugar yard, the best thing to do is stop feed- (white table sugar only). Do not use ing them seed during the warm red food coloring; the red color on the months. For information on feeding feeders will attract the birds. You can birds safely stop by the Audubon Na- also use plants to attract hummingbirds. ture Shop and pick up our free pamphlet The Nature Shop carries a large “Enjoying Wild Birds in Your Backyard.” number of books on gardening for One of the best ways to attract birds hummingbirds. Desert Hummingbird to your yard is through “bird friendly” Gardens, by Sylvia Yoder, ($11.95) is landscaping. The Arizona Native Plant written specifically for the Sonoran May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 19

Williamson, is a short but detailed guide to understanding the fascinating and complex lives of hummingbirds KIDZBOOKS and transforming virtually any yard or garden into a hummingbird haven. Chapters cover basic biology and be- When you landscape for birds you month’s newsletter. Another alphabet havior as well as how to create healthy will also get other interesting visitors book that is fun for both children and hummingbird habitat in the home to your garden – butterflies! The Na- adults is The Butterfly Alphabet landscape. A list of books, videos, maga- ture Shop has a wide variety of field ($5.99). Author, Kjell Sandved, has zines, organizations, and web sites gives guides for adults and a variety of books found the entire alphabet hidden in the readers a starting point for further study. on butterflies for children. A great book wings of butterflies. It took him 25 The Nature Shop also carries a wide for ages 4-8 is The Little Butterfly years and visits to more than 30 coun- selection of hummingbird feeders. To ($3.25) by Sherry Shahan. The engag- tries to discover all the letters. In this help get you started attracting hum- ing text and realistic photographs fol- book you will find a picture of the but- mingbirds to your yard, the Nature low a little monarch caterpillar as it terfly on one page and the letter on the Shop is offering a 15% discount on facing page. This makes for a fun hunt- all hummingbird feeders during May and-find activity. and June. Stop by soon to check out For older children the Peterson Field J our feeders and gardening books. Guide Coloring Book – Butterflies ($4.50) presents 191 images to color. Based on the principle that one of the The Audubon Nature quickest, most enjoyable ways to learn Shop will be closed about nature is to color your own field Mondays from June guide, this book shows all the common through August. Shop North American species. Also from the Peterson Field Guide series, is a group open 10–4 Tuesday— of books for young naturalists. Writ- Saturday (10–5 Thurs- ten for ages 9-12, two of these books day). Closed May 31 are appropriate for the beginning but- for inventory. progresses from the larva stage, through terfly watcher. The Peterson Field the chrysalis and then becomes a but- Guides for Young Naturalists – Cater- terfly. It then lays eggs that hatch into pillars ($5.95) and Butterflies ($5.95) new caterpillars, starting the amazing cover the species beginners are most Shop Parking process all over again. Other books fea- There is 1-hour parking directly in turing butterflies for this age level are front of the Shop. There is also parking How to Hide a Butterfly ($3.49), which on 5th Avenue north of University Bou- introduces camouflage in the insect levard or on the north side of University (residential permit parking, but you can park here 9-5 weekdays). You can also park on University just west of 5th Av- enue or in the alley east of the building.

likely to see. Using lifelike illustrations, color photographs, an easy-to-read text, and the Peterson Identification Sys- tem, the book is designed to help beginners succeed. Summer is a great time to watch but- world and The Butterfly Alphabet Book terflies so stop by the Audubon Nature ($6.95) which was described in last Shop and check out these great books. J 20 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003

DastardlyDastardly Duos Duos Larry Liese

Everybody likes owls. I don’t know anyone who won’t with alternating white (narrow) and dark brown (wider) drop his or her binoculars (not literally) from viewing a ‘regu- bands. The brown colors of FPOs are lighter, they have fine lar’ bird when someone spies a day-roosting owl and calls white streaks on their crowns, unspotted sides, similarly out “I’ve got an owl here!” streaked white underparts, a slightly longer tail with alter- This issue’s duo is two cute little owls belonging to a family nating brown and rufous bands (no white). Their tails have of owls characterized by diurnal behavior, long tails and fe- more bands than the NPO, but they would be hard to count rocious aggressiveness. They’ve got attitude! Often taking prey in the field! their own size or even larger, pygmy-owls are not known as Interestingly, these owls lack the feather adaptations of ‘cute’ to the songbirds of the world, and are frequently the nocturnal owls – the soft comblike leading edge and fuzzy mobbed by them when found. An imitation of their whistled upper surfaces that quiet their approach. They have dark calls will frequently bring in a host of small birds, all wish- ‘eye-spots’ on their napes thought to confuse mobbing birds ing to shoo the owl out of their area (please see note at end and increase predatory efficiency by confusing prey. They of article). have large territories, up to a mile in length. They attack in a An uncommon permanent resident in our area, the rapid pursuit flight. Large prey items for these two have in- Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) is found in open cluded American Robin (NPO), and Gambel’s Quail (FPO). coniferous and mixed woods above 4000 feet elevation. Two Ferocious indeed! subspecies are present here, G. g. pinicola, which gives single So, if you’re out birding, particularly at dawn or dusk, hoots and is thought to reach its southern limit in the and hear some whistled hoots, you may be in for a treat – Catalinas, and G. g. gnoma, which gives double hoots and is but don’t drop your binoculars. Good luck! found in the mountains south of the Catalinas down through NOTE: As birding has become more popular, activities Chiapas, Mexico. (More on hoots below.) Very rare and lo- such as pishing, whistling imitations and playing recordings cal in our area, in dry riparian habitats at low elevation is the of bird songs and calls to attract them have come under de- similar appearing Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium bate as to their impact on the birds we are trying to enjoy. If brasilianum). Source of much controversy with regards to you are one to go out and enjoy what nature offers you with- habitat protection and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in out these enhancements – more power to you! I’m told that our area, this formerly common species has dwindled to a performing any activities such as these is ILLEGAL for ani- few tens of known individuals north of the border. The sub- mals protected under the ESA, which holds for the Ferrugi- species here is the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, G. b. nous Pygmy-Owls here in Arizona. J cactorum, different from the one in southern Texas. Both of these owls are often heard from a distance. The whistled hoots of the FPO are a rapid whi-whi-whi-whi- ... typically three per second with rising inflection, continuing for what seems like minutes, the Energizer Bunny of the owl world! The pinicola form of NPO gives a slower single hoot than the Ferruginous, but much faster than NPOs from northern states; roughly one to two per second. It is a clear whistle of more constant pitch. The gnoma, or ‘Mountain’ Pygmy-Owl form breaks into a double-hoot, with odd single hoots thrown in, but clearly double for the most part. The double hoots are given about a second apart and have a simi- lar tonal quality to the pinicola form. Don’t be surprised if this species is split in the future. Since these two owls are not found in the same habitat, you shouldn’t have trouble discerning which one you’ve run into, but here are the visual characteristics that distinguish them. NPOs have a dark brown head with many small white spots on the crown, have coarse dark streaks on white under- parts, white spots on their brown sides, and have a long tail May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 21

Highlights from the Rare Bird Alert Compiled by Susan Birky

March, 2003

The highlight for March was the continuing presence of were the Elegant Trogon, an Eastern Phoebe, the nest-build- the Mexican Spotted Owl on N. Green Tree Drive in Oro ing Black-capped Gnatcatchers, and a Rufous-backed Robin. Valley, north of Tucson, where hundreds of birders were able At the Patons’ feeders a Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk was seen to see it because of the generosity of the residents. It was first 3/30, and the White-throated Sparrow and Cassin’s Finches discovered February 24 and was last seen March 30, but not were seen all month. A pair of Purple Finches was seen at the before it was banded by Russell Duncan, March 28, who end of the month. found it to be a first-year male. Duncan informed the owl’s In the Willcox area a Clark’s Grebe was reported 3/31, “hosts” that the last Mexican Spotted Owl seen in the low- and a Ross’s Goose continued to stay during the month, as lands of Tucson spent the three winters of 1988-1991 near did the Eurasian X American Wigeon. Bonaparte’s and Cali- the dam in Sabino Canyon, also in an African sumac tree. fornia Gulls were seen 3/27. He banded that owl and it is known to be breeding success- In the Nogales area the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Palm fully high in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Warbler remained all month at Kino Springs and a White- It was an interesting month in the region with winter throated Sparrow was observed there 3/9. visitors lingering and early migrants arriving. In the Tucson In the Red Rock area, Eurasian Collared-Doves and area the Least Grebe remained at Sweetwater Wetlands, and Ruddy Ground-Doves were reported all month. Eurasian across the street at the Roger Road Sewage Treatment Plant, collared-doves were also seen in Sonoita, Benson and a Blue-winged Teal was seen 3/15. Two Common Goldeneyes Sahuarita. were found: one in east Tucson 3/12 and one along the Santa In the Green Valley area, a Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk and Cruz River near Cortaro Road 3/20, where the Harris’s Spar- a Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker were observed at Arivaca row was last reported 3/19. A Hooded Merganser was ob- Cienega 3/20. A Crested Caracara was reported at a private served at the Avra Valley Sewage Treatment Plant 3/15. Dun- residence in Green Valley, and a Bonaparte’s Gull was re- lin remained along the Santa Cruz River near Ina Road, and ported at the Amado Sewage Treatment Plant 3/19. In the Long-eared Owl was re-discovered at Atturbury Wash 3/6. Madera Canyon, a Slate-colored Fox Sparrow was reported Great finds were a Clay-colored Sparrow in Sabino Canyon through 3/9 and Cassin’s Finches 3/3. 3/1 and White-throated Sparrows at Agua Caliente Park A Harris’s Sparrow was discovered in Sonoita 3/15. through 3/27 and in Molino Basin 3/22. In the Bisbee area at the Southeastern Arizona Bird In the Patagonia area, the Common Loon was last re- Observatory’s Banning Creek Field Station, a Pinyon Jay was ported at Patagonia Lake State Park 3/16, and a flock of seen 3/25, Indigo Bunting 3/6, and Cassin’s Finches 3/19. American White Pelicans was seen there 3/3. Also at In French Joe Canyon, a Rufous-backed Robin was re- Patagonia Lake State Park, the Bald Eagle was reported 3/2, ported 3/16, the Rufous-capped Warbler lingered all month and a Bonaparte’s Gull was discovered 3/16. Lingering there and Pinyon Jays were seen 3/30. In the Sierra Vista area, a Berylline Hummingbird was found 3/9 in Ramsey Canyon, and the Berylline X Magnifi- cent Hummingbird was seen the last half of the month in Miller Canyon at Beatty’s Guest Ranch & Orchard. An early Lucifer Hummingbird was reported 3/25 from Ash Can- yon, where Cassin’s Finches were seen all month.

Robert W.Robert Hines/USFWS In the Chiricahua Mountains a White-throated and a Golden-crowned Sparrow were observed at a private resi- dence 3/3. The Rare Bird Alert is sponsored by the Tucson Audu- bon Society and reported by Bill Scott. Report sightings to voice mail at 520-696-4461 option 3, or [email protected]. RBA reports are published weekly on Thursday evenings and Clark’s Grebe can be accessed at 520-798-1005 or by visiting www.tucsonaudubon.org. Directions to many of the sites mentioned can be found in Davis and Russell’s Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona. J 22 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003 The Birders’ Exchange Used Optics Drive

By Jennie Duberstein and Betty Peterson

Birders’ Exchange is a bird conservation program of the Proyecto Corredor Colibrí is the southern Arizona re- American Birding Association. Birders’ Exchange collects used pository for Birders’ Exchange donations, and in conjunc- and new birding equipment and redistributes it, free of tion with Tucson Audubon Society and the ABA, we are charge, to researchers, conservationists, and educators work- organizing an equipment drive. Items we are currently ing to conserve birds and their habitats in Latin America. seeking include: These donations help develop local conservation strategies w Binoculars and educate local citizens about bird conservation and eco- w Spotting scopes system-wide habitat protection. Proyecto Corredor Colibrí, w Tripods Tucson Audubon Society, and the American Birding Asso- w Field guides to neotropical birds ciation are teaming up to organize an equipment drive in w Field guides to North American birds southern Arizona to support Birders’ Exchange. w Ornithology texts For thousands of bird conservationists, researchers, and w Laptop computers environmental educators in Latin America and the Carib- w Backpacks bean, working without the proper tools is an unfortunate The equipment must be in good working order. For ex- reality. In 1990, the ample, the binoculars must be in proper alignment, the fo- launch of Birders’ Ex- cus wheel in operation, and the glass without flaws. Occa- change brought a new, sionally Birders’ Exchange asks for other materials as the spe- simple, yet highly ef- cial requirements of projects demand. Contact either Proyecto fective means for Corredor Colibrí or Birders’ Exchange if you have other gear North American to contribute, to see if we have a proper match. All contri- birders, ornithologists, butions are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by law. conservationists, and Birders’ Exchange will acknowledge all contributions by letter. businesses to contrib- In addition to donations, if you are taking a trip to a ute to hemispheric location in Latin America or the Caribbean, you could serve conservation and envi- as a courier for some Birders’ Exchange equipment. If you ronmental education are interested, contact Betty at the email address provided efforts. Since 1990, below before your trip. Birders’ Exchange has To make a donation to the PCC/TAS Birders’ Exchange sent 1,800 binoculars, drive, contact Jennie Duberstein at 1,025 field guides, 275 [email protected] or (520) 326-6526. Donations backpacks, 150 cam- are being accepted at the Tucson Audubon offices at 300 E. eras, 200 scopes, 150 University Blvd or in Bisbee, by appointment. To learn more tripods, and other tools about Birders’ Exchange, visit www.americanbirding.org or to more than 350 pro- contact Betty Peterson at [email protected]. J grams in over 30 Latin American and Carib- bean countries. This equipment enhances awareness of birds, and it empowers local people to make wise conserva- tion decisions. May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 23

ALAMOS, continued from page 17 Mangrove Swallows, Great Kiskadees, Yellow-crowned Night- attracted many forest birds, not the least of which was the Heron, and many herons, egrets, and shorebirds. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Twice they came close enough for The estuary was hard to beat, but perhaps the most magi- great views. The first morning in Alamos we saw several other cal experience was on day five. We drove to El Mintidero sought-after birds such as Rufous-bellied Chachalacas, Red- wash, about 30 minutes from Alamos, where we walked a billed Pigeons, White-fronted Parrots, Black-throated Mag- short distance into another part of the Cuchujaqui River. pie-Jays, and Rufous- Large Mexican cypresses backed Robins. A pleas- (sabinos), willows, and ant afternoon around strangler figs lined one Alamos yielded Blue- side of the river while rumped Parrotlets in a the other side afforded large strangler fig. views into the surround- The next day we ing tropical deciduous walked a trail into a re- forest. serve on the slopes of the First we had fine Sierra de Alamos. The views of Rose-throated dry, but thick tropical Becards, a Varied deciduous forest was Bunting, and a Happy good habitat for species Wren. Then, along that do not reach the Kendall Kroesen some ponds in the river, U.S., including White- an Elegant Trogon tipped Doves, Russet- perched in low branches crowned Motmots, only 20 or 30 feet away. Nutting’s Flycatchers, However, our attention Black-capped Gnat- Boating on the Agiabampo Estuary was soon drawn by sev- catchers, and a Sinaloa eral other birds that ap- Wren. Returning to Alamos, we stopped at the top of a hill peared in rapid succession. These included two Green King- that overlooks the town. We alternately looked up at the fishers that foraged and perched nearby, an unusual spring Gray and Short-tailed sighting of Brown- Hawks and down at backed Solitaire, and the spiny-tailed igua- the repeated appearance nas that inhabit the and disappearance of a rocky hillside. skulking Blue Mocking- During lunch at a lo- bird. Our heads swung cal restaurant we had back and forth trying to our first looks at Social keep track. Several mi- Flycatchers — even grating warblers and meals were birdy! An af- vireos also passed by ternoon trip to the and nesting Gray bridge at the Hawks screeched al- Cuchujaqui River pro- most continuously duced unparalleled Kendall Kroesen through the canyon. scope views of a Bare- In all, we saw 164 throated Tiger-Heron. species, with many “life The following day birds” for each partici- we went to the pant. It is not possible Agiabampo estuary on The downtown core of colonial-era Alamos to describe all our ac- the Sinaloa coast. The tivities here, nor to do estuary and the drive there were excellent opportunities to full justice to the superb level of professionalism, congenial- see Crested Caracaras, which are plentiful in the coastal plain. ity, and hospitality exhibited by David MacKay and his Boating on the estuary we had close-up views of perched entire household. Participants were universally pleased Magnificent Frigatebirds, White Ibises, Gull-billed Terns, with the trip. J 24 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003 Birding the Mai Po Reserve in Hong Kong

By Clark Blake

On a recent trip (March 2003) I was able to visit the Mai and duck ponds containing numerous Garganey, Tufted Po Nature Reserve, one of the greatest birding destinations Ducks, and Eurasian Wigeon. Along the way there were Little on earth. Located about an hour’s drive north of down- Grebes, Great Cormorants (thousands), Dalmatian Pelicans, town Hong Kong, the preserve was founded in 1983 by Chinese Pond Herons, several different egrets, Common the World Wildlife Fund Hong Kong. It includes about Moorhens, White-breasted Waterhens, plus a number of land 950 acres of mangroves, reed beds, and fish and shrimp birds in the trees that line the path. These included Rufous ponds, plus the adjacent tidelands of Deep Bay. Turtle Doves, wagtails, Chinese Bulbuls, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Access to Mai Po is by permit only, and these must be Asian Brown Flycatcher, Great Tit, Rufous-backed Shrike, applied for at least four weeks in advance. Fortunately, magpies, Black-tailed Hawfinch, and Spotted Munia. there is a web site where information and application data From the Education Center I headed west across the Gei- are available: www.wwf.org.hk/eng/maipo/index.html. You wais to the security fence that marks the boundary with will need a photocopy of your passport plus, if you plan to mainland China. This area requires a special permit that is go on your own and not in a discussed on the web site. After guided tour, you will need a copy entering through an unlocked gate, of your Audubon membership you walk about 1/3 mile (500 card (or other birding society) in meters) across a floating boardwalk order to qualify as a “specialist.” in dense mangroves. Here there All tours begin at the Peter Scott were a multitude of noisy reed and Field Studies Centre where there is bush warblers, but most were a parking lot, check-in station, hidden and I couldn’t identify and blackboards listing recent their songs. At the edge of the sightings. From there you walk mangrove swamp are the shallow south to a warden’s post where mudflats of inner Deep Bay, where another passport and permit check there are several blinds from which is made. After that you are on could be seen an incredible your own, and where to go next number and variety of waders. depends on the tides. It is abso- Unfortunately, I arrived about one lutely essential that you arrive at the hour after the peak high tide and hides (blinds) at the Deep Bay most of the birds were too far out mudflats at or within a few minutes to be identified although I did see before the high tide. Times of high Viney et al, 1994 Grey Plovers (our Black-bellied), and low tides are published daily in Black-tailed Godwits, curlews, the Hong Kong newspapers. The avocets, redshanks, and greens- walk out to the mudflats from the hanks. Two birders from Singapore visitor center takes about an hour, so told me that an hour earlier, they plan accordingly. Map Showing Mai Po Reserve had seen two Long-billed Dow- Another imperative item is a copy itchers, a real rarity for the Mai Po. of the book, Birds of Hong Kong and South China by Clive After this, I returned to the Education Centre via the next Viney, Karen Phillipps, and Lam Chiu Ying (1994). This is footpath to the south, and stopped at the many blinds to apparently out of print, but there is an older edition in the look for and photograph additional birds. Here were about Tucson Audubon Library, and copies can still be found in 25 Black-faced Spoonbills, representing about a third of bookstores in Hong Kong. In addition to being an the total population of this critically endangered species. excellent field guide, this book also gives detailed instruc- Altogether, I recorded sixty-six species, and all but about tions about Mai Po, its various habitats, and when each six were life birds. In addition I managed to get fairly decent species is present there. slides of many of them. I’m already planning another trip My route was south from the warden’s post along the path next year and will probably try and go in early April, this between the Gei-wais (shrimp ponds) and fishponds to the time in order to maximize the numbers of winter visitors WWF Wildlife Education Centre, where there are exhibits and spring migrants. J May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 25

Tucson Audubon Membership q Yes, make me a Friend of Tucson Audubon q Benefits: $15 Students/Seniors (62+) 3 All your funds are used locally! q $20 One-year membership 3 Subscription to the Vermilion Flycatcher newsletter q $35 Two-year membership 3 10% discount in the Nature Shop Additional gift to Tucson Audubon Society 3 Bulletins about local conservation issues q q q q q q 3 Monthly membership meetings $50 $100 $250 $500 $1000 $______3 Low organizational overhead – 93% of funds go to q Enclosed is my matching gift form programs q Please do not share my information with other organizations Total: $______q Gift membership – recipient’s info below & mine enclosed on separate sheet) Name ______q Enclosed is a personal check or money order Address ______q Please bill my q Visa q MasterCard City ______State _____ Zip ______Credit card #: ______Exp. date: _____ E-mail ______Phone ______Signature: ______q q Send me e-mail updates about local events and issues Print name: ______Gift membership Make check payable to Tucson Audubon Society Address changes – send new & old addresses: Friends of Tucson Audubon – send to Tucson Audu- Mail form (and check if applicable) to: bon, at address to right. Tucson Audubon Society National Audubon – call NAS Data Center at (800) 300 E University Blvd, #120 274-4201, or write to NAS Membership Data Tucson AZ 85705 Center, PO Box 52529, Boulder, CO 80322-2529 (520) 629-0510

bequest (bi-kwest'), n. 1. A disposition Please call or write today for more information: of assets by will 2. A lasting legacy support- Name ______ing stewardship of southern Arizona’s natural resources and preservation of critical habitat. Address ______As a member of Tucson Audubon Soci- City ______ety, you help us develop a comprehensive State ______Zip ______approach to conservation through environ- Send to: Executive Director mental education and activism in southern Tucson Audubon Society Arizona. Now help us maintain this legacy: 300 E. University Blvd, #120 Include Tucson Audubon Society in your will. Tucson, AZ 85705 Ph: (520) 622-5622

J 26 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society May-June 2003

Santa Cruz River Habitat Restoration Project Ann Phillips Thanks for the Habitat!

The sun’s getting hotter, the snakes Matthew Henry teacher John Madden, conducted a are moving around, and work at the Anna Hetsler study of top growth and root growth in Santa Cruz River Habitat Project is Ethan Householder native seeds planted in tall PVC tubes. winding down for the 2002/03 winter/ Jenn Jannusch Some volunteers even came on non- spring planting season. I want to ex- Sarah Jannusch volunteer days to help the Tucson Au- tend my deepest appreciation to the Bernadette Jilka dubon staff work at the site or in the many people and organizations who Carla Kuhn office. The Youth Corps of Southern have contributed their time and mate- Ken Lamberton Arizona generously sent a crew to help rials to enhancing the riparian habitat Karen Lamberton remove tumbleweed and deciduous along the SantaCruz River. During this Jessica Lamberton tamarisk. Virginia Kratina assembled a season, with their help, we dug water Kasondra Lamberton field guide of color photographs of the harvesting basins and swales and ex- Melissa Lamberton species we have planted and seeded at tended planting to another 40 acres and John Madden the site. Doug Rautenkranz continues seeding to another 50 acres. Thousands Craig Marken to assist us with GIS and mapping for of plants went in along thousands of Gary Maskarinec the site. feet of irrigation pipe. We removed in- Cerelia Maskarinec Individuals, businesses, and agen- vasive tamarisk, and continued our Genny Maskarinec cies have contributed materials and work to control tumble weed and re- Luke Maskarinec expertise to our work greatly increas- duce erosion. Lawrence Morgan ing our productivity and effectiveness Twice a month between October Kiyomi Morino at the site. and March, volunteers pitched in to Michael O’Donnell w Bob Eiermann, and Joan and Bob help. We were very fortunate to have Jessie Ochs Tweit, donated tools for use at the site. many people come out to help dig ba- Margot Pollans w Bob Dixon of the Imprinting Foun- sins, plant seedlings and prepare seed Burt Perry dation provided his imprinter and his for use at the site. Special thanks go to John Piazza time to supervise imprinting and seed- Craig Marken, who came for at least Donna Ryburn ing. one volunteer day every single month! Scott Ryburn w Phil Jenkins from the University of Ken Lamberton and his family pitched Sherry Sass Arizona Herbarium inventoried in on many workdays as well. We want Kristina Shuford hydroriparian species at the site. to thank Craig, Ken and the many Jon Titus w Rain Bird donated thousands of irri- other volunteers who helped: Diana Videtti gation emitters and several thousand Paul Branson Bruce Weise feet of poly dripline for use at the site. Coriann Breslaver Allyson Wheelock w Doug Raymond of Rain-for-Rent Marc Breslaver Peggy Wenrick spent innumerable hours helping us Richard Buchholz Wanda Wynne design our irrigation system, and do- Jean-Francois Camson Teacher Jennifer Valentine and three nated several thousand feet of irriga- Michael Ciccarone fellow teachers from Gallego Elemen- tion drip line. Sarah Cohen tary School in Tucson, brought 93 kin- w Mike Rupp of Rupp Aerial Photo, Bob Eiermann dergarten and 4th grade students to the Inc. flew the site with professional pho- Jerry Elian site April 11 to help plant trees, make tography equipment creating a set of Heather Ewing seed pellets and take a nature walk. incredible aerial photos. Efren Fitz Many hands did lots of work! After w The folks at the Avra Valley Fire Lacey Gaechter their visit to the restoration site, the Department allow us to keep our stor- Erin Gleeson Halberg Community Center at Trico age shed on their land. Floyd Gray Road and Silverbell Road hosted the w Bernadette Jilka of Coronado Windy Greer children as they ate their lunches in the Heights Nursery donated native trees Rome Hamner air-conditioned building. Mountain and shrubs. Gayle Hartmann View High school students, and their w Lin Lawson of the Arizona Depart- May-June 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 27

Thanks & Wishes Jessie Shinn

We are grateful for the opportunity to receive a financial gift from another to work within such a thoughtful and non-profit. Current Wish List generous community of members. Thank you Rob Ruisinger and the Thank you for your participation in Robidoux Foundation for printing our Tucson Audubon Offices Tucson Audubon Society, whether Friends membership insert and for all w Office supplies through your membership, your of your help with our publications. volunteerism, participation in work- Thanks to all who gave in-kind gifts w Digital projector shops or field trips, or through your during March and April: w Small computer desk financial or in-kind donations. All of Ann Phillips for the origami cranes w Lap top computer these forms of support add up to make that currently grace our shop front, our work in environmental education, D. Michael Wile for the contribu- w 17” computer monitor conservation, and birdwatching pos- tion of his book, Birding the Loop, sible. We couldn’t do it without you! Thanks from the Mason Center to: Mason Audubon Center Special thanks are owed to board Elinor Halowell for the books, w String of white Christmas member, field trip leader and Fly- Pauline Eisele for the tea hot pot, lights, for Ironwood Festival catcher contributor Larry Liese for Norwood Hazard for office supplies, his financial gift at the Green King- Carrie Dean for the lamp, w Extension cords, for Ironwood fisher level. Larry, your generosity is toolboxes, lights and supplies, Festival much appreciated by the entire and an anonymous donor for the w Battery-powered lamps, for birding community. canvas bags for the Ironwood Festival. Ironwood Festival Many thanks also to: We would like to thank Don Eagle Joanne Basta for stepping in as temporary editor of w Totebags/backpacks, for interpre- Curtis Knudsen the Vermilion Flycatcher. Jane and War- tive kits and Vivian Wilsdon for your finan- ren Tisdale will resume as editors for w Coffee grinder cial contributions. the July-August issue. And thank you We are honored to acknowledge a Richard Rexin number of memorial gifts this month, and Kenneth Mroczek for contri- though deeply saddened by the pass- Dorothy Hicks butions made through the Arizona ing of two active Tucson Audubon and Mary Jo Hicks Combined Federal Campaign. members and volunteers, Herold Hicks And our deep gratitude goes out to We very much appreciate the sup- and Canfield Clark. those who have contributed in memory port of other local businesses and or- Many thanks to those who have of Canny Clark: ganizations. Thank you: contributed to the Herold Hicks Me- Peggy Marner and Gordon Technical Data Systems for the morial Fund for Environmental Edu- Roediger donation of on site labor to help us cation: Rosemary and Bruce Stoltenberg meet our growing computer needs. Glenn and Eleanore La Baw Sandra and Michael Millar IBM for matching an end-of- year Simone and Gene Lloyd Edwards Mary Jo and Sammy Cervantez gift made by Judy and Richard Edison. Elizabeth and William Kroeck Brandon Protas Food Conspiracy Co-op members Gladys and John Smith and Rio Vista Elementary School for voting for Tucson Audubon to be Diane Sorensen Please accept our thanks and our the recipient of a donation from your Jeann and Richard Valent condolences. Many of us will miss both community fund. It is especially nice Jan Zwartendyk and Anne Bowden Herold and Canny. J ment of Environmental Quality pro- equipment, operators, fencing and ex- ing we have received from the Arizona vided surveying equipment and spent perienced advice throughout the year. Water Protection Fund, the US Fish & several days supervising the measure- w Karen Lamberton donated photos Wildlife Service, and through the US ment of river cross sections. she took of one of the volunteer days. Corps of Engineers in-lieu mitigation w Gary Maskarinec of Wildlands Res- w Virginia Kratina for help creating a program to conduct restoration work. toration donated native seed. site-specific field manual of plants. Thanks so much to all of you from w The City of Tucson has provided We are very grateful for the fund- all of us at Tucson Audubon Society! J May 2003 Meeting

There will be no membership meeting in May due to the unavail- ability of DuVal Auditorium. The next membership meeting will be on September 8, 2003.

Web Corner Kendall Kroesen

Tucson Audubon Society is a dy- To find out more about the Tucson Find out about our current volun- namic organization. Besides our activi- Audubon travel program, go to our teer needs by going to ties in the fields of conservation and website at www.tucsonaudubon.org. www.tucsonaudubon.org and clicking environmental education, we have pro- Click on “Travel Opportunities” in the on “Want to Help?” in the menu. We grams and opportunities that people menu on the left margin. On the travel certainly hope that one of the Tucson may not know about. Here is a run- page there is a brief orientation to the Audubon volunteer opportunities will down of a couple of them. You can usu- travel program, and links where you fit with your abilities and your desire ally read about these opportunities in can find out more about the trips that to help. If not, there are usually some the Vermilion Flycatcher, but sometimes have been scheduled. (Also, see page xx volunteer opportunities listed there for there are updates between issues—the of this issue of the Flycatcher for an ac- other groups as well, sometimes includ- latest news is on the website! count of the latest trip to Alamos.) ing bird banding projects and other Travel Program Volunteer Opportunities hands-on programs. The Tucson Audubon travel pro- Tucson Audubon has always relied Surf our site and see what you can gram is finding its niche. We have had heavily on volunteers. However, it is find! J very exciting and successful trips to not always easy to find the right vol- Copper Canyon, Alamos, Sonora, and unteer for the right job. We currently the Colorado River Delta. Other trips have openings for volunteers in a vari- are available as well. Board member ety of areas, including fieldtrip leaders, Larry Liese is continually reassessing nature center docents, Nature Shop the program and exploring new trip volunteers, computer consultants, and possibilities. many other areas. www.tucsonaudubon.org

NON-PROFIT ORG. Tucson Audubon Society U.S. POSTAGE PAID 300 E. University Blvd #120 TUCSON, AZ Tucson, AZ 85705 PERMIT #1345

The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of the Tucson Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society. Members of other chapters may receive the Flycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson Audubon. See membership information on page 25.