THE QUARTERLY NEWS MAGAZINE OF TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY | TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG

Vermf li yl ci a to c hn e r January–March 2014 | Volume 59, Number 1 Changes The More Things Stay the Same Changes in Latitude or Changes in Attitude

Cave Creek Complex Tucson Meet Your What’s in a Name: and Happy Wren Features THE QUARTERLY NEWS MAGAZINE OF TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY | TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG 12 Tucson Meet Your Birds 14 The More Things Stay the Same Vermf li yl ci a to c hn e r 16 Changes in Latitude or January–March 2014 | Volume 59, Number 1 Changes in Attitude Changes The More Things Stay the Same Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving 18 Cave Creek Canyon Complex, Changes in Latitude or Changes in Attitude the quality of the environment by providing Chiricahua Mountains environmental leadership, information, and programs 19 What’s in a Name: Sinaloa Wren and for education, conservation, and recreation. Tucson Audubon is a non-profit volunteer organization of Happy Wren people with a common interest in birding and natural history. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a library, and nature shops in Tucson, the proceeds of which Departments benefit all of its programs. 4 Events and Classes Tucson Audubon Society 5 Events Calendar 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 6 Living with Nature Lecture Series 629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) Cave Creek Complex All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated. 7 News Roundup Tucson Meet Your Birds What’s in a Name: Sinaloa Wren tucsonaudubon.org 11 Birdathon Board Officers & Directors 20 Conservation and Education News President Cynthia Pruett FRONT COVER: Rufous-capped Warbler by Jeremy Vice President Bob Hernbrode 24 Birding Travel from Our Business Partners Hayes. Jeremy is a science teacher and biologist who has Secretary Ruth Russell 25 Field Trips Treasurer Richard Carlson been photographing wildlife for four years. You can see Directors at Large Matt Bailey, Ardeth Barnhart, 25 Birds & Business Alliance his photos at www.flickr.com/photos/jhayesvw. Gavin Bieber, Les Corey, Jennie Duberstein, Dave Dunford, Debra , John Kennedy, Linda Stitzer, Claire Zucker, 25 Classified Ads To have your photograph considered for use in the Nancy Young Wright 26 Nature Shops Vermilion Flycatcher, please contact Matt Griffiths at Board Committees Conservation Chair Chris McVie, [email protected]. Development Sandy Elers, Education Jennie Duberstein, 27 Book Reviews Finance Richard Carlson, Outreach Vacant, Nominating Linda Greene, Governance Dave Dunford, Personnel Cynthia Pruett Programs & Activities Field Trips Matt Griffiths Can You Spare Some Change? Library 629-0510 Membership Meetings Jean Barchman 629-0510 Keith Ashley, Nest Box Campaign Facilitator & Restoration Crew Member Rare Alert Andrew Core | Report Rare Birds 629-0510 Staff (unless otherwise stated, dial 629-0510 plus extension) During my first spring in Tucson, Elf Owls nested in effects of a heating world—and Executive Director Paul Green ext 7001 the penthouse apartment of a crumbling saguaro also transform ourselves? Accountant Michelle Bourgeois ext 7003 Finance ext 7014 just beyond my fence. Every evening one of the I don’t have the answers, but I think Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman ext 7002 birds settled into my yard, peering at me through WE just might. Improving the health of our Development Manager Erin Olmstead ext 7009 ecosystems requires committed communication Volunteer and Development Coordinator mesmerizing eyes, chortling away with owl songs. Kara Kaczmarzyk ext 7011 How did I get so lucky to land this cactus for a and collaboration among citizens working for Environmental Education Coordinator Bété Jones ext 7012 neighbor? That following winter the top two feet a common cause. Tucson Audubon’s highly IBA Conservation Biologist Jennie MacFarland ext 7004 Urban Program Manager Kendall Kroesen ext 7006 of saguaro containing the owls’ home rotted away participatory programs provide us with exactly the Restoration Ecologist Jonathan Horst 971-6238 and fell off. Just recently, our property manager platforms we need to act together in support of Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 removed the cactus entirely, concerned its biodiversity, while cultivating our own positive role Communications and Habitat Restoration Matthew Griffiths 971-7924 blackening hull would topple onto someone’s car. as dynamic members of the life-web. Restoration Specialist Keith Ashley 488-2981 Change is a hallmark of existence, and it’s often For 2014, Tucson Audubon is launching a pilot Restoration Specialist Andy Bennett 262-1314 quite unwelcome. project to support the declining American Kestrel Restoration Specialist Matt Clark 307-0956 Restoration Specialist Adam Mahood 971-8639 Everything in our world is always changing— and other bird populations by enhancing their Operations and Retail Manager Sara Pike ext 7008 always has been, always will be—but these days, urban habitat with nest boxes, and we’re designing Operations and Retail Coordinator Kelly DiGiacomo ext 7007 change itself is changing. It’s speeding up. the program for optimal citizen participation. We Tucson Audubon Nature Shops 300 E University Blvd #120 ext 7015 We see rapid changes in technology, recognize more and more the potential for urban Hours: 10 am–4 pm, Mon–Sat culture, and—most unsettling—in areas to become biodiversity arks. Tucson Agua Caliente , 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881 our climate and ecosystems. offers not only rich land, water, and energy Hours: Thu–Sat 10 am–1:30 pm. Please call to confirm hours. The shop opens earlier and closes later during certain months. Paradoxically, resistance to resources, but also a wealth of human change also typifies our resources. Perhaps in this season of Vermilion Flycatcher is published quarterly. For address changes or subscription problems call 629-0510, or write to lives. We all crave security, change, we can also transform ourselves Membership Coordinator at the address above. Submissions certainty, comfort in a world to become more constructive members are due 1st of the month, two months before issue date. Send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF documents, or plain we know. How can we learn of all our ecosystem communities. To text files, to Matt Griffiths at [email protected]. to face change with greater learn more about the Nest Boxes Coordinator Matt Griffiths 971-7924 Proofreaders Tucson Audubon staff and volunteers resilience? How do we offset for Urban Birds project, go to: Design / Layout Eng-Li Green loss of habitat, the pesticide tucsonaudubon.org/nestbox. VF © 2014 Tucson Audubon Society poisoning of our birds, the cascade CCL in photo credits = Creative Commons License creativecommons.org. All photos © the photographer. AMERICAN KESTREL, DORIS EVANS

2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. COMMENTARY PAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Birds They Are A-Changin’

At our Gala in 2012, Prof John Kricher Sinaloa Martin, Blue Jay, Blue argued that there is no such thing as a Mockingbird, Tropical Parula, Pine balance of nature. Change is the constant Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, in the natural world, and changes in our Ovenbird, Flame-colored Tanager, global, interconnected life-support system Painted Bunting, Rusty Sparrow, KENNETH COLE SCHNEIDER / CCL are accelerating because of our own Common Grackle, Black-vented activities. We are releasing sequestered Oriole, and Black-headed Siskin. carbon in fossil fuels, our soils, and our The driver for these bird distribution forests back into the atmosphere with changes is human-induced global results we are already experiencing. warming which results in changing climate The Rufous-capped Warbler on our and changing habitats, the two most cover is an example of the new birds significant threats to birds. We should that may become more common in our not kid ourselves that the outcomes of region as we lose others because of our climate change in our region will be pretty: changing climate. In many of the articles increased temperatures, decreased in this issue, we examine changes to bird rainfall, and increased severity of storm populations and their habitat, from the events will not enhance our vegetation. past through into the future. Can you and I as environmentalists We’ll see changes of several kinds. change our daily behaviors in ways to

Some birds may cease to be breeding reduce these threats? What should we / CCL NAATHS species in in the future. These focus on changing first in terms of the Ovenbird (top) and Prothonotary Warbler (bottom) are include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Willow scale and immediacy of effect? A perhaps among the birds that may expand their summer range Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Gray surprising answer to that question is to into Arizona. Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Red-breasted increase the plant-derived portion of I encourage you to become a part of Nuthatch, Gray Catbird, Sage Thrasher, our diets. Recent publications suggest Tucson Audubon’s participatory programs Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville that livestock production, and our huge that include many variants of habitat Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, consumption of products, may restoration, bird surveys, and our new American Redstart, MacGillivray’s be responsible for at least 51 percent of Nest Boxes for Urban Birds project, to Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, human-caused greenhouse gas. That’s name just three. As Keith Ashley says Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Sage nothing short of astonishing. on page 2, Tucson Audubon’s programs Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln’s I find it empowering to know that we provide us with the platforms we need for Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, can have a significant and immediate grassroots action in support of biodiversity Bobolink, and Pine . effect on climate change and habitat and urban ecosystems. Change is most The natural world is complex, and loss by focusing on a plant-based effectively built from the bottom up, and the reasons for each of these potential diet, sourced locally through organic Tucson Audubon seeks to facilitate your disappearances may be unique and producers. We can take the lead and be own transformation as you act together surprising. For example, one recent an example. We need not wait to see with other members to cultivate positive publication revealed that MacGillivray’s what others do. roles as influential members of our Warbler may be threatened as an Arizona We can be proactive in other ways to shared ecosystem. We thank you for your breeding species because warming restore resilience and biodiversity in our significant support and creative input as temperatures reduce snow cover and urban areas. In December, I was part of we develop these programs. VF allow elk to reach areas they could not a small team tasked with pulling together before, eating the shrubs in which the a national conservation program for Livestock’s Long Shadow—Environmental MacGillivray’s Warbler nests. urban habitats. The promise of common Issues and Options. Food and Agriculture Other bird species may react in activities, yielding clear quantifiable Organisation. 2006. ISBN 92-5-105571-8. different ways, for example by contracting outcomes (yet to be determined) that America the Possible: Manifesto for a New or expanding their summer range in could be collated through a social network Economy. 2012. James Gustave Speth. Yale Arizona. Some other species may expand on a continental scale is energizing. At University Press ISBN-13: 9780300180763 their summer range into our state. Apart Tucson Audubon, we will do what we can Ruminants, climate change and climate policy. from Sinaloa Wren, Rufous-capped to help make this a reality, and we will do 2014. William J. Ripple, Pete Smith, Helmut Warbler, and others considered by the even more to develop grassroots activities Haberl, Stephen A. Montzka, Clive McAlpine authors in this issue, candidates include with meaningful conservation impacts in & Douglas H. Boucher. Nature Climate Nutting’s Flycatcher, Cave Swallow, our region. Change. Vol 4, 1.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3 TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS AND CLASSES

Spring into Birding with Tucson Audubon Please visit our website for more details and to register: tucsonaudubon.org/education LOIS MANOWITZ Beyond Birding—Explorations Education Courses: of the Land Ethic

MATT GRIFFITHS MATT This workshop explores the concept Winter/Spring 2014 of the land ethic as it applies to See tucsonaudubon.org/education birding, conservation, and our own For Beginners lives. Through compelling activities indoors and out, participants will Backyard Birding and Beyond hone observation skills, broaden their Open yourself up to the natural world landscape vision, and reflect on their by gaining skills and knowledge about own personal land ethic. Whether birding that you can take with you as a bird watcher, a general nature into your backyard or to any corner enthusiast, an educator, or a field of the globe! Topics to be covered biologist, we can all benefit from include: principles of identification, deepening our understanding of the binoculars and field guides, birding land ethic and examining how that vocabulary and etiquette, local bird One Day Workshops: An Introduction to Desert contributes to conservation. Taught by I.D. and lore, seasonal occurrence, Birding for Teachers Trica Oshant Hawkins. Participation family characteristics, and gardening limited to 15. Winter/Spring 2014 Are you a K–8 teacher interested in to attract birds. You will learn firsthand Date and Time: March 29; Eat Mesquite! And Other getting your students outside next why southeastern Arizona is such 9:00 am–12:00 pm Desert Treats! spring to learn about birds? Doris a great place for birds and why bird Evans, a retired TUSD teacher and Location: Tucson Audubon’s Mason watching is so rewarding. Taught Interested in harvesting your mesquite environmental educator, will give you Center, 3835 W. Hardy Rd. by Lynn Hassler, longtime birder, pods, but not quite sure what to do a basic introduction to common desert Cost: $25 educator, and noted author. with them once you have them? birds, take you birding, and facilitate Classroom sessions: January 11, 18, Barbara Rose of Bean Tree Farm will hands-on activities that you can February 8, 15; 10:00 am–12:00 pm share her fearless experimentation Specialty Workshops use in the classroom. All workshop Field trips: February 1, 22; 9:00 am– and sun-loving, low-energy methods 2014 participants will receive an online 12:00 pm to prepare the desert’s nutritious Intended as stand-alone classes, copy of Desert Birding in Arizona with Cost: $150 for members, $185 for treats, AND give you wise rainwater these workshops are a great a Focus on Urban Birds: A Curriculum non-members harvesting examples to opportunity to focus on a specific Guide for Elementary Grades. group of birds and brush up on your regenerate your landscape. Birding by Habitat Participation limited to 25. identification skills. Instruction will She will have harvested Southeastern Arizona offers such Date and Time: Saturday, February focus on distinguishing between mesquite beans and excellent birding opportunities in part 15, 2014; 8:00 am–Noon similar species, identification flours on hand to offer because of its variety of habitats. Location: Tucson Audubon’s Mason techniques, and vocalizations. Cost you tastings of soups, Come experience the fun of birding Center, 3835 W. Hardy Rd. is $110 for members, $145 for non- drinks, sauces and in different natural environments Cost: $20 members. more. You’ll come away with instructor Lynn Hassler. One with increased appreciation Spring Programming classroom session is followed by three for the generous, spiny land we field trips to different habitats: Desert, Register online today! Visit call home. Participation limited to 20. See our website for more detailed Riparian and Sky Island. Date and Time: January 25, 2014; tucsonaudubon.org/education descriptions of each workshop. All Classroom session: April 5; 9:30 am– 2:30 pm Contact for all education taught by Homer Hansen. 10 am–12 pm Location: Bean Tree Farm, Marana activities: Bété Jones at Sparrows: February 6 & 8 Field trips: April 12, 19, 26; 7 am– 5 pm Cost: $50 [email protected], Raptors: February 13 & 15 Cost: $125 for members, $160 for 520-629-0510 x7012 Birding by Ear: April 17 & 19 non-members

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR SUITE OF EDUCATION CLASSES AND TO REGISTER ONLINE, PLEASE VISIT TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG/EDUCATION

4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. EVENTS CALENDAR For Birders with Experience Classroom sessions: Thursdays, January–March. Nature Shop 20% sale March 13–April 10; 5:30 pm–8:30 pm (see p 26) Moving to Mastery Field trips: Saturdays, March 15–April January 4. Living with Nature lecture Take your birding to the next level 5; 7:00 am–5:00 pm (Green Valley) Secrets of the Spotted Cats: with our popular Moving to Mastery Cost: $250 for members; $285 for Jaguars and Ocelots in the Southwest with class. If you are ready to move your non-members Pinau Merlin (see p 6) birding skills beyond the basics, this January 11–February 22. Backyard Birding is the class for you. For Families and Beyond course (see p 4) Content will focus January 13. Living with Nature lecture Riparian Family Institute (Tucson) Migration Stopovers in Southeastern on structure Arizona with Dr. Charles van Riper III (see p 6) This weekend program for the entire BETE JONES and behavior January 15–19. Nature Shop at Wings Over to bring you family incorporates children’s activities Willcox Birding & Nature Festival to a better into an atmosphere in which everyone January 18. Atturbury Wash volunteer day understanding can experience nature, explore, and January 17. Whitewater Draw Global IBA of bird learn together. The focus is on the rich Dedication (see p 8) identification. plant and animal life found along the January 25. Eat Mesquite! workshop (see p 4) You will learn how to beautiful San Pedro River, one of the January 24 & 25. IBA Training Workshop identify some of the more last free-flowing rivers joining (see p 8) difficult bird groups, how to use and the . February 1. Living with Nature lecture (Green Valley) The Birds and Habitats of technical references, and how to Date and Time: April 5–6 Western Mexico: Sierra Madre to the Central understand bird topography. Taught Cost: $70 per person Volcanic Belt with David MacKay (see p 6) by Homer Hansen. February 6 & 8. Sparrows workshop (see p 4)

BETE JONES February 8. San Rafael Grasslands IBA survey (see p 8) February 10. Living with Nature lecture (Tucson) Dung-on-a-twig: The Role of Phainopeplas in the Spread of Desert Mistletoe with Dr. Jennifer Koop (see p 6) OurTUCSON Changing AUDUBON’S SIXTH ClimateANNUAL GALA February 13 & 15. Raptors workshop (see p 4) February 15. Atturbury Wash volunteer day LINCOLN SPARROW, ALAN D. WILSON / NATURESPICSONLINE.COM LINCOLN SPARROW, February 15. An Introduction to Desert Birding Be Part of an Elegant Tradition at Tucson Audubon for Teachers workshop (see p 4) Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 6 o’clock in the evening February 17. Living with Nature special guest lecture (Tucson) Celebrating the Ornaments of Life with Theodore H. Fleming (see p 6) Our Sixth Annual Gala event returns auction offering something for DC working for the White House February 20. Tucson Audubon’s 6th Annual to the fabulous Hilton El Conquistador everyone. Daydreaming of Boreal Office of Science and Technology Gala at Hilton El Conquistador (see p 7) resort on Oracle Road near Catalina Owls and Pine ? Bid Policy as the Assistant Director for February 21. Buenos Aires NWR IBA survey State Park. We hope you will come on guided birding in southeastern Climate Assessment and Adaptation. (see p 8) along to enjoy a delicious meal and the Arizona and beyond. Grandparents Kathy will provide us with a light- March 1. Living with Nature lecture great company of a dynamic group of won’t want to miss four passes to hearted view from within the National (Green Valley) Where the Antelope used conservation supporters! This festive Disneyland or a ride in style in the Climate Change Assessment. to Play: SE Arizona Grasslands Pronghorn Initiative with John Millican (see p 6) event is an important fundraiser as Truly Nolen Mouse Limo. Execs The Gala is sure to be memorable! March 7. eBird & IBA training workshop (see p 8) well as a special time to gather in or party hosts can snag a wine Reserve your place online or by March 10. Living with Nature lecture (Tucson) tasting for 20 at Total Wine, plus lots calling Erin at 520-209-1809. Tickets celebration of our region’s unique Lambs or Lions? Grouse or Fox?—The Human natural treasures and engage our more special gift items and unique are $150 each; tables for ten from Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation with Trica community on significant issues. We experiences from local businesses. $1500. Vegetarian or vegan meal are Oshant Hawkins (see p 6) will also be presenting our President’s After dinner, we’ll hear from our available. A portion of the ticket price March 13–April 10. Moving to Mastery course Award to an outstanding member of special guest speaker, Katharine L. is tax-deductible. (see p 5) our conservation community. Jacobs, a Tucson Audubon For more details, including a March 15. Atturbury Wash volunteer day A lively cocktail hour will feature member and birder who sneak preview of selected silent March 15–16. Tucson Festival of Books (see p 7) live birds, live music, tasty hors has spent the last four auction items, please visit March 29. Beyond Birding—Explorations of d’oeuvres, and an exciting silent years in tucsonaudubon.org/gala the Land Ethic workshop (see p 4) April 1–30. Birdathon (see p 11) April 5–26. Birding by Habitat course (see p 5) April 5–6. Riparian Family Institute (see p 5) April 5–26. Birding by Habitat course (see p 4) April 14. Living with Nature lecture (Tucson) Martha’s Flight into the Future: The Story—and Surprising Lessons—of the Last Passenger Pigeon with Christopher Cokinos (see p 6) April 17 & 19. Birding by Ear workshop (see p 4)

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5 TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS & CLASSES Tucson Audubon’s Living with Nature Lecture Series This Season’s Schedule: transmitted between hosts? Come GREEN VALLEY Living Warbler, Bumblebee Hummingbird, Save the Dates find out! with Nature Lecture Series Mexican Woodnymph, Rufous- February 17 • Tucson NEW VENUE!! All lectures will be necked Wood-rail, Green-striped TUCSON Living with held at the Green Valley Recreation’s Brush-Finch, Red-headed Tanager SPECIAL GUEST LECTURE Nature Lecture Series and Desert Hills Social Center, 2980 S. and dozens more! Celebrating the Ornaments of Member Meetings Camino Del Sol. Lectures will be Life with Theodore H. Fleming, March 1 • Green Valley VENUE: Pima Community College scheduled on the FIRST SATURDAY Downtown Campus, Amethyst Room. Professor Emeritus of Biology, Where the Antelope USED to Play: of the month, at 10 am from University of Miami Southeast Arizona Grasslands Located on campus at 1255 N. Stone November to April. Ave. The program begins at 7 pm, Many of the most colorful and eye- Pronghorn Initiative with John SECOND MONDAY of each month catching rainforest inhabitants— January 4 • Green Valley Millican, Arizona Antelope Foundation

October through May. toucans, monkeys, leaf-nosed Secrets of the Spotted Cats: Field/ProjectManager / CCL YOKOHAMAYOMAMA bats, and hummingbirds, to name a Jaguars and Ocelots in the How does a Pronghorn January 13 • Tucson few—play a vital role in the health of Southwest with Pinau Merlin, cross miles of As the Birds Fly: Migration rainforest ecosystems. Join Ted as Communications and Outreach fenced-off Stopovers in Southeastern Arizona he illustrates the striking beauty of Coordinator for the UA/USGS Jaguar grassland? Ask with Dr. Charles van Riper III, USGS these “ornaments” of the rainforest Survey and Monitoring Project the Arizona Research Scientist and Professor, through breathtaking slides. He will They are rarely seen, but we know Antelope USGS Southwest Biological Science highlight the importance of these both jaguars and ocelots are here, Foundation! John Center Sonoran Desert, University in the tropical ecosystem and as remote cameras document their will give an overview of Arizona discuss their current conservation presence in Arizona. Although we of the projects currently Populations of neotropical migratory status. After the lecture, there will be readily recognize their images, these being managed by his organization, birds are declining throughout much a book signing of Ted’s latest book, charismatic cats are so secretive and specifically the Southeastern Arizona of North America and continue to The Ornaments of Life: Coevolution elusive that most of us know very Pronghorn Enhancement project. He be at risk because they depend on and Conservation in the Tropics. little about their lifestyles and habits. will highlight the work being done to a diversity of habitats spread over March 10 • Tucson Join Pinau Merlin for an exciting look modify existing fencing in an effort huge geographic and political areas. into the natural history, ecology and to create necessary travel corridors Lambs or Lions? Grouse or Dr. van Riper III will speak to the conservation issues of jaguars and and promote healthy populations Fox?—The Human Dimensions challenges that birds face during their ocelots in the Southwest. for Pronghorn, Black-tailed Prairie of Wildlife Conservation with Trica migration and how steps are being Dog, and a variety of other grassland Oshant Hawkins, Education Director, February 1 • Green Valley taken to increase our understanding dependent species. of western neotropical migration so Environmental Education Exchange The Birds and Habitats of Western we can better protect these species. When conservation decisions have Mexico: Sierra Madre to the UPCOMING TALKS to be made regarding the health of a Central Volcanic Belt with David February 10 • Tucson April 14 • Tucson wild population, when is it appropriate MacKay, Co-Founder of Solipaso Dung-on-a-twig: The Role of to “choose” one species over Mexico is home to the highest Martha’s Flight into the Future: The Phainopeplas in the Spread of Story—and Surprising Lessons—

another? Sage Grouse MENKE / USFWS SAGE GROUSE, DAVE percentage of endemic birds in Desert Mistletoe with Dr. Jennifer or Red Fox? the world: over 85 species! David of the Last Passenger Pigeon Koop, NIH PERT Post-doctoral Golden Eagles will take you on a virtual tour with Christopher Cokinos, Associate Fellow, Ecology and Evolutionary or Pronghorn? through Sinaloa, Nayarit, Professor of English; Affiliated Biology, University of Arizona Bighorn and —the cradle of Faculty, Institute of the Environment Have you ever asked yourself: What Sheep or Mexican bird diversity! You will University of Arizona effect does mistletoe have on its host Mountain be introduced May 12 • Tucson trees? How is mistletoe distributed Lions? How do to fantastic, Tracking Seasonal Patterns across a geographic landscape? these decisions limited-range in the Sonoran Desert with How do Phainopeplas influence take into account the bird species LoriAnne Barnett, Education that distribution? Dr. Jennifer Koop human dimension? Can we use like the Tufted Coordinator, USA National will discuss the projects underway ethics as a tool to guide conservation Jay, Red Phenology Network VF to answer each of these questions. efforts? Trica will weigh the biological How can studying the relationship and ethical dimensions of wildlife between parasitic desert

PHAINOPEPLA, DOIS EVANS management as she reviews mistletoe, its legume several case studies that highlight tree hosts, and the complex issues of avian and the Phainopepla mammalian conservation, with a help biologists focus on our newly reintroduced to understand population of Bighorn Sheep into the how human Catalina Mountains. parasites are L TO R: TUFTED JAY, LIMPKIN (INSET), CITREOLINE TROGON, RUFOUS-NECKED WOOD-RAIL. ALL PHOTOS DAVID MACKAY DAVID PHOTOS ALL TROGON, RUFOUS-NECKED WOOD-RAIL. LIMPKIN (INSET), CITREOLINE TUFTED JAY, R: TO L

6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP Mason Center Highlight Reel Harvest Festival and Mesquite Milling — November 9, 2013 Join Us at the Tucson Festival of Books March 15–16, 2014 JEAN BARCHMAN

Tucson Audubon Society will once Learn about how folks participating in again be participating in the ever- the Tucson Bird Count, Christmas Bird growing Tucson Festival of Books at Counts and the Great Backyard Bird the University of Arizona, with two Count are contributing using citizen different booths in different parts of science. Discover an opportunity to the event! One tent will represent participate in a long-term urban raptor our Nature Shops and Membership, monitoring program in collaboration showcasing the vast array of birding with scientists at the University, as and nature books and gifts we carry. well as other educational opportunities Our other tent, focusing on “Citizen offered by Tucson Audubon. Science and Birding,” will be part of At the Nature Shops and the newly expanded Science Pavilion Membership tent, in addition to the section in the Natural World area. great selection of merchandise, there At the Citizen Science tent you will be promotions, the chance to enter GRIFFITHS MATT PHOTOS ALL can find out how volunteer bird a raffle, the bird game and much, Solar Soiree for Mason Center Donors — November 17, 2013 surveyors are vital to the Important much more! Bird Areas Program and how birders So come on out and join us for who enter their sightings on eBird are this terrific event. Plus, there will be a contributing to the knowledge base special bonus for those who visit both of and bird conservation. Tucson Audubon tents!

Seeking an SLR… PIKE SARA BOTH PHOTOS Top to bottom Tucson Audubon seeks a fairly Tucson Audubon. We have a Canon Harvest Festival: A tour of Tucson Audubon’s sustainablility features led by Urban Program recent model digital SLR camera 28-105 zoom lens so the donation of Manager Kendall Kroesen; (left) Native / SEARCH stand with a variety of native seeds and a demonstration of cooking a delicious meal in a solar cooker; (right) Volunteers for documenting events, monitoring a compatible body alone would be sort mesquite pods pre-milling; GeoInnovation provided a portable solar array to power the restoration projects, and—if it has welcome. outdoor demonstrations and sound system. a long enough lens—taking photos Solar Soiree (left to right): GeoInnovation’s George Vilek explains the finer points of solar arrays to a small group of donors who had made possible the renovations and upgrades of birds and other wildlife! If you are towards turning the main house at Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center into a net-zero-energy upgrading this holiday season and building; George receives a Tucson Audubon Gold Birds & Business Alliance Member are wondering what to do with the certificate from Tucson Audubon Board President Cynthia Pruett for his generous donation of solar panels which his team installed gratis, and for his strong and enthusiastic support older camera, consider a donation to throughout the project.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7 TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP

Gearing Up for An Awesome 2014 The Arizona Important Bird Areas Program has a busy year planned Jennie MacFarland, IBA Program Biologist JENNIE MACFARLAND MARK SHARON MARK SHARON Top: Sunrise on Baboquivari Peak from the Buenos Aires NWR, an area the IBA program is trying to include in the existing Arivaca Cienega and Creek IBA. Bottom, L to R: 1: New IBA volunteers learning how to conduct a bird survey; we will have another training workshop this January. 2: Chestnut-collared Longspurs, the species that made the San Rafael Grasslands a Global IBA; we will be surveying for this species in February. 3: A surveyor in the Buenos Aires NWR where we will be this February. 4: A Loggerhead Shrike presides over his prize of a Savannah Sparrow in the San Rafael Grasslands

Winter is an interesting time around site its Global IBA status. This is a skill are invited to attend and become citizen science at its best. This huge the Arizona IBA office at Tucson wonderful opportunity for those of an IBA volunteer. collection of data is submitted by Audubon. One might expect the colder you who have not visited this area We will once again visit the San birders and has become invaluable months to be a slow time but they are recently to experience the amazing Rafael Grasslands IBA to monitor the to our program. If you use eBird.org in fact quite busy. This is when we (and noisy!) spectacle of thousands of Chestnut-collared Longspurs, a bird of or are interested in finding out what write annual reports and nominate new cranes flying in. All are invited and we critical concern that made this area a it’s all about, please come to the free Important Bird Areas. It is rewarding would be delighted if you could come Global IBA. On Saturday, February 8, eBird and IBA training workshop on to look back at the last survey season, get reacquainted with this site and the we will conduct our driving survey of Friday, March 7 at 5 pm in the Tucson and 2013 was a blockbuster year! great birds to be encountered there. this beautiful grassland habitat and Audubon offices on University Blvd. Remembering the amazing bird To start off the season, we will host count its many wintering sparrows and We will discuss how you can use eBird sightings and fun times on surveys our annual IBA Training Workshop raptors. This survey is always a blast to keep track of your sightings, and makes all the office work and report to recruit and initiate new survey and is limited to 20 people. Winter is also how your lists can add valuable writing a joy. Planning for the next volunteers. This year’s workshop will a great season for grassland birds data to benefit the IBA program. There year’s field season is also exciting, be held on Friday, January 24 and in Arizona. Also on the schedule is a is also a lot of great information that and 2014 is going to be packed full Saturday, January 25. The classroom driving survey on the Buenos Aires eBird can share with you for free, of great surveys and opportunities for session will be at 10 am to noon on NWR on Friday, February 21. As this including interactive maps of hot spots, IBA volunteers to bird in some very January 24 at the Historic Y, with an is such a large area, we need all the bird lists. and awesome animated special places. optional field session in a nearby park help we can get. This survey is open migration maps. eBird is a great tool Please come celebrate the Arizona afterwards for those who cannot make to all birders, not only IBA volunteers, that all birders should be utilizing IBA program at the Whitewater Draw the Saturday field day. On Saturday and you will be rewarded with many and we will show you how at this Global IBA Dedication on Friday, January 25 we will do the field practice species of sparrow and raptors. workshop. January 17 at the barn structure near day in Tanque Verde Wash and are Arizona IBA uses many tools Last year was a great one for the entrance. There will be free guided meeting at the McDonalds on Tanque to nominate and monitor IBAs. In IBA and this new year promises to bird walks from 3 to 4:30 pm, and Verde Rd and Catalina Highway at addition to our own own data, we be just as exciting. A huge THANK the dedication event will take place 7:30 am. There will be an optional also routinely request records from YOU to our dedicated volunteers and at 5 pm. There will be refreshments informal classroom session afterwards land management agencies. In contributors—this successful program and information about the area and for those who cannot make the Friday recent years one of the best sources is possible because of your support! the Sandhill Cranes that earned this class. All birders of intermediate plus of data has been eBird.org which is

8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Each year, Tucson Audubon Volunteers in Action: recognizes an outstanding Looking Back to Look Ahead individual, whose leadership, Kara Kaczmarzyk, Volunteer & Development Coordinator responsibility, and impact on the organization, birds, places, and Each year I work with Tucson Audubon Volunteers cheerfully helped people people of our region earns the title seems to get better. Our volunteer select the perfect birding gear at two Volunteer of the Year. This year, we team continues to find new ways to nature shops, and the member library couldn’t choose just one. Sherry Massie impress me, not just by the amazing continues to grow in quantity and work they accomplish—and it is truly quality. You can now turn to Tucson CDs, DVDs, trade publications, etc.) amazing!—but also by their stories and Audubon for book reviews. and we have cataloged over 200 their passion that led them to volunteer One of the accomplishments that I new items this year alone. and keeps them volunteering. am especially excited about is the new What a year it was in 2013! In behind-the-scenes work that is carried Deb Vath addition to supporting many Tucson out by volunteers. Volunteers are Deb’s involvement in youth Audubon projects and activities in playing an increasingly important role programming has allowed Tucson the first half of the year (see photos in putting on keystone annual events, Audubon to reach into the below), in August, 82 volunteers like the Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival, community and affect the lives of Dennis Weeks were onsite at the Riverpark Inn to Gala, and Harvest Festival. These hundreds of children. In addition make the third annual Tucson Bird & volunteers work within a framework Dennis Weeks to spearheading our middle school Wildlife Festival a smashing success. that includes strong leadership from Dennis has taken on the education program at Billy Lauffer The volunteer team of the Harvest program staff and support from responsibility of supporting offsite Middle School, she has also taken Festival nearly doubled from last year, peer volunteers. Rather than being events for the Nature Shops. He the lead in directing our offsite with 29 eager volunteers onsite in intimidating, “program support” is takes initiative in making decisions youth programming at local birding November, some of whom also helped being seen as a way to use individual when staff is not available, and festivals. Her vibrant personality, behind the scenes to plan the event. skills to reach a team goal. always has Tucson Audubon’s best passion for birding, and willingness After a few years’ hiatus, volunteers As you read through the Vermilion interests in mind. His service results to share her knowledge with youth is returned to plant grasses and shrubs Flycatcher, I encourage you to look at in both cost savings and a stronger contagious and inspiring! at the Simpson Farm restoration site. each article with fresh eyes, knowing presence at offsite events. Dennis What birds or birding hot spots Volunteers stepped up to support that in some way, a Tucson Audubon also acts as backup manager when do these Volunteers of the nitty-gritty administration (data entry, supporter played a part. shop staff is not in town. He is a Year love? How did they get templates, software, organization, Welcome new volunteers friendly face of Tucson Audubon started volunteering? Find out at planning, sorting, tracking). The Diane Hodiak, Julie Rogers, Ann and always wants the best for the tucsonaudubon.blogspot.com. garden at our downtown Nature Shop Mavko, Frances Tourtellot, Sharon organization. was transformed week by week by Freeman-Dobson, Josephine Toolan, Sherry Massie a dedicated team. Professionals Bailey Bennin, Jazelle Mondeau, Sherry takes full leadership of brought their specialized skills to make Cynthia Elton, Nick Miller, Ginger organizing the Tucson Audubon Tucson Audubon more skilled and Dunn, Pat McGowan skillful. The joy of birding reached new member library. She researched and implemented a library database people at more community events Contact Kara about than ever before. In addition to myriad and led other volunteers in efforts to unique field trips around southeast volunteering! update the labeling and tracking of Arizona, new weekly field trips were [email protected] the books and continues to keep the added to Sweetwater Wetlands and 520-209-1811 library in great shape. Thanks to her Arivaica Cienega. Six new Important tucsonaudubon.org/ expertise and dedication, the library has a total of 1500 items (books, Bird Areas received global status. volunteer Deb Vath

L to R: What a year! Tucson Audubon volunteers at the Festival of Books, the Water Festival, relocating burrowing owls, and gardening.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9 TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP

Fairy duster shrugs off cold Wildlife Garden Plant Profile temperatures—it’s hardy to at least 15 Be Part of the Vermilion Lynn Hassler, Garden Volunteer Captain degrees—and is extremely drought Society: Remember Us tolerant, surviving on less than 11” in Your Estate Planning This series profiles the plants that puffballs in varying shades of pink. of annual rainfall (once established). V grow in the Tucson Audubon Wildlife The delicate flowers consist of However, plants grow faster, look We are grateful for ER M IL Garden at University Boulevard and many thread-like stamens crowded lusher, and bloom better if given bequests of any size. IO N

F Your legacy gift will help L 5th Avenue. Stop by to see this plant together to make fluffy balls about 1” supplemental water during the warmer Y

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ensure that Tucson T

and others up close and personal. in diameter. Late winter/early spring is months. Pruning is unnecessary C

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the flowering season, though unless a more compact shape Audubon remains here R Fairy Duster many plants produce spurts of bloom is desired. to do its job: connecting Scientific name: Calliandra eriophylla in summer and fall. Blossoms are The genus name Calliandra people to birds and the Family: Fabaceae (Bean/Pea) rich in nectar, attracting hummers means “beautiful stamens” in Greek. places they live. For more Native range: From southern Arizona and other pollinators. Seed pods Also evocative is one of its Spanish information about including Tucson and southeastern south are dehiscent, which means that the names—pelo de ángel or “angel’s Audubon Society in your will, please to central Mexico and northern Baja pods split open lengthwise, releasing hair”—which appropriately describes call Erin Olmstead, Development DORIS EVANS California, below 5,000 feet ripened seeds for hungry quail and the ethereal loveliness of the flowers. Manager, at 520-209-1809. Wildlife value: Blooms attract other critters. hummingbirds, butterflies, and other ; seeds are eaten by birds and rodents. Fairy duster is a spreading, semi- evergreen shrub that grows 2–3 feet HASSLER LYNN high and 2–4 feet wide. Dainty leaves are finely divided into tiny leaflets and may drop in response to cold or drought. The plant is a good choice for THANK YOU TO small spaces in full or reflected sun. OUR DONORS It’s also valuable for erosion control Birthday Fund: Rich Barchman, as it is rhizomatous; that is, it has Judith Jacobsen the capacity to spread by means of Corporate & Foundation underground stems or rhizomes. Support: Albertsons, LLC; Arete Plants are somewhat Associates; Community Foundation inconspicuous most of the year until for Southern Arizona; Cushman & they burst into bloom with fairy-like ALAN D. WILSON/NATURESPICSONLINE.COM BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD, Wakefield | PICOR; Dailygood by Goodsearch; Enterprise Holdings WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Foundation; Grainger Inc. Gift in Honor/Memory: Lynne Ann Gehm, Diane Glick, Kevin Prendeville, Barb Rask, Seymour In honor of Sharon Bale from Gosner, Stuart Greer, Don Grotegut, Reichlin, Henry Richmond, Scott Lizabeth J. Gluck Charlotte R. Hann, Barbara Hartman, Roederer, Julie Roederer, Juliana In honor of Ardeth Barnhart from Janet Holcomb, Susan Hollis, K. Rupert, Anne Russell, Laura Marilyn Barnhart BARN OWL, AXEL ELFNER AXEL BARN OWL, Robert Jaenicke, Abigail Jensen, Sagerman, Cami Schlappy, Amy In honor of Alexia Bivings from Nancy Kilgore, Elizabeth Kingslien, Schwartz, Catherine Shisslak, Kathy Frank Bivings Hal Kingslien, Eleaonor Kohloss, Sjorgren, Elaine Smith, Peggy Smith, In memory of Ed Caldwell from Emily Korff, Patricia Knutson Kathie Joe Staab, Jack Stockslager, Robert Jerilyn and Thomas Daugherty, Kynion, Andrew and Mary Lamb, Strand, Pat Stromseth, William Dorace Guin, Judy Mullican, and Janet Landau, Rubin Landau, Kathi Sutton, Margaret Sutton, Rich Bill and Alice Roe Leslie Baird, Marilyn Barnhart, Craig LaTourrette, Bryon Lichtenhan, Thompson, Judie Tschacher, Justin In honor of Leigh Creighton from Bevan, Liz Bezanson, Joy Bockius, David Mack, Stephanie Mack, Judith Turner, Mark Vietti, Nedra Williams, Phil Creighton Tamal Bose, Robert Brandner, Nikki Malen, Katrina Mangin, Penny Mazer, Judith Willoughby, Richard Wilt, In honor of Sandy Elers from Broadwell, Jim Broadwell, Isabel Tom Mazer, Cadie McCarthy, Kate Susan Winkler, Janie Winkler, Barry Jo Riester Carnes, Nancy Criswell, Carolyn McCurdy, Susan McLane, Robert Winkler, David Wise, Wise, In memory of Izola Games from Cross, Carol Currie, Jeanine McMullen, Gerald A. Meigs, Clark Nate Woiwode, and Roger Wood. Nancy Keene Delgman, David Divine, Don Dunkle, Monroe, Otto Moosburner, Douglas We welcome new Birds & Business In honor of Art & Lois Morgan from Jan Eagle, Barbara Early, Laura Nail, Susan Nail, Janet Nedry, Alliance member at the Gold Level: Rosemary Valentine Jude Nicholson, Larry Norris, Dr. J. Ellis, Virginia Fantetti, W. Morris Farr, GEOInnovation LLC In memory of Rozy Simek from Juliette Fernander, Elizabeth Fikejs, O’Leary, James Peabody, Christine Jean Barchman, Family Service Association and Jacque Friedman, Jane Gawin, Pearson, David Pearson, Jewel VF Membership Coordinator Karen Gale Family

10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. BIRDATHON 2014 Mark your calendars for Bird for the Birds April 2014 BETE JONES

GET READY NOW

LUCY’S WARBLER, LOIS MANOWITZ LUCY’S WARBLER, FOR APRIL! YELLOW WARBERL, LOIS MANOWITZ YELLOW WARBERL, 99Plan your Big Day. Will you do a full 24 hours? Or is your Big Day more relaxed? The fun of bird watching (spring migration!) meets support for 99Gather your team together. bird conservation during Birdathon. Choose a day to be your Will they be expert birders? Will Birdathon, and go out birding with your team. Gather support from you take a new person birding? Will you join a team or make friends and family for your Birdathon. Afterwards, we all celebrate your own? and win great prizes! 99Pick your team name. Puns intended! I’ve never done Birdathon before. JOHN HOFFMAN Can I start now? 99Engage your sponsors. Who can you ask to support your This is your year, make the leap! There are more Birdathon? ways than ever to make Birdathon part of your 99Register your Birdathon springtime birding. online. All Birdathoners register online or on paper. Let’s step it up! Your supporters can donate to Whose team will beat last year’s 152 bird species seen by your page and leave comments the Wrenegades? Who will beat last year’s most donors, the 27 who gave cheering you on. to Maia Stark? Who will overthrow three time grand prize winner Kendall 99When April arrives, LAZULI BUNTING, JOHN HOFFMAN Kroesen, for most species seen plus most funds raised? go birding! Citizen scientists to social fundraisers to you Stay tuned online at tucsonaudubon.org/ Citizen scientists are you, me, our friends and neighbors, using skills and birdathon for the April 2014 enthusiasm to affect positive change for our wildlife and environment. Guess Birdathon calendar and for new what? Birdathoners are you, me, our friends and neighbors…we’re social teams ready for you to join! fundraisers and we can have a huge impact for bird conservation too!

BIRDATHON T-SHIRT ARTWORK CONTEST Visit tucsonaudubon. org/birdathon to enter your design for the 2014

WESTERN TANAGER, JOHN HOFFMAN TANAGER, WESTERN t-shirt art. RED-FACED WARBLER, JOAN GELLATLY WARBLER, RED-FACED COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, LOIS MANOWITZ YELLOWTHROAT, COMMON

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11 CELEBRATING SOUTHEAST ARIZONA’S BIRDS

TUCSON meet SELMAN VERDIN, LARRY

YOUR BIRDS AMERICAN KESTRL, JOHN KENNEDY; Curve-billed Thrasher The Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre) RICHARD FRAY

is definitely a rascal among Tucson’s backyard HAYES JEREMY birds—and like most rascals, this feathered scoundrel sports a fair dose of charm. Curve-billed Thrashers live up to their name by using long, thin, down-curved bills to thrash around dramatically in the soil and leaf litter, searching for insects. They also tend to skulk about in the dense understory of shrubs and trees, feeding on berries and seeds. You might observe a thrasher as it darts across the Thrashers are known for the creativity of American Kestrel yard on its long, powerful legs—especially if it sees their songs, rarely repeating the same notes or The gorgeous coloration, conspicuous perching an opportunity to rush in and break up a gaggle of phrases . While their Captain Hook bills and habits, and ferocious attitude packed into a doves feeding peacefully on birdseed. fiery orange eyes give them a feisty look, they relatively tiny package make the American Kestrel While their sandy gray-brown backs and sometimes sing sweetly on moonlit nights. If you (Falco sparverius) one of my favorite raptors. lightly spotted breasts allow Curve-billed haven’t yet made this bird’s acquaintance, there is The kestrel is North America’s smallest, most Thrashers to blend in seamlessly with desert often one hanging around in the wolfberry beneath numerous, and most widespread falcon, inhabiting surroundings, males often strut their stuff by the velvet mesquite of the Tucson Audubon shop more landscapes than most of the other raptors singing conspicuously from the top-most branch of garden. This rascal likes to share his double-noted in the Americas—from the boreal of Alaska, to a cholla. Like Cactus , they also dare to nest whit-wheet call early in the morning just before he the sides of 15,000’ Andean peaks, to the distant in these thorniest of desert plants. sneaks a drink from the shop garden fountain. shores of Patagonia in South America. The kestrel Keith Ashley, Restoration Specialist feeds on arthropods and small rodents on the ground, and occasionally takes birds in flight. One of the most-studied birds due to its efficacy in captive breeding experiments, the kestrel was KINO ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROJECT (KERP) Together Kino Ecosystem instrumental in developing our understanding of the effects of pesticides and other toxins on Restoration Project (KERP) and adjacent Sam Lena Park—located north of Ajo Way and raptors (such as DDT’s ability to thin the eggshells west of Country Club Road—make up the best birding site on the south side of Tucson. of Peregrine Falcons). Kestrels are secondary Beginning birders see common birds in the park and intermediate and advanced birders cavity-nesters, meaning that they use suitable look for rarities like Least Grebe and Common Goldeneye in the restored habitat and holes, nooks, or crevices to raise their young; these spots can include old Gila Woodpecker holes ponds. You cannot enter the restored area but you can bird from the park or walk the trail in saguaro cacti, telephone poles, dead trees, or that goes around the entire perimeter of KERP. Several years ago we put together an roof openings. Recently, research has confirmed initial KERP checklist of 162 species, but since then birders have reported a whopping long-term kestrel population declines across North 187 species on www.ebird.org. KERP isn’t just restored habitat. Stormwater runs in from America, including areas of the Sonoran Desert. It is not completely clear why kestrels are declining, the east and is detained, greatly reducing downstream flooding. Water flows through but it’s theorized that habitat loss, continued use a series of basins where pumps recirculate it through three cottonwood-lined streams. of toxic pesticides, West Nile virus, and increasing Some of the water is moved into a settling pond from populations of Cooper’s Hawks may be to blame. which it is pumped to irrigate the athletic fields. Recently You can do your part to keep common birds like the kestrel common by joining Tucson Pima County dried the ponds and removed invasive Audubon’s Nest Boxes for Urban Birds program bullfrogs that prey on native species (see October– (see page 2 and visit tucsonaudubon.org/ December 2013 Vermilion Flycatcher, page 24). Tucson nestbox), working to ban all toxic pesticides, and Audubon helped develop interpretive signs that you will telling your friends about the plight of the kestrel and other declining bird species. see at KERP. Additional information is found at www. Andy Bennett, Restoration Specialist

pima.gov/ksc2/kerp.shtml. Kendall Kroesen KENDALL KROESEN GREAT BIRD PLACES NEAR TUCSON BIRD PLACES NEAR GREAT

12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. CELEBRATING SOUTHEAST ARIZONA’S BIRDS DORIS EVANS JOHN HOFFMAN JOHN HOFFMAN

Mourning Dove Northern Mockingbird Pyrrhuloxia Mourning Doves are easy to find and fun to watch. As a beginning birder, the Northern Mockingbird This amazing desert-adapted bird can be a source They are so common—especially around our cities is one of the first species I learned to identify, and of confusion for beginning birders. The male of this and farms—that birders start to “tune them out.” it’s one that many who wouldn’t call themselves species is often mistaken for a female cardinal— But don’t stop watching the common birds—you “birders” can’t help but notice. The distinct white and quite understandably, as they are very closely might miss something cool! wing patches make spotting this bird in flight related. Once you know what to look for on this For example, you might miss the Mourning easy, and the majestic, long-tailed profile makes species, they are quite distinctive and a treat to Dove’s gorgeous, creamy brown color with hints identifying them while perched a cinch for a new encounter in their favorite habitat, desert washes. of iridescence. Or the narrow ring of bright blue birder. They make ID easy on us by perching The name, almost as challenging to speak as skin around their eyes. Or the tail that narrows to a conspicuously on fence posts or road signs and by to spell, is pronounced: “pyro-locks-e-uh” and in sharp, white-tipped point. Or the pink legs! showily defending their territory from others. Greek refers to its flame-colored plumage and its You also might miss the characteristic squeaky Mock? Yeah. Mockingbirds are so named for “crooked” beak. These two features are actually its sound their wings make then they take off or the mimicking the songs of other birds—one individual most distinctive so perhaps its name is appropriate. fact that they seem to be able to fly straight up into can have a repertoire of up to 300 phrases—but it’s Male Pyrrhuloxias are a slate gray with pinkish-red the air. not an exact auditory replica, the mimicry takes on patches on their face, crest, tail, and in a stripe Without paying attention, you might not hear subtle tonal differences of the species. Instead of going down the center of their chest. The females this dove’s poignant vocalization: a low, flat whistle being used to fool other birds or predators, as an are a warm brown with subtle steaks of red in the followed by a higher descending one, followed by exact vocal mimicry might accomplish, it’s believed crest and wings and sometimes a little in the face. three more low ones. To most people this sounds that the borrowed songs are used to expand a With a shape and song very similar to the more mournful. In Mexico it’s called “paloma triste” or the mockingbird’s repertoire, improving their ability to familiar Northern Cardinal, this bird is most easily sad dove. attract a mate or intimidate a rival. distinguished by its bill, which is bright yellow and Finally, if you stop looking at small brown doves Beginning in February, the springtime songs heavy with a squashed-in appearance instead of you might completely miss similar-looking species: of the mockingbirds resume once again; one can the dainty, coral pink beak of a Northern Cardinal. White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Common Ground- even hear unmated males singing under a full Also called the “Desert Cardinal,” this hardy bird dove, and Eurasian Collared-Dove. moon at night, hoping to attract a long-term mate. thrives in the dry climate of the Sonoran Desert To make sure what you are looking at is a If you’ve been awakened in the early morning but will also venture into urban Tucson if there Mourning Dove, look for the combination of black hours by the song of a mockingbird, you know that is a large patch of native vegetation. Next time spots on the folded wings and a tail that starts out serenade can sometimes last uninterrupted for you hear that familiar “tink” call you associate broad and tapers to a fine point. 10–20 minutes! with cardinals, take a second look as it may be a Kendall Kroesen, Urban Program Manager Kara Kaczmarzyk, Pyrrhuloxia. VF Volunteer & Development Coordinator Jennie MacFarland, IBA Conservation Biologist

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA FARM My favorite urban birding patch is the U of A Farm on Roger Road. The primary habitat of open agricultural fields is a very rare one within Tucson city limits. For me, the primary attraction is that it’s a mere 75 yards from my front door, and you can look into all the fields from three of the main perimeter roads with large shoulders. Having birded it reguarly over the past 15 years, I’ve noticed some interesting changes. The good

RICH HOYER numbers of Inca Doves are gone and Vermilion Flycatchers have increased substantially (14 on my last visit in mid-November). It’s still the best place in town for wintering species like Western Meadowlark, American Pipit, and Killdeer, and it’s one of the few places in the state with reliable Bronzed Cowbirds in winter. My favorite find here was a Broad-winged Hawk on October 7, 2003, soaring with a group of migrant Turkey Vultures on a showery day with no thermals. I had been birding on my bike nearby and was able to race to my yard to see it from there. Rich Hoyer GREAT BIRD PLACES NEAR TUCSON BIRD PLACES NEAR GREAT

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13 TheRICK WRIGHT More Things Stay the Same FOCUS ON CHANGES DORIS EVANS DORIS EVANS NEDDERMEYER MURIEL

L to R: Inca Dove, Bronzed Cowbird, Great-tailed Grackle (top), Rosy-faced Lovebirds (bottom), European Starling, Eurasian Collared-Dove

No real birder scorns the common In 1909, it was the turn of another birds, the birds we see every day at southern species to surprise Arizona our feeder or on the way to work. Deep observers. Phillips (Phillips et al. 1964) down, though, most of us love seeing writes that the Bronzed Cowbird something new. “appeared suddenly”—as if there The great novelty of February 1872 were any other way—in Tucson and in at Fort Lowell was the tiny, long-tailed Sacaton; the discoverer of the Sacaton pigeon known as the Inca Dove. The birds observed them “making violent love” specimen Charles Bendire shot was not (Gilman 1909), while the Tucson males just a novum for Arizona Territory, but, “went through contortions similar to those according to his colleague frequently performed by the domestic (1873), the first skin ever “taken within turkey” (Visher 1909). Their exertions

the limits of the United States.” Over were obviously successful: within a GOODHART GARY the following months, Bendire noted the decade the species had expanded its species “from time to time, but never range east to the Patagonias and west years on, this species breeds in suitable abundantly,” and this greatest of all to Sells (Phillips et al. 1964). These habitat throughout the southern half of American egg collectors managed to find red-eyed beauties are now found all Arizona, with outlier populations in the a grand total of one nest, in the vicinity of the way north to the Mogollon Rim Four Corners area and far beyond—the Tubac in June 1872 (Bendire 1892). (Corman 2005b), where they breed in past half century has seen the species’ Twenty years later, Herbert Brown (in a fascinatingly cooperative relationship expansion north to Oregon and east to Bendire 1892) was able to report a slight with other songbirds, perhaps with a Iowa (Johnson and Peer 2001). increase in this “rather rare” species; preference for orioles as foster parents These three birds, the tiny dove he examined several nests taken in (Jaramillo and Burke 1999). and the two icterids, reached Arizona Arizona. Still, as late as 1886, W.E.D. The arrivals of the dove and the under their own power, though their Scott (1886) had found it nowhere but in cowbird antedate human memory. But subsequent success in establishing Tucson and (especially) Florence. From birders still walk among us who can breeding populations was almost certainly those points of first contact, Inca Doves recall the earliest days of the Great- furthered by human changes to the spread rapidly and inexorably, reaching tailed Grackle in Arizona. Now a noisy landscape: more trees, more water, more Wickenburg, Safford, and Solomon a fixture at parking lots, fishponds, and bird feeders. The story of another recent century ago (Phillips et al. 1964). Most fast food dumpsters across the state, arrival is a bit more complicated. recently, volunteers conducting surveys these captivating blackbirds with their We all know, and most of us regret, the for the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas “unearthly outpourings” (Phillips et al. stories of the American introductions of found probable breeding pairs in the 1964) first appeared in Safford in May the Rosy-faced Lovebird (Radamaker very northwestern corner of the state 1935 (Monson 1936) and in Tucson and Corman 2011), the European (Corman 2005a). two years later (Phillips 1940). Eighty Starling (Phillips et al. 1964), and

14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. Where Have All of the Inca Doves Gone? TheRICK WRIGHT More Things Stay the Same Many long-term Tucson residents may be thinking, “Why don’t I see Inca Doves around any more?” The Tucson Audubon Nature Shop fields many calls asking that same question. Curious, I went to the Christmas Bird Count online database and downloaded the data for Inca Doves going back to 1960. Wow, there were a lot more previously, hitting a high for the Tucson count of just under 4,000 in 1980. More recently there were just 8 birds in 2011! So, what’s happened to them? It’s been suggested their disappearance CINDY BRYAN SMITH BRYAN might be connected to the increase in resident Cooper’s Hawks in urban the House Sparrow (Howard 1906). Europe, eventually reaching Iceland. In Tucson. You may be surprised to know Eurasian Collared-Doves were first their American career thus far, the birds’ that we have more on our Christmas recorded in Arizona in 2000 (Jenness compass has remained astonishingly true: count than any other count in the US. I 2005), and are now found abundantly this species, from its starting point in the downloaded those data as well and have in all of the state’s counties; though still extreme Southeast, has made its way in plotted both in the graph below. most common in feedlots and other vast numbers to the Pacific Northwest, Interestingly, Inca Doves appear to agricultural settings, they can be found while barely trickling north along the have experienced a “boom-and-bust” in most small towns in southeast Arizona Atlantic seaboard to New Jersey. growth pattern up to the point when and have recently begun their move into Even taking into account the possibility Cooper’s Hawks began to surge. After Tucson itself, where their large size, pale of additional releases somewhere along that, dove numbers fall precipitously and plumage, and noisy rhythmic songs make the way and the near-certainty of a fail to recover. them conspicuous on wires and rooftops. freight car stowaway or two, the rapid More to ponder: Why did Tucson The history of this species in North establishment, in very large numbers, have so many Inca Doves? More than America is clouded by uncertainty and of this species in southeastern Arizona any other count? a tradition of misidentification. While we is every bit as dramatic as the arrival of Was their abundance in the 80s a know almost to the day when the founding the Inca Dove and the Bronzed Cowbird principal reason for the Cooper’s Hawks pairs of House Sparrows and European and the Great-tailed Grackle—or more high numbers? Starlings were released on the continent, so, given that those incursions likely It’s great to see how observations it’s unclear just when the first collared- originated just across the Mexican border collected by citizen scientists over the doves—set free in The Bahamas in the in or . The collared- years can contribute so much insight. VF mid-1970s (Smith 1987)—made the 300- dove, in contrast, had to cover 2,000 mile jump to the Florida mainland; the first miles between Miami and Tucson, an Tim Helentjaris arrivals were long identified as African admirable feat indeed for these half- Tucson Audubon Volunteer Collared-Doves, known in avicultural pound pioneers. and Citizen Scientist circles and in the older field guides as All these birds were “new” to Arizona ringed turtle-doves. at some point not long ago, and more 100% By the time the Florida birds were are bound to join them. Happily for birds, % Inca Dove correctly identified, their population in and for birders in search of the novel and % Cooper’s Hawk the southern part of the state and the unseen, nature is never truly naturata. VF 75% Keys had risen into the thousands, and the species was clearly on the move. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/citations for Rather than radiating in all directions, complete references for this article. 50% however, the Eurasian Collared-Dove has spread chiefly to the west and northwest; Rick Wright is Senior Leader at WINGS Birding that was precisely the pattern of the Tours and Review Editor at Birding magazine. 25% species’ earlier explosion, starting in the Except when he can get away to Arizona, he 1930s and 1940s, when it spread from lives, writes, and birds in northern New Jersey. 0% Turkey and the Balkans into northwest 1960 1971 1979 1987 1995 2003 2011

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15 Changes in Latitude or Changes in Attitude

FOCUS ON CHANGES JOHN YERGER

That’s right, as Jimmy Buffet once to occur in only a few other drainages. in summer along the San Pedro River. said “Nothing remains quite the same…” Huge, mature mesquite “bosques” once Gray Hawks are still supported along Yet, as birders, we often find “changes” cloaked the banks of the Santa Cruz the upper Santa Cruz River, and some difficult to understand. When we notice River near San Xavier, and these tracts birds are finding their way even farther variations in the abundance, distribution, of riparian woodland were the preferred north to isolated pockets along the Verde, or status of our beloved birds, we wonder: nesting habitat for Gray Hawks. By 1948, Salt, and Hassayampa Rivers in central are these changes part of the natural groundwater pumping and wood-cutting Arizona. A slight uptick in winter sightings order? Are they human-caused? Or had all but eliminated this habitat, and the of Gray Hawk has been notable over the are they even changes at all, but rather hawks—along with many other birds— last few decades, and it will be interesting new findings resulting from increased disappeared. to see if the gradual shift northward observers in the field? Meanwhile, the San Pedro River farther of the breeding range is followed by a What complicates our understanding to the east had undergone many changes corresponding shift in the winter range. of some avifaunal changes is the sheer of its own. A number of human-caused In this example, the underlying theme complexity of their stories. The shifting impacts led to the river’s conversion from is habitat. Bird enthusiasts are lucky and expanding range of the Gray Hawk a series of cienegas to a channelized to still have such a splendid species in southeastern Arizona is one such riverbed between the 1880’s and 1920’s. in Arizona, but this tale should be a example. At one time, the Gray Hawk was However, by the time Gray Hawks were cautionary one. Heavy groundwater common just south of Tucson, but known disappearing from the lower Santa pumping for urban development and Cruz, many mesquites and cottonwoods proposed mines, coupled with increasing had regained a foothold along the San severity of droughts associated with Pedro—and the Gray Hawk population climate change, could put this and other seemed to shift accordingly. Now, at least riparian species at risk. In this case, half of the Arizona population is found birders have good cause to be worried! But what about status changes that seem to have no obvious cause? Rose- throated Becard has always been a fairly rare bird north of the Mexican border, but southeastern Arizona was THE place to find it in the 1970’s and 1980’s. As a result, birders formed an impression that the Rose-throated Becard was a rare but PAUL & ENG-LI GREEN PAUL ELFNER AXEL

16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. expected species that could be found new discovery about their behavior: Five- here. However, before and since that time striped Sparrows simply do not fly away Southeast their population has fluctuated seemingly when approached in winter! Instead, they Arizona’s Elegant without explanation. In the last decade run along the ground like mice to avoid they have virtually disappeared. And detection. They are likely still present in Trogons yet, habitat hasn’t changed in the areas the same numbers year round, but are where they have been found, and many virtually undetectable in the non-breeding A summer hike in suitable habitat in nests seem to have been successful seasons due to this behavior. I propose nearly any of our Sky Islands such as when present. This is a good example of that Botteri’s Sparrows are simply the the Santa Ritas or Chiricahuas will most a species that is simply at the very edge most secretive of our winter sparrows, likely result in one hearing the familiar of its range. Since it is primarily a tropical and that this “change” isn’t really a bark of a male Elegant Trogon. Newly bird, its occurrence in Arizona is probably change at all, but merely a new discovery expanded Elegant Trogon surveys this dependent on how well the species does based on increasing numbers of educated past summer led by Rick Taylor and in subtropical Sonora from year to year. In observers in the field. Tucson Audubon resulted in a total of good periods, some Becards may move As much as we know about birds, we 86 confirmed individual Trogons being north and take up residence in suitable still have so much more to learn. Whether seen or heard. That is a lot of individual Arizona habitat. In leaner periods, fewer the result of changes in attitudes (human trogons in the U.S. and there were competitors in more preferable habitat to impacts, new information) or changes certainly some that were missed as we the south means the species will retreat in latitudes (natural fluctuations, climate couldn’t cover every canyon. Abundant into Mexico. In this case, preconceived change), all I can say with certainty is this: trogons in the right season may seem notions about what birds “should” be here “change” is one thing that will remain the expected to us now but only 30 years may cause us consternation, but great same! VF ago such numbers of Elegant Trogons concern from a conservation perspective in Arizona were inconceivable. Surveys may not be warranted. John Yerger lives in Portal, AZ at the base for this bird in the Patagonia Mountains Finally, there are mysterious “changes” of the Chiricahua Mountains, where he is in the 1990’s found only one male; yet to be understood. The recent currently building a strawbale house and this year we documented 15 individual discovery of wintering Botteri’s Sparrows leading tours for the Adventure Birding birds there. The Chiricahua Mountains in Hereford and Patagonia is a fascinating Company (adventurebirding.com). have long been considered the most one. An article in “Arizona Birds Online” dependable place to see these amazing theorizes that these birds are beginning L to R: Historic photo of the Santa Cruz River; Lower birds but the infamous fire a few years to shift their winter range north, but the San Pedro River; Gray Hawk; Rose-throated Becard; ago seems to still be suppressing sparrows already overwinter in small Botteri’s Sparrow (top); Five-striped Sparrow (bottom); their numbers and only 9 birds were Elegant Trogon numbers each year. However, I would documented in the entire range this caution that the closely related Cassin’s year. A bird species’ range certainly Sparrow was thought as recently as 1964 has amorphous boundaries, and the to be only a “post-breeding visitor and birds will come or go as best suits them irregular winter resident.” Now, we know in changing conditions. The trick to that they are not only a common breeding understanding these complex changes species in southeastern Arizona, but that is to establish a good baseline and to they often occupy the same territories not be confounded by other factors such year round. In winter, they become highly as increased birder presence. Change is secretive and are often overlooked. the normal state of ecology, and in truth Likewise, Five-striped Sparrows were the more things change the more they thought to migrate to Mexico after nesting stay the same. VF was finished, until a concerted effort to Jennie MacFarland, find them out-of-season resulted in a IBA Conservation Biologist DOMINIC SHERONY / CCL DOMINIC SHERONY LAURENS R. HALSEY DAN ARNDT / CCL ARNDT DAN LOIS MANOWITZ

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17 Cave Creek Canyon Complex, Chiricahua Mountains BIRDS TO SEE BIRDS TO RICK TAYLOR

Last May I still needed a Slate-throated degrees Fahrenheit. In summer it’s only Redstart for Arizona. When one turned up 20 degrees warmer, and, owing to its

at the Southwestern Research Station in location on a steep, north-facing slope, it GRIFFITHS MATT Cave Creek Canyon, I arose well before remains sealed under a cool film of shade WHERE TO GO WHERE TO dawn and drove straight from Tucson to almost until noon. the Chiricahua Mountains. Given its remarkably stable As I entered the mile-wide door of the microclimate, the Bumblebee drainage at Portal, daybreak was just Hummingbird Ravine is lousy with birds. rouging the colossal rhyolite formations Aside from Slate-throated Redstarts, the on Silver Peak. Portal Peak on the south community of other regularly-occurring wall was still draped in layers of purple Sierra Madrean specialties includes shadow, and the breath of the 3,000-foot- Berylline Hummingbird, Eared Quetzal, deep canyon was palpably cool and Blue Mockingbird, Tufted Flycatcher, sweet. I felt like I was driving into the first Gray-collared Becard, Crescent-chested chapter of a Zane Grey novel. Warbler, Rufous-capped Warbler, Flame- MATT GRIFFITHS MATT For the two-and-a-half hour sojourn colored Tanager, and Yellow Grosbeak. from Tucson to Portal I relived prior Every member in this suite of species Above, top to bottom: Cave Creek; South Fork encounters with Slate-throated Redstarts has appeared at least once in the Inset below: Slate-throated Redstart from Sonora to Peru, searching for Cave Creek Canyon complex. Half of commonalities that united Cave Creek them constituted the first U.S. record. throated Redstart at the Southwestern with the barrancas of the Sierra Madre The Slate-throated Redstart at the Research Station was not so strange. and the foothills of the Andes. Typically Southwestern Research Station in May I could easily imagine other birds these steel-blue warblers with flame- represented only the eighth Arizona from Cerro San Juan pioneering the orange chests are confined to the occurrence of this species since 1976. Cave Creek Complex—think Squirrel mountains. Within their montane habitats, Draining a crest that averages over Cuckoo, Ivory-billed Woodcreeper, or they prefer dark woodlands with an 9,500 feet in elevation, Cave Creek has Spotted Wren. understory. Those mottes of habitat are four primary tributaries and a southern I sometimes wonder if the two often—but not always—associated with thumb separated by massive Snowshed specimens of Bumblebee Hummingbird nearby surface water. A few months Ridge. The thumb is legendary South purportedly collected in the Huachuca earlier on my annual winter visit to San Fork. Permanent water occurs as Mountains in 1896 are genuine—or if Blas, Mexico I had, as usual, seen the springs and seeps in all five canyons. they are actually examples of sloppy reliable Slate-throated Redstarts in Tiers of citrus-colored cliffs thousands labeling by a tired museum employee. But the Bumblebee Hummingbird Ravine of feet high shield the drainage from Arizona is now at least 3 degrees warmer SLATE-THROATED REDSTART, MARCEL HOLYOAK / CCL HOLYOAK MARCEL REDSTART, SLATE-THROATED on Cerro San Juan. dehydrating winds and reduce the hours than it was in the 19th century. Were a Festooned with of Arizona sun. Bumblebee Hummingbird to show in Cave flowering vines All five of the canyons lie within Creek today, I would not be so skeptical. and fruiting Madrean pine- woodland. Because The Southwestern Research Station shrubs contours are comparatively gentle within Slate-throated Redstart eluded me this beneath a the Cave Creek basin, deep soils have May. In fact, the one day I was free to canopy of accumulated, thereby fostering a well- visit, it dodged a small army of birders pines and developed riparian woodland interwoven drawn from all over the United States. grand old with the sculpted white limbs of big white Since it was back again the next day , the sycamores. Skeins of canyon grape and the next, however, it clearly had all ravine is and a smorgasbord of fruiting shrubs the habitat it needed to frustrate any miles from the and small trees compete for space in human pursuit it wished. And then it just nearest spring. the understory. Even though many of disappeared somewhere in the vast Cave But in spite of the plants components are completely Creek Canyon complex. its tropical latitude, different, the plant structure of the Cave To me, that very thought is elating. VF the sun treads softly in Creek Complex is an ecological mirror of the Bumblebee Hummingbird Ravine. the Bumblebee Hummingbird Ravine in Rick Taylor is Managing Director of Borderland In midwinter it receives less than two Nayarit, 800 miles farther south. Tours, borderland-tours.com. His photographic hours of direct solar exposure and It dawned on me as I drove from field guide, Birds of Southeastern Arizona is temperatures usually stay below 60 Tucson to Portal that a wandering Slate- available in Tucson Audubon’s Nature Shops.

18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. Interesting stories about birds with interesting ­names Sinaloa Wren and Happy Wren LARRY LIESE

Turn back the clock to December in southern Sonora, and present up of cartridges across his chest sprays of 1997. Thirty or more birders quietly through the Yecora area to the northeast machine gun bullets at some target WHAT’S IN A NAME WHAT’S scanned the trees and bushes at the at about half that distance from the offscreen. One section of the Sinaloa north end of Patagonia Lake, hoping to U.S. border. Since our area is enjoying Wren’s song is reminiscent of the rat-a- get a glimpse of a bird not seen in the a relative abundance of Sinaloa Wren tat-tat of machine gun fire. Following that U.S. for nigh on fifty years. “There it is!” sightings, it seems appropriate to learn sequence is a sharp, fast-rising sound … “No, that’s just an Ash-throated.” … about Happy Wren too since it’s possible I relate to memories of a Fourth-of-July “Zweeep!” Case closed! Smiles abound in this species could be the next rare bird to bottle rocket taking off into the sky. Play a magical moment as Nutting’s Flycatcher make an appearance here. a recording of this bird’s song and see if makes the life lists of the lucky birders As George’s images show, with a you make that connection. present, quite a few of whom had arrived small amount of preparation a good look I don’t remember how I first came by plane just on the chance that the bird should easily distinguish these two birds to put this next association together was still there. (note the stronger cheek pattern and less with Happy Wren, but I must have once Fast forward to today. Doesn’t it seem light area on the underparts of the Happy seen a Charlie Chaplin movie with him that more rare sightings are happening Wren). But, as many of the Mexico- riding a bicycle with a large dent in the of late? One example: Sinaloa Wrens are travelled among us know, getting a good wheel. He pedaled along, oscillating up present in Huachuca Canyon and along look at these birds can be a challenge. and down, barely able to keep on the the Anza Trail, both building nests, with Not so much with Sinaloa Wren, but bicycle. Again—play a Happy Wren song another bird in the recent past having Happy Wren can be a true skulker! recording and see if the pairing fits! The spent quite some time along the Sonoita Both birds have rich, varied songs with point worth noting is that if you listen to a Creek Preserve in Patagonia. Birders still strings of fairly loud notes. To distinguish bird song recording and think “What does get on planes to view these birds, but the the two I’ve found it handy to attach a this sound like to me?”, you might come rarity of these sightings seems less. With mental image to part of their song that up with an association that sticks with you climate change a fairly established fact, makes the connection much easier. and comes in handy when encountering one wonders if the two are related and For Sinaloa Wren, I have to give credit these birds in the field. what future sightings of birds from further to one of Tucson Audubon’s business We’re pretty lucky these days with how south are on their way. partners David MacKay (see Solipaso easily information is passed around when In this issue’s column we take a Tours, page 24), who resides in Alamos, new birds get sighted. Next time you’re short look at Sinaloa Wren (Thryothorus Sonora. He related one day that he heading out to find a reported rarity, listen sinaloa), and fellow congener Happy always thinks of the beginning of an old ahead of time to a sound recording and Wren (Thryothorus felix). These two Mexican Western movie called The Guns match it up with what your mind relates it birds are Mexican endemics common in of Sinaloa, where a classic stereotype to. It might help. Good luck! VF thornscrub and tropical deciduous forest of a Mexican bandito with bandoliers ILLUSTRATIONS BY GEORGE WEST BY ILLUSTRATIONS

Sinaloa Wren Happy Wren

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19 CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION NEWS Obituary: CHRIS MCVIE, PAUL GREEN, KENDALL KROESEN, BÉTÉ JONES, AND JENNIE MACFARLAND Mary K. Foster

Former Tucson Audubon Board SunZia: The Selective and Arbitrary Use of Member, Mary K. Foster, died in Marin County, California, in October Science in an Environmental Impact Statement 2013, surrounded by her family, at the age of 87 years. To the end, her With a Record of Decision drawing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) necessary capacity of the proposed love of people, books, birds, gardens, nigh for the SunZia Southwest contractor for the project through a lines, the resultant routing through nature and history shaped her days Transmission Project and the recommendation by SunZia itself. previously undisturbed lands in the and energized her friends. Mary was Department of Defense objecting, EPG conducted a similar study to environmentally sensitive lower born and raised in Wisconsin. She what is SunZia up to? In a establish that burying the proposed San Pedro watershed, and the received a BA from Northwestern December 11 article published extra high voltage lines through elimination of other more appropriately University, and then moved to Los on RenewableEnergyWorld.com, environmentally sensitive lands would scaled and planned transmission Angeles, California, where she met SunZia manager Tom Wray made not be economically feasible. projects as possible alternatives. Robert N. Foster (Bob) of Marin an impassioned argument for “a However, despite allowing The overestimation of renewable County, whom she married a year legitimate third-party scientific review” SunZia’s use of ad hoc feasibility energy development also became the later. Following Bob’s career, they to dispel objections to routing his studies to support their interests, the basis for both required and optional lived in Pasadena and Georgetown project across the extension of the BLM did not allow significant findings analyses in the EIS. until settling in Tucson. Here she White Sands Missile Range in New regarding SunZia in a third-party study By selectively employing feasibility raised her children, served her Mexico. Under pressure from New conducted for the closely related High studies to favor the applicant’s community, taught junior high and Mexico’s Senator Martin Heinrich, Plains Express transmission proposal interests, the BLM has violated federal college, and received an MA in Latin MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory has Project. Those findings contradict the regulations regarding neutral oversight American Studies at the University of undertaken this for him. project’s renewable energy benefit and assessment of environmental Arizona. She presided over the boards This is not the first time that claims in the EIS and clearly indicate effects. Recently Congressional of the Tucson Festival Society, the SunZia and its federal oversight that the BLM’s forecast estimate of representatives Ron Barber and Pima College Foundation, the Junior agency, the Bureau of Land renewable energy development likely Ann Kirkpatrick wrote to Secretary League of Tucson, Brewster Home, Management (BLM), have appealed to to result from the project has been of Interior Sally Jewell requesting and the North-South Cultural Center. scientific reviews to quash objections overestimated by two to three times. that the ignored feasibility study and She also served on the boards of the to the massive 500-mile-long project. Four different local conservation other relevant information submitted Tucson Audubon Society, The Nature A hastily organized feasibility study, groups submitted this study to the by Arizona conservation groups be Conservancy of Arizona, the Arizona- used to eliminate any serious BLM eight times over the two-year considered. If this information is not Sonora Desert Museum, the Tucson consideration of routing the project period prior to the release of the finally incorporated into the analyses Parks and Recreation Foundation along the Interstate 10 corridor EIS, and a ninth time immediately of the EIS, litigation will be the only (founding member), the Advisory through Tucson, was conducted early following the release of the EIS in option available to enforce the law Council of the Partners Board of the on by the Environmental Planning July, only to see it dismissed without and restore integrity to the process. University of Arizona, and the Silver Group (EPG), a company that has a acknowledgment. Otherwise, the globally important and Turquoise Board of Hostesses. long preexisting business relationship SunZia and the BLM used this avian flyway along the San Pedro Her honors have included the Tucson with SunZia’s proponents. EPG gross overestimation of renewable River will be significantly impacted Festival Society Tohono Award, The managed to become the BLM’s energy development to justify the for a misrepresented project and an invalid analysis of possible Nature Conservancy of Arizona’s alternatives, a true waste. Oak Leaf Award for Outstanding Given the BLM’s past behavior, Volunteer Service, the Association of we are going to need legal support Fundraising Professionals Spirit of to return neutral oversight to this and Philanthropy Honoree, and she was future federal environmental reviews. awarded Emeritus status by the Pima If you can offer or suggest such College Foundation Board. After 42 support or need further information, years of marriage, Bob died and, to be please let us know. closer to her daughters, Mary moved to The Tamalpais in Marin. There she Peter Else quickly became active on the library Friends of the Aravaipa Region and special events committees. [email protected] 520-487-1903 Adapted from Arizona Daily Star, November 3, 2013 Mick Meader Cascabel Working Group [email protected]

SAN PEDRO RIVER VALLEY AND GALIURO MOUNTAINS, LON & QUETA / CCL LON & QUETA AND GALIURO MOUNTAINS, SAN PEDRO RIVER VALLEY 520-323-0092

20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. DEB VATH Mt. Lemmon. Emmanuel takesinthefallcolorson Visit tucsonaudubon.org and isrunbyone of Tucson Urban NaturalistProgram (SASUN) of ourSunnyside Audubon Student program. The programisanoffshoot Trekking Rattlershikingandnature TucsonAudubon’s in participated Billy Lauffer MiddleSchool have 150 middleschoolstudentsfrom Since September2012,nearly standards. latest crosswalk markings will comply with the andpedestrian signage all so increase, to expected is Sweetwater Drive the street. Pedestrian traffic crossing across thenewspaces in their buses in the old parking lot prior to parking students todischarge encouraged tours. school be will drivers bus All teachers and parents join scheduled peak birding months or when extra ourwinter during frequently occurs smaller lot fills up. This circumstance whentheoriginal, Sweetwater Drive number of vehicles forced to park along the Wetlands the reducing by safer goal of this project is to make visiting The Act. Disabilities with the Americans with becompliant andwill buses, school three and 30cars for spaces contain Sweetwater Drive. The parking lot will parking lot on the north side of public anadditional constructing The Tucson Water Departmentis Improvements Continue WetlandsSweetwater Updates The TrekkingThe Move! on the are Rattlers forupdates andmore. restore habitatat Atturbury Wash. working with Tucson Audubon tohelp buffelgrass behindtheirschool,and learning projects—removinginvasive participate annuallyintwoservice West, andmuchmore! They also night hikeatSaguaroNationalPark atop Mt.Lemmon,experienceda of fallcolorsinRamseyCanyonand of Wasson Peak,baskedintheglory pools ofSevenFalls,hikedtothetop They haveplayedinthesnow-melt field triptoalocalhikingdestination. Rattlers Club. for thefirsttimewith Trekking experience thatmanystudentshave through thelensofbirding. This isan about themselvesandnature process ofexploration,theylearn the uniquehabitatwelivein.In them withanopportunitytoexplore students atLauffer andprovides with InnerCityOutings. Year, DeborahVath, inpartnership Audubon’s 2013Volunteers ofthe Rillito Rivertrailsystem. access northofCDCRoadtothe Camino delCerro,whichwillfacilitate Cruz RiverbetweenGrantRoadand along theeastbankofSanta large portionoftheLooptrailsystem Cerro Road. This workwillcompletea Sweetwater DrivenorthtoCaminodel the newpavedbikepathfrom Pima Countywillsoonbecompleting Path… Speaking of the Bike bicycles andslowmovingbirders. have occurredbetweenfastmoving interactions alongthebikepath bike racksand,todate,noserious are beinglockedattheavailable Staff isgladtoreportthatbicycles off oftheSantaCruzRiverbikepath. attract newvisitorstotheWetlands Sweetwater Wetlands continuesto The newwestentrancetothe Entrance New West Wetlands Once amonth,studentstake The programisopentoall once again”. off themountainsandintoyourmind the whispersoftrees,bouncing away, leavingyourmindandentering all. Letthewindcarryyourthoughts moment bringscenterandwonderto Just lettingitallgojustforthat brings calmandpeacetotheworld. profound formanyofthestudents. impact oftimeinnaturehasbeen 4–5 hoursthroughdesertterrain. The physical challengesinherentinhiking in natureandmeetovercome themselves astheyareimmersed More importantly, theylearnabout common southern Arizona birds. how tousebinocularsandspot Kaczmarzyk fordetails. the Trekking Rattlers!ContactKara nature, andhikingbyvolunteeringwith Consider sharingyourloveofbirds, continuing intothespringof2014. Lauffer student,Mt. Lemmonouting. scheduled on Tuesday andFriday events, typicallyneartheramada,are Mathematics) programs.Educational Technology, Engineeringand ProjectWET andSTEM(Science, into theircurriculumsthroughthe integrated visitstotheWetlands wetlands ecology. Schoolshave Water Cycle,conservation,and Wetlands whilelearningaboutthe have experiencedtheSweetwater date, thousandsof Tucson students goal oftheSweetwaterWetlands. To Public educationisafundamental Tours… Speaking of School “Silence evenforjustasecond Along theway, theylearn This successfulprogramis

J anuary —Julia Molina,8th grade Bete JonesandDeb Vath –M arch 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher encouraged! pond wherequiet,“library”voicesare trek abitfarthertothelargerwestern events, birdersareencouragedto during thesesometimesboisterous Wednesday. Kidswillbekidsand, mornings, alongwithanoccasional him wellinawell-deservedretirement. Bruce forhisgoodworkandwishes its inception. Tucson Audubon thanks managing SweetwaterWetlands from Water afteralongcareer, including Bruce Priorisretiringfrom Tucson good practiceinrecent years. reducing thesemortalities through community hassucceededin acknowledges thatthebanding to threatenbirdpopulations,and mortalities ofsufficientmagnitude banding, doesnotconsiderthese is supportiveofscience-basedbird banded annuallyintheUSA. ABC approximately onemillionbirds birds peryearbasedonthe to anestimateof1,000–2,000 of 0.1–0.2%whichtranslates total mortalityisintheregion rates, itisreasonabletoassume banders haveevenlowermortality other capturetechniquesusedby nets is0.23 mortality relatedtotheuseofmist reviewed papersuggeststhat to birdbanding,arecentpeer- For themortalityestimaterelated Vermilion Flycatcher in theOctober–November2013 published the tableonbirdmortality provided thefollowingcorrectionto American BirdConservancy(ABC) Bruce M.Prior, LeadHydrologist, CORRECTION Tucson Audubon Tucson Water Department + 0.15%. Giventhat , page14:

21

PROJECT WET CONSERVATION & EDUCATION NEWS

Top Ten Reasons Why Rosemont Mine Will Never Be Built

The Coronado National Forest The U.S. EPA has veto sensor cameras in the area of the Rosemont Copper is in a recently announced that it will r authority. Even if the Army proposed Rosemont mine over the o precarious financial position. recommend approval of the proposed Corps accepts Rosemont’s weak past year. This intrepid animal is Rosemont Copper’s parent company, Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita mitigation offer and issues the 404 the only known jaguar in the U.S. at Augusta Resource Corp., is a highly Mountains southeast of Tucson. permit, the EPA has the authority to this time. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife leveraged junior mining company from Notwithstanding the blaring trumpets overturn it. The EPA has been highly Service will soon finalize a critical Canada with no income other than of the ensuing press releases from critical of this project throughout. habitat proposal that would designate loans and direct investment, since Rosemont Copper Co., here are the The agency has called into question thousands of acres of southern it has never operated a mine of any Top Ten Reasons Why the Rosemont the “unsound science” produced by Arizona as critical to the survival and sort. The company’s financial situation Mine Will Never Be Built: the company and its consultants recovery of this majestic animal in the has been the subject of dire warnings and voiced serious concerns about U.S. The critical habitat designation is by investment analysts in recent The Coronado’s analysis is groundwater contamination, air almost certain to include the currently months, as it essentially ran out of q inaccurate and inadequate. pollution, harm to endangered occupied habitat of the Rosemont cash this fall and was forced to resort The Draft Environmental Impact species, and a host of other problems. project area, which is an intersection to emergency measures to keep itself Statement in this process was of three major wildlife corridors that afloat through the end of the year. determined by the U.S. Environmental Rosemont’s Aquifer are essential to the big cat’s prospects Protection Agency to be one of the t Protection Permit is under for reclaiming the Sky Islands that it You! A concerted, robust, worst ever produced, out of many appeal. The Save the Scenic Santa called home for thousands of years 1) broad-based effort to stop this thousands of EIS documents over Ritas coalition is currently bringing before being wiped out in the past mine has grown from widespread the past 40 years. Precious few of a case in Arizona Superior Court to century. The Endangered Species Act community opposition. The majority the flaws in the Draft have been overturn the Arizona Department of does not allow adverse modification of of people in Tucson and southern addressed or improved in the recently Environmental Quality’s issuance of critical habitat that would significantly Arizona clearly realize that the mine’s released Final EIS, which makes it a this key permit that would allow toxic harm chances for survival and tradeoffs—the degradation of our likely target for formal objections and discharges into the aquifer that forms recovery. air and water quality, the alarming eventual litigation. the headwaters of Davidson Canyon diminishment of our groundwater and Cienega Creek. Without this Several other endangered supplies, the destruction of the The U.S. Forest Service must permit, the mine cannot proceed. i species will be harmed. The beautiful mountains and wildlife that w address all objections before Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Southwestern drive our economy and enhance final approval. A formal objections Rosemont’s Air Quality Willow Flycatcher, Chiricahua leopard our quality of life—are not worth the process begins on January 1, 2014. y Permit is under appeal. frog, Gila chub, Coleman’s coralroot short-term influx of a few hundred Everyone who formally commented Another essential permit issued to and other species face potentially jobs. Keep up the fight with us, and on this project previously, whether in Rosemont by ADEQ is currently catastrophic harm if the mine is together we can stop this short- the scoping phase, on the Draft EIS, working its way through the allowed to proceed. The Bureau sighted travesty and protect a big part or even just oral comments provided administrative appeal process and of Land Management has raised of what makes Tucson and southern at a Forest Service public hearing, could later wind up in court as well. vehement concerns that massive Arizona such a great place to live. has a 45-day window to raise formal Without this permit, the mine cannot groundwater pumping at the mine will Randy Serraglio objections based on their comments. proceed. dewater nearby Cienega Creek, in Southwest Conservation Advocate The Forest Service then has 45 days, addition to the Rosemont area, which Center for Biological Diversity and possibly 30 more, in which it must The Rosemont jaguar. A could spell doom for one or more of address all objections. u large, healthy jaguar has been these vulnerable species. photographed repeatedly by remote The company still needs e further permits. Most notably, Rosemont has yet to procure a Section 404 permit under the Clean Water Act from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which it must have in order to legally disturb the riparian areas and surface waters that would be destroyed by the mine. As part of this process, the company must mitigate for the damage it would do to these precious areas. So far, its mitigation offer has been deemed woefully inadequate. Denial of this permit would prevent the mine from

going forward. ALEXANDER / CCL CREEK, PATRICK CIENEGA JOHN HOFFMAN SOUTHWESTERN WILLOW FLYCATCHER,

22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. CONSERVATION & EDUCATION NEWS

Tucson Audubon’s What’s Next in the Forest Service’s Review eNews Delivered to Process for the Rosemont Mine? Your Inbox Did you know that Tucson The Coronado National Forest has Who Can File an Objection? after opportunities to comment (e.g., Audubon offers a range of posted the final environmental impact Those who are eligible to object information presented for the first time specialized email updates on statement (FEIS) and the draft Record include Individuals and entities in an FEIS). various topics, such as Volunteer of Decision (ROD) for the Rosemont who have submitted timely, specific Issues raised in objections must News, Green City News, Mine at www.rosemonteis.us/. written comments regarding a be based on previously submitted Conservation Alerts, IBA News and The FEIS should include proposed project or activity during comments regarding the proposed Nest Boxes for Urban Birds, as responses to all of the substantive any designated opportunity for project or activity and attributed to well as a regular Weekly Update? comments that were submitted on public comment, including the the objector, unless the issue is To subscribe to any of these, the Draft EIS as well as proposed scoping period. “Written comments” based on new information that arose go to tucsonaudubon.org and click changes in the alternatives and in include oral comments submitted after the opportunities for comment. on the “Sign-up for Newsletters” the analysis of the impacts. The draft and transcribed at a public hearing. The burden is on the objector to button on the home page. Or ROD indicates the Forest’s selection Tucson Audubon qualifies to make demonstrate compliance with this you can call Jean Barchman at of an alternative, along with monitoring written comments. requirement for objection issues; 520-209-1802 and she will take and mitigation commitments. aside from objections based on your details. The Forest is expected to publish a What are the Minimum new information, the objector must legal notice of the FEIS and the draft Requirements for Objections? demonstrate the connection between ROD in the Arizona Daily Star, the Objections will largely be based on prior comments and the content of newspaper of record for this area, as whether the Forest has responded their objections. we go to press at year-end. The notice adequately to comments previously A PDF containing more details will include a statement that objections submitted on the Draft EIS. about the process can be downloaded to the FEIS must be filed within 45 Objections may also be based on from the Tucson Audubon website days of the date of the newspaper new information that was not in the at tucsonaudubon.org/conservation/ notice. The 45-day clock will start draft EIS and thus not previously Rosemont_Objection-Process-Fact- the day following publication of the available for public comment. Issues Sheet.pdf. newspaper notice, on January 1, raised in objections must be based Paul Green, 2014, and the deadline for submitting on previously submitted comments Executive Director objections will be February 14, 2013. made by the person or entity raising Once the clock starts, the deadline the objections, unless the issue is cannot be extended. based on new information that arose PRAIRIE FALCON / JEREMY HAYES / JEREMY PRAIRIE FALCON

wastewaterreclamation/community_ Conservation Corner! relations/grease/ to find a regularly Three timely tips to start out the bill. The sewer fee is determined by scheduled grease collection center. It new year. averaging your water consumption will be recycled into biodiesel fuel! across the months of December, Recycle your Christmas Tree Save Water by Adjusting January and February (on the theory December 26 through January 12, Irrigation Timers that this is when you use the least take your Christmas tree to a Your garden and landscape do water outside, so most of the water Treecycle location where it will be not need nearly as much irrigation you use goes into the sewer). The chipped and shredded. The resulting water this time of year. In fact, if less water you use December through tree chips will be available for pick-up winter rains are regular they may not February, the lower your sewer fees at Randolph Golf Course, Udall Park need any additional water. This is will be through the rest of the year! and Los Reales Landfill. Check the especially true for well-established City of Tucson Web page cms3. native plants. So adjust your irrigation Recycle your Holiday Grease tucsonaz.gov/content/treecycle for timers to water less often or for less Collect holiday cooking grease and more information. time, or both. Or just turn it off until bring it to one of the regular grease Contact Kendall Kroesen with moisture from rains dries up a bit and collection centers. Do not pour sustainability, gardening and plants look like they need some help. holiday grease down the drain! It can stop up your pipes. If it makes landscaping questions at 520-209-1806 Save Water and Save Money it through your pipes it causes big or [email protected]. VF This is an extra-good time of year to problems in the sewer system and Kendall Kroesen conserve water. Most people pay a wastewater treatment plants. Visit Urban Program Manager sewer user fee as part of their water BOTH IMAGES TUCSON CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL TUCSON CLEAN BOTH IMAGES webcms.pima.gov/government/

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23 Tucson Audubon thanks our Birds & Business BIRDING TRAVEL Alliance Members, who have shown their support for bird FROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS 2010- 2011 conservation through annual ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY­ contributions and in-kind www.adventurebirding.com donations. Please show them you appreciate [email protected] • 520-495-0229 their support for us by supporting them. Visit Big Bend Nat’l Park, Texas: Colima tucsonaudubon.org/alliance for more Warbler Short Tour: April 30–May 4, information, including links to member websites. 2014, $1195. Leader: John Yerger. Big Bend is *NEW one of the most remote birding hotspots in the GOLD U.S., and home to some of its most spectacular GeoInnovation LLC • 520-615-3883 scenery! It’s the only place in the country to find • www.geoinnovation.com Colima Warbler, the focus of one long day hike. Riverpark Inn • 800-551-1466 Rufous-capped Brush-Finch A surprising number of habitats and oases are / CCL DOMINIC SHERONY found within Park boundaries. Ideal for anyone STERLING desiring lots of birding and sightseeing on limited Sani Ext US$ 1,275 + Main Tour US$ 4, 675. Adventure Birding Company vacation time. Lucifer Hummingbird, Painted Ecuador, boasting a bird list of over 1,700 • 520-495-0229 • www.adventurebirding.com Bunting and Common Black-Hawk are just a few species, has entrenched itself as a must-visit, Rockjumper BirdingTours • [email protected] others we’ll seek on this fun-filled adventure! premier South American birding destination. This • www.rockjumperbirding.com particular tour covers a vast range of habitats Solipaso Tours • www.solipaso.com South Texas: Rarities and Specialties from an in depth exploration of the Andes to the Short Tour: February 26–March 2, 2014, Tropical Birding • 800-348-5941 Amazonian lowlands around Sacha and Sani. • www.tropicalbirding.com $1295. Leader: John Yerger. Limited vacation This is a bird-watching tour not to be missed. time? This “short tour” will target some of the SILVER rarest birds in the ABA region! Our main focus: SOLIPASO TOURS finding mega-rarities in the Lower Rio Grande www.solipaso.com Cox Communications Farmers Investment Co (FICO) • sahuaritafarms.ocm Valley. In recent years, species included Crimson- Yecora-Alamos: April 5–13, 2014. $2450. collared Grosbeak, Golden-crowned Warbler and Leader: David MacKay. A complete sierra to sea Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Black-vented Oriole. In addition, we’ll seek rare tour! We’ll see the montane species around Yecora, Sundance Press • 800-528-4827 residents like Clay-colored Thrush and Red-billed including Mountain Trogon and Rufous-capped Sunglow Ranch • www.sunglowranch.com Pigeon. And of course, spectacular South Texas Brush-Finch. In the colonial town of Alamos, we Tucson Electric Power • www.tep.com specialties like Green Jay, Altamira Oriole and stay at the beautiful El Pedregal Nature Lodge and Swarovski Optik • www.swarovskioptik.com Buff-bellied Hummingbird will round out the trip! see birds like Black-throated Magpie Jay, Mexican See website for details and on this and other tours. Parrotlet and Elegant Trogon. Our last day will COPPER be on the coast to pick up more coastal species. ROCKJUMPER—WORLDWIDE BIRDING A Feathered Nest in Amado • 520-331-8649 See the best of Sonora…the place we call home! ADVENTURES Associated Benefits Specialists, Inc. • 520-219-1950 [email protected] August 23–30, 2014. Northwest Mexico: Arizona Birder Casitas • www.azbirdercasitas.com www.rockjumperbirding.com $2100. Leader: David MacKay. Summertime in (USA & Canada toll-free): 1-888-990-5552 the Sierra Madre of Chihuahua and Sonora is Bed and Bagels of Tucson • 520-603-1580 Cameroon—Rockfowl, Rainforests beautiful! Green meadows, blue skies, lakes and Borderland Tours • www.borderland.tours.com & Sahel I 2014: Tour Dates 17 Mar–07 waterfalls! In Madera, we see the endangered Brooklyn Pizza Company • 520-622-6868 Apr 2014 (22 days). Tour Price (per person) Thick-billed Parrot and Eared Quetzal. We Casitas at Smokey Springs Ranch • 520-870-8778 visit the ruins of Cuarenta Casas and see US$ 6,570. Cameroon is undoubtedly Central Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441 Africa’s richest birding destination and we the magnificent Basaseachic waterfall in full Financial Architects • www.financial-architects.com expect to see up to 600 species of birds on summer flow, the second highest in Mexico! this incredible tour. These include numerous Around Yecora, we see more montane species Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341 highlights from the fabulous Gray-necked including Mountain Trogon and Aztec Thrush. Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408 Rockfowl, Quail-plover and Arabian Bustard to TROPICAL BIRDING­ Leica Sport Optics • www.leica-sportoptics.com Mount Kupe Bushshrike, Bannerman’s Turaco www.tropicalbirding.com The Living Fence • 520-795-5300 and Bare-cheeked Trogon to name but a few. [email protected] • 1-800-348-­5941 Visit Tucson • VisitTucson.org Northern Ecuador—Birding the Andes Southern Ecuador: Highland Rarities Naturalist Journeys • 866-900-1146 to the Amazon 2014 + Sani Extension: and Tumbesian Endemics July 9–25, Opticron USA • www.opticronusa.com Tour Dates: Sani Ext 30 Mar–03 Apr + Main 2014. $4690, Single Supplement $480. Expect Lori Pascarella, Merrill Lynch • www.fa.ml.com/Lori Tour 03–18 Apr 2014: Tour Price (per person) a spectacular variety of habitat, scenery, and birds on this tour led by Tucson’s Scott Pima Federal Credit Union • 520-887-5010 Olmstead. The trip takes in both sides of the Quailway Cottage • 520-558-0019 Andes, visiting desert scrub and deciduous Ravens-Way Wild Journeys • 520-425-6425 forests, montane cloudforests, high altitude Salmon, Lewis & Weldon PLC elfin forests, and páramo. We target outrageous Sierra Vista Ranch • Sasabe, AZ bucket-list megas like Jocotoco Antpitta, Orange-throated Tanager, Long-wattled Spirit Tree Inn B&B • 520-394-0121 Umbrellabird, and Rainbow Starfrontlet, while WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide • www.wingsbirds.com

VF tucsonaudubon.org/alliance to learn more about the products and services offered by our Bird & Business Alliance partners staying in comfortable lodges. Plan to see a large percentage of the birds endemic to the Tumbesian Region of SW Ecuador & NW Peru. VF

Visit Visit Arabian Bustard ALAN DREWITT / CCL ALAN DREWITT

24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips for updates and more Weekly bird walks are listed at TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPS tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips MATT GRIFFITHS | INTERIM FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR General Information Tucson Audubon field trips are offered at no charge and are led by expert Tucson Audubon Field Trips Listings Are Now Online Only volunteers. Bring money to cover your share of For a full listing of trips and details, visit tucsonaudubon.org/ the carpooling and any required entry fees (e.g. for state parks). For specific information about a fieldtrips or call the field trip hotline at520-629-0510 x4. trip, contact the leader of that trip. Please dress appropriately for your field trip. Always wear sturdy *NEW FEATURED FIELD TRIP shoes, a hat, and use sun protection. Bring plenty of snacks and water for yourself. Always bring January 25—Saturday 6:00 am binoculars and a field guide, and for most trips a Whitewater, Willcox & Wine scope can be useful. Winter residents abound in SE AZ and Arrive before listed departure the latest vintage has arrived. We will look for Arrival Times times. Trips will leave promptly at the time given. Sandhill Cranes and wintering raptors and then experience a new dimension to the “Willcox Carpooling Sites Tucson Audubon strongly Bench”—the prospering wine industry. Dress for encourages carpooling and for some trips it may the weather and bring scopes, snack, and lunch. be required. Check our website for frequently used Wine tastings typically cost $7.00—we’ll do carpooling sites. You are expected to reimburse two. Please preregister by January 15 so I can the driver for the actual cost of fuel. Drivers and trip give a heads up to the vintners. Meet: 6:00 am leaders are not expected to contribute. Houghton Rd and I-10. Designated drivers appreciated. Leader: Michael Bissontz 520-577- Rare Bird Alert Listen to the latest rare bird alert 8778 [email protected] at 520-629-0510 x3. Report rare birds at 520-629- 0510 or [email protected]. SANDHILL CRANES, CALVIN KUNIN CRANES, CALVIN SANDHILL

TUCSON AUDUBON’S BIRDS & BUSINESS ALLIANCE

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BIRDS & BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEMBER DORIS EVANS GEOINNOVATION LLC is a privately owned and operated small business in Tucson AZ. Established in 2004, GeoInnovation LLC Birds & Business Alliance specializes in the integration of photovoltaic Join today and connect with the systems on homes and businesses with the GOLD goal of improving our environment through the Tucson Audubon community reduction of green house gases. We are committed For more information and to join, to excellence by installing U.S. products of the highest quality. Call us for a quote today! contact Erin Olmstead at eolmstead@ 2421 S 34th Place, Tucson, AZ 85713 tucsonaudubon.org or 520.209.1809. 520-615-3883 | www.geoinnovation.com GeoInnovation’s solar trailer at Mason Center & ENG-LI GREEN PAUL

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BIRDS & BEER. Third Thursdays at Sky Bar: this space! THE TAS-IFIEDS January 16 and March 20, 5–7 pm. Free slice of Visit tucsonaudubon.org/vfly CLASSIFIED ADS pizza from Brooklyn Pizza, beer at happy hour prices. Share your bird photos on the big screen. for rates or contact Matt Griffiths Classified and display ads are accepted from individual members and members of our Birds WANTED! AZ Important Bird Areas program [email protected] to & Business Alliance. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/ seeks donations of Garmin GPS hand-held book an ad. vfly for rates or contact Matt Griffiths mgriffiths@ units and portable, hand-held, battery-operated tucsonaudubon.org to book an ad. speakers for playback bird surveys. Contact [email protected] if you can help.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25 Support Tucson Audubon... TUCSON AUDUBON Become a Friend Today! NATURE SHOPS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION ‰‰$35 Individual­ Contributor $100 q Tucson Audubon’s Nature Shops provide for your needs in natural history books and ‰‰$50 Family Sponsor $250­ q guides, birding optics and accessories, and gifts right here in Tucson. We offer a great ‰‰$30­ Senior Supporter* Guardian $500 q selection, the best prices, and member discounts. Remember to shop locally. ‰‰$25 Student*­ Steward $1000 q Leadership Circle $2500 q *Individual January to March 20% Off Special Present the coupons below with your purchase at the Nature Shops to receive the discount.

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Email 20%off one regularly priced SEED item during Phone January–March 2014 ‰‰ New membership­ q Renewing membership­ ‰‰ Please email me about Tucson Audubon *No other discounts apply. In store only. Expires 3/31/14. events and­ conservation ­issues. ‰‰ Please do not share my contact ­information. ‰‰ Please do not mail me Vermilion Flycatcher. I’ll read it online. Zeiss Terra Binoculars Now in Stock! DONATION ‰‰I would like to support Tucson Audubon Society with an­ additional contribution of q $25 q $50 q $100 q $250.­ ‰‰ Tucson Audubon Frequent ­Flyer Monthly Donor Program:­ I authorize the charge of $____ per month for ____ months to my credit card ($10/month minimum). Tucson Audubon Society will ­use the full amount of your tax-­ ­deductible gift for its environmental, educational and recreational ­programs.

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Credit Card No. You can now get high-quality ED glass in an affordable, quality binocular. The Zeiss Expiration Date Amount $ Terra 8x42 ED is fast becoming an entry-level premium binocular for many new birders, and can also be a great pair for seasoned birders to keep by the window at Signature home or to loan to a visiting friend. These gems received high awards in Living Bird Please send your application with payment ­to magazine’s latest binocular review, Autumn 2013, where they tied for Number 1 in the Tucson Audubon Society,­ 300 E. University Blvd, #120, $200–$399 price range. Tucson, AZ 85705­ The Terra’s feature an exceptionally close focus of 5.25 feet and weigh just 25.4 oz, (Attn: Jean Barchman, making them perfect for butterfly or herp watching, too. Membership Coordinator) OR join, renew or donate­ online at The Zeiss Terra 8x42 ED binoculars are just one of many styles carried by the tucsonaudubon.org Tucson Audubon Nature Shops. Our pricing is competitive with online, reputable dealers and our volunteer staff is exceptional in their optics knowledge and wants to be sure you are happy with your binocular purchase. Support Tucson Audubon with any Nature Shop purchase!

26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. BOOK REVIEWS

The Crossley ID Guide: overall effect is mesmerizing. Dominic Couzens’ text Britain & Ireland. description is extensive, insightful, and evocative Richard Crossley and Dominic Couzens. (“very perky, inquisitive, fearless, and downright Princeton University Press: Princeton, NJ. Pp. 304. aggressive”), and includes quite a bit of natural ISBN 978-0-691-15194-6. Pb. $27.95. history. For species that are more challenging to identify, there is less natural history in the text and The Crossley ID Guide series has expanded more space devoted to identification particulars. across the pond. The Crossley ID Guide: Britain The bottom line: if you are making a trip to the & Ireland is aimed at beginner and intermediate British Isles or just are interested in its birds, have birders, er, ‘twitchers’ if you prefer. What it does a look at this guide while keeping an open mind especially notably is just what the other Crossley about what a guide should look like. It’s a treat. guides do: it provides ecological context by placing Dr Jay McEntee, University of Arizona birds in detailed scenes, it presents an astonishing array of photographic perspectives of each species Counting Birds with Gale Monson. (including different plumages), and it serves as a Editors Bill Broyles and Richard L. Glinski. baroque feast for the eyes. University of Arizona BookStores: Opening up this book really does transport Tucson, AZ. Pp 244. 2012 naturalists, and history buffs alike will all gain you while presenting its bird life, and for that ISBN 978-0-983-26588-7. PB $13.65. something rewarding from exploring this fantastic alone it is worth examining—it’s an armchair compilation of this extraordinary man’s life. In adventure, for which Crossley recommends as a Our knowledge of Arizona’s rich bird life was addition to these insightful narratives, this book companion a pint (of course) or a glass of wine. founded upon the work of intrepid ornithologists also provides some excerpts of Monson’s journal Indeed, the greatest advantages of this guide over that first began to document wildlife throughout the entries, photos of him working in the field, and a full other options are as a learning tool and source state’s vast landscape. One of the most significant bibliography of his work for those who wish to learn of entertainment at home, not necessarily its field figures in Arizona’s ornithological history was Gale more. Gale Monson will be remembered as an utility in your pocket in the rain (its dimensions Monson, who passed away in 2012. Following his intelligent and kind man who took the time to instill are more ‘big Sibley’ than, say, Peterson). The passing, friends and colleagues collected personal a deep interest in nature and scientific integrity, presentation style’s value for students of bird anecdotes, past interviews, and historical documents both among his peers and younger generations identification is readily apparent—studying this and notes of Gale Monson’s to help honor his of field researchers. His influence continues to book allows the reader to learn aspects of species’ memory with a tribute compilation: Counting Birds reach ornithologists who have followed in his natural histories, to inform one’s intuition regarding with Gale Monson, edited by Bill Broyles and footsteps, and Counting Birds with Gale Monson is identification issues, and to train one’s eyes to Richard L. Glinski (2012). Monson’s family published a vessel to help further propagate that influence in have appropriate search images for whichever the book and donated all copies to the Arizona Field generations of naturalists to come. environmental setting one encounters. Ornithologists (AZFO) to distribute. All sales go Counting Birds with Gale Monson can I’ll venture an attempt to describe a page in towards AZFO’s Gale Monson Research Grants to be purchased from the Tucson Audubon this guide. Let’s take p. 227, the famous Blue Tit further honor his legacy. Nature Shops. (Cyanistes caeruleus). We have a village setting: For those who have developed an interest in Eric Hough a thatch-roofed house, a brick walkway, a hedge, Arizona’s avifauna, you may be familiar with some and, Photoshopped into the foreground, apple tree of Monson’s earlier works, the Annotated Checklist branches with some absolutely luscious-looking of the Birds of Arizona (Monson & Phillips 1981) apples on them. The birds populate the scene: and the earlier The Birds of Arizona (Phillips et TUCSON AUDUBON gorgeous close-up photos of adults and a juvenile, al. 1964), which provided the first comprehensive NATURE SHOPS again Photoshopped in, and others in the mid- descriptions of the status and distribution of When you support your local Tucson ground and background, in focus and in a variety Arizona bird species documented at that time. Audubon Society you are supporting birds of positions and attitudes, including in flight. The Along with these valuable contributions, Monson was also among the first to document the bird life and bird habitat conservation. Thank you! of the wildlife refuges in southwestern Arizona and SHOP HOURS throughout adjacent Sonora, Mexico, and was MAIN SHOP instrumental in some of the first studies on desert Monday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm, bighorn sheep. He also kept 80 years of meticulous Phone: 520-629-0510 ext 7015 field notes, authored several scientific articles, and On the southeast corner of University Blvd and 5th Avenue. contributed to chapters in several books on birds AGUA CALIENTE PARK SHOP throughout his almost 100 years of life. *Thursday–Saturday, 10 am–1:30 pm Much more than a standard biography, Phone: 520-760-7881 *Please call to confirm hours. The shop opens Counting Birds with Gale Monson portrays earlier and closes later during certain months. his unique personality and impressive work From Tanque Verde Rd and Houghton, continue east on ethic as much as the colorful period of history Tanque Verde 2 miles. Turn left (north) onto Soldier Trail, continue north for 2 miles. Turn right (east) onto Roger Rd, he lived through. Interviews with Monson and continue ¼ mile to the park entrance on the left (north). anecdotes from those whose lives he impacted When you need a book, think of are informative, touching, humorous, inspiring, and Tucson Audubon Nature Shops first! altogether engrossing to the reader. Beginning Support your local book store. birdwatchers, hard-core birders, ornithologists,

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Vermilion Flycatcher Volume 59, Number 1, January–March 2014 © 2014 Tucson Audubon Society The Vermilion Flycatcher is the news magazine of the Tucson Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society. National Audubon Society members and members of other chapters may receive the Flycatcher by becoming a Friend of Tucson Audubon. See membership at tucsonaudubon.org.

BIRDATHON 2014 Bird for the Birds OurTUCSON Changing AUDUBON’S SIXTH ANNUALClimate GALA throughout FEBRUARY 20, 2014 • HILTON EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT the month of APRIL Silent Auction • Live Birds • Banquet tucsonaudubon.org/ Presentation by Kathy Jacobs birdathon Our Changing Climate Stories from the Inside Kathy Jacobs has spent the last four years working in Washington DC for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as Assistant Director for Climate Assessment and Adaptation.

Tickets from $150. For sponsorship information or to reserve your place, please contact Erin Olmstead at 520-209-1809 or [email protected]. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/gala to book online and for more details. YELLOW WARBLER, LOIS MANOWITZ YELLOW WARBLER,

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28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2014