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

Vermf li yl ci a to c hn e r July–September 2014 | Volume 59, Number 3

Birding Economics Patagonia’s Ecotourism ● Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival What’s in a Name: Vermilion Flycatcher ● Southeastern Arizona’s Summer Sparrows Features THE QUARTERLY NEWS MAGAZINE OF TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY | TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG 12 What’s in a Name: Vermilion Flycatcher Vermf li yl ci a to c hn e r 13 Southeastern Arizona’s Summer July–September 2014 | Volume 59, Number 3 Sparrows 14 Hold That Note Tucson Audubon promotes the protection and stewardship of southern Arizona’s biological diversity 15 Another Important Step in Patagonia’s through the study and enjoyment of birds and the Ecotourism Efforts places they live. Founded in 1949, Tucson Audubon is southern Arizona’s leading non-profit engaging people 16 It’s the Fourth! in the conservation of birds and their habitats. 17 The Grass is Always Greener in Southeastern Arizona? Tucson Audubon Society 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) Departments All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated. tucsonaudubon.org 4 Events and Classes Birding Economics 5 Events Calendar Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival ● Patagonia’s Ecotourism Board Officers & Directors SEAZ’s Summer Sparrows ● What’s in a Name: Vermilion Flycatcher President Cynthia Pruett 5 Living with Nature Lecture Series Vice President Bob Hernbrode Secretary Ruth Russell 6 News Roundup FRONT COVER: Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher in Ramsey Treasurer Richard Carlson 18 Conservation and Education News Directors at Large Matt Bailey, Ardeth Barnhart, Canyon by Muriel Neddermeyer. Muriel is a marketing Gavin Bieber, Les Corey, Edward Curley, Jennie Duberstein, 24 Birding Travel from Our Business Partners professional and mother of two teenagers. She loves Dave Dunford, Debra Finch, Jesus Garcia, Kathy Jacobs, 25 Field Trips watching and photographing birds in her spare time. John Kennedy, Claire Zucker, Nancy Young Wright Board Committees Conservation Chair Chris McVie, 25 Birds & Business Alliance To have your photograph considered for use in the Development Les Corey, Education Jennie Duberstein, 26 Nature Shops Vermilion Flycatcher, please contact Matt Griffiths at Finance Richard Carlson, Nominating & Governance Dave [email protected]. Dunford, Personnel Cynthia Pruett 27 Book Reviews Programs & Activities Field Trips Matt Griffiths Library 629-0510 Membership Meetings 629-0510 Birding in Tucson and Southern Arizona Rare Bird Alert Andrew Core | Report Rare Birds 629-0510 Staff (unless otherwise stated, dial 629-0510 plus extension) The Sonoran Desert Takes to the Skies Executive Director Paul Green ext 7001 Jessica Stephens, Director of Public Relations, Visit Tucson Accountant Michelle Bourgeois ext 7003 Finance ext 7014 Membership & Development Manager Located along the migratory path between Canada Flycatchers, and many other species. Birding buffs Kara Kaczmarzyk ext 7009 Membership & Development Assistant Vacant ext 7002 and Mexico, Southern Arizona’s lush desert is might even catch a glimpse of more than 150 Events & Volunteer Coordinator Julie Pulliam ext 7011 one of the best birdwatching areas in the United species in a single day during Southern Arizona’s Environmental Education Coordinator Bété Jones ext 7012 States. More than 500 species can be observed spectacular spring and fall migrations. IBA Conservation Biologist Jennie MacFarland ext 7004 Urban Program Manager Kendall Kroesen ext 7006 throughout the year, and hummingbirds are Visitors from around the world travel to Tucson Restoration Ecologist Jonathan Horst 971-6238 especially plentiful. Bird watching enthusiasts need and Southern Arizona for our unique desert setting Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 only take a short drive through rolling grasslands, and abundance of watchable wildlife. According Restoration Specialist Andy Bennett 262-1314 Communications and Habitat Restoration desert greenery and lofty mountain ranges to to a study by Arizona Game & Fish Department, Matthew Griffiths 971-7924 find Gray Hawks, Red-faced Warblers, Vermilion watchable wildlife activities, including birding, Conservation Advocate Matt Clark 307-0956 generated a $1.4 billion economic impact in which Coordinator: Paton Center for Hummingbirds Keith Ashley 488-2981 732,343 non-residents participated in related Operations and Retail Manager Sara Pike ext 7008 activities statewide. In 2013, the Tucson Audubon Operations and Retail Coordinator Kelly DiGiacomo ext 7007 Operations and Retail Coordinator Sarah Whelan ext 7007 Society released a county-level analysis of birding Tucson Audubon Nature Shops in the region. Locally, the economic impact is $300 300 E University Blvd #120 ext 7015 million, where birding was the primary activity Hours: 10 am–4 pm, Mon–Sat for approximately 77 percent of non-resident Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881 Hours: Thu–Sat 10 am–1:30 pm. Please call to confirm hours. watchable wildlife participants. The shop opens earlier and closes later during certain months. Visit Tucson, the region’s official destination marketing organization, values the importance of

Vermilion Flycatcher is published quarterly. For address birding as a draw to our area. Working with local changes or subscription problems call 629-0510, or write to groups, including the Tucson Audubon Society, Membership Coordinator at the address above. Submissions are due 1st of the month, one month before issue date. Send we promote various activities and itineraries to submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF documents, or plain visitors, showcase the area’s “birding hotspots” and text files, to Matt Griffiths at [email protected]. highlight regional birding festivals throughout the Coordinator Matt Griffiths 971-7924 Proofreaders Tucson Audubon staff and volunteers year. For more information about visiting Tucson Design / Layout Eng-Li Green and Southern Arizona, go to visittucson.org.

© 2014 Tucson Audubon Society CHARLES MILES / CCL WARBLER, RED-FACED CCL in photo credits = Creative Commons License creativecommons.org. All photos © the photographer.

2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. COMMENTARY PAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KENDALL KROESEN KENDALL Growing the PIE Nearly 30,000 visitors travel each year to Tucson Audubon’s newly acquired Paton Center for Hummingbirds to watch amazing birds. Our guests leave tokens of Above left to right: Patagonia-Sonoita Creek appreciation in the donation box and pick value of conserving natural Preserve; Magnificent Hummingbird up a brochure informing them of other resources in the region. great birding sites in the area: Harshaw Management efforts to protect habitats Only by protecting our wildlife resources Canyon, the Patagonia Rest Stop, The for wildlife will safeguard the economic will southeast Arizona communities be Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita viability of the local nature tourism assured of sustaining the economic Creek Preserve, and Patagonia Lake industry. However, our communities and opportunities associated with nature State Park. The brochure also offers tips decision makers must face a number of tourism into the future. for coffee, lunch, dinner, and lodging. challenges before outdoor recreation and In our state, private property rights and We’re working with the Patagonia Town tourism can influence and contribute to the 1872 Mining Law include the right to Manager’s office and the local business our economy at their greatest potential. destroy irreplaceable resources even as ALAN D. WILSON, WWW.NATURESPICSONLINE.COM association to develop a strategic most of us strive to conserve our national Two Keys: Collaboration and approach to economic development treasures, their associated landscapes, Creative Planning linked to traveling birders. Businesses and their ecological functions for future Without broader-level cooperation and providing services for visitors benefit—as generations. Witness the Rosemont Mine planning, nature tourism destinations are do birders. It’s a win-win situation. Tucson and the Santa Ritas. Witness Wildcat bound to operate in isolation, each site Audubon is growing the PIE by working Silver and Harshaw Canyon. Witness competing—rather than collaborating— to protect the most important Places for the Tribute housing development and with its neighbors. Our region would birds, providing Information for traveling the Lower San Pedro River. All destroy benefit from a regional nature tourism birders, and by developing Events to natural functioning ecosystems that strategy! And Tucson Audubon is poised attract people to southeast Arizona. provide ecological services, wildlife to play a key role for the southeast corner Tucson Audubon is also collaborating resources, and more besides. of our state. with the City of Tucson and Pima County Nature tourism planning based on A great deal of the undeveloped land at a more preliminary stage on ideas and wildlife-watching economics is very much around Tucson, Patagonia, and the rest projects to develop an integrated local a collaborative and collective enterprise. of southeast Arizona is teeming with birds nature tourism strategy. We have recently To work successfully it engages planners, and other wildlife. It is also controlled by received funding to develop birding trails politicians, businesses, chambers private entities who realize few of the within the City of Tucson. A great deal of commerce, and communities to potential benefits of wildlife watching. remains to be done, however—with a understand the resources and ensure As the demands for outdoor recreational broad range of partners. that it can deliver on its potential. And to opportunities increase, some of these To paraphrase Ted Eubanks, Robert be effective, the importance of outdoor landowners could increase income by Ditton, and John Stoll from their 1998 recreationists as drivers of economic 1 diversifying their individual economic River Platte Report : Wildlife watching, activity has to take its place as a part of strategies and offering access to their as a coordinated outdoor recreational the broader context of human and natural lands for a fee. Providing viewing blinds industry, is still in its infancy. Although the communities and their endeavors. and photographic opportunities could nature resources are available, strategies By developing the Places, expand the economic incentives for these by which communities and individuals Information, and Events that provide landholders. take advantage of these resources and exciting nature experiences, we support The economic benefits of wildlife activities for the benefit of both residents a truly sustainable economy and watching in southeast Arizona stem and wildlife are not well developed. In a environment. That is the win-win of from the wildlife resources found here. real sense, the wildlife watching industry birding economics. Threats to wildlife therefore undermine has developed ad hoc, without significant Please support our work with your the viability of nature tourism. Any planning or direction. donation this summer. Thank you. strategy to promote nature tourism must Dollars generated by birders, hunters, 1 be built upon a foundation of resource The Economic Impact of Wildlife Watching On anglers, hikers, campers, and cyclists the Platte River in Nebraska. Prepared by throughout our area have a tangible, conservation. Economic sustainability Fermata Inc. Ted Lee Eubanks, Jr., Robert measurable economic impact as may be achieved if our communities use B. Ditton, and John R. Stoll. February 15, communities make money by supplying their resources wisely without depleting 1998. Prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region VII. goods and services to them. This them. Once these resources are depleted, provides hard evidence for the economic the nature tourism business will fail.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3 Birds, Beauty, and Biodiversity TUCSON AUDUBON Deepen your connection with life EVENTS AND CLASSES in the Santa Rita Mountains at this two-day retreat and workshop. Transformational Living activities will help you experience nature as a Celebrate the Bird Days of framework for personal, political, and Summer with Tucson Audubon spiritual inquiry. From birding and botting to story-telling and guided

discussion—with nature journals TIM LINDENBAUM in hand—you will observe and identification aid. We will delve into appreciate the sky island habitat. You the complexities of migration, skeletal will sharpen your art of seeing, draw structure, and anatomy, as well as connections between natural beauty flight behaviors. A one-day field trip and values, and articulate these will connect field observations with the insights into writing. While we seek a topics discussed.. real depth of experience, contagious enthusiasm (a.k.a. fun) is also Instructor: Homer Hansen guaranteed. Trip includes professional Date and Time: October 30; 5:30 pm– instruction, all meals, and lodging. 8:30 pm & November 1, All day field trip Instructors: Lynn Hassler and Location: TAS Main Office, Historic Y Keith Ashley Conference Room, University Blvd. and

SANTA RITAS, LARS HAMMAR RITAS, SANTA Date and Time: November 8–9, 5th Ave.; Field Trip Destination TBA. This summer why not deepen your connection with life in 2014 Cost: $145 / $110 member discount the Santa Ritas (above) and learn how to create desert- Location: Santa Rita friendly gardens for birds such as Verdin (inset). Experimental Range and Workshops at the Bird & Naturalist Audubon’s Wildlife Area, Pima County, Tucson Bird & Wildlife Education Program: for resident expert Arizona Festival: August 13–17 instructors, Homer Cost: $360 / $325 member discount the Sonoran Desert and Hansen and Lynn Hassler. For New to Advanced Birders: Sky Islands Regular cost for classes INTERMEDIATE Flycatchers with Homer Hansen. Become a birder or improve your and workshops include a year August 14; 1:30 pm–3:00 pm. $35 Warblers: August 21; 5:30 pm– birding skills and knowledge through membership to Friends of Tucson VERDIN, JOAN GELLATLY How to Use Your Flipping Field a suite of courses offered at Tucson Audubon. 8:30 pm & August 23; 7:00 am–5:00 pm Guide with Steve N.G. Howell. August Audubon. Our courses are designed to September 4; 5:30 Flycatchers: 14; 3:30 pm–5:30 pm. $35 take you through a natural progression ALL LEVELS pm–8:30 pm & September 6; 7:00 am– that will transform you from a 5:00 pm Got Molt? What is Molt and will you beginning to intermediate/advanced age better if you know something Gardening to Attract Birds See our website for more detailed birder and transport you to some of about it? with Steve N.G. Howell. Learn how to provide for birds the descriptions of the workshops. the most beautiful locations throughout natural way by growing plants that August 15; 3:30 pm–5:30 pm. $35 Instructor: Homer Hansen our region. Below, you will find our offer seed, fruit, and nectar, as well Go Batty Under the Bridge with Location: TAS Main Office, Historic Y workshops listed by birding level. as cover and shelter. Naturalist/writer/ Ronnie Sidner. August 15; 5:45– Conference Room, University Blvd. Also listed below are the workshops gardener Lynn Hassler will teach you 8:15 pm. $25 we are offering at our Tucson Bird & how to create desert-friendly gardens and 5th Ave.; Field trip destinations Beginning Birding with Lynn Hassler. Wildlife Festival in August, located at that support birds and help make up TBA. August 16; 10:00 am–12:00 pm. $35 the Riverpark Inn. These workshops for lost habitat. Lynn has recorded Cost: $145 / $110 member discount will introduce you to experts in the field over 130 species in her Tucson Gardening to Attract Hummingbirds of birding, as well as Tucson backyard. ADVANCED with Lynn Hassler. August 16; Instructor: Lynn Hassler 1:30 pm–2:30 pm. $25 Flight and Feathers Date and Time: October 18; Tucson Birds and Landscaping for One of nature’s wonders, the flight Register online today! Visit 10:00 am–12:00 pm Wildlife with Kendall Kroesen. August of birds is an amazing physiological tucsonaudubon.org/education Location: TAS Main Office, Historic Y 17; 10:00 am–11:00 am. $5 feat. In this workshop you will take Contact for all education Conference Room, University Blvd. an in depth look into the how and Visit the Festival website for details and 5th Ave. activities: Bété Jones at why of bird flight, and how to use and to register: tucsonaudubon.org/ [email protected], Cost: $25 observation of flight patterns as an festevents.html. 520-629-0510 x7012 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR SUITE OF EDUCATION CLASSES AND TO REGISTER ONLINE, PLEASE VISIT TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG/EDUCATION

4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. EVENTS CALENDAR

Tucson Audubon’s Living with Nature Lecture Series August 10–12. Bird Communities of the Sky Islands Field Workshop August 13–17. Fourth Annual Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival (see p 4 and p 17) • Aug 13: Sky Islands Birding Cup • Aug 15–16: Free Nature Expo • Aug 15–17: Workshops • Aug 15: Optics Day • Aug 15: Keynote dinner presentation by Robert Mesta • Aug 15–17: Advocacy Station • Aug 15–17: Field Trips JEFF WEBSTER RICK FLETCHER L to R: A well-attended Living With Nature lecture in Green Valley; Gary Nabhan talks to our Tucson audience. • Aug 16–17: Fun Family Weekend • Aug 16: Keynote dinner presentation by Steve N.G. Howell Our lecture series is a monthly, free, We thank: Gary Paul Nabhan, TUCSON August 14–16. Nature Shops closed—will be at public presentation that seeks to Don Falk, Mauro Gonzalez, Paul All lectures will be held at the Pima the Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival inform, educate, and entertain. We Green, Charles Van Riper, George Community College Downtown August 21 & 23. Warblers workshop (see p 4) invite speakers who are experts in Divoky, Jennifer Koop, Ted Fleming, Campus, Amethyst Room, 1255 N. September 4 & 6. Flycatchers workshop their fields to present on a variety of Trica Oshant Hawkins, Christopher Stone Ave. Lectures are scheduled (see p 4) topics related to birds, including their Cokinos, LoriAnne Barnett, Doug for the second Monday of each month August 22. Tucson Audubon Awards—closing biology and ecology; global, regional, Moore, Caleb Weaver, Pinau Merlin, at 7:00 pm, November through April. date for nominations (see p 8) and local birding hot spots; and David McKay, and John Millican. 2014: November 10; December October 18. Gardening to Attract Birds workshop (see p 4) conservation issues that affect birds, Thank you to all our members 8 (Member Holiday Potluck, other wildlife, and their habitats. who took the time to respond to the October 23 & 25. Flight and Feathers St. Phillips Plaza) workshop (see p 4) We express our gratitude to our survey and provide us with feedback November 1. Living With Nature lecture amazing line up of presenters during on the timing and location of the 2015: January 12; February 16 (third Monday); March 9; April 13 (Green Valley) the 2013–2014 season, with whom Tucson lecture series. We have November 10. Living With Nature lecture we explored topics such as: the already incorporated some of your GREEN VALLEY (Tucson) relationship of pollinators to plants and ideas! Next season, we will offer two All lectures will be held at the Green December 6. Living With Nature lecture people, the role of fire in the health additional talks: one on the northwest (Green Valley) Valley Recreation’s Desert Hills of North and South American forests, side of town and one at Saddlebrook. December 8. Living with Nature lecture and Social Center, 2980 S. Camino Del the unique avifauna of northwestern Save the dates listed here for Tucson member holiday potluck at St Phillip’s Plaza Sol. Lectures are scheduled for Mexico, the importance of migration and Green Valley and stay tuned for the first Saturday of the month at stopovers in southeastern Arizona, additional talk times and dates. 10:00 am, November to April. the human dimension of wildlife Enjoy your summer and we’ll see The Tucson Bird & Wildlife conservation, and the effects of you in November! 2014: November 1; December 6 climate change on seasonal patterns 2015: January 3; February 7 Festival offers activities galore of plants and animals. March 7; April 4 for the birder and nature enthusiast, August 13–17. View the full schedule of field trips, birds we enjoy so much, all the workshops, evening programs, Harvest is a State of Mind other animals and plants, and their Kendall Kroesen, Urban Program Manager ecological relations. Think of birding and Nature Expo activities online as the harvest of color, form and song! at tucsonaudubon.org/festival. For the last three years, we have Whatever form our celebration You don’t need Tucson Audubon milled mesquite pods at the Mason takes this year, the harvest surrounds in order to see this diversity, but Center in November. For the last two us. There are hundreds of edible wild we hope you will experience it and years, we have celebrated plants and many desert-adapted crops celebrate it alongside us—in classes the year-round Sonoran that thrive in the Sonoran Desert. And and festivals, as volunteers at habitat Desert harvest at our beyond that is the larger biodiversity restoration sites, and on birding field Harvest Festival. heritage that is ever-present: the trips. Watch for opportunities to join in and participate in the stewardship of PAINTED REDSTART, JERMEY HAYES JERMEY REDSTART, PAINTED the Sonoran Desert. Together, we can create more ways to be sustainable and bird-wise in the wonderful region in which we live, and in the “Bird City” that is Tucson.

Barbara Rose (left) of Bean Tree Farm and chiltepines (inset) from Charles DeConcini’s table at Tucson Audubon’s 2013 Harvest and Mesquite Milling Festival

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5 TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP Thank You for Going Birding for the Birds during Birdation! Kara Kaczmarzyk, Membership and Development Manager Tucson Bird Count— A Delicious Recipe for Urban Habitat Jennie MacFarland, IBA Program Biologist MATT GRIFFITHS MATT JENNIE DUBERSTEIN KENDALL KROESEN KENDALL KROESEN KENDALL Top, left to right: The Wrenegades as they built up to their 160 species Big Day total. Team Waterfoul scopes Sweetwater Wetlands. Bottom, left to right: First time Birdathoner Laura Diaz wins a pair of binoculars at the Birdy

LANDSCAPING AT ORO VALLEY MARKETPLACE, KENDALL KROESEN MARKETPLACE, KENDALL ORO VALLEY AT LANDSCAPING BBQ. Birdathoner-extraordinaire Maia Stark enjoys the Birdy BBQ. Data collected diligently by volunteers at more than 800 Tucson Bird Count locations Another amazing Birdathon season and Birds of Fray: Scott Olmstead, over the last 14 years will be used to create has concluded with nearly $24,000 Jennie MacFarland, and Richard “recipe cards” to guide Tucson residents on how to make their yards attractive to a raised for bird conservation through Fray respectively. The Birdy BBQ certain bird species or a suite of birds. the efforts of 51 outstanding was a blast at the Mason Center, Birdathoners bringing in 293 donations where Birdathoners, friends, and The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) and counting! Throughout the month family gathered to celebrate the

successfully completed its 14th PYRRHULOXIA, JOAN GELLATLY of April, Birdathoners went birding achievements of the Birdathoners. spring count and is now moving for the birds, raising support and The Birdy BBQ was made possible into a new phase of the project. awareness while spotting the spring in part by Tucson Audubon’s Board The main goal of this study from the specialties: the migrants, residents, of Trustees who donated food for very beginning was to determine the Tucson Audubon has been awarded and rarities that make southeastern the evening, and by the outstanding best recommendations for creating a Heritage Grant from Arizona Game Arizona such an outstanding birding musical styling of staffer Andy Bennett and enhancing urban bird habitat. and Fish to make and print the first destination. For the third year running, and the Bending Blades who set the After all of these years of volunteers batch of recipe cards. A new Tucson the Wrenegades surpassed their mood with their five piece bluegrass diligently surveying over 800 locations Bird Count website was created to Birdathon record, this year seeing ensemble. Thanks also goes to in Tucson, we are using this data accommodate this phase of the TBC. 160 species. Our star Birdathoners Sprouts, Thunder Canyon Brewery, to find patterns in how various This project would not have been included Maia Stark and Kendall Summit Hut, Tucson Audubon’s bird species use urban habitat in possible without all of the amazing Kroesen, who each surpassed their Nature Shops, and our Birdathon Tucson. This information will help us volunteers who have helped over the funds raised over last year. Our sponsors Pima Federal Credit Union to understand what birds need and years. Thank you! thanks goes out to the expert leaders and Hughes Federal Credit Union. what changes Tucson residents can of Scott’s Orioles, the Wrenegades, We’ll see you next year! make to increase the area of urban bird habitat suitable for native birds. These components and directions will Tucson Audubon’s eNews Delivered to Your Inbox be distilled into “recipe cards” which will be produced for a variety of bird Did you know that Tucson Audubon To subscribe to any of these, species. The cards will be available offers a range of specialized email go to tucsonaudubon.org and click free to Tucson residents and will guide updates on various topics, such as on the “Sign-up for Newsletters” them in making their yard attractive to Volunteer News, Green City News, button on the home page. Or you a certain bird species or suit of birds. Conservation Alerts, Paton News, IBA can call Kara at 520-209-1809 and In partnership with Saguaro National News, Nest Boxes for Urban Birds, she will take your details. Park, an original supporter of the TBC, as well as a regular Weekly Update? / CCL SEARCHNETMEDIA HAWK, ZONE-TAILED

6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. 2014 ELEGANT TROGON SURVEY RESULTS

Two New IBAs in Arizona and 8 females. All females were in proximity to males with whom Arizona Important Bird Areas News they were probably paired, yielding Jennie MacFarland, IBA Program Biologist a total of 8 pairs. The Patagonia Mountains are a surprisingly good It has been a very a birding destination since a Blue Jay area for Elegant Trogons, and 18 busy and productive was found during an IBA survey here. volunteers surveyed in 10 territories season for the This is an excellent place for Eastern in the Patagonia Mountains. Arizona Important “Azure” Bluebirds, Montezuma Quail Altogether 22 Elegant Trogons Bird Areas Program and, as it turns out, Elegant Trogons. were found: 8 pairs, 4 males, and 2 and it isn’t over yet! The amazing Many years of volunteer effort have females. The Huachuca Mountains and dedicated volunteers that so gone into this mountain range and I were the big winners this year and generously give their time and am proud to announce that this area 32 volunteers surveyed 16 canyons experience have made possible many is now an IBA. Joshua Tree IBA, also and 38 Elegant Trogons were found, ELEGANT TROGON, LAURENS HALSEY ELEGANT different survey efforts all over the known as the Chicken Springs BLM 21 males and 10 females. All state this spring and early summer. grazing allotment, is a beautiful mix of For the second year, the Arizona females were in proximity to We counted Gilded Flickers in the Mohave and Sonoran desert habitats. IBA Program and Rick Taylor joined males with whom they were lovely Sonoran Desert habitat on both habitats. Data gathered by IBA forces to census the Elegant Trogons probably paired, yielding a total of the east and west side of Tucson volunteers has shown that the towering in the four major Sky Islands in SE 10 pairs. Seven (7) trogons were not in March, as well as Elf Owls in the Joshua Trees make this excellent Arizona plus some of the major identified to gender. The Chiricahua same locations in April. Migrants along habitat for Bendire’s Thrashers canyons in the Atascosa Highlands. Mountains are still showing low the Lower San Pedro River Global and this new IBA has already been The beautiful and mysterious species numbers of Elegant Trogons, most IBA were the main target during our nominated for Global IBA status for this is a “most wanted” bird for visitors likely due to the major fire this range spring surveys in San Manuel, an species. This is where the hard work and residents alike and always a experienced a few years ago. Just 6 area of amazing significance to birds from all of you volunteers pays off: new treat to see. Once considered rare, Elegant Trogons were actually seen that we are focusing on this season. IBAs for the birds! they are now locally dependable in by 26 volunteer counters who were The breeding bird surveys of desert the right habitat, and some even stay surveying 24 contiguous riparian habitat, in partnership with the Tohono all winter. areas averaging approximately 0.4 O’odham Nation, were only possible Overall, Elegant Trogon numbers mile in length in the South Fork-Cave because of Tucson Audubon IBA are good and it would appear that Creek Canyon. A male and a trogon volunteers. This collaborative effort southeast Arizona has a stable of unknown gender were found in is the first of its kind on the Tohono nesting population. For the Santa Rucker Canyon. Including Rucker O’odham Nation. A huge amount of Ritas, 24 volunteers surveyed in 12 Canyon, the survey produced 4 volunteer effort has also gone into territories within the Madera Canyon males, 3 females, and 1 trogon of the Elegant Trogon census surveys complex, and 6 counters checked unknown gender. of 4 different sky islands as well as 4 other canyons in the Santa Rita Huge thanks to the many EASTERN “AZURE” BLUEBIRD, LOIS MANOWITZ the lowland canyons in the Atascosa Mountains. Altogether 23 Elegant volunteers that made these surveys Highlands. This diverse and ambitious Trogons were found: 15 males possible! survey season would not have been possible without the talented and dedicated folks that make up the volunteer crew for this program. Thank you so much. This leads to the big news of the moment: there are two new Important Bird Areas in Arizona, bringing the JOSHUA TREE IBA, DAVE KREUPER TREE IBA, DAVE JOSHUA grand total up to 45. Patagonia Mountains IBA is an area that is great for birds and increasing in popularity as BENDIRE’S THRASHER, DAVE KREUPER THRASHER, DAVE BENDIRE’S Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7 LOIS MANOWITZ 8 Left: Lucy’s Warbler exploresagourdaspotentialnest. Rightthreephotos:Nestboxesinstalled atvariouslocationsaround Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center. for kestrelboxesorwewilldistribute This fallwewilllookformoreplaces did notdistributeallthekestrelboxes. Few yardshavesuchalocation,sowe exposure wouldhelpmitigateheat. and wethoughtashadynorthern their neststobehighoff theground place forakestrelbox.Kestrelslike kestrels, itischallengingtofindagood although peopleareeagertohelp that arepartofthepilot program. have about40boxesand15gourds purchased theirownboxes.We now below) butsomeotherpeoplebuiltor did notgivealltheseboxesaway(see throated Flycatchers.Intheendwe Kestrels andamediumboxfor Ash- designs: alargeboxfor American reliably intheSonoranDesert. to testwhethernestboxescanwork is a“pilot”projectbecausewewanted outreach tothe Tucson community. It cavity-nesting birdsandtoexpandour box project. The goalsaretosupport build nestboxesforourpilot Last winter, volunteershelpedus Kendall Manager Kroesen,UrbanProgram Birds Urban for Boxes Nest TUCSON AUDUBON The first thing we learned is that The firstthingwelearnedisthat We decidedontwonestbox Tucson Audubon NEWSROUNDUP Vermilion Flycatcher Stay tuned. and modifytheprogramaccordingly! and temperatureinformationthisfall fail.. We willanalyzetheboxusage critical thresholdlevelsmakingnests to seeiftemperatureseverexceed temperatures hourlyandwillallowus iButton sensors. These aretracking project volunteerswepurchased25 boxes. Withgeneroussupportfrom measure temperaturesinsidethe sensors insomeoftheboxesto Warblers (seephotoandcaption,right). successfully fledgedabroodofLucy’s learned aboutanothertinyboxthat used by Ash-throated Flycatchers.We by screech-owlsandoneisbeing two ofthelargeboxesarebeingused become nestsitesforbirds. At least with them. will havegrownmorecomfortable and gourdswillbeusedbecausebirds be thatnextspringthesesameboxes specific causeisnotknown.Itmay in andout)rejected,thoughthe were explored(birdsseengoing and gourdsarenotbeingused—some where theynest.Manyoftheboxes that birdsseemprettypickyabout support Western Screech-Owls. them tolocationswheretheymight Finally, wehaveputtemperature However, someboxeshave The secondthingwelearnedis J uly –S eptember 2014 for thenestboxpilotprogram. note inthe“comments”boxthatitis tucsonaudubon.org andmakea online donationpageatwww. monetary contribution,gotothe tucsonaudubon.org. To makea contact JonathanHorstatjhorst@ with aconservationgoal,please scientific explorationofbirdnesting If you’dliketogetinvolvedinthe Catalina (seephotoontheright)! fledged twoyoungthisspringin the modelLucy’s Warbler boxthat 20 identicalnestboxesbasedon just assoonwefinishbuilding underway attheMasonCenter, shape. The firstexperimentwillget dappled/full sun),boxsize,and exposure), shadetype(solid/ placement aspect(N/S/E/W on internalboxtemperatureof experiments toquantifytheeffects of smallbutscientificallyrigorous summer, we’reundertakingaseries and widelysuccessfulprogramthis capacity toturnitintoanongoing overwhelming! To furtherour for UrbanBirdsPilothasbeen The interestintheNestboxes Nestboxes The Science of Paton Center forHummingbirds Keith Ashley,Coordinator: Restoration Ecologist Jonathan Horst, Visit tucsonaudubon.org interior volumeoflessthan20 Arizona. The boxitselfis3”x3”x4-5”foran backyardinCatalina, in JoyRemer’s fledged fromthistinywoodenbirdhouse human-constructed nestbox,twochicks Warblers successfullynestingina documented occurrenceofLucy’s In whatmaybethefirstphotographically nest boxappropriateforLucy’s Warblers? in thequesttodeterminewhatmakesa likely alimitingfactor. Won’t youjoinus even thoughadequatenestsitesare ‘not beenreportedtousenestboxes’ date, hassaidthatLucy’s Warblers have furthers scientificunderstandingwhich,to Documentation oftheseexcitingfindings in smallgourdsordecorativeboxes. Lucy’s Warblers havesuccessfullynested from Tucson Audubon membersthat can! We alsohavetwopreviousreports smaller thanthevolumeofa12 forupdates andmore. in oz soda 3 —that’s

MASON PHOTOS PAUL & ENG-LI GREEN JOY REMER TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP

The Paton Center for Hummingbirds Keith Ashley, Coordinator: Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds

What is a bird worth? Let’s say, for instance, a Yellow-breasted Chat. Maybe you’ve been listening to his one-bird band of melodic chatter and wild whistles coming from a thicket. JEREMY HAYES JEREMY You’re delighted long before you spot him, though you wish he’d pop out of that bush—if only for a moment. Suddenly the chat flies to a tray of orange halves set out near the back fence. He’s dazzling in the full sun, with his olive back and golden breast. You feel that familiar thrill of having just witnessed a small miracle of backyard beauty. On the one hand, birders know

they cannot put a price on the beauty, GREEN PAUL KEITH ASHLEY excitement, and inspiration wild birds bring us. On the other hand, the systems. These are the methods the Tucson Audubon’s restoration crew birding community recently showed Paton Center will also be employing has improved hundreds of acres of exactly what it was worth to them to and demonstrating. southeast Arizona in support of local save a beloved birding hotspot: the Large basins along the driveway wildlife and wildlife watchers. They’ll Paton house in Patagonia. It was and in front of the house will feed now be focusing some of those efforts worth years of struggle and focus to habitat-pollinator gardens. Catchment on the little lot next door. acquire the funds, not just to purchase systems from building roofs will COMMUNITY—We are also the home and land, but also to obtain provide extra water for our food-rich striving to build deep and lasting a budget for upkeep and needed site landscaping for birds and people. ties with the local community. The improvements. Water that currently runs along or preservation of the Paton Center— Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center pools beside Blue Heaven Road will and its birds—is intimately linked to for Hummingbirds is the birding be directed onto the property to feed the health and survival of this entire community’s gift to itself, to birders the paddock. corner of Arizona. We will work around the globe, and—of course—to RESTORATION—An important toward shared resource conservation the birds. Tucson Audubon knows the step in the evolution of the Paton and economic sustainability value of this jewel. While preserving Center is the restoration of the goals in partnership with the the legacy of Wally and Marion Paton, “paddock”—the small lot adjacent Hummingbird Monitoring Network, the we are investing in the Paton Center’s to the home. Formerly used for Patagonia Area Resource Alliance, future. Here is a sneak-peek into our livestock, this tree-lined patch of green Borderlands Restoration, the Nature developing vision. will be transformed into a healthier Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita RAINWATER HARVESTING ecosystem with a special emphasis on Creek Preserve, and the town of DEMONSTRATION—In Arizona, enticing and supporting birds—from Patagonia. water means survival, for people and rare migrants to local rarities and As we bring changes to the Paton birds. Tucson’s rainwater harvesting everyday old friends. The paddock Center, we are also taking care to (Upper left) Marcia Grand, major donor to expert Brad Lancaster visited the is already home to key elements of preserve the best parts exactly as the Paton project, reviews sketch of Paton Center plans with Keith Ashley. Paton Center to help design a site- the Patagonia riparian-scrub biotic they are. Larry continues to fill the (From above) (1) Yellow-breasted Chat. specific water-harvesting program community: elderberry, mulberry, feeders every day—a couple of times (2) Jonathan Horst and Larry Morgan that supports the health of the local mesquite, and plenty of Vermilion a day now that the cowbirds are remove invasive weeds before they go to watershed. Brad and his brother, Flycatchers. Resident Caretaker back in town. He continues to put seed in the paddock. (3) The shed before being removed by the restoration crew. Rodd, Tucson Audubon’s Restoration Larry Morgan reports seeing Arizona out oranges for the orioles, and the (4) A new view of the leafy green paddock Field Crew Supervisor, annually glossy snakes, short-horned lizards, Yellow-breasted Chats. We hope that after removal of the shed. harvest 100,000 gallons of rainwater and Gray Flycatchers there as well. you will continue to support the center on their 1/8 acre home lot in Tucson. At the same time, the paddock has as well, with your ideas, volunteer They do so through simple means suffered an onslaught of invasive hours, and generous donations. available to most homeowners: rain species: London rocket, sticky grass, Please support our summer appeal cisterns, earthworks, and graywater and horehound, to name a few. with your donation today.

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

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Stepfanie Aguillon, Maria Altemus, Gonzalez, Marlesa Gray, Jeannie Andrew Roberts, Mark Sackett, Jill Barrett Johnson, Edward Greven, Marius Gutowski, Jeri Dan Sheahan, Pennelope Shepard, Berghausen, Debbie Harrison & Haklik, Joey Hiller & Robin Doshas, Kathy & Jim Shurts, Bill Shuster, Robert Blackett, Gary Bowerman, John & Isabella Hindman, Mary Ariel Olroyd & Marcia Slagle, Kenna Marc Callis, Lonnie Calmes, Dennis Howk-Hanley, John & Kathy Hughes, Smith, Harvey Smith, Khrista & Carlson, Sarah Carlson, Linda Root Barbara Johnson, Ken Kalina, C.J. Jeremy Sohn, Janet Somerson, Cooper, Judy & Gordon Craig, Karamargin, Peter Kaune, Joanna Estelle Stern-Eilers, Alan Stoddart, THANK YOU TO Sharon Craig, Nancy Davis, David Kirkwood, Natasha Kline, Paula Mark Stromberg, Diana & Joel OUR DONORS Dean, Rebecca Dickinson, Larry Kulina, Geraldene Larrington, Strupp, Angela Terry, Rauny & Ron Gifts in Honor/Memory: Bodine & Dorian Dvorak, Irene Robin Lenaker, Arthur & Jeanne Thompson, Jane Tobin, Neil Travis, In honor of Larry Abrams from Edgett, William Edwards, Kreg Lewis, Mike & Mary McMinn, Andre Frank Urban, Lloyd Vest, Judy Visty, Martin Karson Ellzey, Jane Erin, Kristin Everett, McNulty, Jeffrey Middlekauff, Janice Lisa & Frank Walter, Nancy Wesorick, In memory of Janet Glassman from Charles Fears, Giovanna Fiori, Craig Mock, Duane Morse, Ken Murphy, Peggy White, Ana Zir.

Kathy Kuyper ALAN D. WILSON/NATURESPICSONLINE.COM BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD, Fischer, Larry Fisk, Syrene Forsman, Susan Neuman, David Niven, John Kara Kaczmarzyk, Membership & In honor of Dr. Connie Steele from Siri Forsman-Sims, Robert Fouch, O’Rourke, Dave & Linda Ott, Julie Development Manager Sherie Steele Jeffrey Patey & Holly Fredericks, Ana Pulliam, Diane Rand, Pam Rivers, In memory of Kim Zonge from Mort Womack Thank You to Our What Does Your Membership Cost? Frequent Flyers

Kara Kaczmarzyk, Membership & Development Manager THE QUARTERLY NEWS MAGAZINE OF TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY | TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG Ardeth Barnhart, Myrna Beards,

O rg VeubON. y | TucsONauD rm sOcieT f l y c a t c h e r u D ubON i a lio f TucsON e O April–June 2014 | Volumen 59, Number 2 erly News MagaziN Brooke Bedrick, Melanie Builder, What does it mean to be sustainable? time we speak out for wildlife and and Senior The QuarT lion i October–December 2013 | Volume 58, Number 4 Vermf l y c a t c h e r Andrea Cohen, Janet Cohn, We each practice sustainability in our open spaces, we speak on your categories Threats

To BirdsClimate Change

Bird–Window Collisions Mich Coker, Christine Curtis, Lead Poisoning daily lives. Members sustain Tucson behalf—on the behalf of Tucson at the end of Wind Factories

Tucson Meet your birds what’s in a Name: loggerhead shrike Sandy Elers, Margaret Ford, Audubon, and for Tucson Audubon to Audubon members. 2014. Current Where to Find Wood-WarblersResilience ● Bird Stop-over Habitat Patches ● A Wilson’s Warbler’s Journey Marcy Gray, Mike Judd, be sustainable in the community, we Recently we assessed the costs Student Nest Boxes for Urban Birds ● What’s in a Name: Burrowing Owl John & Sarah Kennedy, Susan balance services, programs, and a of servicing a Tucson Audubon and Senior Plus Nature Shop Winter Catalog Insert Kozacek, Erin Olmstead, variety of revenue sources. membership for one year, and the members Nancy Young Wright, Claire Zucker As a Friend of Tucson Audubon figure came to around $30. That figure can still renew at the current levels you are the cornerstone of the includes such things as producing through the end of this year. We’ll Monthly giving through automatic organization. When Tucson Audubon and mailing the Vermilion Flycatcher, also be encouraging members to pay credit card or bank withdrawals is advocates for the most pressing member benefits, such as store their dues through automatic monthly convenient, secure, and simply one environmental issues to policy discounts, and general administrative payments, with a base of $5 a month. of the best ways you can support makers, businesses, and the public, costs, but does not include any It’s easy to check that option on your Tucson Audubon’s programs. our voice is only as strong as our additional support for program work. renewal notice. For more information, visit membership. Tucson Audubon In order to streamline membership Tucson Audubon achieves its tucsonaudubon.org. VF members make possible publication to be more sustainable and at least goals only through your support and of the magazine you are now reading have it cover the costs, we will be we thank you for being a Friend of and so much more. In every outreach reducing the number of member Tucson Audubon. letter, in every comment letter, every categories by eliminating the Student

Call for Nominations Kara Kaczmarzyk, Membership & Development Manager

Do you know someone whose passion dedication to birds and the birding Conservation in Southern for birding, education, or conservation community. Arizona. This award is for The David Yetman Award for Exhibiting has moved them to do extraordinary • The Kenn Kaufman Award conservation practices that or Promoting Conservation in Southern things in southeastern Arizona? Help promote sustainability. Arizona was presented to Christina McVie for Excellence in Education at the 2013 Tucson Audubon gala. us celebrate those achievements. The Relating to the Natural World. Nominations are being accepted three awards seeking nominees are: This award is for an individual, through Friday, August 22nd. You recognized through Tucson Audubon • The Wally and Marion Paton institution or corporation that may nominate as many people, or and local media. To nominate, please Award for Outstanding provides ongoing nature education companies, as you would like. Our complete a nomination form at www. Contributions to Birding. to adults or children. selection committee will choose tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/ This award is defined by • The David Yetman Award the winners to be awarded at the awards, pick up a form at our Nature the example of the Patons’ for Exhibiting or Promoting next Tucson Audubon Gala and Shops, or call 520-209-1809.

10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Lynn Hassler! Plant Volunteer Update aficionado Lynn Hassler manages Julie Pulliam, Events & Volunteer Coordinator the habitat garden at our 5th and University office location and writes Hello! I am enjoying my journey with the garden plant profiles for the “When one tugs at a single thing in Tucson Audubon and our dedicated Vermilion Flycatcher. nature, one finds it attached to the volunteer community. I look forward She first became involved with rest of the world.” to meeting you, if I haven’t already! Tucson Audubon in 1987, serving Conservationist, John Muir’s words Thank you to our volunteers on the board of directors for two are at the heart of my life philosophy for being an integral part of our years. Early in 2012 she and Cynthia to genuinely connect with others successes and goals to “protect and Pruett (current board president, and the world around me—with a steward Southern Arizona’s protect fellow gardener and book club deep awareness of how individuals and steward Southern Arizona’s member) decided to tackle the contribute to the whole. biological diversity through the study Tucson Audubon garden, which I am delighted to serve the Tucson and enjoyment of birds.” We truly was overgrown, under-watered, and Writers Association, and teaches Audubon Society as the new Events appreciate what you do! over-taken by Bermuda grass. Lynn classes and leads trips for Tucson offered her gardening expertise on a Audubon, Tohono Chul Park, and & Volunteer Coordinator! I joined the Interested in Volunteering? Tucson Audubon staff in April, 2014, volunteer basis and recruited three Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Volunteers with the Tucson Audubon and have a bachelor’s degree in fellow Tucson Audubon volunteers Lynn’s favorite bird? “Impossible Society have the opportunity to learn Communication from the University to help. “Marcia, Julia, and Keith are to say,” but there are some names new skills and meet new people of Arizona. Over the last 16 years the crème de la crème, “says Lynn. she likes from her many trips abroad through many exciting areas such I have coordinated events in the You will often find Lynn nurturing the (she has been to every continent). as Restoration, Important Bird Area education, arts, and non-profit sectors garden each Wednesday morning. “Paltry Tyrannulet has always been Surveys, our Nature Shop, Field with a more recent focus on planning, Lynn, a long-time gardener, a favorite, along with Screaming Trips, Administration and Special creative design, public relations, and worked at the Tucson Botanical Piha, Guttulated Foliage-Gleaner, Events and Projects. Attend our marketing. Gardens for 14 years as Nursery Coppersmith Barbet, Noisy Miner, 4th Annual Tucson Bird & Wildlife I am a native Tucsonan and life- Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Bornean Whistler, Zitting Cisticola… Festival, August 13th–17th to see long learner with a passion for birds, Newsletter Editor, Director well, you get the idea.” our enthusiastic volunteers in action. sustainable living and conservation—it of Education, and Director of The species that inspired Lynn If you are interested in volunteering is a way of life for me. Growing up in Horticulture. She has written several to begin birding some 40 years opportunities, please call or email rural Tucson, I began watching birds books—Birds of the American ago was a Spotted Towhee double me at 520-209-1811, volunteer@ at early age, and have enjoyed many Southwest; Gambel’s Quail; scratching in the leaf litter in her front tucsonaudubon.org. I look forward to experiences with them over the years. Roadrunners; Hummingbirds of the yard in Palo Alto, California—“… collaborating with you. I am continually inspired by the way American West; The Raven: Soaring something about the behavior, the they represent nature through their Warmest Welcome Through History, Legend & Lore; juxtaposition of the rufous flanks with beauty and actions, and believe they to our New Members of the Tucson and Hot Pots: Container Gardening the black hood, and those gleaming are a wonderful way to connect with Audubon Volunteer Team! in the Arid Southwest. For the past red eyes,” she said. nature. Prithi Avanavadi 12 years she has written a bird Besides birding and gardening, Bob Bowers gardening column for Birdwatcher’s Lynn is an avid photographer, A Message to Our Volunteers Prudy Bowers Digest. She has previously served bibliophile, and movie addict. In In addition to working with Tucson David Bygott on the board of directors of the her former life, she served as the Audubon staff and volunteers to Linda Crouse Arizona Native Plant Society and Finance & Personnel Manager coordinate events; my role is to serve Laura Diaz the Southern Arizona Volunteer for the Sleep Disorders Center at as your point-of-contact for volunteer Michele Frisella Management Association. Lynn is Stanford University. opportunities and activities, to listen, Stuart Lueders currently a member of the Garden and assist you in contributing your Ken Murphy individual strengths as a volunteers. Tracy Scheinkman The goal is to collaborate together to Taralynn Reynolds create successful experiences and outcomes within our community. Since I joined the Tucson Audubon Contact Julie about staff I have met many of our dedicated volunteering! volunteers, who have so many skills [email protected] and interesting stories to share. I 520-209-1811 learn something new each day, and I tucsonaudubon.org/ appreciate the smiles they bring to me volunteer TRICA OSHANT HAWKINS OSHANT TRICA

and others around them! JULIE PULLIAM L to R: Nature Shop Attendant Jim Watts enjoying his favorite area of the Nature Shop; Volunteers Michele Frisella and Bryon Lichtenhan representing Tucson Audubon Society at 2014 EarthFest in Patagonia.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11 Interesting stories about birds with interesting ­names Vermilion Flycatcher LARRY LIESE

Well readers, all good things must visiting birders who were itching to see WHAT’S IN A NAME WHAT’S come to an end, and with me running one. out of ideas on the column’s theme Early on my journey into birding, I I’ve decided to wind it up with two heard the story of how male Northern key species. This issue’s focus is on Cardinals were chosen by females by none other than our namesake mascot the deepness of their red color (famously species—Vermilion Flycatcher (how indicating their ability to find and provide could I not cover this one!). For the next food for a family). Later I read that FEMALE (ON LEFT) AND MALE VERMILION FLYCATCHER, LEN BLUMIN / CCL AND MALE VERMILION FLYCATCHER, FEMALE (ON LEFT) issue, I’ll wrap up the series with the very because of this, the males suffered an interesting story of Crissal Thrasher, its added twenty percent risk of predation. have plumages that are decidedly more name, and something called the Law of It made me wonder just how the more striking from the front and sides, but give Priority­—a key rule by which birds names vividly-colored birds evaded predation, a muted pattern from directly behind. A are held to, regardless of changes in especially this issue’s species which similar coloration strategy exists in our taxonomy. seems to really push the limit on being local lizard populations when in breeding Back to Vermilion Flycatcher: I must visible. Although the vermilion color would colors (hidden on their underparts, quickly remind readers of a nice article have that short-term selection advantage, mostly). Just goes to show—Nature finds written by Bob Bowers six or so issues what about the longer term issue of a way! ago titled “Tucson Audubon, Meet your predators finding them first? I pondered Besides being a showy species, the Mascot,” in which he told interesting this for some time, then had a sighting Vermilion Flycatcher male’s display stories and some of the history of our of a male directly from the rear and had flight is a wonder to see. They fly from mascot and how it came to be so. Like a hard time identifying it. The bird then a prominent perch up into the air at an Bob, I had no luck finding direct evidence turned its head and … “Holy Cow,” look angle, flapping their wings like mad on why this species was chosen. All I at that color! Since then I’ve (but not really travelling fast). A song have to add to Bob’s account is that noticed a number of composed of a number of rapid notes I’d heard from a long-time Nature bird species rising and then falling accompanies the Shop staffer that it might that flight. When you notice this, be sure have been that it was to look for the female nearby that he’s Vermilion Flycatcher displaying for—there will always be one that was the most in view. Here are some comments on asked-about identifying females that might come in bird by handy. Next time you’re looking at either male or females, take a close look at the shape of the bill. I find this to be a sure-fire trigger when I see a female in poor light. Combined with the species’ preference for semi-open habitat and its sit-and-wait hunting style, I find that I don’t need to see the females’ streaks or flank color to be pretty sure of the ID. Though most field guides now show the young

VERMILION FLYCATCHER ILLUSTRATION BY GEORGE WEST BY ILLUSTRATION VERMILION FLYCATCHER female having yellow flanks before they mature into that salmon color, it used to befuddle birders when first seeing that! So next time you’re seeing a “Ruby Fire-head” (this is what the scientific name Pyrocephalus rubinus means), think back all those years ago to when our Society’s founders chose this little guy as our mascot. Little did they know how it would hold the focus of what Tucson Audubon has done and become through the years. Way to go, little flycatcher! VF

12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. How to locate birds based on the plants they use Southeastern Arizona’s Summer Sparrows RICH HOYER FOR BETTER BIRDING If winter is a great time for sparrows particular in requiring these more tropical KROESEN KENDALL here, summer is a fabulous time for grasses. But first note that they like it sparrows. It’s a different suite of species rather flat, not hilly or sloped, though even during our monsoon, many of them a rather small flat area on the shoulder BOTANY regional specialties, and finding them is of a narrow river valley will do. They less up to the chance encounter with a definitely like their grasslands to be very winter flock—they are more predictable shrubby, with mesquite of almost any in their habitat choices, and their lovely size, along with cactus, acacia, mimosa songs make them a cinch to identify. and others, but remember these have to Rather than having to know specific be the grasslands with tropical affinities, plants to find these birds, you need to not those with Great Plains affinities. train yourself to recognize the shape of Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you need their habitats—the general type of plants, to recognize grass species; you merely

their density and height, and the general need to know that the higher grasslands JOHN HOFFMAN topography. These are probably the same of the San Raphael Valley, Sonoita cues the birds themselves use when Grasslands, and much of Cochise County deciding what works for their particular lack Rufous-winged Sparrows—they are biology, as long as they are able to find present only in the lower elevation areas food and a place to nest. of those counties, such as Las Cienegas Let’s start with Black-throated NCA and the lower San Pedro (with a Sparrow—perhaps our most familiar few sometimes south to Hereford). But lowland sparrow. But they are not the species is especially abundant in the everywhere—they definitely need real Santa Cruz and Altar Valleys, as well as desert scrub with native acacias, creosote most places between. Get too far north or bush, and cacti for example, avoiding west, you start getting into desert scrub lusher riparian areas, mesquite bosques, that lacks summer grasses altogether, and especially suburban sprawl; in the and you find no Rufous-winged Sparrows Tucson metro area they are virtually there. absent south of the Rillito River and east The shockingly sedentary Rufous- of I-10 until you get east of Houghton crowned Sparrow likes rocky slopes where desert begins again. where there are at least a few shrubs and

At another extreme in habitat is our bunchgrasses. I don’t know if there are JAMES PRUDENTE resident breeding Grasshopper Sparrow. particular species of plants they prefer, While you don’t need to recognize grass species, it helps but there is almost always an open oak to know that Rufous-winged Sparrows are present only in For this one you need large expanses of lower elevation grasslands such as at Las Cienegas NCA native grassland—low or high-elevation— woodland present where these features (top). Telling a Rufous-crowned Sparrow (middle) from a with as few trees or shrubs as possible, co-occur. However, you can find isolated Rufous-winged Sparrow (bottom) is easy when you know their habitat preferences. but still with some structure for them to Rufous-crowned Sparrow populations use as singing perches—a lone small in the higher canyons of the Tucson Ash (Fraxinus gooddingi), Kidneywood mesquite or a tall thistle will do. Mountains and even in the Waterman and (Eysenhardtia orthocarpa), and Hopbush Botteri’s and Cassin’s Sparrows need Silverbell Mountains, far from any oaks. (Dodonaea viscosa) growing together, a lot of native grass and prefer more Finally, we have the very interesting you’ll probably notice a dozen other small small trees and shrubs than Grasshopper, Five-striped Sparrow, the only regularly trees and shrubs, and there you will but they occur in so many places breeding species in Arizona that has probably also find Five-striped Sparrow. together, it’s difficult to tell how their never occurred in any other US state. It A small stretch of California Gulch is the exact requirements differ. Cassin’s may requires our most subtropical habitats, not best known and most accessible place be a little less choosy, occurring in drier because they like the mild weather, but for this species, but there are certainly and sparser grasslands, with Botteri’s because they seem to prefer a very high other places with the right botanical probably needing it a bit more rank, with diversity of mid-size shrubs on slopes. characteristics awaiting discovery. VF taller grasses of more subtropical origin This is where you could benefit from and lusher mesquites in draws. honing your botany skills. Anywhere you Rich Hoyer is a Senior Leader for WINGS This is where it gets interesting, with can find the fascinating composite Doll’s Birding Tours Worldwide, wingsbirds.com/ Rufous-winged Sparrow being more Head (Lagascea descipiens), Goodding’s leaders/rich-hoyer.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13 Hold That Note PAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

We have had information on how much Ted believed that by connecting people A prime example of an outcome of

BIRDING ECONOMICS birders spend on their avocation since to special places, they would see value in Ted’s work we can use is Canadian, at least 1982, with the publication by the their protection. Texas, “a tired, down-on-its-luck DAN SIDLE U.S. Department of the Interior of The In 1993, Ted served on a task force for Panhandle town.” Canadian has Lesser 1980 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting nature tourism created by Texas Governor Prairie Chickens. The city contacted and Wildlife-associated Recreation. At that Ann Richards. Out of that experience Ted, and Fermata drew up a strategic time, spending was $20 billion nationally. sprung the idea for the Great Texas plan that included marketing the Lesser In the 1980s, BirdLife International Coastal Birding Trail, a series of trails that Prairie Chickens to birdwatchers and (then the International Council of Bird wind through 308 distinct wildlife-viewing harvesting little blue stem grass seeds. Preservation) took the lead, sponsoring sites, encompassing the entire Texas That promotion has helped put Canadian symposia and publications—for example, coastal region. Completed in 1995, the on the ecotourism map. The Value of Birds, ICBP Tech.Publ. No. idea has spread across all regions of the Part of Fermata’s plan to revitalize 6, edited by Anthony Diamond and Fern state with attractive printed maps for sale. rural economies is establishing a “brand” Filion in 1987. It is the spiritual antecedent to one of our for a town. Ted says 40 percent of what Shortly after, other authors began new projects: A Bird Trail Map for the City Fermata does falls under the category of writing about the economic force of of Tucson, featured on page 19. “product development.” birders: David Weidner and Paul Kerlinger Ted said in a 2003 interview that “For Fermata helps towns take an inventory published a seminal article in American me it’s all about what’s indigenous, what’s of their natural resources and figure out Birds. They argued then as we argue now authentic, what’s real, what’s rooted in that how best to market them. Although he’s that conservation organizations should area. We only work with those goods and happy with the improved economy in make powerful economic arguments services that reflect the nature, culture Canadian, Ted resists taking full credit for to legislators and planning boards to and history of the area.” Some would call the city’s success. consider alternatives to development, what Ted has started part of a broader “I’d like to say our little nature tourism preserving and managing open land for a geotourism trend, defined as tourism that plan is what saved the community, but I variety of wildlife-associated recreation, sustains or enhances the geographical don’t believe that. It was a catalyst,” Ted and so realize a sustained economic character of the place being visited—its says. “Certainly, the people started to look benefit without the tax burden associated environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage at their community a little differently, so with home development. and residents’ well-being. suddenly they do a Main Street program Implementation of infrastructure to Ted says he often feels like the and suddenly somebody invests in the realize the potential of birding economics odd man out in various situations. theater, and now you have a quality of life came about in the early 1990s when Environmental groups sometimes are in the community that makes it the cultural its spiritual leader, Ted Eubanks, sold suspicious of Fermata’s corporate center of the Panhandle.” his haulage business and established designation, he says, and the business I suggest that we should adopt Ted’s Fermata Inc. (www.fermatainc.com) in world is scared of his environmental philosophy of tourism. “Tourism for me 1992 as a “cause-based corporation.” agenda. is more of a means to an end, not an end,” he says. “I’m not strictly a tourism VINCE SMITH promoter; I like tourism as a tool. It’s a way that I move markets to products, since most communities can’t do it the other way around.” I also suggest that there’s a great opportunity for southeast Arizona to work with a catalyst like Fermata to develop the strategic focus for wildlife tourism mentioned on p3. Who would take the lead to set the agenda, and raise the

funds? VF http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/ stories/2003/09/22/smallb1.html?page=all Wiedner, D. S. and P. Kerlinger. 1990. Economics of birding: a national survey of active birders. American Birds 44: 209-213.

14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. Another Important Step in Patagonia’s Ecotourism Efforts DAVID TEEL GRAY HAWK, AXEL ELFNER AXEL HAWK, GRAY

Ecotourism? What’s that? Consider the definition articulated by the World Conservation Union (IUCN): “Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples”. Ancient tribes and modern peoples have been gathering around the Patagonia mountains for at least 12,000 (Left) Paton Center Resident Caretaker, Larry Morgan, with his bike in downtown Patagonia. (Upper right) Southeast years, drawn by the water and the good Arizona specialty, the Gray Hawk nests in the Cottonwoods around town and can be seen soaring over on any given day. (Lower right, from left) Paul Green, Executive Director of Tucson Audubon; David Teel, Town Manager of Patagonia; growing climate. Incorporated in 1948, the Marcia Grand, major donor to the Paton project. All are standing in front of the Patagonia Town Hall, which was historically Town of Patagonia has roots deep in its the Patagonia Train Depot. history as a mining and cattle community, once of sufficient magnitude to merit its possibly the greatest diversity of species Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, stepped in, own rail station. For over half a century in the United States. raising the $300,000 necessary to acquire those were the engines that drove its In recent decades, Americans have the property and committing to preserve economy. become increasingly interested in seeing it for the benefit and enjoyment of birds Now the mines are gone, at least for and sharing their outdoor environment. and birders in perpetuity. Now Tucson the moment. Ranching is a shadow of Patagonia and its residents have reaped Audubon Society is moving forward with its former self, and the only remaining the benefits. One of the pioneering its program to further enhance the bird- vestiges of the railroad are the mile- efforts grew out of the desire of residents watching experience the property affords. long park through the heart of town and Wally and Marion Paton to watch and It takes only a brief visit to the town’s the handsome town hall, restored and enjoy the myriad of hummingbirds that business association website http://www. relocated from its former role as the rail passed by their home on the banks of patagoniaaz.com/ or a stroll up its main station. Scenic Route 82 and the Arizona the Sonoita Creek and next to the Nature street to see the importance of ecotourism Trail have replaced the rails as the Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek in Patagonia. Tour busses for birders, pathways of choice for Patagonia visitors. Preserve. Enhancing the habitat that bikers and other nature enthusiasts are Struggling back from near extinction, their property provided for hummingbirds regularly visible in front of hotels and the Town now has two new economic with planting and feeders, they created restaurants, while hikers coming off the engines: art and ecotourism. a place that soon was attracting both Arizona Trail set their packs outside the How important an economic engine is birds and bird watchers in increasing Gathering Grounds coffee shop as they eco-tourism? A 2011 study by the Arizona numbers. Over the years it became a refuel for the next leg of their journey. Game and Fish Department projected favorite attraction for the town, expanding Guides for nature tours outnumber direct and indirect economic benefit for those already provided by the birding medical practitioners on the roster of town Patagonia’s home county, Santa Cruz, at opportunities around the Patagonia businesses. Humans and hummingbirds 21.2 million dollars, including 6.7 million Mountains and southern Arizona’s sky have found a truly symbiotic relationship dollars in salaries and wages. Although islands. Over 200 bird species have been in Patagonia’s ecotourism. VF Patagonia has only a small share of the identified on on the Paton property. county population, it has a large share of After the Patons passed on, their David Teel is currently the town manager of its eco-tourism. children were not able to maintain Patagonia. He has previously been engaged as The community has always been the property as a birding hotspot. the professional city manager for 7 other cities blessed with natural attributes in climate, Patagonians were very concerned about in 5 states--including Cape May, New Jersey, location, elevation, vegetation and the possible loss of this important asset. another birding hotspot. Tourism and local topography that made it a suitable habitat Fortunately a solution was found. The ecology have played an important role in all of for an incredible diversity of wildlife. Tucson Audubon Society, in partnership the cities he has managed. Patagonia is considered by many to have with the American Bird Conservancy and

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15 BIRD & WILDLFIDE FESTIVAL MATT GRIFFITHS birders. is averyspecialpartofthecontinentfor in termsofbirdspeciestobeseen. This the coastalstatesofCaliforniaand Texas Arizona isthirdinthenation,onlybelow occupancy isatitslowest,in August. bird diversityisatitshighestwhenhotel Mexico borderarea.Insoutheast Arizona, and around40arefound are notregularlyfoundelsewhereinUS here eachyear. Thirty sixspecies ofbirds been seenin Arizona, and400areseen found inNorth America, around525have in ourregion!Ofthe914speciesofbirds celebrate theastoundingdiversityofbirds the Tucson Bird&WildlifeFestivalisto year to Arizona. related recreationisworth$1.4 economically viable—veryviable.Wildlife- from development,naturalspacesare that withoutincurringthecostsarise their undevelopedstate.We wanttoshow which ourbirdsdependhavevaluein Arizona, andthenaturalhabitatsupon have significanteconomicimpactin and businessthattravelingbirdwatchers demonstrate tothoseinlocalgovernment tourism. the economicimpactofbirdingandnature our region’s uniquewildlifeandhighlights Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival showcases 16 Festival Fan! PAUL GREEN|EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR It’s theFourth! The otherreason,ofcourse,tohost The festivalwascreatedinpartto It’s Year Four forthe Tucson Audubon The fourthannual Vermilion Flycatcher only intheUS/ bn each J uly –S a generalenjoymentofwatchingbirds, Elegant Trogon weremostpopular. lists. Hummingbirds,owls,hawksand with expertleadersrankedhighontheir herps, mammals),andorganizedtrips migrant birds,othertaxa(butterflies, of species,thechancetoseerareand excited abouttheevent? The variety were verylikelytoattendagain. and morethanthreequarterssaidthey event, participated inthepreviousyear’s More thanonethirdofattendeeshad non–game wildlife. User Feetofundthemanagementof to payforan Arizona Watchable Wildlife out of10,toldustheywouldbeprepared majority offestivalattendees,about9 responsible naturalist. An overwhelming overseas countries. 43 Arizona zipcodes,oranumberof 800, comingfromoneofabout25states, Taxes. This festivalfanisoneofabout around $1200inCityof Tucson Bed a totalof127“Tucson bed-nights”and hotels forfourorfivenights,generating the localeconomy. wildlife enthusiastis & Wildlife FestivalFan. picture oftherepresentative feedback methods,webegintodrawa Festival, throughavarietyofsurveysand eptember GRAY HAWK, AXEL ELFNER This festivalfanismostinterestedin What makesthefestivalfanmost This festivalfanrepeatstheirbusiness. Our festivalfanisapassionateand Last year, thefestivalfanstayedin Each yearatthe Tucson Bird&Wildlife 2014 apowerfuldriverof This watchable Tucson Bird Visit tucsonaudubon.org that BirdersMeanBusiness? you asafantohelpbringthemessage and improveseachyear, canwecounton the Tucson Bird&WildlifeFestivalgrows million forconservationin25years. As companies, andhasraisedmorethan$5 attracts 22,000visitorsand3500 Birdwatching FairintheUK,forexample, world havethisopportunity. The British region forwildlife?Festivalsaroundthe they candotoprotectandenhanceour the placestheylive,anddiscoverwhat learn aboutthethreatstoourbirdsand share theirloveofbirdsandwildlife, economic driver, somorepeoplecan all backgroundstobecomepartofthis How canweengagemorepeoplefrom like the Tucson Bird&WildlifeFestival? reach ofwatchablewildlifeactivities economic driverwhileexpandingthe power ofthebirdingcommunityasan becomes: howcanweharnessthe higher income,andwelleducated. are older, mainlyCaucasianmales,of watchable wildlifetravelermajority. They profile islargelyrepresentativeofthe others inthefield. Theirdemographic species andaddingnewtoalist. less importantislearningtoidentifynew visiting anewarea,andthensomewhat out innature.Secondaryontheirlistis bird behavior, andtherelaxationofbeing ALAN SCHMIERER The excitementandthechallenge This festivalfanmayremindyouof forupdates andmore.

VF

HARRIS’S HAWK, GATOR GRAY Visit tucsonaudubon.org the rainyseason—arrivingsignificantly millennia totravelsouth Arizona for into theirlifecycle,learningoverthe have alsoincorporatedthisseason a thirdtime.Butmanymigrantspecies other speciesnestforasecondoreven not breeduntilthemonsoon,andmany residents: severalsparrowspeciesdo spring.” It’s acriticaltimeforsummer stripe takingadvantageofthis“second verdant desert, with exciting birds of every the monsoon:aparadoxicallylushand birding southeastern Arizona during never glimpseditagain… impede mefromsprintingtothatpoint,I into thegrass,andwithnotrafficto marked preciselywhereitdisappeared of theroad.DespitefactthatIhad off intothetallgrassonopposite side to catchthispleasantsurpriseslinking dooronly road, Ispunoutofthedriver’s could, butbythetimeIhadpulledoff the Montezuma Quail! tones everywhereelse. A regalmale a whiteface,andeveryshadeofearth and flanks,bizarreblackpolygonson polka dotsspatteredacrossdarksides little sphereoffeathers—strikingwhite edge oftheroad,Ispiedastunning highway speedwhensuddenly, atthe in monsoon.Iwastravelingatsolid reveal adeepgreenseaofgrasslands the goldenstrawcolorofsummerto the SanRafaelValley, rinsingaway Spectacular thunderstormshadsoaked open-pit coppermines).ItwaslateJuly. scenery (anddelightfullydevoidof an Arizona bywayfilledwithscintillating and eastof Tucson onStateRoute83, Quail. Forme,itwaswhiledrivingsouth JOHN YERGER in The Grassis Always Gree This, tome,istheessenceof I screechedtoahaltasquickly It’s hardtoforgetyourfirstMontezuma Southeastern Arizona? forupdates andmore. (adventurebirding.com). leads toursfor Adventure BirdingCompany of theChiricahuaMountains,wherehe John Yerger livesinPortal, AZ atthebase where thebunchgrassesaregreenest! tucsonaudubon.org/cup. very tangibleway. Fordetails,visitwww. conservation ofournaturalresourcesina funding canmakeapositiveimpacton Paton CenterforHummingbirds.Such year willbenefit Tucson Audubon’s those samespecies.Fundsraisedthis much moneyaspossibletohelpconserve possible in24hours,butalsotoraiseas not onlytofindasmanybirdspecies fundraising event,whichchallengesteams bring broaderregionalattentiontothis Wildlife Festival.We shouldendeavorto Birding Cup,partofour Tucson Birdand to supporteventsliketheSkyIslands why Ipersonallyfeelthatit’s important could comprisethisentirearticle. That’s from climatechange—thelistalone reserves, urbansprawl,countlessimpacts litany ofthreats:overdraftgroundwater imaginable! mammals, fish—basicallyeverytaxon are alsoessentialtoreptiles,amphibians, typically aridlands.Ofcourse,therains ephemeral oasesscatteredacrossthese Shorebirds takinganinlandroutefind of flycatchersandwarblersreturn. insects. So,too,domanyspecies as fromtheproliferationofminiscule the myriadbloomingflowers,aswell Hummingbirds takesustenancefrom abundant resourcesavailablehere. in neighboringregions,becauseofthe earlier thanthosesamespeciesappear ELF OWL, JEREMY HAYES I’ll lookforwardtoseeingyououtthere, Our birdsandotherwildlifefacea

J uly –S eptember

VF 2014 ner… • • • • • • • • • 85745 Tucson, AZ Riverpark Inn,350S.Freeway, EVENT SCHEDULE: August 13th–17th,2014! Tucson Bird&WildlifeFestival, Make monsoonmemoriesatthe Vermilion Flycatcher visit For moreinformationabouttheFestival please at nearbybirdinghotspots. friendly leaderstotrackdownyourfavorite birds Sunday Aug 17 Sunday Aug Offsite leader andauthor. Howell, festivalkeynoter, internationalbirdtour G. N. and theGrandCanyon,Steve reintroduction programsofCondorsinCalifornia Mesta, directorofnationalandinternational Saturday,& 15–16 byspeakersRobert Aug Friday Presentations with Dinners Keynote Kendall Kroesen. Hassler, RonnieSidner, HomerHansenand workshops hostedbySteveN.G.Howell,Lynn Aug Thursday,Workshops 14–Sunday, Aug involved. conservation issuesandhowyoucanget Sunday,15–17. Aug Friday,Station Saturday,Advocacy & trip. birders’field 16–17 Aug Sunday,& Saturday Weekend Family Fun demonstrations attheNatureExpo. Optics atSweetwaterField Trip andattend Day,15. Optics Friday Aug will beannouncedattheNightlifeSocial! Compete andcollectpledges!Winningteams 13. Wednesday Aug Cup, Birding Islands Sky and activities. offering anarrayofnature-themedarts, crafts, presentations, andvendorsexhibitors for engagingfreetalks,excitingliveanimal 15–16, 10 15–16, Saturday Aug & NATUREFriday FREE EXPO call 520-209-1811. www.tucsonaudubon.org/festival Learn new skills in educational 17. Learnnewskillsineducational Expert-Led Fieldtrips Expert-Led am with kids’ activitiesandyouth –6 pm (nearly sold out) sold (nearly ; Sunday Aug 17 10 17 Sunday Aug ; Tucson Audubon Learn about local Learn aboutlocal Try out Friday Aug with our with our am

–2 15– , or , or 17 pm

MONTEZUMA QUAIL, JOHN HOFFMAN CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION NEWS CHRIS MCVIE, MATT CLARK, PAUL GREEN, KENDALL KROESEN, BÉTÉ JONES, AND JENNIE MACFARLAND

Water for River, Trees, and Wildlife, or 7000 Homes Instead?

On June 10, a huge 7,000-unit The key issue in the case is development in Sierra Vista entered whether the state must limit pumping legal limbo. Maricopa County Superior in the San Pedro area to protect the Court Judge Crane McClennen river’s congressionally mandated ruled that the Arizona Department of federal water rights. Water Resources (ADWR) erred in During the hearing, the Judge concluding that the developer of the asked a Pueblo del Sol attorney what Tribute project has adequate water would happen if in 20 years it was through a water company. The water determined that the development’s department found in April 2013 that pumping interfered with federal the Pueblo del Sol Water Co. of Sierra rights. The attorney replied that the Vista has a legally available supply. water company “would have to make Such a finding is necessary for a new up the difference from some other

Cochise County development. source, such as trucking it in,” the CHARLES MILES The Bureau of Land Management, ruling said. Cottonwoods along the San Pedro River. Dr. Robin Silver (Co-founder of the The consultant for the developer, Center for Biological Diversity), and California-based Castle & Cooke roots that reach 16 feet beneath project’s impacts on the river rather Patricia Gerrodette (President of Associates, says its computer model the surface, and to thrive must be than spend tax dollars to fight the Huachuca Audubon) sued to prevent found that pumping for Tribute would within two feet of water. So any water case further. the project from pumping groundwater not lower the water table more than table lower than 18 feet below the The judge just said ADWR should out of concern that it would dry up the 1,200 feet over 100 years. That surface will begin to kill mature trees do an analysis which, if it is done, San Pedro River, the best remaining typically meets the legal definition of after younger trees have long since will likely show that the river will be cottonwood-willow-tree riparian area an adequate water supply, but is death succumbed to lack of water. impacted and therefore the water is in the Southwest, and a Globally to the trees and bird habitat. A mature Patricia Gerrodette said she hopes not 100% legally available for 100 Important Bird Area. cottonwood might exceptionally have the state does an analysis of the years.

Conservation Bonds Update The County-appointed citizens’ Bond has left county forecasters reluctant to The County-appointed citizen county could acquire only a fraction Advisory Committee (BAC), of which I ask property owners to approve close Conservation Acquisition Commission of these increasingly threatened am the Vice-Chair, continues its work to $1 billion in new debt. (CAC), tasked with developing open habitats. This is significantly lower toward the development of a bond With this 7-year delay in a bond space bond priorities, has identified than the $174.3 million amount voters package to present to Pima County election, Pima County’s BAC has over 600,000 acres of private and enthusiastically supported over 10 voters for funding worthwhile projects. been presented with hundreds of state trust land that are important years ago, which, though well spent, Although originally scheduled for proposals totaling close to $2 billion, for protection through acquisition, has now been depleted. November 2008, factors have delayed and even more projects with requests based on the science-based Sonoran The BAC will resume deliberations this election year by year! For one, for bond funds are being formulated Desert Conservation Plan priority this September to finalize funding the 2008 economic downturn, with the and proposed. mapping. This includes a variety recommendations to the Board of associated loss of property values, of diminishing Sonoran Desert Supervisors, who will ultimately decide habitat types throughout the region, on an overall bond package to present EDGAR CANYON, AT SIX BAR RANCH (COUNTY-OWNED OPEN SPACE), BRIAN POWELL OPEN SPACE), SIX BAR RANCH (COUNTY-OWNED AT EDGAR CANYON, including specific parcels that would to the voters in November of 2015. expand local preserves; connect vital When these deliberations take place, protected areas that are in danger of open space will need all the friends it becoming isolated; preserve important can get! So stay informed and please riparian areas; and conserve lands plan to show up, speak out, and help such as Rosemont Ranch, where our us continue the process we began watershed continues to be threatened over a decade ago! because of mining interests. Carolyn Campbell, Currently, the funding amount Executive Director, Coalition for tentatively recommended by the BAC Sonoran Desert Protection is only $110 million, with which the

18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. Artificial Bat Roosts in Bridges in an Extreme Climate

L to R: Figure 1. Ina Road Bridge over the Santa Cruz River, Marana AZ. Figure 2. MODERNBAT modular boxes by RD Wildlife Management © April 2014. Figure 3. Installation of MODERNBAT © box under Cortaro Rd. Bridge. On a related note…

FIGS. 1–3: COURTESY JANINE SPENCER, TOWN OF MARANA TOWN JANINE SPENCER, FIGS. 1–3: COURTESY Researchers want the public’s The Ina Road Bridge over the Santa built or repaired, to mitigate for the to determine the effectiveness of the help in understanding how bats Cruz River is one of many bridges disturbance and displacement of bats new design in recreating existing bat use swimming pools. A nationwide in Tucson that provide significant during construction. Thanks to just roost conditions. AzGFD and Sandy survey is now available online, roosts for bats and is home to over $80,000 recommended by the Wolf will monitor bats for one year so if you own, use, or manage a 10,000 to 15,000 thousand bats: Regional Transportation Authority prior to construction and for two years swimming pool, you can provide cave myotis (Myotis velifer) and Wildlife Linkages Working Group post-construction. While older bridge valuable information. Even if you Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida (RTA WLWG), of which Tucson designs provided crevices for bats have never seen a bat near your MEXICAN FREE-TAILED BAT, RON GROVES / CCL BAT, MEXICAN FREE-TAILED brasiliensis) during the summer, and Audubon and Marana are members, to roost, they are being replaced pool, that’s important, researchers less than 1,000 Mexican free-tailed a new type of bat box of molded light- with new, flat-bottomed bridges. Bat say. bats present in the winter. Recently, weight concrete that provides a high roosting habitat is being lost at an http://www.sciencedaily.com/ Joel Diamond (Arizona Game & insulation value is being incorporated accelerating rate and we hope these releases/2014/06/140616203945. Fish Department—AzGFD), Sandy on at least three separate roadway projects will be successful models for htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_ Wolf (Bat Research and Consulting), projects. Microclimatic data loggers future bridge replacements so that medium=email&utm_campaign=Fee Justin Stevenson and Holly Smith will provide baseline data for habitat continues to be available for d%3A+sciencedaily%2Fearth_climat (RD Wildlife Management), and comparison to post-construction roosting bats in the Sonoran Desert. e+%28Earth+%26+Climate+News+-- Janine Spencer (Town of Marana) conditions. Comparisons will allow Janine Spencer +ScienceDaily%29 . met to discuss creating bat boxes the RTA, the Arizona Department of Environmental Projects Manager to fit under local bridges being Transportation (ADOT) and AzGFD Town of Marana

Mapping Tucson Birds

Do you want to know more about fund development and maintenance of Arizona Birding Trail Map, but will places to go birding in or near this resource. cover only the Tucson area, albeit Tucson? Do you know somebody Tucson Audubon’s book, Finding in more depth. There will also be coming into town that has just a Birds in Southeast Arizona, describes an online version of the map. Each couple hours one morning to go the principle places to go birding in birding location will be described on birding? Are you tied down by a southeast Arizona, including several the printed map and in more detail in busy schedule or mobility issues in or near Tucson. However, if you ask the online version. We hope to have BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, MURIEL NEDDERMEYER MURIEL SPARROW, BLACK-THROATED and can only bird locally? Do you birders where they actually go birding an initial product in the spring of 2015. have a neighbor that is interested in around Tucson, there are many more We are also beginning the process birding but wants to start someplace places our book does not have room of editing Finding Birds in Southeast easy? for. There are well over 100 eBird Arizona in order to print the next For all these reasons, and more, “hotspots” in and around Tucson. updated edition. Production of the Tucson Audubon is starting work on All of these locations are very book and the Tucson map will go hand the Tucson Birding Trail Map. We useful for local residents or visitors in hand in order to give birders in the collaborated with Tucson Parks and with limited time, even if they don’t Tucson area two world-class products Recreation Department on a Heritage rise to the level of inclusion in Finding to help them get the most out of Grant to provide some basic funding Birds in Southeast Arizona. birding here. for putting together this resource, and The map will be printed on paper Kendall Kroesen we are looking for ongoing support to and will be akin to the Southeast Urban Program Manager

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19 investigativemedia.com/, documenting the history of a gold mine in Sardinia, Threats to Bird Habitats in Southeast Arizona Italy, Augusta’s top officers have a history of walking away from their Proposed Rosemont the project’s impacts on water- which illegally made the decision to promises. dependent endangered species is take away the air permit from Pima http://rosemonteis.us/ Copper Mine much more serious than previously County on the purported basis of a The Forest Service’s Record of anticipated; and non-existent Arizona regulatory policy Decision (ROD) for the proposed Kinder Morgan Sierrita • Two pending listings of the of “regulatory certainty.” Rabago Rosemont Copper mine was Gas Pipeline Mexican garter snake and contends that “Arizona law simply delayed to provide sufficient time to The Federal Energy Regulatory the Yellow-billed cuckoo as does not allow the Governor’s Office adequately consider and respond Commission (FERC) has endangered. to reach down and interject her to the over 600 individual objections office to make internal state agency approved the 60 mile line from the A local community organization, within the 101 substantive public decisions on any specific permit or southwestern end of the Tucson Save the Scenic Santa Ritas (SSSR), comments received regarding the issue, as that is a legal statutory Mountains to Mexico and issued a retired EPA air quality expert Dr. Joel Final Environmental Impact Statement duty residing solely with the Director Certificate of Public Convenience Fisher, and Vail resident Roy Zeagler (FEIS). Responses were posted last of the ADEQ.” Rabago further and Necessity June 6th. This, have all filed lawsuits appealing the week: http://rosemonteis.us/objection- argues that ADEQ also illegally and despite Pima County’s Board of issuance of an air quality permit by the responses. While certain errata prematurely commenced its formal Supervisors (BOS) filing numerous Arizona Department of Environmental will be corrected and clarifications application review process more memos for the administrative record Quality (ADEQ). Filing in Maricopa made, the Regional Forester has than 7 months prior to ADEQ legally outlining other stakeholder’s and County, SSSR is concerned that the determined that the Forest Service taking jurisdiction over the permitting the County’s serious concerns computer model used by Rosemont has adequately complied with all process in the fall of 2011, after Pima regarding the probable adverse in its application process was not relevant and applicable environmental County had denied Rosemont an Air cultural, environmental and financial analyzed properly and that effects laws, regulations, policies, and the Quality Permit. ADEQ then issued impacts of the project, such as: of the mining operation could Coronado Forest Plan. Nevertheless, the initial draft permit to Rosemont inadequate assessment, monitoring adversely impact the viewsheds of the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) within three days of taking legal of, and mitigation for any disturbance Saguaro National Park East, cause has requested re-initiation of formal jurisdiction based on the illegal work to cultural and historic resources; Pima County to violate federal air Endangered Species Act (ESA) that it had done for the prior 7 months. creating new routes for undocumented quality standards, and potentially consultation with the FS, which will In addition, Dr. Fisher’s appeal has migrants and drug traffickers, jeopardize public health and safety. further delay final decisions on this raised numerous scientific deficiencies requiring increased law enforcement Mr. Zeagler filed in Pima County, project. The FWS made the request in the permit and data supporting activities; significant erosion and flood arguing that the air permit was faulty for additional consultation because of: the agency decision, contending the control issues; loss of, and lack of due to the ADEQ’s failure to consider permit does not account for hazardous adequate mitigation for, Conservation • The recent photographic scientific factual errors and omissions air pollutants that the mine operation Lands System (CLS) acreage and observation of an endangered presented by the public. Dr. Fisher, a would potentially emit which would parcel integrity; and a lack of a ocelot in the proposal vicinity; resident of Green Valley, filed in Pima endanger public health in violation life-of-the-project monitoring and • New information about the County and is represented by Vince of the Clean Air Act and Arizona remediation program with assured proposed mine’s potential Rabago, a former Assistant Arizona law. Dr. Fisher contends the permit financing. The pipeline will impact dewatering of critical surface Attorney General. Rabago, based was issued while essentially turning approximately 220 jurisdictional and ground water resources, on previously concealed state emails a blind eye to scientific facts and washes in the Altar Valley, each for a including Outstanding Arizona that were discovered last year, alleges comments presented by the public, minimum of 150 linear feet, and create Waters (OAWs), that indicate that that it was the Governor’s Office holding the public to standards which a series of access roads in addition to were not published beforehand, and the linear disturbance of the cleared rushing the permit, most likely due to right of way. pressure resulting from the Governor’s Subsequent to a stakeholder involvement at the outset. meeting between representatives Despite a recent hostile takeover of the Tohono O’odham Nation, by Hudbay Minerals Inc., a well- Pima County, Kinder Morgan (KM), funded, Toronto-based Canadian local landowners, members of the mining company, and numerous Altar Valley Conservation Alliance permitting difficulties which remain (AVCA), and the Coalition for Sonoran to be resolved, Rosemont has Desert Protection (including Tucson vowed to continue to pursue its Audubon), AVCA issued a press proposed mining operation. That release June 2nd stating they had Augusta accepted the bid calls into agreed to withdraw opposition to MT WRIGHTSON IN THE SANTA RITAS, KEVIN SCHRAER / CCL RITAS, THE SANTA WRIGHTSON IN MT question their claim to be invested the Project in exchange for Sierrita in the future economy of our region. providing AVCA “with significant As demonstrated by the short financial resources to aid in valley- film “Cyanide Beach” http://www. wide projects, including direct support

20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. of watershed-wide restoration of Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range the Altar Wash floodplain and its call-up area. tributary system” despite believing “To mitigate mission impacts ... I “the FEIS {Final Environmental Impact have determined that a total of five Statement} does not sufficiently miles of the power line needs to recognize the Project’s adverse be buried, in up to three separate environmental impacts, does not fully segments, so that some low-altitude evaluate alternative routes, does flight operations can occur,” Defense not prescribe sufficient construction, Secretary Chuck Hagel wrote in a operation and ongoing maintenance letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. and restoration conditions and The new requirements will requirements to prevent or adequately significantly increase the time and mitigate the Project’s impacts, and expense for SunZia, according to fails to recognize the significance of a report by our colleagues from the the expected impacts.” AVCA does not Cascabel Working Group (CWG) represent all the potentially impacted http://www.cascabelworkinggroup. landowners or stakeholders. org/SZnews.html. CWG, Pima Left with few options and little County, Tucson Audubon, the Tohono leverage, the BOS approved the KM O’odham Nation, the Coalition for One of two wildlife crossing underpasses along State Route 86 on the Tohono O’odham Pipeline at their June 17th meeting, Sonoran Desert Protection, the Nation. setting the stage for the County to Sierra Club, and numerous other issue permits required for construction groups have opposed the proposed Station, the oldest continuously enable over 20 target species of to begin, after KM stipulated to a route for the transmission line studied plot of land in the nation. wildlife to migrate safely between the one time in-lieu fee payment to the due, in part, to significant adverse Comments on the Draft Environmental Tortolita Mountains and the Santa Pima County Regional Flood Control impacts to the lower San Pedro Impact Statement (DEIS) are in Catalina Mountains, as modeled by District of $3 million for riparian losses River Valley watershed and Pima process. Dr. Paul Beier of Northern Arizona in the project area and $1 million County’s Conservation Lands http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/ University http://corridordesign.org/ to compensate for the loss of, and System, the Department of Defense’s lands_realty/southline_transmission. linkages/arizona. Wildlife fencing will impacts to, the CLS. Reimbursement Fort Huachuca Electronic Proving html eventually extend from the Canada for actual CLS losses and impacts Ground, regional wildlife linkages, and Del Oro wash to Wild’s Road, were valued at $4.9+ million. migratory bird species and Important Pima Association of funneling wildlife appropriately while KM has agreed to a 20 year Bird Areas (IBAs) in Arizona. Though Governments (PAG) improving public health and safety by commitment to photo-monitor re- SunZia has initially accepted the reducing the incidence of livestock vegetation efforts, erosion along the proposed compromise, it remains to Regional Transportation and wildlife-vehicle collisions. pipeline right-of-way and associated be seen who will foot the bill for the Authority (RTA) In addition, construction of two washes, and any impacts of illegal considerable extra expense Sponsored Wildlife wildlife crossing underpasses is well trafficking and drug smuggling in the http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/ Linkage Crossing under way in conjunction with the area. widening of State Route 86 (SR86/ prog/more/lands_realty/ Structures KM also agreed to the request of sunzia_southwest_transmission/ Ajo Way) on the Tohono O’odham Tucson Audubon was instrumental in Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman sunzia_news_and_announcements.html Nation. An overpass structure and a Ned Norris to pay for an archaeologist advocating for the voter-approved $45 total of eight miles of wildlife fencing to monitor the status of cultural Proposed Southline million funding restricted to wildlife is proposed for the second phase of resources at 32 sites every two years, Transmission Line mitigation for regional transportation the project. These structures and the within and adjacent to the right-of-way, projects and has had a seat on the associated fencing will significantly This proposal differs from SunZia to identify and address any adverse RTA Wildlife Linkages Working Group reduce deadly livestock and wildlife- in that it would primarily rely on impacts to those resources. Subcommittee since its inception. I am vehicle collisions and connect the existent Rights of Way and upgrade pleased to report that approximately Quinlan, Baboquivari and Coyote http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/ capacity while allowing for improved two years of construction have finally Mountains to the south with the results.asp access and service to local markets. begun to widen State Route 77 Comobabi, Roskruge, and Waterman Concerns include impacts to: Pima (SR77/Oracle Road), from Tangerine Mountains, to the Ironwood Forest Proposed SunZia County’s Conservation Lands Road to the Pima/Pinal County National Monument to the north, Southwest Transmission System, especially in the vicinity line. The Arizona Department of providing safe passage for 14 target of Cienega and Davidson Canyon Line Transportation’s (ADOT) project will species such as mountain lion, desert Creeks; regional wildlife movement At the end of May, a compromise add an additional 12 foot wide travel bighorn sheep, jaguar and others as corridors; migratory bird species was announced by the Department of lane in either direction for a total of modeled in Pima County’s Wildlife and Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Defense that will allow the Record of six travel lanes with 10 foot wide Connectivity Assessment http://www. Arizona, especially the Willcox Playa; Decision to be issued for the SunZia shoulders (7 foot wide with curbs in azgfd.gov/w_c/conn_Pima.shtml. Project as routed if SunZia agrees to the Department of Defense’s Fort Catalina) to facilitate bicycle use. http://rtamobility.com/RTAPlan/ bury their cable over five miles of New Huachuca Electronic Proving Ground; Two wildlife crossing structures (one RTAProjectLinks/WildlifeLinkages.aspx and the Tumamoc Hill Research overpass and one underpass) will

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21 CONSERVATION & EDUCATION NEWS

Restoration perspectives from the Simpson Farm Site

Economics of Restoration Cost-benefit analysis—results evaluation incorporating implementation costs, a.k.a. “bang for your buck”

Invasive tumbleweed removal high disturbance vs. slower and more Before we can begin planting expensive with minimal disturbance. native plants, we frequently have to We pitted the two processes against remove the established non-native each other in a replicated block invasive plants that have colonized experiment for removing Russian the areas where we work. Many thistle (tumbleweed). After germination invasives specifically target disturbed the next season, there was no ground—sunlight preferentially helps visible difference between the two growth rates of a variety of differing and eating the expensive healthy their seeds germinate and establish treatments: a good start! Randomized perennial trees, shrubs, and grasses. young plants from the bottom up (think better than many of the native and replicated germination counts in Over the years we have developed a Caddyshack!). Might it be more cost plants, especially those perennials 1m2 quadrats revealed no statistical good sense for how much mortality to effective (and potentially even lead that usually grow in the shade of a difference between the two processes. expect when transplanting nursery- to healthier plants) to drip-irrigate nurse plant. Removing the invasives With no difference in germination grown stock—whether from transplant direct-seeded plants (seeding by hand can be done by hand, which is very density the following season, the shock, failed irrigation emitters, or in specifically chosen locations as labor intensive but minimizes soil faster/cheaper removal method wins herbivory. Even with spending time to one would do transplanting nursery

disturbance. Alternately, one can the day. cage plants to protect them from the stock)? A few key species have HORST JONATHAN TUMBLEWEED REMOVAL, use a front-end loader to push all the voracious cottontails, javelina, and already sprouted (desert willow, plants out very quickly, on the right Drip-irrigated, direct seeding jackrabbits, we have yet to discover creosote, blue palo verde, mesquite, terrain, but with high levels of soil We are also conducting a series of a good way to prevent a ground Arizona cottontop). We’ll let you know disturbance: faster and cheaper with trials looking at establishment and squirrel from tunneling under a cage how they’re doing once we know!

Sciencey Stats Restoration Brings the Birds Species Overall, points South had fewer % increase species than points North Our Restoration Crew has been We utilized two survey transects Brewer’s Sparrow 267 North : 24.9±5.0 restoring bird habitat on the Simpson that were set up when the project Eastern Meadowlark 108 South : 14.6±4.2 Farm in Marana for over a decade. was first initiated—one north of and Gambel’s Quail 1100 Mann-Whitney U test, P<0.01 After all of this work, the site certainly one south of the Santa Cruz River. looks different, and we decided that Both surveys went through retired Ladder-backed Woodpecker 700 At each survey time, more species it was time to analyze whether the agricultural fields which had been Lincoln Sparrow 400 seen on North than on South ongoing work has been successful, fallow for the same duration (since Verdin 500 Paired Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, P=0.01 and to what degree. Shrubs and small the late 1970s) and neither survey Vesper Sparrow 100 trees abound, where before there was included the gallery forest along the White-crowned Sparrow 517 Native individuals per survey day either bare dirt or fields of invasive river which has been outside the Overall, South supporting fewer tumbleweed and blue panicgrass. restoration area. While the north of the river, we have been working native birds than North But have these changes substantially and south sides of the river were constantly; planting trees, shrubs, North : 393.6±266.0 altered the quality of the habitat for not completely identical in original grasses and annuals to improve South : 182.3±149.7 birds in the area? Has the diversity conditions, they’re about as similar as habitat value. We synchronously Mann-Whitney U test, P<0.037 of species changed? Has the density can be found. South of the river served surveyed both transects on a number of birds utilizing this 187 acre area as the control—no restoration work of occasions through the winter while in the restored area to the north changed since we’ve been working? has been done there. To the north (October 03, 2012–April 05, 2013)— we recorded an average of 24.9: a GAMBEL’S QUAIL FAMILY, JEREMY HAYES JEREMY FAMILY, QUAIL GAMBEL’S one pair of surveyors on the north, one whopping 70.6% increase! pair on the south. Our methodology We also looked at the density of minimized differences between the native birds utilizing the habitat. More two areas, making the results of the than 2.2x as many native individuals surveys more clearly contrast the utilized the restored area than were habitat value for birds. recorded to the south. A decade of hard work is paying off for the birds in What did we find? a big way. Over the course of the surveys we recorded an average of 14.6 species Jonathan Horst, at each survey point south of the river Restoration Ecologist

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

Arizona Field Ornithologists Wildlife Garden Plant Profile (AZFO) Annual Meeting Lynn Hassler, Garden Volunteer Captain The 8th Annual AZFO Meeting is just around the corner this This series profiles the plants that passing hummingbirds. The 2” long 3–5 October in Globe/Miami grow in the Tucson Audubon Wildlife corollas are very wide mouthed, with a theme of Arizona’s Changing Garden at University Boulevard and however, and instead of feeding Avifauna. The Saturday meeting will 5th Avenue. Stop by to see this plant front first as they do at other more be full of interesting presentations and others up close and personal. slender tubular flowers, hummers are and research on Arizona’s bird life, more likely to pierce the bases of the including reports from Gale Monson Yellow Bells, Yellow blooms in order to garner the nectar. Research Grant recipients, updates Trumpet Flower Bumblebees (Bombus species) on AZFO activities, and the always buzz in head first and are important Scientific Name: Tecoma stans fun and challenging audio and photo pollinators. Carpenter bees (Xylocopa ID quizzes. There will be a social Family: Bignoniaceae (Bignonia) species) are also frequent visitors. hour after the meeting, followed by Native range: Southeastern Arizona, In addition to the handsome a banquet dinner with a yet-to-be- southern New Mexico, western Texas, flowers which bloom continuously announced keynote speaker. Sunday Florida, Mexico, Central and South from late spring into fall, yellow bells morning will bring more mini-field America, 2000-5000 feet, typically on sport lush-looking bright green leaves, expeditions to the Sierra Ancha, Pinal rocky slopes and gravelly plains and making it a popular ornamental. Mountains, San Carlos Reservoir,

along arroyos Plants suffer cold damage at about 28 HASSLER LYNN and Wastewater Ponds and Haunted Wildlife value: Flowers attract degrees and can freeze to the ground Canyon. Meeting registration is free There are two varieties: Tecoma hummingbirds and large bees when temps reach the low 20s. Plants to AZFO members and $10 for non- stans var. stans is from subtropical The Spanish name lluvia de recover quickly, however, and new members; however, the full amount and tropical regions of the Americas, oro, rain of gold, says it all about growth looks better and produces will be applied toward a one-year has larger, lusher leaves, and is less this showy shrub with its cascading more flowers. In the absence of a membership should you decide hardy than the narrow-leaved Tecoma clusters of brilliant yellow flowers. freeze, cut plants to the ground in late to join. Visit the AZFO website at stans var. angustata, which is native Another apt Spanish name is winter to stimulate new foliage and azfo.org/annual_meetings/annual_ to southern Arizona, Texas, and trompetilla, referring to the shape blossoms. Plants can grow 4–5 feet meetings.html to learn more about the northern Mexico. of the flowers which resemble little high and 3–4 feet wide in one season! meeting and how youth can apply for trumpets, ideally formed to attract Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. an AZFO Youth Scholarship.

Conservation Corner! At Tucson Audubon we are sometimes • Use fewer seed feeders and more asked how to get rid of “pigeons.” hummingbird feeders and suet Rock Pigeons—native to Europe, cake feeders. North Africa and parts of Asia—are • Elevate your water dish off the feral and invasive in much of North ground and keep it small. America. Given their big messy poops • Eliminate architectural elements and their propensity to flock together, where pigeons can perch (use people often want to discourage them netting, mesh or spikes). from their yards. Pigeons like open areas where • Most importantly, reduce open they can look for food on the ground. ground by planting native trees, Below is some advice on how to shrubs and grasses. discourage pigeons and encourage Pigeons are often not found in native birds. places where the ground is covered

• If you feed birds, don’t spread seed with native vegetation. Fortunately, KROESEN ROCK PIGEON, KENDALL on the ground. dense native vegetation is what many In the front yard of the University Blvd. Nature Shop we sometimes get one or two Rock Pigeons, but because of the landscaping we never get flocks. • Use seed feeders that are less of our desert birds like the best! Read more about appropriate landscaping likely to drop seed on the ground. On the Tucson Audubon Web them at www.tucsonaudubon.org/ in our Guide to Food-rich Landscapes site there are answers to many other faq. VF • Switch to black oil sunflower seed for Bird and People, available at www. “frequently asked questions.” Read Kendall Kroesen rather than the grains pigeons tucsonaudubon.org/urban. prefer. Urban Program Manager

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 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 Southeastern Arizona—Day Trips offered tucsonaudubon.org/alliance for more Year-round: Local birding guides based in information, including links to member websites. Tucson and Portal. We specialize in providing *NEW flexible, personalized bird watching trips year-round GOLD in southeastern Arizona. Whether an individual GeoInnovation LLC • 520-615-3883 or a large group, we can plan a custom trip for • www.geoinnovation.com any number of days. We know where the birds Riverpark Inn • 800-551-1466 are and how to find them! We also enjoy sharing

knowledge about all other aspects of natural / CCL STERLING history (plants, mammals, reptiles, insects, etc). Adventure Birding Company • 520-495-0229 • www.adventurebirding.com ROCKJUMPER—WORLDWIDE BIRDING Mexican Sheartail Rockjumper BirdingTours • [email protected] ADVENTURES PETER R. BONO [email protected] • www.rockjumperbirding.com www.rockjumperbirding.com SOLIPASO TOURS Solipaso Tours • www.solipaso.com (USA & Canada toll-free): 1-888-990-5552 www.solipaso.com SILVER Best of Birding Cambodia & Vietnam: Baja Birds and Wine: October 15–22, 2014. Tour dates: 5–22 December 2014. Tour Price: $2600. Leader: David MacKay. This fun trip is a *Carl Zeiss Sports Optics • www.sportsoptics.zeiss.com US$ 5,525 per person sharing. http://www. winning combination of birds, fine Mexican wines, Farmers Investment Co (FICO) • sahuaritafarms.com rockjumperbirding.com/tourinfo/best-of-cambodia- gourmet food and the rugged beauty of northern Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold vietnam-2014?crumb=birding-tours-asia. Join Baja! The Valle de Guadalupe wine country is Rockjumper in Vietnam & Cambodia for endemic- becoming well-known for its high quality wines and Sundance Press • 800-528-4827 rich and mega-tick birding with highlights including is also on the cutting edge of innovative gourmet Sunglow Ranch • www.sunglowranch.com Greater Adjutant, Bengal Florican, Giant and cuisine in Mexico. Birds of interest are Gray and Tucson Electric Power • www.tep.com White-shouldered Ibis, Pale-capped Pigeon, California Thrasher, Clark’s Nutcracker and Black White-rumped Falcon, Germain’s Peacock- Oystercatcher. We visit the wine region, Ensenada, Swarovski Optik • www.swarovskioptik.com Pheasant, Orange-necked Partridge, Bar-bellied the valley of San Quintin, Bahia de San Quintin and and Blue-rumped Pittas, Black-headed Parrotbill, San Pedro Martir, starting and ending in San Diego. COPPER Grey-crowned Crocias, Green Cochoa and A Feathered Nest in Amado • 520-331-8649 Yucatan: January 5–13, 2015. $3200. Vietnamese Cutia and mammals such as Black- Leader: David MacKay. The cultural, historical Associated Benefits Specialists, Inc. • 520-219-1950 shanked Douc and Buff-cheeked Gibbon. and natural diversity of the Yucatan Peninsula Arizona Birder Casitas • www.azbirdercasitas.com Madagascar Highlights II: Tour dates: makes for a great trip. Our itinerary takes us to Bed and Bagels of Tucson • 520-603-1580 24th Sept–8 Oct 2014. Tour Prices: US$5,350 a myriad of different habitats for seeing most per person sharing. http://www.rockjumperbirding. of the regional endemics. We also visit some Brooklyn Pizza Company • 520-622-6868 com/tourinfo/madagascar-highlights-ii- of the magnificent archeological ruins, enjoy Carl Zeiss Sports Optics • www.sportsoptics.zeiss.com 2014?crumb=birding-tours-africa-and-madagascar. unique regional cuisine and explore the world For our Madagascar Highlights tour we have of the Mayan culture, which is still thriving. Bird Casitas at Smokey Springs Ranch • 520-870-8778 cherry-picked the very best of Madagascar highlights include Yucatan Flycatcher, Vireo, Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441 and are offering it as a shorter package, Woodpecker, Bobwhite, Jay, White-bellied Wren, Financial Architects • www.financial-architects.com This tour still produces all 5 endemic bird Orange Oriole, Ruddy Crake, Rose-throated families, plus an exciting selection of lemurs Tanager, Mexican Sheartail and Gray-throated Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341 and other representative wildlife. Chat. Starts in Cancun and ends in Merida. VF Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408 Leica Sport Optics • www.leica-sportoptics.com The Living Fence • 520-795-5300 AVAILABLE IN OUR NATURE SHOPS­ Visit Tucson • VisitTucson.org Opticron USA • www.opticronusa.com Lori Pascarella, Merrill Lynch • www.fa.ml.com/Lori Pima Federal Credit Union • 520-887-5010 Quailway Cottage • 520-558-0019 Ravens-Way Wild Journeys • 520-425-6425 *Staybridge Suites Tucson • 520-807-1004 *Victor Emanuel Nature Tours • www.ventbird.com WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide • www.wingsbirds.com $19.95 tucsonaudubon.org/alliance to learn more about the products and services offered by our Bird & Business Alliance partners VF $29.95

Visit Visit Germain’s Peacock Pheasant SILVAIN DE MUNCK SILVAIN

24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 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/fieldtrips, call the carpooling and any required entry fees (e.g. the trip hotline at 520-629-0510 x4, or pick up a printout at our Nature Shops. for state parks). For specific information about a 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 sun protection. Bring plenty of snacks and water for yourself. Always bring August 26—Tuesday 8 am binoculars and a field guide. For most trips a scope Benson and Willcox Ponds can be useful. Let’s see what shorebirds, gulls and terns are headed south. Meet at 8 a.m. on west side of Arrival Times Arrive before listed departure Houghton Road north of I-10 or at 8:45 am at the times. Trips will leave promptly at the time given. Benson Treatment Ponds. Back by 1 pm. It will Carpooling Sites Tucson Audubon strongly be warm! Carpooling recommended (200 mile encourages carpooling and for some trips it may round trip). No limit. You must register online at be required. Check our website for frequently used tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips. carpooling sites. You are expected to reimburse Leader: Contact John Higgins with questions, the driver for the actual cost of fuel. Drivers and trip 520-578-1830, [email protected] leaders are not expected to contribute.

Rare Bird Alert Listen to the latest rare bird alert at 520-629-0510 x3. Report rare birds at 520-629- 0510 or [email protected]. BLACK TERN, MURIEL NEDDERMEYER TERN, MURIEL BLACK

TUCSON AUDUBON’S BIRDS & BUSINESS ALLIANCE Thank you to Birds & Business Alliance Members who are

sponsoring the fourth annual Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival SMITH CHRISSY Riverpark Inn TUCSON AUDUBON Carl Zeiss Sports Optics NATURE SHOPS Swarovski Optik When you support your local Tucson Audubon Society you are supporting birds Opticron USA and bird habitat conservation. Thank you! WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide SHOP HOURS Victor Emanuel Nature Tours MAIN SHOP Monday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm, Phone: 520-629-0510 ext 7015 On the southeast corner of University Blvd and 5th Avenue. AGUA CALIENTE PARK SHOP *Thursday–Saturday, 10 am–1:30 pm BIRDS & BEER. Third Thursdays at Sky Bar: July Phone: 520-760-7881 THE TAS-IFIEDS 17, August 21, September 18, 5–7 pm. Free slice *Please call to confirm hours. The shop opens earlier and closes later during certain months. of pizza from Brooklyn Pizza, beer at happy hour CLASSIFIED ADS From Tanque Verde Rd and Houghton, continue east on prices. Share your bird photos on the big screen. Tanque Verde 2 miles. Turn left (north) onto Soldier Trail, Classified and display ads are accepted from continue north for 2 miles. Turn right (east) onto Roger Rd, individual members and members of our Birds WANTED! Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center continue ¼ mile to the park entrance on the left (north). requires sets of plates and silverware for & Business Alliance. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/ When you need a book, think of our special events. Please contact pgreen@ vfly for rates or contact Matt Griffiths mgriffiths@ Tucson Audubon Nature Shops first! tucsonaudubon.org if you can help with a donation tucsonaudubon.org to book an ad. Support your local book store. of your unwanted plates, knives, forks, or spoons.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 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 Prepare for the Tucson Bird and Wildlife Festival with titles by these *Individual featured speakers and presenters.

Name

Address

City / State / ­Zip

Email

Phone Keynote speaker Steve N.G. Howell will be Lynn Hassler, author of Hummingbirds of the ‰‰ New membership­ q Renewing membership­ leading field trips and workshops related to some American West, not only describes in detail ‰‰ Please email me about Tucson Audubon events and­ conservation ­issues. of the subjects of the books he has authored. field marks, behavioral characteristics and ‰‰ Please do not mail me Vermilion Flycatcher. Strengthen your knowledge on Hummingbirds prior habitat requirements for hummingbirds, the I’ll read it online. to the Hummingbird Safari for Beginners field trip birding authority also explains how to create a with Howell’s Hummingbirds of North America: hummingbird garden with native plants to attract DONATION The Photographic Guide. Or develop your interest hummingbirds. This title makes an excellent ‰‰I would like to support Tucson Audubon Society with an­ additional contribution of in molt and come prepared to Howell’s Got Molt? supplement for anyone planning to attend q $25 q $50 q $100 q $250.­ workshop with the Peterson Reference Guide to Lynn Hassler’s workshop, Gardening to Attract ‰‰ Tucson Audubon Frequent ­Flyer Monthly Molt in North American Birds, a guide covering the Hummingbirds. Donor Program:­ I authorize the charge of basics of the under-regarded subject of molt! $____ per month for ____ months to my Also available in the Nature Shops is Condor credit card ($5/month minimum). Spirit of the Canyon, by Robert Mesta. Mesta will Tucson Audubon Society will ­use the full amount of your tax-­ ­deductible gift for its environmental, educational and recreational ­programs. be hosting Friday’s feature presentation on the Endangered Species Act, in which he will tell and METHOD OF PAYMENT­ Additional titles by illustrate the story of the Condor and other high- ‰‰ Check (payable to Tucson Audubon Society) Howell and Hassler profile endangered birds with ties to the American ‰ q q q ‰ MasterCard Visa AMEX Discover are also available in Southwest. our Nature Shops!

Credit Card No.

Expiration Date Amount $

Signature Staff Changes at the Nature Shops Sara Pike, Operations Manager Please send your completed form with payment ­to Tucson Audubon Society,­ It is with both sadness and excitement I must Welcome to new staff 300 E. University Blvd, #120, announce that our Operations & Retail Coordinator, member Sarah Whelan (pictured Tucson, AZ 85705­ Kelly DiGiacomo, will be leaving us at the right)! Sarah will be taking over (Attn: Membership) beginning of August. I am excited for Kelly in her as Operations & Retail Coordinator. She has OR join, renew or donate­ online at new adventure with her husband in New Mexico, a creative background, and her most recent tucsonaudubon.org but am sad to see her go. She’s been wonderful to employment was with Bookman’s right here in work with and has definitely brought organization Tucson, where she wore multiple hats in all areas to the Nature Shop space, along with assisting with of retail. Sarah has an interest in conservation and many here-and-there projects for the Operations is a very beginning birder. She began her training of Tucson Audubon. Please wish Kelly the best of with us in June and will take over fully when Kelly luck should you see her before she leaves on her leaves us in August. Please welcome Sarah next new adventure! time you’re in the Shop at the Historic Y!

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

Rare Birds of North America are rich in argument, conjecture, and even outright Howell, S., I. Lewington, and W. Russell. 2014. speculation. It is suggested, for example, that the Princeton: Princeton UP. 428 pages. $35.00 — occurrence of Plain-capped Starthroats in Arizona hardcover. is part of a regular molt migration, and that the late summer records of Aztec Thrushes from our area “The great hope of every field man,” wrote Roger involve, at least in part, birds in search of breeding Tory Peterson, “is to see rare birds.” Eighty years sites at the northern edge of their range. Simply later, men and women in search of rarities have opening the book at random and reading the a secret weapon in the new Rare Birds, one of “comments” section for any species is a thought- the best and most important bird books published provoking way to prepare for your next encounter this year. In more than 350 pages of detailed with rarity. species accounts—illustrated by breathtaking and For all its wealth of information, the book is instructive paintings by Ian Lewington—we learn not always easy to use. Rather than follow any Field Guide to Birds of Colorado. how to identify some 260 birds that average five or of the currently accepted and familiar taxonomic Floyd, T. 2014. American Birding Association fewer records each year in the US and Canada. sequences, it adopts the would-be intuitive New York: Scott & Nix, Inc. 281 pages. $24.95 That arbitrary but sensible cutoff—which arrangement set forth by Howell and Lewington — softcover. defines rarity not by abundance but by frequency several years ago. Reasonable minds can differ of detection—means that any number of southeast about the utility of that system in traditional It’s a question to stymie Euclid himself: Do Arizona Arizona’s “specialty” birds are not covered: no field guides, but here, in a book intended as a and Colorado share a border? Fortunately, it Five-striped Sparrow, no Ruddy Ground-dove, reference work, the Howell sequence continually doesn’t matter one way or the other to the birds no Black-capped Gnatcatcher here. A few more sends me scurrying to the index. My annoyance is of northern and central Arizona, many of whose frequently encountered birds whose identification compounded by the authors’ decision to separate ranges spill across all four of those famous can pose problems are included—among them larger groups of birds into species of Old World corners. New and casual birders from Phoenix the Streak-backed Oriole, Berylline Hummingbird, origin and species of New World origin. There north now have an excellent resource in Ted and Plain-capped Starthroat. And Arizona birders are places in the US and Canada that “attract” Floyd’s American Birding Association Field Guide in search of unexcelled discussions of the vagrants from both hemispheres, including such to Birds of Colorado, which presents nearly 300 identification of such genuine vagrants as the vastly disparate species as, say, Baikal Teal and species of the American Southwest in stunning Baikal Teal, Brown-chested Martin, or Mexican Streak-backed Oriole. Adherence to the sequence photographs and richly informative texts. Southeast Tufted Flycatcher are absolutely in the right place. propounded by the AOU, familiar from its use in Arizona observers will find too many of our Invaluable as it is as an identification text, the checklists and the better field guides, would have specialties missing and too many locally rare birds truly significant contribution made by Rare Birds made browsing this book an even greater pleasure included, but even so we can profit enormously is its theoretical investigation of the sources of than it already is. from the stories and strategies in this book, which WINGS; ELEGANT TROGON, DOMINIC SHERONY WINGS; ELEGANT

avian vagrancy, a discussion that begins in the first / Arizona birders will not want to be without Rare reads like an informative morning afield with a 32 pages of the Introduction with a survey of six Birds. Not only does the book prepare us to identify patient expert. Arizona’s own volume is coming in possible causes of displacement in migratory birds the next vagrant that wafts our way, but it provides a couple of years, but for now, ABA Colorado is a and a detailed tabular analysis of the seasonality the reader with new ways to think about where our great choice for the new birder in the Southwest. VF and geographic origins of vagrants to the US and birds come from and why. And the only thing more Rick Wright Canada. That discussion continues, fascinatingly, fun than birding is thinking about it all. through nearly all of the species accounts, which Rick Wright

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FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER, VISIT TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG/FESTIVAL WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD, LOIS MANOWITZ; RED-FACED WARBLER, JOHN HOFFMAN; FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW, RICH C. HOYER JOHN HOFFMAN; FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW, WARBLER, WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD, LOIS MANOWITZ; RED-FACED

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. July–September 2014 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, AZ 300 E University Blvd, #120 PERMIT #1345 Tucson, AZ 85705

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Vermilion Flycatcher Volume 59, Number 3, July–September 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.

How many trees does a migrating Wilson’s Warbler need?

JUST ONE TREE. It turns out that a migrating Wilson’s Warbler can increase its weight by around ten percent in three or four days while feeding in just one velvet mesquite tree.

Tucson Audubon’s special summer appeal

Support Tucson Audubon’s development of its urban program that will promote the planting of native trees to support our migrant, visiting, and resident birds. Please donate online at tucsonaudubon.org/donate. JOAN GELLATLY

EVENTS CALENDAR page 5 • LIVING WITH NATURE page 5 • Visit tucsonaudubon.org for event updates

28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher July–September 2014