Volume XLIX, No.4 the CACTUS WREN•DIDTION JULY – AUGUST

THE CACTUS WREN•DIDTION

JULY – AUGUST, 2001

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Notes and Announcements

From the Editor - Deva Burns

Programs

Board News - And A Good Time Was Had By All

Cliff Noted

Photo Quiz

Conservation – Birds & Forest Fire

AZ Special Species – Brown-Crested Flycatcher

Field Trips Volume XLIX, No.4 Glossy Ibis photographed Field Trip Report – California Quail in Arizona by Roy Jones with Olympus Conservation – Government Contacts C-3000 digital camera through Kowa 82mm Photo Quiz Answers scope. First State Record. Sightings – March April

Photo Quiz Answers Continued

Board News – Changes in the Wind at Audubon

Birder’s Corner – Gunnison Gase Grouse LEK

To navigate to other parts of the site, scroll to the bottom of the page or use this link

PROGRAMS NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meetings are held the first invited to Riparian Institute speaking Southwest Wings sleeved shirts are available in Iris, Tuesday of each month, bring a platter about the Gilbert Riparian Birding Festival, Brick, Charcoal and Willow, large September-April, at the Phoenix of his or her Institute and The August 8-11, 2001. or XL for $15.00. Long-sleeved Zoo Auditorium. Meetings start at favorite h'ors Preserves at Neely Ranch This popular event is shirts are available in Charcoal, 7:30, and feature a speaker, book de oeuvres, and Water Ranch. held each year in Med, Large or XL, for $20.00. Add sales, refreshments, and a chance sufficiently Sierra Vista. Various $4.00 shipping and handling for the to socialize with fellow MAS large enough daylong and half-day first shirt, $1.50 for each additional members. Non-members to serve at field trips will be shirt. Please allow 3 weeks for welcome! least six October 2: Kenn conducted to such delivery. Make checks out to: people. We'll Kaufman topic: TBA places as the Maricopa Audubon Society, 1128 E provide the Chiricahua Mountains, Geneva Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282.

eating Huachuca Mountains, For info, contact Laurie Nessel at Join us for a pre-meeting dinner at utensils, the Patagonia Area, (480) 968-5614 or th November 6. Bob Stewart Pete’s 19 Tee, 1405 N Mill plates, and on the butterflies of Ramsey Canyon and [email protected]. Look Avenue, Tempe (at the Rolling Hills the drinks Arizona. Sulphur Springs for a future posting of the shirts on Golf Course) starting at 6:00 p.m. (non- Valley. Over 100 our website: NOTE: For our first meeting of the alcoholic, of species of birds are year on September 4th, there will course). normally recorded www.maricopaaudubon.org. be no pre-meeting dinner at Bring a December 4: Roseann during the festival. Pete's. It is our annual potluck. friend. Hanson from the Sky Call Southwest Wings, Each attendee is Festivities will Island Alliance. Inc. at 800-946-4777 A Birding Guide to Reno and start at 6:30 or write PO Box 3432, Beyond is published by the p.m., when Sierra Vista, AZ Lahontan Audubon Society of we'll be able 85636-3432 for Speakers wanted: If you Reno, NV. It covers 20 significant to tell one information and have ideas for speakers, or birding destinations and 25 side another reservations. if you would like to make a trips within an 80-mile radius of where we had presentation yourself, Reno. All the proceeds from the an please contact Laurie sale of the guide benefit the opportunity to Nessel, Program Chair, at conservation and education go birding this The ABA Regional (480) 968-5614 or projects of Lahontan Audubon past summer, Conference will be [email protected]. Society. The price is $10.00 and is and what held in Santa Maria, available through ABA Sales or lifers we got. CA on September 10- you can purchase it directly from The regular 14, 2001. Midway Lahontan (total with postage is meeting will between Morro Bay $11.50). Contact Lucie Clark at get underway and Santa Barbara, [email protected] or 775/831- at 7:30 p.m. near the central California coast, Santa 2909. Maria offers easy access to habitats Program including coastal bays Woodpecker Damage: A Simple topics: and estuaries, rocky Solution to a Common Problem shoreline, chaparral September is a new 8 page booklet available Scott scrub, semi-desert, 4: from Texas Parks and Wildlife Anderson of and several types of which promises an inexpensive the Gilbert woodland. For and successful way of dealing with information call woodpecker damage to man-made 800/850-2473, ext., structures, and ways that man and FROM THE EDITOR 233. woodpecker can coexist. If you would like a free copy of this

by Deva Burns booklet, send a 6x9 clasp Hassayampa envelope, addressed to yourself Preserve will follow a and including $.55 postage to How active a in their checks for $20. summer schedule tht Clifford E Shackelford, Nongame birder are Don't be embarrassed, we began May 15 and will Ornithologist, Texas Parks and you? Do you all know things happen. continue until Wildlife, 3000 IH 35 South, Suite bird every Feel free to contact me if September 15. They 100, Austin, TX 78704. Fold the weekend? Or you don't feel like calling will only be open larger envelope inside a legal do you simply Herb. As your editor I envelope and put "woodpecker COMMITTEES/ Friday, Saturda and enjoy reading receive various other Sunday from 8-5. damage" on the outside. SUPPORT about birding chapter newsletters. in Tucson's Vermilion

publications? Flycatcher has a Contacting elected officials. Activists Alert No matter permanent column listing Audubon which end of addresses and phone Adventures: Give the Look in this issue for contact Shawn Bauer the spectrum numbers for local, state, gift of discovery and names and addresses. 602-828-3607 you are on, and federal government share your love of the [email protected] you are contacts. I really environment. The important to appreciate having this program is designated Our web site an information all together in for students in grades www.maricopaaudubon.org has a environmental one place and have copied 4-6. Introduce an web master, Michell Fulton. She is Arizona Audubon organization. their idea. If you find any entire classroom (up to keeping it up to date for us. If you Council Rep Herb Fibel's mistakes in our Maricopa 32 students) to the have access to the web, please article on the County information, please wonders of nature for Herb Fibel check out our site. We also owe a upcoming let me know. just $35 (plus shipping 480-966-9246 debt of gratitude to Cliff Drowley for changes in charges). You can [email protected] originally getting us up and running the select your favorite on the web. relationship school or let Audubon between I always enjoy reading do it for you. For about bird trips our Bird Alert National orders: call 800/813- members have taken. I Audubon and 5037. Do you have an interesting story to especially enjoyed Bud Steve Ganley the local tell about birding? Please forward Johnson's detailed 480-832-8745 chapters your submissions to the Editor— directions for both the should be a Deva Burns. Check the back page Gunnison Sage Grouse wake up call Maricopa Audubon T- for address/e-mail. Actually, and the California Quail, are available for for everyone. Shirts attaching an article to an e-mail is Book Store and I enjoyed his company sale at member I know my the absolute easiest way to submit on the latter trip. As I am meetings or by mail. view may be an article. If you have pictures or Richard & Karen putting this issue to bed I They feature a Barn a bit slanted, slides, you do need to send those Kaiser am getting packed for my Owl primary flight but I would to me directly. Remember, all 602-276-3312 next adventure. In the feather overshadowing hate to see articles may not be published the next issue, I'll fill you in on the common and Latin the first month after receipt.

Wren*dition my trip to Baffin Island. I names of birds found am so excited about the in Maricopa County. Field Observations fold. It is a very good possibilitiespolar bear, Short Janet Witzeman vehicle for narwhal, and Ivory Gull. 602-840-6089 disseminating 2 information about birding and related Hospitality issues to Jeanine Baker interested Maricopa Audubon members. Do Web Page you have an idea for Michell Fulton fundraisers? 480-968-5141 If so, please [email protected] pass your ideas on to

your Board. I would also plead for those 13 people who stood us up at the May meeting to send

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

[Top of Page | Table of Contents ]

THE CACTUS WREN•DIDTION

JULY – AUGUST, 2001

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Notes and Announcements

From the Editor - Deva Burns

Programs

Board News - And A Good Time Was Had By All

Cliff Noted

Photo Quiz

Conservation – Birds & Forest Fire

AZ Special Species – Brown-Crested Flycatcher

Field Trips Volume XLIX, No.4 Field Trip Report – California Quail in Arizona Glossy Ibis photographed by Roy Jones with Olympus Conservation – Government Contacts C-3000 digital camera Photo Quiz Answers through Kowa 82mm scope. First State Record. Sightings – March April

Photo Quiz Answers Continued

Board News – Changes in the Wind at Audubon

Birder’s Corner – Gunnison Gase Grouse LEK

To navigate to other parts of the site, scroll to the bottom of the page or use this link

AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL JULY – AUGUST, 2000 PHOTO QUIZ

By Herb Fibel By Jim Burns

On May Day The nominating Outgoing Secretary, Maricopa Audubon committee, Evelyn Karen Kaiser, outgoing members celebrated Lewis, Harvey Field Trip Chair, Walter Maricopa Audubon's Beatty and Roy Thurber, and outgoing This Issue’s Clue: Different families different make-up, same bad hair. All here in Arizona 48th year with a Jones, presented a Hospitality Chair, banquet at Shalimar full slate of Evelyn Lewis were candidates for the recognized for their Country Club in Tempe. Our board. The present service and were featured speaker, Dr. board was retained presented with mounted George Archibald, with the exception certificates of the co-founder of the of Secretary and appreciation. International Crane Field Trip Unfortunately, Evelyn Foundation in Chairman. Those was rafting down the Baraboo, Wisconsin, positions will be Colorado, darn, and entertained and filled by Cynthia was unable to accept educated us about Donald and Mike hers. the plight of cranes Baker respectively.

throughout the Also, the Hospitality Chair world. He told us It takes many people to that the most had been vacated and Jeanine Baker put together a program common and the and dinner like this and rarest species of has graciously agreed to fill it. many thanks go out to cranes, Sandhills all. The only blemish and Whoopers, The position of on the otherwise perfect A) good photo, easy bird respectively, are Editor is chosen by B) good photo, difficult bird the board and they evening was that we found in the US. We had to pay for the Answer Answer learned that in many will decide whether to retain Deva dinners for the 13 places in the world Burns for another people who made cranes are positive reservations for the symbols, their year at the next board meeting. event, never canceled, presence boding never showed and happiness and good never paid. fortune for the community. Sadly, though, eleven of the worlds fifteen crane species are considered either endangered or threatened.

C) bad photo, easy bird CLIFF NOTED Answer

In 1996, before many of us even knew what a web page was, much less how to access one, Cliff Drowley, a computer whiz, informed the Maricopa Audubon Board that in order to be cyber 4 correct, Maricopa Audubon needed to have its own web page. After getting the go ahead, Cliff, with the help of Karen Stucke and Dwayne Fink, created a web page for our chapter, that has since been described by people who know about such things as one of the best Audubon websites in the country.

But a web site is not a static thing. Rather, it is a living, breathing organism, which requires constant tender loving care in the form of frequent updating and linkage with other web pages, in order to be of any ongoing value to the organization.

We pause today to honor and to thank Cliff for his contribution to Maricopa Audubon Society, and to let him know that we all appreciate the hundreds of hours and the thousands of dollars he invested in this task for no reason other than that he truly and correctly anticipated that the web page would be an advertisement and promotional tool for our chapter that would be viewed by countless web browsers seeking information each and every month about our activities

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

[Top of Page | Table of Contents ]

THE CACTUS WREN•DIDTION

JULY – AUGUST, 2001

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Notes and Announcements

From the Editor - Deva Burns

Programs

Board News - And A Good Time Was Had By All

Cliff Noted

Photo Quiz

Conservation – Birds & Forest Fire

AZ Special Species – Brown-Crested Flycatcher

Photo Quiz Answers Continued

Board News – Changes in the Wind at Audubon

Birder’s Corner – Gunnison Gase Grouse LEK

To navigate to other parts of the site, scroll to the bottom of the page or use this link

BIRDS AND FORES FIRE ARIZONA SPECIAL SPECIES:

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER By Bob Witzeman

By Jim Burns "A land ethic If we were to have to his tree farm changes the role of only Covington's mindset. These are, in Homo sapiens from cool fires here in reality, the beneficial conqueror of the the West, it would forces. Like fire, they land community to be an ecological open up overgrown Thirty years of birding have Brown-crested was formerly plain member and disaster. There are post-mature forests for come down finally to this: I called Wied's Flycatcher after citizen of it. It important wildlife and promote would readily label any th implies respect for ecological benefits tree species the Prince of Wied, a 19 Empidonax flycatcher and his fellow members from having both succession. The latest century collector. If you happily sit through another root and also respect for hot and cool issue of Audubon lament the loss of history canal before I would comfortably the community as burning fires. Many Magazine pointed out inherent in these name try to distinguish between such." birds and other that some insect changes, but applaud the Arizona's two largest Myiarchus wildlife are species actively search apparent addition of flycatchers, Ash-throated and Aldo Leopold- Sand dependent upon out fires, homing in on diagnostics, consider that all Brown-crested. Though the County Almanac hot, stand-replacing the chemical four US species of Myiarchus former is widespread throughout fires, intermediate compounds in smoke. have brown heads and the West, the latter, Myiarchus A consortium of the fires, and cool These fire-loving insects appear crested. Perhaps tyrannulus, is one of Arizona's U.S. Forest Service, fires. This mix of include wasps, wood- "Hook-billed Brown Cardinal" special species, species found an NAU forestry fire intensity types boring beetles and would have made more sense only here or more easily here professor named results in diverse robber flies. The black visually. Though they subsist than in any other state. Wallace Covington, tree species and Melanophila beetles primarily on insects and some and others, are fruit, there are many records age classes, and congregate at fires, moving forward with many beneficial arriving in time to lay of Brown-cresteds taking their multimillion- stages of forest their eggs in still- Brown-crested Flycatchers are lizards and hummingbirds. dollar "fireproofing" succession - smoldering trees. migrants to the states, common That hook would be the envy of 100,000 acres of essential to These beetles but local breeders throughout of any shrike. a Flagstaff area dynamic, apparently detect central and southern Arizona and forest. They call it productive forest flames with a pair of south Texas, with records from "pre-settlement ecosystems. infrared sensors on their southeastern California and restoration" or Granted this bill looks thorax. extreme southwestern New sometimes fire massive and bill size is one of Smokey's fire Mexico. Part of the identification prevention but it has the features used to separate suppression policy Smoke may signal problem is that they are notably already been used Brown-crested from its has impacted a widely dispersed insects late arrivals (early May) and as old-growth Myiarchus congeners, Great- host of fire- to gather, increasing notably early departures (mid- logging disguised as crested, Ash-throated, and dependent birds their chance of finding a August), so time for study is forest fireproofing. Dusky-capped, but most of and wildlife. In mate. Burned trees relatively short and of course not Proof of this is these featuresthroat color, Arizona these also provide food for many birders are doing south Covington's past amount and brightness of include Hermit growing insect Texas in the early summer pre-settlement yellow on the belly, contrast in Thrush, Hairy youngsters as well as humidity. "thinning" woodpecker, and the birds that depend on the tertial edges, rufous in the tailare only relative. It's restorations at Olive-sided these insects as prey Mount Trumbull. Flycatcher. That items. In one wasp unlikely you will have more Photographed at flycatcher needs species, the mother lays Brown-cresteds are short than one Myiarchus in your that site were 36- severely burned her eggs under distance migrants, present most binocular field for inch matriarchs forests. Under fire scorched bark, along of the year in much of Mexico, comparison. Distinguishing being sold to logging suppression with depositing a wood widespread south to Costa Rica, between Ash-throated and companies, - Arizona and the fiber-digesting fungus. found also from Columbia to Brown-crested comes down supposedly to pay West have lost Insectivorous birds northern Argentina. Here in finally to two things: voice for the cost of the much of its aspen. thrive in hot fire areas Arizona they are typically but not and the pattern of rufous in restoration thinning. Aspen is valuable with standing burned exclusively found in riparian the undertail. Sometimes enviros here for our Red- trees. areas. The accompanying are able to set a 16- naped Sapsucker, photograph was taken in a dry inch cap on these Let's protect homes and Warbling Vireo, and wash in a residential area of One author verbalizes Ash- "pre-settlement" property by only various northwest Tucson. South of throated's song as "a rolling logging schemes, fireproofing the well woodpeckers and Tucson watch (listen) for them in preer" and writes Brown- sometimes not. studied, officially swallows. lower Madera Canyon, at the crested's as "a rolling prri-di- George Bush's new accepted half-mile Sonoita Creek preserve, and whew." Another calls Ash- appointees will wildland-urban interface around the ponds at Kino throated's voice "burry," certainly oppose any distance. And let's not Springs. Closer to Phoenix they Brown-crested's "rough." Still logging size caps. Fire is throw billions of tax are reliably found along the another says Ash-throated indispensable for dollars into the "pre- Beeline Highway at Mesquite has a "rhythmic series of ha- Arizona's Buff- settlement" nonsense Wash and in the Sunflower area, wheers" and Brown-crested a breasted even one inch outside at Seven Springs near Camp This pre-settlement "series of soft burr-rs." One Flycatcher. That the 0.5-mile wildland- Creek, and northward below the scheme claims to seemingly apt description species depends urban interface. Mogollon Rim in areas such as protect homes from likens Ash-throated to a upon fire-induced Oak Creek Canyon. forest fire. In reality, clear areas in pine The cool-burning "pre- referee's whistle, but I've listened to both tapes many most of those forests. Aerial settlement" forest type millions of dollars photos of most never even remotely times and I've heard both will be wastefully forest fires show a characterized the West. Like its Myiarchus congeners, birds on the courts and spent in forests complex mosaic of The Covington Brown-cresteds are cavity playing fields. Aurally I'm just more than the 0.5 heavily burned, prescription is nothing nesters, and being the largest of not getting it. miles from homes. partially burned and more than the foot in the the Myiarchus they utilize the

Numerous studies unburned areas. door by a forestry holes of our largest have shown that if These professor to bring old- woodpeckers, Gilded Flicker and If you've been blessed with a you wish to protect burned/unburned growth logging and Gila in Arizona, Golden-fronted musical ear you'll probably be homes and property mosaic interfaces even-aged tree farms in Texas. Saguaros, fine. Otherwise try to catch you are wasting with both living and back to the West. If you cottonwoods, and sycamores are the tip of the undertail. On money if you thin standing dead trees have any doubts about favored locations, and three to our Brown-crested the and manipulate the become insect this, look how our pro- six eggs are laid on a bed of fur, undertail will show rufous all forest more than half smorgasbords for logging western feathers, and snakeskin. Brown- the way to the tips of the inner mile from that bluebirds, senators are clamoring cresteds are very aggressive webs. Ash-throateds will wildlands-urban swallows, for this "fireproofing" around the nest site and are one show brown tips all the way interface. woodpeckers etc. charade. of our few native species that across. Unless it's a juvenile They capitalize on compete successfully with The "pre-settlement" bird. Are you starting to get the copious, varied Starlings. the picture? I think the latest approach embraces food supply of the the Covington notion National Geo guide illustrates burned and tails better than Sibley. that by thinning the unburned habitats. forests we can Give me one more spring in return them to a Fire is essential for the field and maybe I'll have it. benign "pre- the survival of settlement" forest various plant type characterized species, whether by slow, cool- the flames open burning forest fires sealed cones to which will hug the release seeds, or ground and not clear the ground to reach the canopy. create conditions Buff-breasted In reality, fire burned for germination. Flycatcher: This bird is in Arizona and Harmful, exotic dependent upon forest throughout the West weeds brought in fires which create Brown-Crested Flycatcher in every possible by the livestock mosaics of meadows photographed in Tucson, AZ manner from hot to industry, are full of insects, 7/00. Photo by Jim Burns cool. reduced in number surrounded by by fire. Smokey has unburned standing trees always told us how for nesting.Jim Burns inimical bark photo Since cattle are not beetles, dwarf permanently mistletoe, gypsy removed from our moths, porcupines public forests and fires were following this "restoration" thinning, the cycle of dense conifer thickets and crown- fire laddering

continues. Cattle, by removing grass, allow conifer seedlings to germinate in excess. 6

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

[Top of Page | Table of Contents ]

THE CACTUS WREN•DIDTION

JULY – AUGUST, 2001

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Notes and Announcements

From the Editor - Deva Burns

Programs

Board News - And A Good Time Was Had By All

Cliff Noted

Photo Quiz

Conservation – Birds & Forest Fire

AZ Special Species – Brown-Crested Flycatcher

Photo Quiz Answers Continued

Board News – Changes in the Wind at Audubon

Birder’s Corner – Gunnison Gase Grouse LEK

To navigate to other parts of the site, scroll to the bottom of the page or use this link

WHERE AND WHEN – MID-JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2001 CALIFORNIA QUAIL IN ARIZONA (Recently Added to the Arizona List By the Arizona Bird Committee) By Walter Thurber

By Bud Johnson Wednesday- Car Pooling: Saturday- Saturday, There it is! Where? I don’t pressure, the birds moved Sunday, June August 8-11 see it. Over there on the south. This is an area upstream other side of the Little from Lyman Lake on the north 16-17 Colorado River. In the flowing Little Colorado River. opening under the bush. Southwest Wings Which bush etc., etc? Maricopa Birding Festival. Seminars, field Brian has seen coveys of up to White Mountains Campout – Audubon trips, and lectures 40 Quail. He had not seen many Drought conditions have eased so by wellknown You know the drill. Everyone this year until recently when he we are bringing back this popular strongly speakers else has seen the bird but was eating his lunch by the family event. Experience morning you. Finally by lining up river. A California Quail walked bird walks, beginning birder and encourages highlight one of behind Deva Burns and out and checked out what was wildflower workshops, and other the largest looking directly over her head, for lunch before wandering back activities at Greens Peak near carpooling on gatherings of you see the unmistakable into the brush. Brian is a very Springerville. Some 60 species birdwatchers in male California Quail. He has good birder and was pleased to breed here in the Apache- field trips. Arizona. (520) obviously seen the birders take us to see “his” Quail not far Sitgreaves National Forest, 3780233. Please and all their binoculars, but from Springerville. Seeing the including Williamson’s Sapsucker, Please make see Notes & figures no one is going to Quail would be easier if they Cordilleran Flycatcher, Mountain Announcements. wade across the waist high were calling. When the hens Bluebird and Western Tanager. every effort to water to get any closer. The 3 start sitting on eggs, they will be Meet Audubon members from grandchildren even get good harder to find. The Quail is across the state. Primitive camping organize your looks before the Quail tires of illustrated in the National with no facilities. Bring food as Saturday, the game and melts back into Geographic Field guide among there is no organized cookout. September 15 own carpool; the heavy brush. other guides. It is readily Limit: None. Difficulty: 2 (some distinguished from Arizona’s good birding spots are consolidate common Gamble’s Quail. handicapped accessible). Call Seven Springs California Quail have scaly coordinator or local contact person vehicles at area Join the Our local guide, Brian Heap of chests and lack the black belly of for information. search for upper St. Johns, was getting a little the Gamble’s Quail, which does Sonoran riparian concerned. We had been at it meeting not occur at the 7,000-foot avifauna in the for quite awhile and the elevation around Springerville. grandchildren’s attention span places; and/or Coordinator: Brian Heap Tonto National Forest near had been exceeded some contact 520-337-4865 Carefree. In time ago. Mark Stevenson combination, had come up from Tucson. There are a lot of other places leaders for Local Contact: Walter Thurber flowing surface From Scottsdale, Jim and nearby for birding. The Weimea water under Deva Burns and their (sp?) wildlife-viewing site is just carpooling 480-483-6450 mature sycamore grandson JP had met with 2 south of the quail area. This is and cottonwood of my grandsons for the great an area that was bought by the [email protected] assistance. It trees, attract Quail chase. We met north of state using Heritage money. It Lyman Lake on routes was the first site that they numerous is resident and fall 180/191, not far from the purchased with the money from Raven Archeological site. Saturday-Sunday, July 21-22 migrating bird gambling. The general area is recommended species. Bring a The Quail are all on private also known for other recreation lunch and water. land. Brian is involved in a and is much cooler than the that Limit: 15. sand and gravel operation valley of the sun in the summer. Chiricahua Mountains – Another Difficulty: 2. where the Quail are often On the trip we also saw a passengers hot month in Phoenix . . . Another Please contact found. He also found a number of antelope near Lyman mountain getaway! Enjoy daytime leader for slippery hillside and did a Lake. This State Park has a reimburse and evening birding in the information and slide that any Diamondback number of campsites and the Coronado National Forest near reservations. player would have been proud grandkids enjoyed the drivers 5-10 Portal. Our destinations include the of. Petroglyphs. South Fork of Cave Creek, Rustler cents per mile Park and the Southwestern Research Station of the American Leader: Herb Museum of Natural History. Some Fibel The addition of California There are several Motels in target species include Whiskered Quail to the Arizona list of Springerville, Eager and St. Screech Owl, Lucifer Hummingbird 480-966-5246 species provided us with Johns. There are some good and Elegant Trogon. Overnight another excuse to visit scenic eateries including some of the herbertsfibel@aol accommodations are limited. Bring eastern Arizona. Last year world’s hottest chili at Los Dos Legend: we had photographed the Molinos in Springerville There is lunch for Saturday. Limit: 15 Difficulty: 3 Please contact leader Eurasian Collared Dove also a museum that features nesting in nearby Eager (see artifacts from the nearby Malpais for information and reservations. Wednesday, May/June 2000 issue of the (Bad Lands) archeological site. September 19 Wrendition). Interestingly, the Tours are provided of the site Dove has also just been and the grandchildren all enjoyed Limit: Leader: Scott Burge added to the list of accepted climbing up the site. The Raven Box Canyon, bird species in Arizona. site will be open when school is Maximum 480-897-8608 Hassayampa out. After seeing the Quail, River –- This is a some went on up through the [email protected] number of deep high-walled nearby Petrified Forest and The Springerville area has canyon along the Painted Desert. By going up to long been a favorite of the participants Hassayampa Springerville through the Salt Maricopa Audubon for finding River near River Canyon and returning eastern birds such as Veery, per field trip. Wickenburg. through Payson, it made a nice American Redstart and other Flowing surface loop. Seeing the elusive quail warblers not found elsewhere Please call water provides a without it calling was especially in the state. This time a bird rare resource for nice. from the west had been early to make an assortment of added that does not normally fall migrants that enter Arizona. According to your stop over here Brian, the California Quail was and for the many originally introduced some 30 reservations. upper Sonoran years ago around St. Johns. resident bird Due to the better habitat and species. Bring a lower hunter lunch. Limit: 20. Difficulty: 2 (shallow water Difficulty crossings). Please contact Levels 1 leader for 8 information and Through 5: 1 reservations. equals very low level of Leader: Nancy London exertion, 520-684-5530 short walking [email protected] distances, considerable birding from vehicle and possibly multiple birding stops. 5 equals very high level of difficulty with respect to exertion. Longer hiking distances are expected with possible steep trails.

Reminders:

· Wear neutral colored clothing and sturdy walking shoes

· Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, head protection and water

· Avoid wearing bright colors

· Bring your binoculars

· Don’t forget to have FUN!!

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

[Top of Page | Table of Contents ]

THE CACTUS WREN•DIDTION

July – August 2001

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Notes and Announcements

From the Editor - Deva Burns

Programs

Board News - And A Good Time Was Had By All

Cliff Noted

Photo Quiz

Conservation – Birds & Forest Fire

AZ Special Species – Brown-Crested Flycatcher Glossy Ibis Field Trips Volume XLIX, No.4 photographed by Roy Field Trip Report – California Quail in Arizona Jones with Olympus C- 3000 digital camera Conservation – Government Contacts through Kowa 82mm Photo Quiz Answers scope. First State Record. Sightings – March April

Photo Quiz Answers Continued

Board News – Changes in the Wind at Audubon

Birder’s Corner – Gunnison Gase Grouse LEK

To navigate to other parts of the site, scroll to the bottom of the page or use this link

GOVERNMENT CONTACTS PHOTO QUIZ ANSWERS

How often have you thought about Sen Brenda Burns, R By Jim Burns contacting your 602/542-3160 "congress(wo)man"? Did you put it off because finding the address was There are six North American secondary tips which would a hassle? The following is a list of bird species with “crested” in be just be below and outside local and national representatives. District 18 their common name and at least of the white inner tertial Let them know what you think on dozen more that have crest but edgings, probably bright Rep Deb Gullett, R issues that are important to you. don’t carry it in their call letters, enough to show up in black 602/542-5766 After allthey are elected officials. yet mention the work to anyone, and white, are missing. This non-birder and most birders waxwing is thought to be age Rep James Kraft, R alike, and they will “cardinal.” So related and possibly 602/542-5836 pervasive is this verbal/visual contingent upon diet. Most For statewide conservation Sen Susan Gerard, R association that terms such as but not all adults birds of both information and conversation join 602/542-4480 “Texas cardinal’” (Pyrrhuloxia) sexes develop the red wing the AZ.ACTIVIST listserv on the and “black cardinal” appendages, but juvenile web. Send an e-mail message to (Phainopepla) are part of the birds do not. Some waxwings [email protected] casual birding vernacular in will show reddish tail tips, also with no subject heading. The text District 19 some parts of the country. If it’s thought to be diet related. of your message should read: crested, it must be a cardinal. Despite the missing wax, our Subscribe AZ-Activist City of Rep Ted Carpenter, R photo bird is an adult. Phoenix 602/542-1859 Juvenile Cedars sport a smaller mask with extensive

Rep Roberta Voss, R As interesting and often white where this bird’s black 602/542-5168 mysterious as the etymology of mask tapers up into the crest. Mayor Skip Rimsza common bird names is, the Bohemian Waxwings, also Sen Scott Bundgaard, R evolutionary processes which crested and masked, are Phoenix City Hall11th Floor 602/542-4136 have caused species from chunkier birds than Cedars, unrelated families to develop 200 W Washington lack white on the upper similar structural or plumage margin of the facial mask, and features is even more so. The Phoenix, AZ 85003 District 20 have white secondary tips and best scientific explanation for the a streak of yellow spots Phone: 602/262-7111 Rep Bill Brotherton, D crests is disparate species is that running sown the primaries. 602/542-4002 they evolved to add size and Fax: 602/495-5583 presence to a bird when Rep Kathi Foster, D confronting an aggressor or [email protected] 602/542-5160 defending territory. It’s doubtful Authors describing waxwings this was the thought behind the invariably turn to the word Individual City Council Members Sen Mary Hartley, D original application of the “sleek.” Plumage is soft and listed at 602/542-4485 moniker “cardinal” to a sporting velvety, uniformly gray team but, if it was, the red birds (Bohemian) or gray over Web Page on certain white helmets should peach (Cedar). The certainly have their crests shorn combination of stubby bill, www.ci.phoenix.az.us/citygov District 21 away. upswept crest, and spare but Rep Dean Cooley, R bold markings resembling

602/542-5874 racing striped gives the look Maricopa County of speed. In flight the pointed, A) Good Photo, Easy Bird Rep Marilyn Jarrett, R triangular wings enhance this county web page: 602/542-3163 jizz and cause waxwings to be mistaken for starlings. Masked Cardinal? Structurally it www.maricopa.gov Sen Russell Bowers, R seems possible. The crest is 602/542-5288 Supervisor R. Fulton Brock, R there and we see the short, thick District 1 bill of a seedeater. Northern Waxwings are gregarious at Cardinals of both sexes do have all seasons except when Phone: 602/506-1776 District 22 a black face, but it’s nothing like nesting, and they are highly this unmistakable black mask nomadic. Cedar Waxwings Supervisor Don Stapley, R District 2 Rep John Loredo, D outlined above and below in may appear at any time any 602/542-5830 white. This is a Cedar Waxwing, Phone: 602/506-7431 place in the state. In winter photographed in Oak Creed the huge flocks in the Rep Richard Miranda, D Canyon, October 1985. Despite Pinyon/Juniper habitat north Supervisor Andrew W Kunasek, 602/542-3392 R District 3 the bill profile, waxwings subsist of Flagstaff should be primarily on a diet of insects and Sen Joe Eddie Lopez, D checked carefully for the stray berries. Not that the bill is Phone: 602/506-7562 602/542-4171 Bohemian, a very sporadic hooked which undoubtedly aids visitor and much sought prize Supervisor Janice K Brewer, R in the capture of bugs and fruit. for state listers District 4 District 23 Phone: 602/506-7642 Rep Carlos Avelar, D Our quiz bird’s tail is tipped with B) Good Photo, Difficult Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox, D 602/542-3278 the typical bright yellow, but the Bird District 5 waxy red Rep Leah Landrum, D Phone: 602/506-7092 602/542-5864 This could be a True Cardinal,

Sen Linda Aguirre, D a Real Cardinal. There’s the 602/542-7830 crest and the short, State of Arizona

ARIZONA LEGISLATURE (continued on Page 12) Arizona Senate: District 24 602/542-3559 Rep Barbara Leff, R 602/542-5963 Arizona State Senate

Capitol Complex Rep Steve Tully, R 602/542-5977 GOVERNMENT CONTACTS (Continued from Page 9) 1700 W Washington Sen Dean Martin, R Phoenix, AZ 85007-2890 602/542-5284 White home page: Rep Bob Stump (District Arizona House: 602/542-4221 www.whitehouse.gov 3)

Arizona House of Representatives District 25 THOMAS SYSTEM OF THE 211 Cannon House Office LIBRARY OF CONGRESS: Building Rep Ken Cheuvront, D Capitol Complex 602/542-5895 thomas.loc.gov (searchable full text Washington, DC 20515 1700 W Washington of bills, Congressional Record, Rep Christine Weason, D extensive links) Phone: 202/225-4576 Phoenix, AZ 85007-2890 602/542-3297 Federal Web Locator: Fax: 202/225-6328 Sen Chris Cummiskey, D www.law.vill.edu 602/542-4916 GOVERNOR'S OFFICE: US Senate home page: Rep John Shadegg 602/542-4331 www.senate.gov (District 4) District 26 Fax: 602/542-1381 430 Cannon House Office Rep Jeff Hatch-Miller, R Building Jane Hull 602/542-5051 Senator John McCain Washington, DC 20515 Office of the Governor Rep Steve May, R 241 Russell Senate Office Building 602/542-5408 Phone: 202/225-3361 1700 W Washington Washington, DC 20510 Sen Tom Smith, R Fax: 202/225-3462 Phoenix, AZ 85007-2890 602/542-5955 Phone: 202/224-2235 E-mail: FAX: Senate: 602/542-3429 Fax: 202/224-2207 [email protected] House: 602/542-4511 District 27 E-mail:

http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ Rep Meg Burton Cahill, D [email protected]

602/542-5896

Rep Jim Kolbe (District Rep Laura Knaperek, R see website for e-mail addresses Senator John Kyl 5) 602/542-5169 724 Hart Senate Office Building 205 Cannon House Office Sen Harry Mitchell, D Building District 6 602/542-4124 Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 Rep John Huppenthal, R Phone: 202/224-4521 602.542.5898 Phone: 202/225-2542 District 28 Fax: 202/224-2207 Rep Robert Robson, R Fax: 202/225-0378 Rep Carolyn Allen, R E-mail: [email protected] 602/542-5549 602/542-4225 E-mail: House of Representatives home Sen Lori Daniels, R Rep Wes Marsh, R page: www.house.gov [email protected] 602/542-5503 602/542-4178 Sen Randall Gnant, R 602/542-4138 Rep Matt Salmon (District 1) Rep JD Hayworth (District 6) District 7 115 Cannon Building 1023 Longworth House Rep Cheryl Chase, D District 29 Washington, DC 20515 Building Ste B 602/542-5030 Rep Mark Anderson, R Phone: 202/225-2635 Washington, DC 20515 Rep Mark Clark, D 602/542-4371 602/542-5829 Fax: 202/225-3405 Phone: 202/225-2190 or Rep Russell Pearce, R 800/874-0467 Sen Peter Rios, D 602/542-5760 E-mail: 602/542-5685 Fax: 202/225-8819 Sen David Petersen, R [email protected] 602/542-4481 E-mail:

District 15 [email protected] Rep Ed Pastor (District 2) Rep Robert Blendu, R District 30 602/542-5894 2465 Rayburn House Office Building Rep Eddie Farnsworth, R Washington, DC 20515 Rep Lowell "Mike" Gleason, R 602/542-5735 602/542-5409 Rep Karen Johnson, R Phone: 202/225-4065 602/542-4467 Sen Edward J Cirillo, R Fax: 202/225-1655 602/542-4173 Sen Jay Blanchard, D 602/542-5325 10

District 16

Rep Linda Gray, R Federal 602/542-3376 PRESIDENT George W Bush Rep Jim Weiers, R 602/542-4639 The White House

Sen Darden Hamilton, R 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue 602/542-5261 Washington, DC 20500

Phone: 202/456-1111 District 17 E-mail: Rep Phil Hanson, R [email protected] 602/542-3255

Rep John Nelson, R Continued on Page 10 602/542-5872

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

[Top of Page | Table of Contents ]

THE CACTUS WREN•DIDTION

JULY – AUGUST, 2001

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Notes and Announcements

From the Editor - Deva Burns

Programs

Board News - And A Good Time Was Had By All

Cliff Noted

Photo Quiz

Conservation – Birds & Forest Fire

AZ Special Species – Brown-Crested Flycatcher

Photo Quiz Answers Continued

Board News – Changes in the Wind at Audubon

Birder’s Corner – Gunnison Gase Grouse LEK

To navigate to other parts of the site, scroll to the bottom of the page or use this link

SIGHTINGS – MARCH & APRIL 2001 SIGHTINGS – PHOTO QUIZ ANSWERS (con’t. from Pg11) (Continued From Page 10)

By Janet Witzeman Sparrow, seen and Stubby seedeater ones. Imagine a heard singing in a bill. The plumage raptor getting in your After 13 yars of until Mar. 10 (SG). Owls are still present Phoenix yard and a looks right this time, face like reveiveing bird Two female com. along Baseline Rd Tempe Yard the first the black on the hummingbirds will records, preparing Goldeneyes were West of 51st Ave.; six week in April, face running up often do! The trade- and recording a seen below were seen in that probably wintered in from the chin, off For proximity to weekly report that Roosevelt Dam Mar. area Apr. 15 (RD). A those areas (fide enclosing the eye, our small species is was available by 5 (RJ, JJ, DC) and a male Calliope SG). and extending that they are nervous telephone (the MAS few females were Hummingbird was across the lower and flighty. They Rare BirdAlert), reported at the Gila found at the forehead. This won’t pose for long. Steve Ganley is Bend Sewage Ponds Hassayampa River looks like your Even with binoculars retiring from that Mar. 9 (AS, HD); one Preserve (hereafter A Lapland generic crested this can be a problem, job. We hope late-staying male was HRP) Mar. 31 (MB); Longspur was backyard so whenever you see someone will seen at the Water there have been only photographed at a seedeater. To bad a perfectly exposed, volunteer to take his Ranch Ponds Apr. 4 two previous low sod farm e. of we’ve lost the frame filling photo of a place. On behalf of (JB, SG) and one elevation spring Scottsdale Feb. 25 brilliant, uniform red small bird, know that MAS and all of the very late female was records in the (AS), and a by Mar. in this black and the primary ingredient birder in and out of found at the 91st Ave. county. The Lewis’s 9, seven Lapland white print of good bird Arizona who Ponds May 4 (DL, Woodpecker that Longspurs and a photography is pure benefited from his HM). There have was wintering in female McCown’s dumb luck. service, I want to been only three Tolleson, was still Longspur were thank Steve and say previous April county present there Mar. discovered there; Too easy, right? how much his time records for this 24 (BG). The male both species After three years and effort were species and no and female continued to be and last issue’s This Bridled Cardinal appreciated. Many previous May Williamson’s observed at least empids, I would popped up right next of the records records. Four Sapsuckers, that until Mar. 12 (RJ, JJ hope I’ve got you to me as I sat at the reported in this Hooded Mergansers were wintering in et al.). There was looking at bill Spofford’s feeders column were were seen at the Encanto Park, were only one previous shapes. Or is it just near Portal in because of Steve’s Pavilions Shopping still present Mar. 12 county record for too hard visually to November 1999, too having disseminated Center ponds Mar. (fide SG). each of these get past a Northern close to focus on its information received 15 (AS). High species. Cardinal’s red and eye until it flipped from birders. numbers of Red- notice its bill? The around and faced

breasted mergansers red bill of our away from me. The A N. Beardless Northern Cardinal is bird was long gone (unusual away from The Tyrannulet, Common thick, straight, and before I would have Even though many the Colorado River) Grackle, found at were found along the discovered at the pointed. That does had time to move to birders post their HRP Apr. 8-13 (NL), Apache Lake Feb not describe the bill the right to get the sightings on the Salt River below 27, remained at Roosevelt Dam; 60 provided only the on our quiz birds. It sun behind me. At web, I would like to third record for least until Mar. 18 has a thick bill which least side-lit is better remind them to also were counted there (BH). A Lesser on Mar. 1 (DC), 37 Maricopa County. A is noticeably curved than backlit. The email or call me with Dusky Flycatcher Goldfinch was seen and blunt. We’re in bright shaft of side their unusual females and 50 at a completed nest males were counted was observed along the right genus, but light provides a nice observations: the Gila River near along the road to this isn’t Cardinalis profiled look at this [email protected] Mar. 5 (RJ, JJ. DC) Seven Springs on and at least 45 were Estrella Parkway cardinalis (Northern bird’s crest, seedeater or 602-840-6089. Apr. 22 (TC). An the early date of Cardinal). This is bill, and diagnostic still present Mar. 18 Mar. 14 (BD, AV); (BH). Three females Eastern Phoebe, Cardinalis sinuatus, facial markings. st the species does not were seen on found at the 91 and in living color usually nest untile the field the odd, A Horned grebe was Canyon Lake Mar. 5 Ave. cobble ponds mid-May. observed down (RJ, JJ, DC). Mar. 17 (TC), parrot-like bill with its curved upper Of course this is not a stream from probably wintered in cardinal, but on more mandible and Roosevelt Dam Mar. that area and added than one occasion I 1 (DC) and one was another number to Highlights from s.e zigzag cutting A pair of Osprey edges, is never red. have watched non- still present at the three that were Arizona; A Fulvous birders refer to timice Canyon lake with were seen along the found elsewhere in Whistl-ing-Duck It is yellow changing Gila River at the jack to gray in the winter as cardinals, citing the 100 Western Grebes the county during the was discovered at obvious crest as Mar. 5 (RJ, JJ, DC). rabbit Rd. crossing winter. A Scissor- Kino Springs Apr. 18 and gray in young Apr. 22 and perhaps birds. proof. Bridled A Clark’s Grebe, tailed Flycatcher (NM). Individula Titmouse is one of seen at the Water will nest there (TC). was discovered Broad-winged A red-shouldered those rare birds aptly Ranch Ponds in across the Verde Hawks were found named, the black Gilbert Apr. 15 (SG), Hawk was observed River from Dead in Miller Canyon Apr. at Tuba City in n. This Pyrrhuloxia facial lines resembling was almost two Horse Ranch State 22 and at Dudleyville was photographed the bridle used on weeks later than Arizona from Feb. 16 Park Apr. 28 (DVG). Apr. 24 (CB). A until at least Mar. 12 at Lake Patagonia riding horses. And of previous spring male Blue-winged State Park, course you’ve been (RR). Numbers of occurrences in the Warbler was November 2000. In wondering about the county. Sixteen AM Swainson’s Hawks discovered at the A Cassin’s Vireo and color the apparent origin of “titmouse.” White Pelicans were are usually seen San Pedro River Inn a Plumbeous Vireo black on the crest, Titr is Old Icelandic counted on during their migration Apr. 14 (RH). The were observed at the face, and wings is a for “small,” mase old McCormick Ranch through the county in male Magnolia HRP Mar. 31 (MB). deep rosy red, and English for “bird.” Pond Mar. 24 (HB). April and early May; Warbler, found in 25 were seen in a The Steller’s Jays the splash of paler Numbers of Continental Feb. 18, that wintered at Coon rose on the bird’s Beotropic field on Broadway remained at least st Bluff remained at chest and belly is Cormarants west of 91 Ave. until Apr 16 (RT). Most crested birds least until Mar. 26 striking against the continued to be Apr. 1 (TC, NS). A The Rufous-capped can raise or lower the and one Boyce uniform gray seen at the 91st clapper Rail was Warbler in French background color. crest at will. Titmice heard along the Gila Thompson Joe Canyon was will be at “full crest” Ave. cobble ponds Arboretum (hereafter Many consider the in mid-March (TC) river near Jackrabbit observed building a Pyrrhuloxia, with its when agitated, and it Rd. Apr. 22 (TC). BTA) was still nest Apr. 25 (DS) seems titmice are and eight were present Apr. 1 (fide softer reds and observed along the and by early May a subtle contrasts, to usually agitated about SG). A Mexican Jay, Gila River near second Rufouse- be a more beautiful something. Next time very unusual in the capped Warberl was notice that the crest Estrella Parkway An Am. Golden lowlands and part of bird than its garish Apr. 22 (TC). detected there (fide congener. The itself is gray matching Plover was the winter’s invasion SG) the bird’s back and discovered at the of high elevation unique bill is thought to be an adaptation nape, and is only out- Water Ranch Ponds species in the for opening lined in black, And An Am. Bittern was Apr. 4 (JBu, SG); lowlands, was nest time you see a there have been only observed in a south Abbreviations: mesquite beans, a found along the Salt favorite winter food crested bird th six previous spring Phoenix yard Mar. 3- Boyce Thompson remember the River at 115 Ave. records in the county 27 (MC). Arboretum (BTA), item. Mar. 17 (TC). Two purpose of the crest. – all later in April and Hassayampa River It is a distraction new Great Blue in May. Black- Preserve (HRP). device, and it works Heron rookeries necked stilts do not were discovered Two Mt. Chickadees C) Bad Photo, on birders just as it usually begin nesting Easy Bird works on predators. along the Gila River until the end of April and two White- Apr 22: one breasted Nuthatches Observers You are drawn or early may, so it visually to the least upstream from was unusual to find remained at Granite Mike Baker, Jack important part of the Estrella Mr. Park some sitting on nests Reef Picnic Area at Everything about Bartley, Harvey bird and you neglect containing 15-25 at the Water Ranch least until Mar. 7 photography is a Beatty, Chris to look closely at active nests and the Ponds the first week (SG). The Rufous- trade-off and this is Benesh, Josh Burns, structure, behavior, other n.e. of in April (SG) and to backed Robin, that doubly true of bird Matt Chew, Dale and maybe even Jackrabbit Rd. find four early nests wintered in photography. Clark, Troy Corman, plumage features. containing 20-40 (three with eggs) downtown Phoenix, Typically, larger Bix Demaree, Rich The next time you see active nests (TC). south of Laveen Apr. remained at least species have a Ditch, Steve Ganley, crested birds in this Three hundred 15 (TC). The until Mar. 12 (fide larger “comfort Bill Grossi, Bill photo quiz, it’s going Cattle Egrets in previous early date SG). The Brown zone” and will not Higgins, Rob Hunt, to be much harder breeding plumage for nesting as Apr. Thrasher that allow nearly as Jill Jonews, Roy were observed near 21, 1972. Am wintered at BTA, was close and approach th Jones, Nancy 75 Ave. and Avocets also nested still present Mar. 19 as smaller London, Norma Baseline Rd. Mar. about three weeks (CT). Yellow Miller, Henry 31 (MB) earlier than usual this Warblers were Messing, Rob year-several sets of present and singing st Pearson, Roger young were at the 91 Ave. Radd, David Sibley, discovered at the cobble ponds in mid- Five pairs of Black- Norm Shrout, Andy Water Ranch Ponds March, about a week bellied Whistling Spencer, Rick the first week of April earlier than usual Ducks ere observed Taylor, Carl Tomoff, (SG). A Marbled (TC). A N. at four ponds Anita Van Auken, Godwit was found Waterthrush was st Doug Van Gausig between 91 Ave. with a group of 65 found at Indian and El Mirage Rd. long-billed curlews at School Park (Hayden Apr. 1 (TC). The 75th Ave. and and Indian School 12 Eurasian Wigeon in Baseline Rd. on the Rd.) Apr. 24 and Indian Bend Wash early date of March remained until Apr. remained at least 31 (MB). There were 27 (Lba et al.). no previous spring

records of Marbled Godwit in the county Two mail Indigo before mid-April. Buntings were seen Three Franklin’s at Needle Rock, Gulls in breeding along the Verde plumage were River on the early observed at the date of Mar. 31 (RP), Water Ranch Ponds a month earlier than Mar. 30 (AS, SG). usual. Individual White-throated.

It was good news to learn that Burrowing. Continued on Page 12

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

[Top of Page | Table of Contents ]

THE CACTUS WREN•DIDTION

JULY – AUGUST, 2001

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Notes and Announcements

From the Editor - Deva Burns

Programs

Board News - And A Good Time Was Had By All

Cliff Noted

Photo Quiz

Conservation – Birds & Forest Fire

AZ Special Species – Brown-Crested Flycatcher

Photo Quiz Answers Continued

Board News – Changes in the Wind at Audubon

Birder’s Corner – Gunnison Gase Grouse LEK

To navigate to other parts of the site, scroll to the bottom of the page or use this link

CHANGED IN THE WIND AT THE AUDUBON GUNNISON SAGE GROUSE LEK (RECENTLY SPLIT FORM ‘SAGE GROUSE’)

By Herb Fibel By Bud Johnson

There are major past ten years in three or four year changes in direction comparison to those period. At this moment The sunrise was just getting Gunnison National Park that is and focus occurring of other national it is difficult to gage the serious when the ‘ugly birder’ west of Gunnison. On the trip we within your Audubon environmental impact of this change, arrived. You know the ones they saw over a hundred deer, 50 Society. One of these organizations. In fact, but we can already never follow directions like antelope and a dozen elk. The has to do with a during this period, anticipate that this is “always stay behind the leader so only realistic time to see the change in how your there has been a net going to put a major you do not spook the birds”, or Grouse is when they are National Audubon loss in National squeeze on our annual “let others have a turn after you performing at the lek. This is dues are divided up. Audubon income projections. It have seen the bird in the scope during late March to early May The major source of membership. The new also means that each of so all can see it before it leaves”. with the peak activity in mid April. funds for our chapter dues share plan is us is going to have to Somehow they do not believe The figure below shows the lek over the years has extremely become an Audubon etiquette rules applies to them. area and directions to the site. It been the receipt of a complicated, but, Society salesperson. Since the Gunnison Sage is suggested that one makes a dues share from essentially, the $5.50 Additionally, we are Grouse lek site was off the main trial run the day before to ensure National Audubon a year is being going to have to come road, the ugly birder must have the performance area can be Society. For as long reduced to $1.34, up with other seen the directions to the site found in the morning before as this writer has roughly a quarter of fundraising ideas in and read the instructions for ones sunrise. been a member, what it was formerly. order to offset this loss. behavior at the lek: National Audubon However, the sent the chapters chapters will receive $5.50 a year for each more for locally A similar approach of going out member recruited and recruited members. Over and above the DO NOT ARRIVE ANY LATER early was taken a few years ago retained by National Since the ratio of cost of publishing and THAN AN HOUR BEFORE to see the Prairie Chicken lek by Audubon Society, and locally recruited distributing the Cactus SUNRISE. Roswell, NM. A cock and a $15.00 for each new members to nationally Wren-dition, our couple of hens were at the lek in DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR member recruited by recruited members in expenses are even now the afternoon so the trip in the CAR, WHICH WILL SERVE AS the chapter. National our chapter and in relatively minor. It dark the next morning was not A BLIND. Audubon maintains most others is around would be extremely really needed. Of course, seeing that it is losing money one in ten, local difficult to cut them back the birds displaying is well worth much further. So, one DO NOT TURN ON ANY the price of admission before under this chapters will have to LIGHTS. arrangement, for a recruit more than ten of the major challenges dawn. number of reasons, times as many new your board is going to DO NOT MAKE NOISE. the most important of members as they are have to meet over the which, it claims, is recruiting now, just to next several years and beyond is to reduce the Looking for Gallinaceous birds that it costs more than keep the annual dues seems to bring out all sorts of cost of publication and As you may have guessed it by what National share amount equal to serendipity. In trying for the distribution of the now, the ugly birder arrived late, Audubon is getting what it was larger Sage Grouse a few years Cactus Wren-dition to pulled up next to me and out of it for each new previously. In real ago, a before sunrise start was an amount that is about proceeded to set up his scope member National terms this means that made from Susanville, in northern equal to the reduced outside the car. Of course Audubon recruits. whereas the chapter CA. Late arrival had precluded dues share that we will opening the door of the car Additionally, National recruited maybe 200 checking out the site in the be receiving from turned on the interior light and Audubon admits that new members each daylight, but upon leaving the National Audubon. the door was very noisy. By then its membership year, it would have to Motel, a string of cars was noted the dozen or so Grouse had recruitment efforts recruit close to 2,000! heading in the direction of the enough and flew off the lek. The have not been lek. Since it was too early for a 3 males and 8 females particularly successful This is only one of a funeral, the line of cars was miraculously flew right over the over the number of changes in followed. It turned out to be an Because of a hue and half dozen assembled cars. One direction by National Audubon field trip going to see cry from the local male flew right over my vehicle at Audubon. I will be the Sage Grouse lek! chapters, this change such a low flight path that I discussing other is being phased in instinctively ducked. It was like a changes in future over a B52 on final. There was some articles. poetic justice since the ugly There are several Motels in birder was bent over adjusting Gunnison, some good eateries his tripod and did not see the and a museum that features birds! railroad memorabilia. On the way to Gunnison, we passed through Santa Fe and Taos, NM, plus Antonito, CO. The latter is one If you want to add the nearby end of the Cumbres, NM to Gunnison Sage Grouse to your Antonito, CO narrow gauge list, there are several good railroad that goes over a 10,000- references available and the foot pass. This is a great train Gunnison, CO Chamber of ride, but takes a day for the round Commerce is very helpful. The trip. bird is illustrated in the National Geographic Field guide. There “At this moment it are also great photographs in the is difficult to gauge August 2000 issue of ‘Birding’ The species is under the impact of this plus interesting reading on the consideration for listing as change, but we can reasons for splitting the species endangered and the sooner you already anticipate from the other, somewhat larger, go the more likely that you can that this is going to Sage Grouse. This species was get to see this colorful bird on the put a major once found in Arizona but habitat dancing grounds. Just watch out squeeze on our loss from over grazing has for the ugly birder. Now is not too annual income extirpated them. early to plan having Gunnison projections.” Sage Grouse for Easter 2002.

A Southwest Airline sale on flights to Albuquerque from The Chamber provided for free a Phoenix for $30 precipitated my nice pamphlet on the grouse, a trip. One can drive from Phoenix great area activity book, a map to Gunnison, but it is quite a bit and directions to the lek, an order shorter to rent a car in blank for more maps and material Albuquerque or Denver. The car in the area, and a sheet on a rental company had some guide service that could include problem with my compact car the sage grouse. reservation so they substituted a bright red Grand Cherokee Jeep

with full time 4 wheel drive. The Gunnison Country Chamber of jeep came in handy going up over Monarch pass at 11,300- Commerce, foot elevation and during the snowstorm we encountered in PO Box 36; Gunnison, CO 81230; Taos. The 1400 miles we put on http://gunnisonchamber.com the vehicle was through some (970) 641-1501 beautiful New Mexico and Colorado countryside.

Gunnison Sage Grouse web site: We went over the bridge by Taos 13 Bureau of Land Management that is very high above the Rio (970) 641-0471 Grande. We also checked out the Black Canyon of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (970) 641-0088

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

[Top of Page | Table of Contents ]