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March 2003 Vermilionlycatcher Tucson Audubon Society F www.tucsonaudubon.org Leaders in Conservation & Education since 1949 Volume 47, Number 6 ISSN 1094-9909 Threatened Changes to Clean Water Act

Compiled by Sonja Macys, Executive Director

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Pro- In Arizona, small waterways play a criti- tection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps cal role in human and natural health, and of Engineers (Corps), announced two propos- provide habitat for migratory birds. In 1985, als that could roll back critical provisions of there were no Section 404 permits required Birdathon the Clean Water Act. Advance Notice of Pro- in Pima County. Today, section 404 influences is Coming! posed Rulemaking on the Clean Water Act development due to efforts to avoid or mini- Birdwatch your Regulatory Definition of “Waters of the United mize impacts because a streamlined permit pro- way to a healthier States” appeared in the Federal Register on cess is available for those projects that disturb th environment by January 15 . The rulemaking concerns what less than one-half acre of the jurisdictional wa- participating in kind of bodies of water the government must, ters. Projects that require permits generally have Tucson Audubon’s by law, protect under the Clean Water Act. lessened impacts under the program. Further- Birdathon A Supreme Court decision in early 2001 more, natural hydrological connections are more fundraiser (see (Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County likely to be maintained. pages 14-15). [SWANCC] vs. the U.S. Army Corps of Engi- This proposal is a significant change to the neers) determined that they should only be con- Clean Water Act with regards to which waters cerned with “navigable waters.” should be protected. The change has been an- Non-navigable waters, including small lakes, nounced and is open for public comment. intermittent streams and washes, and anything Please weigh in by March 3, 2003 and urge Inside else not connected to a navigable body of wa- the Administration to protect all of America’s ter, are not of concern. waters! This is a federal policy decision; how- Calendar ...... 10 As a result, “temporary and isolated bod- ever, its impacts on local conservation will be Conservation News ... 4 ies of water” where most amphibians and profound. Dastardly Duos ...... 22 many reptiles live and breed, will receive the National Audubon Society and American Director’s Perch ...... 2 minimum of protection. Rivers have taken a lead on this issue. For more Field Trips ...... 6 The Administration issued a “guidance” information, please see their websites Field Trip Reports ...... 8 to Corps and EPA staff on how to determine (www.audubon.org/campaign/cleanwater.html, Mason Audubon Center which waterways receive protection under the www.americanrivers.org). News ...... 12 Clean Water Act. Staff must now get permis- To submit a comment online and to view Meeting program ...... 28 sion from their respective agencies before ex- others’ comments visit www.epa.gov/owow/ Membership tending Clean Water Act protections to iso- wetlands/swanccnav.html. Information ...... 20 lated wetlands. Time is of the essence! J Nature Shop ...... 16 President’s Mess...... 3 Important March 15 Events RBA Highlights ...... 21 TAS Travel ...... 23 After the Tucson Audubon membership meeting in Green Valley on March 15 (see Thanks & Wishes ..... 27 page 11), continue on to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge to help them Web Corner ...... 25 celebrate their centennial (see page 5)! 2 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Officers Directors Perch by Sonja Macys President, Roger Wolf ...... 882-9633 Vice President, Floyd Gray ...... 670-5582 Secretary, Bill Mannan ...... 621-7283 will protect existing CFPOs and allow Treasurer, Walter Kavanagh ...... 621-1750 My first trip to Tucson’s northwest Directors at Large side was in August of 2001. I was in- for expansion of the population.” The Wendy Burroughs Brian Powell terviewing for my job as Executive Di- clearest and most direct action to pro- 578-3650 670-5830 rector of the Tucson Audubon Society. tect existing CFPOs would be to pro- Don Eagle Susan Randolph 629-0510 629-0510 What I remember most distinctly about tect the habitat upon which the spe- Kristi Keller Peter Salomon the visit was the presence of trees in cies depends. To this end, the USFWS 629-0510 298-9697 Lawrence Liese Linda Stitzer boxes on Thornydale Road. Why were has released a proposal to designate 743-3520 297-3173 they there? Was it someone’s curious critical habitat. However, in compar- Chris McVie David Yetman 629-0510 621-2484 idea of landscaping? ing the draft recovery plan and the Robert Merideth Further inquiry led me to under- critical habitat proposal, one finds 884-4393 stand that this was Pima County’s miti- anomalies that have yet to be ad- Board Committees gation effort for disturbance to Cactus equately explained. Conservation, Bill Mannan ...... 621-7283 Ferruginous Pygmy-owl (CFPO) habi- For example, the critical habitat Education, Susan Randolph ...... 629-0510 tat. That was the beginning of my part designation does not include areas that Development, Robert Merideth ...... 884-4393 the recovery plan has identified as nec- Nominating, Susan Randolph ...... 629-0510 in an arduous battle for the recovery of Community Presence, Linda Stitzer ...... 297-3173 this tiny, neo-tropical owl whose num- essary for the CFPO’s survival. Of par- Programs and Activities bers have declined drastically in recent ticular concern is the 15% reduction Bird Alert ...... 798-1005 years. For me, the battle had just be- of lands identified in Critical Habitat Bird Reporting ...... 696-4461 gun, but local and national environ- Unit (CHU) 3, lands on Tucson’s Bird Census, Susan Birky ...... 743-9390 Library, Bill Scott ...... 887-5813 mental organizations like Tucson Au- northwest side. The reduction is par- Mailing, Gerald Sweeney ...... 326-3701 dubon, the Coalition for Sonoran ticularly surprising given that the area Field Trips, John Higgins ...... 578-1830 Program, Tom DeMoss ...... 296-2963 Desert Protection, the Center for Bio- contains 35% of owls and 40% of nests Membership & Hospitality ...... (vacant) logical Diversity, Defenders of Wild- since 1999; it “includes the most con- life, Desert Watch and many others tiguous and highest-quality pygmy-owl Audubon Nature Shop & Offices had already been fighting this battle habitat in Arizona... has one of the 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 for many years, even prior to the highest known densities of pygmy-owls Nature Shop Hours: Mon.Sat. 104, Mon. & Thu. 105 Shop Manager, Judy Edison 1997 listing of the CFPO as an en- in Arizona, and is one of only four ar- Asst. Shop Manager, Susan Birky dangered species. eas in the state with documented breed- (520) 629-0510 Fax: (520) 623-3476 Since the species’ listing, little ing pygmy-owls.” It also “remains an www.tucsonaudubon.org [email protected] progress has been made toward its re- essential component of pygmy-owl Executive Director, Sonja Macys ...... 622-5622 covery. In fact, its numbers have de- conservation because it supports one of Asst to ED, Jessie Shinn ...... 628-1730 MAC Outreach Coord., Jamie Brown ..... 744-0004 clined from 41 in 1999 to 18 at present. the highest densities of breeding Education Prog. Man., Carrie Dean ...... 629-0757 What are the main reasons for the owl’s pygmy-owls in Arizona, contributes to Education Specialist, Dan Wolgast ...... 744-0004 continued decline? Development on recruitment of the population, contains Development Director, Holly Foster ...... 629-0757 the northwest side continues to reduce a significant amount of high-quality Restoration Projects, Ann Phillips ...... 206-9900 Cons. Biol./IBA Coord., Scott Wilbor .... 629-0757 the quantity of habitat suitable for the habitat, and provides all of the primary Prmclt./Com. Spec., Kendall Kroesen .. 206-9900 owl. Government agencies, scientists, constituent elements.” Editors, Jane & Warren Tisdale ...... 749-2139 conservationists, developers, and pri- It is curious that although nothing [email protected] vate property rights advocates continue has changed its suitability as critical Mission Statement TAS is dedicated to improving the quality of to argue about what is necessary for its habitat since the last designation, the the environment by providing education, conser- recovery. A draft recovery plan, a area has been dropped from the criti- vation, and recreation programs, and environmental leadership and information. document that would outline the es- cal habitat proposal. Is it coincidence Tucson Audubon Society is a non-profit vol- sential steps towards recovery, was not that this area is also where development unteer organization of people with a common interest in birding and natural history. TAS main- forthcoming. pressures are most intense? tains offices in Tucson, an extensive library, and On January 23, 2003, the USFWS a Nature Shop where nature-related items are The United States Fish and Wild- sold for the benefit of TAS programs, (520) 629-0510. life Service (USFWS) has finally re- held a public hearing to provide the op- The Vermilion Flycatcher is published monthly except for combined May-Jun., Jul.- leased the draft recovery plan for pub- portunity for public comment on the Aug., and Dec.-Jan. issues. For address changes lic for comment, six years after the spe- critical habitat proposal. Tucson Audu- or subscription problems call (520) 628-1730, or write to TAS (see info on page 20). Submissions cies was listed. One of the document’s bon Society staff, members of the board for the April Flycatcher are due by March 7. objectives is to “propose actions that of directors, volunteers, and interns March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 3 were present at the hearing to express Presidents Message by Roger Wolf concern over the habitat that was identified in the recovery plan as crucial to the birds’ recovery, yet was omitted Conservative Conservationists the space shuttle Colombia, is described from the critical habitat designation. Do they exist? Yes! Even Republi- as the leader of the “green Republi- Written comments on the designation cans can be conservationists, I am cans.” Our Senator McCain voted will be accepted until February 25, happy to report. In spite of what you against drilling for oil in the Arctic last 2003. All of Tucson Audubon’s repre- read about the Bush administration’s year, and though Ronald Reagan has sentatives expressed their support for relentless rollback of rural relief, there been blamed for polarizing the politi- the inclusion of new areas as critical are Republicans who dissent, and do cal parties on the environment, many habitat, and their opposition to the so with eloquence, style and apparently environmental gains in history were omission of areas that have been de- a thorn-in-the-side persistence. thanks to Republican presidents. And fined as necessary. We anticipate that For those of you dear readers whose Newt Gingrich allegedly fought for bio- the USFWS will address our concerns. allegiance to this Tucson Audubon So- logical diversity. The draft recovery plan is available ciety is sometimes torn by an allegiance Republicans find themselves oppos- for comment until April 9, 2003 and I to the guys you voted for, I have the ing regulation in general and restric- encourage you to review it and provide adhesive tape to keep your allegiances tions on property ownership in particu- comment (see http://ecos.fws.gov/ together. It is called Republicans for lar. But as the REP president said, we servlet/TESSWebpage/ Environmental Protection or REP. accept regulations for traffic and recovery?SOA=1). For those interested Their newsletter is the Green Elephant, children’s inoculations and many other in discussing the document, feel free and they’ll send you a free one. Their concerns, so it’s a bogus issue. See the to contact me! colorful (mostly green) website is interview with Martha Marks in High Before closing, I’d like to extend my www.repamerica.org, and it is worth Country News, Feb. 3, 2003, page 7: thanks to the National Audubon Soci- the effort to boot up, even for Demo- “There’s nothing more fundamentally ety, whose legal staff and grassroots crats, since REP takes interesting, even conservative than conservation. I like policy officers have made a commit- surprising, positions. For example, their to say, ‘If conservatives won’t conserve, ment to help us work towards the goal two-part piece on urban sprawl explains who will?’” High Country News, inciden- we all share—getting the Cactus Fer- how Republicans flee the cities, leav- tally, that paragon of conservation in the ruginous Pygmy-owl off the endan- ing the poor, with no desire for tax cuts, West, finds that its readers are 60 per- gered species list! J behind. You can also contact them at cent Democrats and only 12 percent Re- their president’s office at 505-889-4544. publicans. And 78% are over age 45— The environment needs all the help like us at Tucson Audubon, a bit gray. it can get. The Defense Department is Happy birding and the environ- still pursuing a broad exemption from ment, at the risk of being obvious, are environmental regulations. This would connected. Riparian areas are the best probably affect our avian corridor in birding areas and are the most threat- the San Pedro River, since Fort ened by environmental degradation; Huachuca would no longer have to cattle grazing and birding are slightly worry about sucking the river dry. more removed from one another, but Wildlife refuges in both the Arctic, and with overgrazing, the denuded land- closer to home on the Arizona border, scape changes to the detriment of birds. are threatened by proposals to drill for And so on. oil there and to build walls and put up So if Tucson Audubon and the Fly- lights to keep the Mexicans out. catcher sometime seem too liberal and REP is not alone, however. Repre- radically conservationist, and god for- sentative Sherwood Boehlert, a Repub- bid, partisan, check out your soul lican in charge of the House Science brothers at Republicans for Environ- Committee investigating the demise of mental Protection. J 4 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003 Who to !! Conservation Issues for Action ^! Contact Improvements Coming Soon City of Tucson MAYOR BOB WALKUP, City Hall, 255 West Alameda Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701 to Our Favorite Roadside Rest! Phone: (520)791-4201, FAX: (520)791-5348 Sonja Macys, Executive Director E-Mail: [email protected] Individual City Council Members e-mail After a year of consideration, review these documents carefully and addresses available at: www.ci.tucson.az.us/mcc.html EcoPlan Associates, Inc., has released provide comments. Please visit us at the the Draft Environmental Assessment Nature Shop to review the documents, Pima County (EA) and Socioeconomic Conditions or to support Tucson Audubon’s posi- Sup. Ann Day, R, District 1, 740-2738 Technical Report on the State Route J Sup. Dan Eckstrom, D, District 2, 740-8126 tion on this issue. Thanks! Sup. Sharon Bronson, D, District 3, 740-8126 82 Rockfall Mitigation and Safety Re- Sup. Ray Carroll, R, District 4, 740-8126 port (otherwise known as the Roadside Sup. Richard Elias, D, District 5, 740-8126 Rest). If you are new to the Flycatcher, State of Arizona you may not know that over four years Governors Office: 542-4331 or 800-253-0883 ago the Arizona Department of Trans- Arizona House: 542-4221 or 800-352-8404 portation (ADOT) identified possible Arizona Senate: 542-3559 or 800-352-8404 rock falls on Route 82 as a safety hazard. Fax: Sen (602) 542-3429/House (602) 542-4511 www.azleg.state.az.us ADOT has since proposed a series TUCSON AREA STATE LEGISLATORS of projects to improve the safety of this (ELECT) area. They are outlined in the Draft EA District 23 that will be available for public com- Rep. Ernest Bustamonte, D Rep. Cheryl Chase, D ment until March 21, 2003. Many have Sen. Pete Rios, D questioned the need for this project and District 25 wondered about its potential impact on Rep. Jennifer Burns, R Rep. Manuel Alvarez, D the environment and on the birders Sen. Marsha Arzberger, D that visit this site and their birding ex- District 26 perience. It is critical that we, birders Rep. Peter Hershberger, R and advocates for habitat protection, (Courtesy of Bill Brannan) Rep. Steve Huffman, R Sen. Toni Hellon, R District 27 Rep. Olivia Cajero Bedford, D Important Bird Areas Program Rep. Phil Lopes, D Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia, D District 28 Avian Science Initiative! Rep. David Bradley, D Rep. Ted Downing, D Scott L. Wilbor, Arizona Important Bird Areas Program Coordinator Sen. Gabrielle Giffords, D & Tucson Audubon Conservation Biologist District 29 Rep. Victor Soltero, D Rep. Linda Lopez, D Arizona’s Important Bird Areas desire of Audubon’s membership, Sen. Ramon Valdez, D (IBA) Program announces its avian sci- through our eight chapters across Ari- District 30 ence initiative at important bird areas zona, can be harnessed. Our chapters Rep. Randy Graf, R Rep. Marian McClure, R statewide this spring, 2003! As we con- possess tremendously dedicated birders Sen. Tim Bee, R tinue to identify, document, and pub- and potential “citizen-scientists.” We licly recognize Arizona’s Important Bird need birders across Arizona to adopt Federal Areas through our grassroots nomina- IBAs and help inventory and monitor PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue tion objective (see our web site), it has key species to provide information for Washington, D.C. 20500 become obvious that many sites lack managers and conservation scientists to Phone: (202) 456-1111 good quantitative data on the birds we make informed land management de- [email protected] www.whitehouse.gov are most concerned about conserving. cisions. Additionally, these surveys can Continued on next page Yet, here is where the strength, skill, and IBA, continued on page 24 March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 5 FEDERAL continued

Buenos Aires National U.S. SENATE WEBSITE: www.senate.gov HOUSE OF REP. WEBSITE: www.house.gov Wildlife Refuge THOMAS SYSTEM OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. thomas.loc.gov (searchable full text of bills, Congressional Record, extensive links) Centennial Festival Federal Web Locator: www.infoctr.edu/fwl/ SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN: Saturday, March 15, 2003 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 241 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 th Phone: (202) 224-2235, Fax: (202) 228-2862 Celebrate the 100 birthday of the National Tucson Phone: 670-6334, Fax: 670-6637 Wildlife Refuge System E-mail: [email protected] SENATOR JON KYL: All events are free! 730 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Live Bluegrass Music — Greg Morton Band Phone: (202) 224-4521, Fax: (202) 224-2207 Tucson Phone: 575-8633, Fax: 797-3232 Snakes Alive! — Live snakes and invertebrates from Gray Hawk Nature Center Email http://www.senate.gov/~kyl/contact.htm The Phoenix Zoo – Live raptors, reptiles and a tawny frogmouth! REP. RICK RENZI (DIST. 1): 418 Cannon House Office Building Welcome remarks by Congressman Raul Grijalva Washington DC 20515 Keynote Speaker: Walt Anderson of Prescott College: (202) 225-2315 “The Birds and the Beasts Were There” – Buenos Aires Biodiversity REP. TRENT FRANKS (DIST. 2): 1237 Longworth House Office Building Aldo Leopold Impersonator – the “Father of Wildlife Management” Washington DC 20515 Bats of Arizona – Dr. Ronnie Sidner (202) 225-4576 REP. JOHN SHADEGG (DIST. 3): Native American Storyteller – Gerard Tsonakwa 306 Cannon House Office Building Children’s Wildlife Art Contest – Display and awards Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3361, Fax: (202) 225-3462 Masked Bobwhite Quail Release E-mail: [email protected] REP. ED PASTOR (DIST. 4): 5K & 10K Volksmarch Walks 2465 Rayburn House Office Building Horse-drawn Carriage Rides Washington DC 20515 (202) 225-4065, fax: (202) 225-1655 Food, Arts & Crafts, Wildlife Exhibits, Children’s Activities & more! REP. J.D. HAYWORTH (DIST. 5): 65 miles southwest of Tucson on Highway 286, 2434 Rayburn House Building Washington, D.C. 20515 milepost 8 at Refuge Headquarters Phone: (202) 225-2190 Fax: (202) 225-3263 E-mail: [email protected] (Bird walk at 8 am is at Arivaca Cienega) REP. JEFF FLAKE (DIST. 6): Questions? Call (520) 823-4251, ext. 116 J 424 Cannon House Office Building Washington DC 20515 (202) 225-2635, fax: (202) 226-4386 [email protected] REP. RAUL GRIJALVA (DIST. 7): 1440 Longworth House Office Building Washington DC 20515 (202) 225-2435 REP. JIM KOLBE (DIST. 8): 2266 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2542, Fax: (202) 225-0378 Tucson Phone: 881-3588 www.house.gov/kolbe/contact_kolbe.html

It only takes a few minutes to contact YOUR congressional representatives and let them know how you want them to vote (and to remind them who put them in Phoenix or Washington). 6 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003

Birding outings for all and returning Bell’s, Warbling and per- Field Trips interests and abilities haps Cassins’s Vireos. Level walking along a two-mile path/boardwalk. Meet at the carpooling site for a 6 a.m. de- March 1 – Saturday 7:45 a.m. Valley McDonald’s (Continental Road parture, or at the Green Valley Sweetwater Wetlands Park exit) before 7:30 a.m. McDonalds’s before 6:30 a.m. Bring Those new to birding or new to Tuc- Leader: Sally Johnsen (399-4050, or lunch and water. Back by 3 p.m. son are especially invited to see what [email protected]) Leader: Larry Liese (743-3520, or early spring migrants are coming [email protected]) through. Depart from the Sweetwater Wetlands parking lot. To get there, take Call in rare bird sightings and updates to March 16 – Sunday 6 a.m. Prince west under I-10. Turn right on the voice mailbox at 696-4461, option 3, or Patagonia Area Business Center Drive, left on River email them to [email protected]. Come and check out the early spring Park Drive, which becomes Commerce. migrants, hopefully including waterfowl and swallows, flycatchers, warblers Left onto Benin Venture Drive and left March 8 – Saturday 7 a.m. onto Sweetwater. You will see the park- and maybe some lingering winter visi- Avra Valley tors. We will begin with exploring ing lot and kiosk on the left side of the We will check Kennedy Park Lake and road. Lost? See page 79 in the Tucson Patagonia State Park and will later Avra Valley Water Treatment ponds for check several other sites in the metro map or call the leader. waterfowl and swallows. Then drive out Leader: Roger Wolf (617-0249) Patagonia area including Paton’s feed- Sandario and Milewide Roads search- ers. Bring lunch, water, sturdy footwear, March 1 – Saturday 9 a.m. ing for migrating raptors, including (some of the trail may be a little rough Young Birdwatchers of Tucson Tour early Swainson’s Hawk. Last stop will and/or damp), state park fee (or annual Introduce your children to the wonders be at Saguaro NP West visitor center pass if you have one) and scope if you of bird watching in a two hour tour of looking for early Ash-throated Fly- have one. Meet before the 6 a.m. de- one of Tucson’s most diverse bird habi- catchers, White-winged Doves, Lucy’s parture at Houghton Road just north tats. We will watch the waterfowl, Warbler and Bell’s Vireos. Meet before of I-10. Back by 3 p.m. search for sparrows, and relish close 7 a.m. at the Mission Library parking Leader: Steve Barlow (319-7066) looks at raptors through a birding lot on the NW corner of Mission and scope. Each participant will receive a Ajo. Bring water, snack and scope if you March 18 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m. scrapbook showing some of our resi- have one. Those birders who have any San Pedro River dent birds and a checklist of birds interest in learning how to lead a field Early migrants should be moving along found in the area. Binoculars helpful trip are especially invited. There will this important wildlife corridor, some but not necessary. Each child needs to be some handouts and a brief talk about of the finest riparian habitat in south- be accompanied by an adult. Depart planning and leading a TAS field trip. ern Arizona. We will walk two or three at 9 a.m. from the McDonald’s on the Back by noon. miles on mostly level, but possibly northeast corner of Catalina Highway Leader: John Higgins (578-1830, muddy, paths. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and Tanque Verde Road. Please call the [email protected]) and clothing appropriate to the leaders to sign up. Limited to eight weather. Bring water and lunch. Bring March 11 – Tuesday 6 a.m. a scope, too, if you have one. Meet at children. Arivaca Cienega Leaders: Brian Nicholas and Joni the carpooling site before 6:30 a.m., It’s getting to the end of the winter Startzman (760-3583) or at Houghton Road north of I-10 birds’ reign. We’ll look for them as well before 7 a.m. March 4 – Tuesday 7 a.m. as new arrivals such as Lucy’s Warbler Leader: Linda Figueroa (298-1936) Madera Canyon and Vicinity We will bird both the canyon and the Field Trip Information areas along the entrance roads looking for wintering birds. Dress in layers for TAS field trips are free. We strongly encourage carpooling on the field trips and a chilly morning followed by a warmer suggest driver reimbursement of 5 cents per mile. Unless noted otherwise, the 1/ mid-day. Boots, hat, and sunscreen are “carpooling site” is the parking lot behind the First Baptist Church on 5th Ave., 1 2 recommended. Bring a scope if you blocks south of TAS on the west side of the street. Please arrive before the departure have one, as well as water and lunch. time listed in the trip description. Don’t forget to stop in the Nature Shop after your Be at the carpooling site before 7 a.m. trip to check out new books, wonderful nature items, and to chat with volunteers. The (leader not present), or at the Green field trip coordinator is John Higgins (578-1830). March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 7

March 22 – Saturday 6:30 a.m. April 5 – Saturday 5 a.m. Upper Santa Cruz River and Patagonia Sycamore Canyon Other Field Celebrate spring by welcoming back “A long drive and some rugged walk- Opportunities Gray Hawks, Lucy’s Warblers, Bell’s ing, but usually worth the effort.” Sy- Vireos, and several flycatchers and king- camore Canyon in the Atascosa Wil- birds. We will stop at Tumacacori, first derness area west of Nogales has some Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – pond at Kino Springs, Roadside Rest, of the prettiest scenery in southeast birdwalks every day starting at 8:30 a.m., Oct. – Feb. Museum entrance. and Paton’s feeders with lunch in Arizona and usually some great birding 883-2702. Free with admission. Patagonia City Park. Meet before the to offer. We’ll go about one and a half Arizona State Parks – birding and 6:30 a.m. departure at Fry’s parking lot miles into the canyon on half-trail/half- other walks; www.pr.state.az.us. Fee. on Irvington just east of I-19 or at 7 streambed terrain. Wear rugged (602) 542-4174. a.m. at the Amado highway rest area footgear! Minor rock scrambling re- Buenos Aires NWR – Brown Canyon on I-19. Bring lunch and water. Back quired. Bring lots of water and a por- & grassland tours; reservations: 823- by 3 p.m. Limited to 12 birders. Sign table lunch. Back by 5 p.m. Meet at 4251; Arivaca Cienega birdwalks ev- up with leader by phone or e-mail start- the Fry’s on Irvington just east of I-19 ery Sat., Nov. – Apr., 8 a.m. 399-0537. ing at noon Sunday, March 9. before 5 a.m. or at the Green Valley Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Sun- Leader: John Higgins (578-1830, McDonald’s before 5:30 a.m. day birdwalks, 8:30 a.m., Oct. 6 – Dec. [email protected]) Leader: Larry Liese (743-3520, 8, free with admission. 689-2811. [email protected]) Catalina State Park – 5 a.m. - 10 p.m, March 25 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m. Fee. 628-5798. Canoa Ranch We have special permission to visit the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve – open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Oct. - Canoa Ranch property to see what May. (Closed Mon. & Tues.) Dona- birds are there. Call the leader to sign tion Required. 394-2400. up, anytime after March 5. Sign-up is Ramsey Canyon Preserve – open ev- required. We will be taking a small ery day 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $5.00 group and will need high-clearance ve- general admission; kids 16 and un- hicles. Meet before 6:30 a.m. (depar- der free. 378-2785. ture time) at the carpooling site (leader Thought of the Sabino Canyon – birding and nature not present) or 7 a.m. (departure time) Month hikes. Parking fee. Call 749-8700. at the Green Valley McDonald’s. Saguaro National Park – Call 733- Leader: Karen McBride (399-1778, or A human being is a part of 5153 (East) and 733-5158 (West) [email protected]) the whole called by us uni- for schedules of bird and nature walks. verse, a part limited in time Southern Arizona Bird Observatory April 1 – Tuesday 6 a.m. and space. He experiences – hawk and crane tours on Saturdays Mount Lemmon himself, his thoughts and and Sundays, fee. 432-1388 Enjoy a drive up Mt. Lemmon to search feelings as something sepa- www.sabo.org. for migrants and montane residents. rated from the rest, a kind Tohono Chul Park – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our first stop will be Agua Caliente of optical delusion of his daily. Birding walks at 8:30 a.m. Park for a short walk around the ponds. consciousness. This delusion Monday, Wednesday & Saturday, Then we will work up the mountain is a kind of prison for us, re- Oct. - May. Entrance fee. 575-8468. slowly, checking out several camp- stricting us to our personal Tucson Botanical Gardens – 8:30 grounds and side roads until we reach desires and to affection for a a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bird and gardening Summerhaven for lunch. Bring water, few persons nearest to us. tours on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., Sept. lunch, and extra clothing as it can be Our task must be to free our- - May. Entrance fee. 326-9686. very cold at the top. Back by 3 p.m. selves from this prison by Note: All phones are area code 520 Meet at the carpool site before 6 a.m., widening our circle of com- unless stated otherwise. Tucson or at the McDonald’s on the northeast passion to enhance all living Weekly newspaper lists outdoor corner of Tanque Verde Road and creatures and the whole of events in “City Week” column; Catalina Highway before 6:30 a.m. nature in its beauty. tucsonweekly.com/tw/current/l- Leader: Gavin Bieber (573-7387, 272- –Albert Einstein out.html. 8627 [cell], or [email protected]) 8 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003

Field Trip Reports de Tucson” spotted 56 species on a beautiful winter day. It was a great day for grebes; four species were identi- January 14 January 21 fied—Pied-billed, Eared, three Clark’s Sulphur Springs Valley Chino Canyon at Arthur Pack Park, and a very coop- Twenty-six birders had a fun day iden- Thirteen adventuresome birders braved erative Least at Sweetwater Wetlands. tifying raptors and watching the San- the narrow, rocky road to beautiful and What was to be a routine stop along dhill Cranes on a day with perfect remote Chino Canyon Tuesday and the Santa Cruz River on Ina Road weather. Sixty-six species were seen. hiked in about two miles to the upper turned into a rather zany Keystone Raptors included both eagles, Ferrugi- Chino Spring and the old Elephant Cops-like adventure as an unidentified nous Hawks galore, a Harlan’s race Red- Head Mill Site. The sunny warm falcon soared overhead and a group of tailed Hawk, and three Merlins includ- weather was ideal and the cottonwoods what appeared to be falconers ran ing one zipping through the upper were already in their spring foliage. The hither and yon along the river bank try- branches of a tree where about a hun- highlight of the trip was sighting two ing to keep tabs on it. We were able to dred Mountain Bluebirds were Golden Eagles soaring above a large identify the Peregrine Falcon that also perched. Also seen were Common cliff face. There was also water at the showed up and put on quite an aerial Mergansers, a Greater Yellowlegs, picturesque boulder lined lower spring display with the already present falcon Long-billed Curlews (thanks to Stan), behind Elephant Head, and several species. Expect the unexpected when Snow Geese, Long-billed Dowitchers, Lesser Goldfinches. Thirty-four plus birding Tucson, Arizona! two roosting Great Horned Owls, three species were seen and heard. Of note –Michael Bissontz Crissal Thrashers, a nicely viewed Sage were two Western Scrub Jays seen in Sparrow, and my first encounter of some mesquites in the lower canyon. January 28 Burrowing Owl in the valley (thanks to A pair of Black-tailed Gnatcatchers was San Rafael Grasslands and Harshaw Linda’s keen eye). A nice list for the day. seen below the trail in the Chino Creek Canyon –Larry Liese arroyo. Black-chinned Sparrows also The trip went to the San Rafael Grass- made an appearance at the top spring lands and visited Harshaw Canyon en January 17-19 and farther down canyon among other route. A large group of 29 birders found Bosque del Apache sparrows. An early Hutton’s Vireo was their way to the grasslands in 10 dif- Twenty-one birders enjoyed a drier and quite vocal and active. An early Violet- ferent cars. As might be expected not warmer than usual journey to Bosque green Swallow darted along a cliff face everyone saw every bird, but all to- del Apache. On the way, near Deming, below some high-flying White-throated gether we found 43 species. The day we saw pronghorns and an out-of-habi- Swifts, and a Crissal Thrasher was just began with a good look at the Harlan’s tat Lewis’s Woodpecker. The wettest barely seen and heard. After leaving the Red-tailed Hawk still present in part of the trip was Saturday morning Canyon we visited the old Continen- Patagonia at the west end of Fourth when thousands of Snow Geese took tal maintenance yard in search of the Street just before you get to Paton’s. off all at once low over our heads! Also now elusive Yellow-breasted Sapsucker The visit to Harshaw Canyon was not seen at Bosque were Bald Eagles, Dip- and/or Lewis’s Woodpecker, but neither very productive, with few birds present. per, Harlan’s Hawk, a white bird later was seen. A few Yellow-rumped War- Lack of water in the streambed did not identified as an immature Little Blue blers and Vesper Sparrows were in the help conditions. The group arrived at Heron, Ross’s Geese (found by persis- surrounding mesquites. My thanks to the grasslands around 9 a.m. and tent Maude) and thousands of Sandhill all who contributed to the sighting of walked en masse about one mile of the Cranes. Water Canyon featured beau- some good birds, especially Denis grasslands flushing many Vesper Spar- tiful pinyon forest, a Townsend’s Soli- (eagle-eyes) Wright. And, to our three rows, Savannah Sparrows, and several taire and a soaring Golden Eagle. On drivers who gave us all a nice ride in Grasshopper Sparrows. Lucky Jim Hays the way back at Apache Creek we their SUVs up those rocky canyon saw a Baird’s Sparrow long enough to were treated to a roadside flock of roads. identify it. Flying around the grasslands hundreds of Pinyon Jays, more –Norma Miller were several Northern Harriers and a perched Bald and Golden Eagles, and couple of Prairie Falcons. Most all of a surprise visit to a petroglyph site January 25 the participants had good looks at a on private property. “El Sewer de Tucson” Golden Eagle flying overhead. As we –John Higgins Twenty-two participants of “El Sewer drove the gravel road toward the Vaca March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 9

Corral we saw up to 300 Chestnut-collared Longspurs on the wire fence and Get Involved at milling around. At least one McCown’s Longspur was among them. Our group Tucson Audubon! learned that the birds are here, it just takes lots of time and patience to get a good look at them. We invite you to volunteer with –Dick Palmer these Tucson Audubon programs: Monthly Programs February 4 • Hospitality assistance to coordi- Sweetwater Wetland & Santa Cruz River nate refreshments at the monthly Nineteen birders enjoyed the season- program ably cool temperatures on our Tucson Contact Jessie Shinn, 628-1730 Audubon trip to Sweetwater this morn- Membership ing. We divided the group into two, Beginning • Management of membership da- thanks to Denis Wright, who graciously tabase agreed to lead the clockwise group; I • Representing Tucson Audubon at took the counter-clockwise. The Least Birding community events Grebe was in its usual haunts and pro- Contact Sonja Macys, 622-5622 vided a lifer for several. The western Workshop settling pond had enough water for a Habitat Restoration Project Saturday, March 22, plethora of ducks, including Northern • Volunteer at the restoration site 7 a.m. to noon Pintail, Gadwall, and American Contact Ann Phillips or Kendall Wigeon. Other species of note were Do you wish birds wore spe- Kroesen, 206-9900 Blue-Winged Teal, Lawrences Gold- cies name tags? Do you have dif- Birding Fieldtrips finches, Prairie Flacon, and both flick- ficulty figuring out what birds • Volunteer to lead Tucson Audu- ers. Two young Sharp-Shinned Hawks you’re seeing in your back yard or bon birding fieldtrips (training were dueling with each other. Possibly, out in nature? Want to join in on available) the most bizarre occurrence was to see the fun of birding field trips but Contact John Higgins, 578-1830, several Common Moorhens up in a feel intimidated because you can’t [email protected] tree. A few of us then went to the Ina tell a cardinal from a Pyrrhuloxia? Rd. bridge over the Santa Cruz. Only If this describes you then “Be- Nature Shop shorebirds were a flock of Least Sand- ginning Birding” is the class for • Volunteer in the Tucson Audu- pipers, a Spotted Sandpiper, and a few you. Join naturalist and author bon Nature Shop – minimum Killdeer. Another Prairie Falcon was Pinau Merlin for a fun ½ day of commitment 3 1/2 hours per seen in the far distance. Again, thanks discovering how to identify birds. week to Denis Wright for his assistance. We’ll head out into the field Contact Judy Edison or Susan –Gene Loring J and spend a little time learning Birky, 629-0510 about binoculars, field guides, Website bird parts, lists, how to find • Web-savvy person needed to help birds, what to look for, bird be- manage website havior, and their songs and calls. Contact Kendall Kroesen, 206-9900 Then we’ll put what we’ve learned into practice and finish Mason Audubon Center up with how to attract birds to • Network administrator/Com- your back yard. puter Optimizer, Housekeeper, Limited to 12 participants; Grants Researcher, General Office $30 members, $35 non-members. Volunteer, digital photographer. For more information and to sign Contact Jamie Brown, 744-0004 up, call Carrie Dean at 629-0757. (See page 13 for more details.) 10 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003

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

Wednesday, February 26, 8:30 a.m. Sunday, March 16 Public Tour of Habitat Restoration Site Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program Raptor Survey at Ann Phillips leads a tour of Tucson Audubon’s habitat resto- Tumacacori ration project site on the lower Santa Cruz River (near the Join Scott Wilbor for a an IBA raptor survey at Tumacacori. Pinal Airpark Pecan Grove). Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Perkins Maximum 8 people; call Scott at 629-0757 for details and Restaurant on the north side of Ina Road, just east of I- to sign up. Time TBA. 10. Tour will start at 9:15 a.m. at the site. Wear hats, boots, and long pants. Bring water, and binoculars if you Saturday, March 22, 7 a.m. to noon so desire. We will return by noon. Call Ann Phillips at Beginning Birding Workshop 206-9900 for details. Do you wish birds wore species name tags? Want to join in on the fun of birding field trips but feel intimidated because Saturday, March 1, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. you can’t tell a cardinal from a Pyrrhuloxia? If this describes Mason Audubon Center Public Tour: Endangered you then “Beginning Birding” is the class for you. Join natu- Species ralist and author Pinau Merlin for a fun ½ day of discover- The saguaros and ironwood trees at MAC are classic habitat ing how to identify birds. Class size limited to 12. See box for the endangered Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. Come on page 9 for more information. To sign up, call Carrie Dean to MAC and join naturalists to learn more about this owl at 629-0757. and other endangered species. It is vital to reserve your space by calling 520-744-0004. To provide a quality experience Saturday, April 5 and protect our wildlife, reservations are limited to 30 par- Mason Audubon Center Public Tour: Desert Harvest ticipants. For more information, see page 12. Come learn about natural food that can be collected in the Sonoran Desert. It is vital to reserve your space by calling 520- Sunday, March 2 744-0004. To provide a quality experience and protect our Environmental Film Festival at the Loft Cinema wildlife, reservations are limited to 30 participants. “Mountainfilm in Telluride” is a one-day film festival at the Loft Cinema on Sunday, March 2, 2003. Three programs Sunday Monday, April 6 7, Sun 10 am Mon 1 pm. will be presented, at 1:00, 4:00 and 7:00. Each will be an- Friends of BANWR Solar Workshop chored by a longer film and spiced with short films. Katharine Kent, owner of the Solar Store, will fill you in on Travelling Birds, directed by Jacques Perrin the latest in solar technology. Includes hands-on demonstra- Ansel Adams, directed by Ric Burns tions of photovoltaic generation of electricity, solar hot wa- Troubled Waters, directed by George and Beth Gage ter, solar heating, and solar cooking. Enjoy Brown Canyon See announcement on page 21 for more details. Sunday and Monday while learning the economics and chal- lenges of using solar energy in the home. Sunday, 10 a.m.; Friday & Saturday, March 7 & 8 $70 ($60 Friends of BANWR member) includes 3 meals Tucson Audubon Habitat Restoration Volunteer Days and lodging. Call 1-800-714-4365 for registration. Bring gloves, long pants, lunch & water, and have a great day restoring riparian habitat! There will be activities suitaable Friday, April 11 Sunday, May 11 for all levels of physical ability. Contact Ann Phillips for more Birdathon 2003 information, 206-9900. Go birding and raise money for Tucson Audubon! See page 14 for more information. Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. Tucson Audubon Green Valley Monthly Program Thursday - Sunday, April 24 - 27 ”LIONS, TIGRES, AND BEARS! Tracking large mammals Institute for Desert Ecology in the Sky Island Region,” by Janice Przybyl. The program Since 1970 Tucson Audubon’s Institute of Desert Ecology starts at 10:00 a.m. and lasts until noon, but you may arrive has brought together 60- 65 participants and six expert in- at 9:30 for coffee and cookies! The location is the Pima structors for field studies of the Sonoran Desert. There are County-Green Valley (Conrad Joyner) Library, at 601 N. La still a few spaces left for the Institute. See the registration Canada, Green Valley, AZ. form on page 19 or call Jessie Shinn at 628-1730. J March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 11 Green Valley Monthly Meeting March 15, 2003 at the Green Valley Library 10 a.m. Sky Island Alliance - Wildlife Monitoring Program term monitoring within those corridors. Sky Island Alliance Every six weeks 52 Sky Island Alliance wildlife monitor- is particularly concerned with the movement of the large, ing volunteers head out into the field and search for the tracks, wide-ranging mammals—such as black bear and mountain scat and other signs of mountain lion, black bear, bobcat, lion—and works to ensure their unhampered movement be- coati, and jaguar. During her slide presentation, program tween the mountain ranges. To date, volunteers have adopted coordinator Janice Przybyl will explain how these intrepid twelve transects scattered over three different monitoring citizen-scientists collect data to help the Sky Island Alliance projects in linkages considered at-risk from development. document wildlife movement between the region’s moun- One of these projects is located in between the Santa Rita tain ranges. Sky Island Alliance is a membership-based orga- and Tumacacori mountains. nization interested in preserving and restoring the native bio- Join us in Green Valley for this fascinating program. Cof- logical diversity of the Sky Island region. The goal of the fee and cookies are served before 10am and admittance is Wildlife Monitoring Program is to identify wildlife move- free and open to the public. Call Karen McBride at 520- ment corridors vulnerable to impacts, and to conduct long- 399-1778 for more information. J Volunteer Birders Needed for Tucson Bird Count

In the spring of 2001 more than 80 local birders began first study using the TBC results is in publication (with more the Tucson Bird Count (TBC), an ambitious project to moni- in the works); and new partnerships are underway to help tor Tucson’s bird community and find ways to sustain Tucson’s the TBC continue. The TBC is important to science, vital native birds. Two years later, these volunteers’ efforts have to Tucson’s livability for both birds and people, and unprec- turned into one of the largest urban biological monitoring edented worldwide. The most important part of the TBC, projects in the world. TBC volunteers have so far recorded bar none, is the committed folks who participate in the 185 bird species (43,000 individuals) in monitoring more than counts. If you can identify the many bird species of the Tuc- 800 sites in and around Tucson. son area, and can count birds one morning between April 15 As we gear up for the 3rd annual TBC (April 15-May 15, and May 15, please join us. To adopt your route, see results 2003), there are many reasons to be excited about our project. and analysis to date, and get more info, visit www.tucsonbirds.org The TBC has contributed to local conservation efforts; a on the web, or call Will Turner at 869-9455. J Hummingbird Society Festival Of Hummingbirds April 4-6, 2003, Tucson Convention Center

The Hummingbird Society, a non-profit organization A Gala Reception Benefit will launch the Festival on the dedicated solely to hummingbirds, will conduct its first “Fes- evening of Thursday, April 3, at the Arizona Inn. While the tival of Hummingbirds” at the Tucson Convention Center Gala is open to the public, advance ticketing is required. on April 4-6, 2003. Twenty-one presenters from the United An adult pass for four daytime sessions is $16, for the States, Colombia, and Germany will give slide, video, and evening keynote talks Friday and Saturday, $10.50. Chil- lecture presentations about a wide variety of hummingbird dren aged 5-10 have reduced rates, and children under 5 are related topics. admitted free. There is no charge for the art show or exhibit As an integral part of the Festival, the Society will also hall activities. Tickets are available at the door, although ad- sponsor the first Hummingbird and Wildlife Art Show, vance tickets assure seats at the more popular sessions at no featuring twelve widely recognized wildlife artists. There increase in cost. Tickets may be ordered from the Humming- will also be booths of non-profit organizations, artisans, bird Society at 800-529-3699 or on its web site, and vendors. www.festivalofhummingbirds.org or www.hummingbird.org. J 12 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003 Mason Audubon Center News

Naturalists Notebook Peggy Wenrick, Volunteer Naturalist This month Elf Owls, the world’s smallest owl, will return to the Sonoran Desert and immediately begin breeding behaviors. The male, who arrives first, will likely check out nest sites in the more than 400 saguaro cactus at the Mason Audubon Center. He will choose one or more potential cavities, and will sing from within them to attract a mate. When he wins approval, the female will roost in the chosen nest for one or two weeks before laying eggs. He will bring her gourmet snacks, like flies and spiders, until the chicks are half grown. The saguaros and ironwood trees at MAC also consti- tute classic habitat for the endangered Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl. Come to MAC and join naturalists to learn Several of the new volunteer naturalists doing a plant ID exercise more about this owl at the free public tour offered on March 1, 2003 from 8:30 a.m.to 10:30 a.m. It is vital to reserve your the classroom (if you get a chance to see one of their presen- space by calling 520-744-0004. To provide a quality experi- tations, you’ll be glad you did!) ence and protect our wildlife, reservations are limited to 30 On January 22nd and 23rd, the crew from Lou Benson participants. Construction donated their valuable time to knock out a Birds are not the only act at MAC this month—triangle- portion of the west wall in the classroom and install new leaf bursage produces its inconspicuous flowers from late win- French doors donated by Home Depot. We’re crossing our ter into spring, unfortunately elevating the pollen count fingers that we’ll receive funding for a patio and shade ramada throughout the Arizona Uplands sections of the Sonoran Desert. Despised by hay fever sufferers, this plant performs valuable services for others. It is an important ‘nurse plant,’ sheltering many of MAC’s infant saguaros and chollas, as well as hedgehog and pincushion cacti. It provides cover for wildlife and stabilizes desert soil, protecting it from the erosive forces of wind and water. If there are adequate winter rains, this often dominant, understory plant will transform itself from a dead, leafless bouquet of twigs to a charming gray-green mound of leaves. If rains fail, triangle- leaf bursage will appear dead, but this hardy desert dweller can live up to 50 years. MAC off to a great start in 2003 Jamie Brown and Dan Wolgast, MAC staff Only a couple of months into 2003 and so much has already happened at the Mason Audubon Center! Here are a few of the highlights: The crew from Lou Benson Construction removing an old On Sunday, February 9th, we graduated 16 new Vol- window before installing the new French doors unteer Naturalists who will join our existing team to provide high-quality interpretation for public tours, commu- just outside the French doors. Then, students will be able nity groups, and other MAC activities. Big thanks go to Doris to begin their lessons in the classroom, shift to a new out- Evans and Carrie Dean for volunteering many hours put- door “classroom” facing the desert preserve, and then take ting together several of the lessons for the Naturalists. Thanks a trail tour. also to Wendy Burroughs and Ed Moll for their wonderful, Preparing for the Institute for Desert Ecology and just interactive lessons which included live birds and reptiles in keeping things looking good, a crew from the Tucson Audu- March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 13

4th Annual Ironwood Festival bon office spent a morning cleaning up the basement of the Mason Audubon Center. Now, it looks so organized! Saturday, May 3, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. On January 9th, students from the Tucson Hebrew Acad- We need your help. Please see description below. emy lent a big hand by picking up fallen fruit from the cit- Volunteer positions rus grove, tidying up the butterfly garden, and digging up Help us enlarge the Mason Audubon Center community while donating your time, skills, and experience. Join our volunteer team by helping us with the following tasks: Ironwood Festival Committee Volunteers: The phrase “many hands make light work” truly applies to this committee. We need your help with any of the subcommittees, which include entertainment, publicity, volunteer coordi- nation, parking/transportation, vendors, and infrastructure. If you have a couple of hours or more a week to commit until May 3rd, we’d greatly appreciate your help! Wildlife Survey Volunteers: This position involves bask- ing in the beautiful surroundings of the Mason Audubon Center while taking notes on the wildlife you hear or see. We need folks familiar with local wildlife as well as those who have a strong interest in learning more. For more information, please call MAC Community Outreach Coordinator, Jamie Brown, at 744-0004. The Mason Audubon Center is located at 8751 N. Peggy, Judy and Jessie cleaning up the basement Thornydale Rd. J bufflegrass along Thornydale Rd. Along the way, they also learned a thing or two about the desert, thanks to Volunteer Naturalists Ed Moll and Patty Stern. The Desert Garden Club of Tucson also paid a visit to MAC, holding a board meeting, membership meeting, and educational program there on February 4th. For the educational portion, ethnobotanist Mary Sarvak spoke about tra- ditional uses of native plants such as mesquites, prickly pears and chiles. The group was thrilled to have the opportunity to see dried cholla buds and taste mesquite meal. Looking ahead, on March 8th volunteers and staff from the MAC Steering Committee will hold the annual Action Planning Session which will focus on strategies to improve what we do, increase our capacity, and continue to honor the vision of Mrs. Orpha Mason. Also, volunteers and staff are busily preparing for this year’s Ironwood Festival, which we hope you will attend with your family, friends, and neighbors on Saturday, May 3rd. This year’s festival promises to be another successful evening of family fun and education with music, food, live animal exhibits, cultural presentations, and much more. At this point, we could certainly use more volunteers to help on the day of the Festival as well as with the planning. Please see the description below if you’re interested. We look forward to another action-packed year at the Mason Audubon Center and we always welcome any time, skills, or resources you’d like to contribute to further our Volunteer Naturalist Ed Moll showing students from mission here at MAC. Call us at 520-744-0004. the Tucson Hebrew Academy a saguaro ‘boot’ 14 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003 Never Done a Big Day? Do a Birdathon!

Are you ready to take the next step in your birding ca- Naturally, you don’t have to look for birds for 24 hours reer? Pick a 24-hour period and see how many bird species straight! Many teams go out early in the morning and bird you can see. This is the basis of a birding “Big Day,” and the to early evening, followed by a nice dinner out. And even if upcoming spring migration is a great time to do it! Spring you only do it for a few hours, the contribution you make to migration means that you will see birds returning here to Tucson Audubon’s conservation and education programs is nest, and others just passing very important. through, as well as our normal Of course, for those who want resident birds. to make it a real Big Day… well, What is our angle? Tucson Au- Beginners and all we can say is, “Go for it!” Push dubon will be thrilled if you turn yourself to your birding endur- your Big Day into a fundraiser by Newbies! ance limit! Each year some teams doing it during our Birdathon pe- start their Birdathon after dark, riod. The 2003 Birdathon period Are you a beginning birder? Are you an ex- say 7 p.m. They look and listen is from Friday, April 11 to Sun- perienced birder, but new to the Birdathon? for birds that are active at night, day, May 11—during spring mi- Don’t worry. The Birdathon is a fun, no- like owls and nighthawks. After gration! pressure experience. We will help you find getting some sleep, they start The Birdathon is a nation- a team, and we’ll team you up with people again early in the morning and go wide fundraiser used by Audubon who can teach you about birds if you are until 7 p.m. the next evening. Oc- chapters all over the country. inexperienced. casionally a team does go 24 hours People who want to do a The important thing is that this is fun, and straight! Birdathon usually find some it raises money for Tucson Audubon’s wor- Later, when the Birdathon is friends to form a team. Team thy programs. over, team members go back to members start by asking people their donors and collect pledges. for a monetary pledge for each There are prizes for individual species of bird they will see. “Mrs. Adams, will you pledge Birdathon participants and for teams: most money raised, something for each species I see on my Birdathon? My tar- most species seen, most unusual species seen, and so on. The get this year is to see 110 species!” prizes will be announced at a pizza party on May 16. Mrs. Adams pledges whatever she can afford—10 cents There are a few simple rules, and a form you need. We per species, $1 per species, $10 dollars per species. will explain it all when you sign up. For advance informa- Next, the Birdathon team chooses a 24-hour period and tion or to receive a Birdathon packet, contact Jessie at 520- tries to meet or exceed their species target. The team goes to 628-1730, or 520-622-5622, or write [email protected]. different birding locations, perhaps in different kinds of habi- There will be more information and a registration form in tat. They can be near or far—where you go is up to you. the April Flycatcher. J

Birdathon Raffle & Supertrips

Each year, as part of the fund raising effort associated of prizes will be announced in the April issue of the Ver- with the Birdathon, Tucson Audubon sponsors a raffle milion Flycatcher. and some Super Birding Trips led by well-known profes- Supertrips are your opportunity, for a moderate dona- sional guides. tion to Tucson Audubon, to go on a one-day birding trip in Raffle tickets are available on page 15 of the Flycatcher as southeast Arizona with one of the professional guides who well as at the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop. Many wonder- live in the region. Guides who lead international birding ful raffle prizes are donated for this event by nature-related trips for top ecotourism companies have headed many past trips. businesses, bed and breakfast establishments, and our own We guarantee that you will be blown away by their expertise. A Nature Shop. Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10. A full list full list of Supertrips will appear in the April Flycatcher. J March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 15

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1234567890123 12345678 1234567890123 12345678 1234567890123 12345678 16 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003

Audubon Nature Shop by Judy Edison

Lets Travel! ranges as well as a comprehensive This month I’m highlighting sev- bibliography and index, species lists, eral new books for birders who want and notes on birding. The guide also to do some traveling. includes helpful information on sea- William J. Boyle has recently up- sonal birding, telephone and Internet dated his classic guide to birding in rare-bird alerts, pelagic birding, and New Jersey, A Guide to Bird Finding in hawk watching. This book is an in- New Jersey ($24.00). This revised and valuable companion for every expanded edition features all new maps birder—novice or experienced, local and ten new illustrations. New Jersey, birder or visitor. one of the smallest and most densely A Birdwatching Guide to Bermuda populated states, has a remarkable di- ($21.00) by A. Dobson is aimed not versity of bird life that surpasses that only for visiting birders but also to of many larger states. Well over 400 acquaint residents with the wonder- species of birds have been recorded in ful opportunity to watch birds. Ber- New Jersey and an active birder can hope muda, one of the most isolated is- to see more than 300 species in a year. lands in the world, is located in the Atlantic Ocean at the same lati- tude as Savannah, Georgia or San Diego, California. It is not, as some think, part of the West Indies, being more than 1000 miles north of the Caribbean. Temperatures rarely fall below 50º F in winter. reformatted successor to the earlier Found in the back of the book, Guide to the Birds of Venezuela. Venezu- the annotated checklist of Bermuda’s ela has an immensely rich bird fauna, birds contains 365 species, an im- with 1,381 known species; many of pressive total for a country of only them found nowhere else in the world. 21 square miles. Being so isolated, The book includes sixty-seven beau- the island serves as a haven for de- tiful color and black-and-white plates, liberate migrants and disoriented va- as well as numerous line drawings. The grants that have no option other than plates and drawings together depict to land here if forced down by bad most of Venezuela’s bird species. Intro- weather or exhaustion. Only 19 spe- ductory chapters cover physical geog- cies are permanent residents and raphy, climate, biogeography, vegeta- three additional species visit Ber- tion and habitats, conservation, migra- muda to breed. Thus 94 percent of tion, and the history of ornithology in Bermuda’s birds are either migrant Venezuela. or vagrants. Over 200 species are re- Detailed range maps plot collection corded every year. localities and sight records for almost This book uses clear maps and travel The book contains basic tourist in- all species. Plumage descriptions are directions to describe more than 130 formation, directions and maps to provided for each bird, as is extensive top birding spots. Also included is an birding sites, seasonal information and information on voice, behavior, and annotated list of the frequency and lists of other wildlife that might be en- status. More than 800 bibliographic abundance of the state’s birds, includ- countered. entries accompany the text, making this ing water birds, pelagic birds, raptors, Birds of Venezuela ($55.00), with a book an invaluable and broad-based migrating birds, and northern and completely new text by Steven Hilty, reference to the avifauna of not only southern birds at the edge of their usual is a greatly expanded and thoroughly Venezuela but also much of northern March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 17

PARKING PROBLEMS? KIDZBOOKS Parking at the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop and Offices can be Here are a few new books for chil- ies of flight, raptor hunting strategies, a challenge. Here are a few tips. dren of various ages and the adults and behavior—and to learn how to lo- There is 1-hour parking directly that help them understand the cate raptors in the wild. Flight silhou- in front of the Shop. There is natural world. ettes, range maps, real-life stories of in- also parking on 5th Avenue The Long and Short of It ($15.95) dividual birds, and a removable “Pocket north of University Boulevard by Cheryl Nathan and Lisa McCourt Spy Guide” all help cultivate an inter- or on the north side of Univer- uses animals to introduce the concept est in these magnificent birds. This sity (across from the Shop). This would be a great addition to ev- area on the north side of Uni- ery young birdwatcher’s book- versity is designated as residen- shelf. tial parking but not until after Waterford Press has just intro- 5 p.m. It’s okay to park here 9- duced a book BIRDS – Educa- 5 on weekdays. Parking can also tional Games & Activities for be found on University just Kids of all Ages ($6.95). The book west of 5th Avenue or in the al- contains 64 pages of bird related ley east of the building. activities. Included are connect- the-dots, mazes, name scramble, origami, spot the differences and work search. This would be a great book to take along for en- South America. Treating nearly 40 per- tertainment while traveling or just cent of the continent’s bird species, of size. Each two-page spread shows for a rainy day. Birds of Venezuela is the definitive re- two animals and compares the size of Special SaleGames & Puzzles source for all birders interested in this some part common to both of them. It During March we will have a spe- country and the surrounding region. then goes a step further and compares cial sale on all children’s games and Look for these and other each part to some everyday object. Thus puzzles. All boxed games and puzzles birdfinding books at the Audubon the beak of a toucan is described as will be marked at 25% off the regular Nature Shop. J “longer than a banana” and the beak price. Visit us soon to take advantage of chicken is “as short as a grape.” The of this great discount. J boldly colored artwork makes the animals appealing and realistic. This book is a wonderful way to teach children about size while introducing them to many members of the animal kingdom. Great for kids ages 4-7. Youngsters are fascinated by raptors. Sitting on a phone pole, in a treetop, or on the ground, they are fairly easy to spot and no matter where you live in North America, raptors are living nearby. RAPTOR! – A Kid’s Guide to Birds of Prey ($14.95) invites children into this wild world. After describing their characteristics and behavior, the book introduces individual species within family groups: vultures, hawks, falcons, barn owls, and true owls. Kids are encouraged to explore the myster- 18 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003 Update: Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection

Susan Shobe, Assistant to Executive Director, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection

The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, comprised of over 40 neighborhood and conservation groups including the Tucson Audubon Society, continues to work diligently for the protection of our desert ecosystem through our participation in the development of Pima County’s Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP). The SDCP is intended to balance the needs of the environment with the reality of growth by using the best available science to identify and preserve lands for conservation and set aside other, less biologically valuable lands for development.

The Coalition is gearing up for the last year of the public with the many speaking invitations that we regularly receive. process of developing the SDCP. We are working hard with We will be scheduling a training workshop for mid-March— others on the Steering Commit- please contact the office at 388- tee to finalize the details of the 9925 or check our website at “Preferred Alternative” recom- www.sonorandesert.org for the time mendation to give to the Board and location. Community support of Supervisors in March, and are is crucial to the plan being formu- joining with other groups and lated with adequate protection for individuals in support of an open the ecosystem that so defines our space bond measure for Novem- community’s physical and cultural ber of this year. It is our goal to identity. Even if public speaking produce a plan based on the prin- gives you jitters, please help us by ciples of conservation biology that talking with your friends, neigh- affords the strongest protection bors, co-workers, and acquaintan- possible to our region’s wildlife and ces about the SDCP and the the habitat on which they depend. Coalition’s efforts. We are also stepping up our If you would like to receive regu- grassroots outreach, and we need Courtesy of Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection lar email updates about current you! We are currently developing Coalition and SDCP activities, a Speakers Bureau in order to better reach the many indi- events, and meetings, sign up for our e-newsletter, Friends of viduals, businesses, neighborhood groups, and other organi- the Desert. To join this listserv, please contact the office or send zations who may not know about the plan, and to keep up an email with your name and address to [email protected].

The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan is a chance for Pima County residents to directly shape the current, and future, quality of life that both human and non-human residents will share for genera- tions. While the concepts are laudable, the conservation community must be at the forefront of the development process to ensure that the Plan truly provides adequate protection for our ecosystem and quality of life. J

There is still time to register for the Institute of Desert Ecology See registration form on adjacent page. Questions? Contact Jessie Shinn, Institute Director, 628-1730, [email protected]. March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 19

Registration Form for the Institute of Desert Ecology For more information see the February Flycatcher, or call 628-1730. A non-refundable deposit of $45 per person must accompany the registration form. The balance is due March 14, 2003. Please make checks payable to the Institute of Desert Ecology. Use a separate registration form for each participant (copy if necessary). Fill out both sides and mail to: Tucson Audubon Society, Institute of Desert Ecology, 300 East University Boulevard, Suite #120, Tucson, Arizona, 85705 Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Home phone: ______Work phone: ______Tucson Audubon Member: _____ Yes _____ No _____ I have enclosed an additional $20 ($15 students/seniors) for a one-year Tucson Audubon membership.

Study Group Assignment The following information will be used to assure a mix of participants in study groups: Occupation:______Special interests or hobbies:______Age Group: 18-35 36-60 Over 60 How much previous exposure to natural history have you had, on a scale of 1 (no previous exposure) to 10 (college degree or equivalent)? ______Try to put me in the same study group with: ______

Accommodations _____I will bring a tent and sleeping bag Preliminary Schedule _____I will bring a camper type:______Wednesday _____ I would like to share someone else’s tent or camper 4:00pm - 9:00pm Registration and camp set up _____ I would be willing to share my tent or camper No dinner served (Food located near to park) Thursday Other Information 6:30am Registration We compile a roster for distribution to Institute participants only. We will include your registration information with name, 7:00am Breakfast telephone, occupation and interests. If you do not want your 7:45am- 5:00pm Sessions and Lunch Break information included mark below. 6:30pm Dinner and Optional Sessions _____ Please do not include any of my information Friday 5:30am Pre-breakfast snack _____ Please do not include my telephone number 6:00am Field Sessions _____ Please do not include my occupation or interests 7:30am Breakfast I learned about this program from: ______8:00am - 3:30pm Sessions and Lunch Break 4:30pm Final Session In case of an emergency, notify: 6:30pm Dinner and Optional Sessions Name:______Saturday Address:______5:30am Pre-breakfast snack City:______State:______6:00am Field Sessions 7:30am Breakfast Home phone (______)______8:00am - 5:30pm Sessions, Lunch & Opt. Workshops Work phone (______)______6:30pm Dinner and optional sessions If my registration is accepted, I understand $45 of the fee is not Sunday refundable. I am at least 18 years of age, in good health and plan to 6:30am Breakfast participate in the full Institute program. 7:30am Hike with sack lunch Signature: ______2:30pm Institute Ends

Date:______20 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003

Audubon Memberships You may become a member of the Friends of Tucson Audubon (chapter-only membership) or of National Audubon Society, with Tucson Audubon as your local chapter. To support both, sign up for both! If you do so, you will not receive redundant services. q Yes , make me a Friend of Tucson Audubon Benefits: q $15 Students/Seniors (62+) 3 All your funds are used locally! q 3 Subscription to the Vermilion Flycatcher newsletter $20 One-year membership (9 issues per year) q $35 Two-year membership 3 10% discount in the Nature Shop Additional gift to Tucson Audubon Society 3 Bulletins about local conservation issues q $50 q $100 q $250 q $500 q $1000 q $______3 Monthly membership meetings q 3 Low organizational overhead – 93% of funds go to Enclosed is my matching gift form programs q Please do not share my information with other organizations Subtotal: $______q Yes, make me a member of the National Audubon Society, with Tucson Audubon Society as my local chapter Benefits: q $15 Students/Seniors (62+) 3 Subscription to Audubon magazine (quarterly) q $20 One-year introductory membership B01 3 Subscription to the Vermilion Flycatcher newsletter q 7XCH (9 issues per year) $35 Two-year introductory membership 3 10% discount in the Nature Shop Subtotal: $______3 Bulletins about local conservation issues 3 Monthly membership meetings Total: $______q Gift membership – recipient’s info below & mine enclosed on separate sheet) Name ______q Enclosed is a personal check or money order q q q Address ______Please bill my Visa MasterCard City ______State _____ Zip ______Credit card #: ______Exp. date: _____ Signature: ______E-mail ______Phone ______Print name: ______q Gift membership q Send me e-mail updates about local events and issues Make check payable to Tucson Audubon Society Address changes – send new & old addresses: Friends of Tucson Audubon – send to Tucson Audubon Mail form (and check if applicable) to: National Audubon – call NAS Data Center at (800) Tucson Audubon Society 274-4201, or write to [email protected], or 300 E University Blvd, #120 write to NAS Membership Data Center, PO Box Tucson AZ 85705 52529, Boulder, CO 80322-2529 (520) 629-0510

bequest (bi-kwest'), n. 1. A disposition Please call or write today for more information: of assets by will 2. A lasting legacy support- Name ______ing stewardship of southern Arizona’s natural resources and preservation of critical habitat. Address ______As a member of Tucson Audubon Soci- City ______ety, you help us develop a comprehensive State ______Zip ______approach to conservation through environ- Send to: Executive Director mental education and activism in southern Tucson Audubon Society Arizona. Now help us maintain this legacy: 300 E. University Blvd, #120 Include Tucson Audubon Society in your will. Tucson, AZ 85705 Ph: (520) 622-5622 March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 21

Highlights from the Rare Bird Alert Compiled by Susan Birky

January, 2003

To no one’s surprise, January 2003 was the second warm- Long-eared Owl remained at Tohono Chul Park but was not est on record for Tucson. It was not only warm but also ex- seen as regularly as in December. The Clay-colored Sparrow tremely dry with drought conditions continuing. Just .08 continued to be found along the Rillito River at First Av- inch of rain was reported where the normal would be .99 enue. inch for the month. While the dry conditions are stressful In the Green Valley area a Crested Caracara was observed for wildlife it is certainly the reverse for birders. Although on 1/20 along the Whitehouse Canyon Road, and a Fox the month was generally quiet and reflected many of the Sparrow in Madera Canyon 1/30. A Eurasian x American same reports as December 2002, a num- Wigeon was reported from Willcox ber of interesting reports came in. Call in rare bird sightings and updates to Twin Lakes through 1/14. At Patagonia Some rarities reported in January re- the voice mailbox at 696-4461, option 3, or Lake State Park a Greater Scaup was flected the weather conditions. A Gray email them to [email protected]. seen 1/4, a Common Goldeneye con- Hawk, which is accidental in the win- tinued through the month, and the pair ter, delighted everyone by spending the month in Amado, of Black-capped Gnatcatchers continued there through the and a Red-shouldered Hawk, considered a casual winter visi- month; the obvious question now is whether or not they tor, was reported frequently in the Green Valley/Amado area will breed. Ruddy Ground-Doves were reported during the early in the month. Interestingly, the only other January month at Paton’s backyard in Patagonia and from Rio Rico. record I could find for the Red-shouldered Hawk in Arizona Eurasian Collared-Doves were seen at Benson, Dudleyville, was a December/January, 1975-76, report from Tucson. In McNeil and Elfrida. the Tucson area an Osprey was seen 1/23 and the wintering The Rare Bird Alert is sponsored by the Tucson Audu- Zone-tailed Hawk was last reported 1/15. At Avra Valley bon Society and reported by Bill Scott. Report sighting to Sewage Treatment Plant the Black-necked Stilt stayed through voice mail at 520-696-4461, option 3, or [email protected]. the month, as did the Dunlin along the Santa Cruz River RBA reports are published weekly on Thursday evenings and near the Ina Road bridge. There were 3 interesting reports can be accessed at 520-798-1005 or by visiting of Violet-crowned Hummingbirds in the Tucson area. www.tucsonaudubon.org. Directions to many of the sites A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker continued at the Pima County mentioned can be found in Davis and Russell’s Finding Birds Maintenance Yard in Green Valley, and another was seen in in Southeast Arizona. J Nogales. Also continuing from December were the Elegant Trogon and the Eastern Phoebe at Patagonia Lake State Park. Environmental Films A Cassin’s Kingbird was found near Patagonia on 1/1. Ru- fous-backed Robins continued to show up in interesting lo- “Mountainfilm in Telluride” is a one-day film festival at cations: one at Patagonia Lake State Park 1/13, and one at the Loft Cinema, Sunday, March 2, 2003. Feature films: Florida Canyon Trailhead the last half of the month. 1 p.m., Wings of Nature, or Travelling Birds, Directed by Seven warbler species were reported during the month. Jacques Perrin (Microcosmos). Although most of these species were reported during De- Perrin looks into the sky and follows migratory birds over cember, the ones reported in January were from different thousands of miles and many years. A beautifully musical locations. A Black and White was seen at the Patagonia Road- film—meditative and highly educational in a gentle way. side Rest, and also along the Santa Cruz River at Avra Valley 4 p.m., Ansel Adams, Directed by Ric Burns Road, where Townsend’s, Yellow, and Wilson’s were also seen. Ric Burns’ film lovingly and with great elegance tells us Northern and Louisiana Waterthrushes were seen at the San about a difficult childhood, an indulgent and understanding Pedro Riparian NCA, while a Louisiana Waterthrush, first father, a lifelong dedication to the natural world and its pres- reported in December, continued through the month at ervation, and all the accompanying struggles. Patagonia Lake State Park. 7 p.m., Troubled Waters, directed by George and Beth Gage Also continuing to be reported from December was the America has 75,000 dams, far too many in the opinion Least Grebe at Sweetwater Wetlands, where a Blue-winged of many scientists and conservationists. Personal, passionate Teal was also reported. The Clark’s Grebes continued at and controversial, this documentary considers the value of a Arthur Pack Golf Course, where a Common Goldeneye was dam where commerce is served but nature destroyed. also reported through 1/10. A Blue-winged Teal was seen Call the Loft Cinema at 529-0764 for more information. along the Santa Cruz River near the Ina Road Bridge. The $25 – members of Tucson Film Society, $35 – non-members. J 22 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003

DastardlyDastardly Duos Duos by Larry Liese

We all know how much we like looking at humming- ies look sturdy and more solidly built. They average half an birds—the males that is! Female hummingbirds are just as inch longer and more than a third heavier, and have a differ- amazing; they just lack those iridescent gorgets, which make ent shape recognizable with experience. them difficult to identify. While waiting for a rarity at the Desert Museum, I This month we’ll look at two female hummingbirds that chanced upon Rick Taylor—one of our local professional can be seen in southeast Arizona during the cooler months. guides, who, after I had guessed wrongly on our pair above, Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) nests in winter in our imparted this wisdom: “To me, female Costa’s always have a area in a variety of habitats including suburban locations. pot-bellied look, while female Anna’s have a flat-bellied look.” Some people see them at their feeders all year. Costa’s Hum- Since I’ve noticed that both my friends and myself are usu- mingbird ally one or (Calypte costae) the other, I is best seen decided to from February give this a try. through April, Lo and be- and can be a hold, there is hard find in a difference late spring and there. summer. Thanks, Like most Rick! female hum- While it’s mingbirds, hard to de- these two are scribe their mostly green sounds in on their up- print, they perparts and are distinc- lighter below. tive and The female many people Anna’s how- rely on voice ever, has gray- to identify ish underparts them. Anna’s washed with green, particularly on the sides, with Costa’s are one of the most vocal of our hummingbirds, with a loud females looking much whiter underneath. Female Anna’s usu- hard tzip call note, sometimes run together in a series. When ally have a small amount of metallic flecking on their throat, chases occur in defense of territories or food sources (seem- while any throat markings on a Costa’s will be much less ingly all the time), it becomes a harsh buzzy chatter. Costa’s obvious. Anna’s tails look much broader as the outer rec- have a lighter, dry tic call note, with several run together trices of the Costa’s are much narrower. Anna’s wings don’t when excited. The male Costa’s display flight produces an reach their tail tips, while on Costa’s they are about as long. unmistakable shrill whistle. When heard, a perched female Anna’s are also said to keep their tails still while feeding, can usually be found nearby. something to watch for. This is a pair that most of us can study right in our own Both have short, straight (slightly curved on Costa’s), dark backyards. If you don’t already have a nectar feeder, there are bills, noticeably shorter than Black-chinned females. The many styles to choose from—some that attach right to a Anna’s is said to be thicker, but this was not strongly notice- window for the close looks you’ll want to follow these hints. able to me on specimens at the U of A bird lab. Anna’s bod- Good luck! J March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 23 International Birding Trips!

Full information for the abbreviated trip descriptions of 350-400 birds are expected, with visits to Carara National below can be found on the Tucson Audubon website at Park, the Rio Savegre area high in the Cordillera Talamanca, www.tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips/tastravel.htm or by us- Rancho Naturalista in the bird-rich foothill zone of the ing the contact information given. All trip prices include a Cordillera Central, the La Selva field station in the Car- tax-deductible donation to Tucson Audubon. ibbean rain forest, and the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. Alamos, Sonora For more information and/or a complete trip packet please Seven day tours hosted by David & Jennifer MacKay, call Borderland Tours at 882-7650, or email March 30-April 5, and April 7-13, 2003, $1150 [email protected]. Once again, Tucson Audubon is offering birding adven- tures to beautiful and historic Alamos, Sonora with Solipaso Copper Canyon Birding Excursions. These trips offer the opportunity to experience A ten-day tour co-led by Larry Liese and Rochelle an incredible diversity of interesting habitats and cultural Gerratt October 18-27, 2003, $1799 beauty without getting on an airplane! From the tropical This trip offers an opportunity to experience some of the deciduous forest and thorn forest in the Sierra Madre foot- most breathtaking scenery of North America and see excit- hills to the shores of the sea of Cortez, you will be impressed ing neo-tropical bird species such as Russet-crowned Mot- with the amount of diversity found within a day’s drive south mot and Eared Trogon, as well as observe the fascinating of the border! mix of Mexican and Tarahumara. Activities include a float For more information, go to www.solipaso.com. You can trip near the Colonial town of El Fuerte, the magical train also email David and Jennifer at [email protected], or call ride across the Sierra Madre to Creel, and two full days in 011 52 647 428 0466. Batopilas located deep within this huge canyon system. For information contact Rochelle Gerratt at 696-2002, Birding in the Colorado River Delta or email [email protected]. A 3-day and 2-night tour hosted by La Ruta de Sonora, April 26-28, 2003, $635 A Week at Palenque with Rich Hoyer Experience the lower Colorado River, the Colorado River An eight-day birding trip to southern Mexico hosted by Delta, and the upper Sea of Cortez in this water-based birding Rich Hoyer of WINGS October 18-25, 2003, $2040 adventure. Destinations include the Imperial Wildlife Ref- Birdwatchers who love Mexico return time and again to uge, the wetlands of La Cienega de Santa Clara (canoe ex- Palenque. Indeed, many first become acquainted with tropi- cursion), and El Golfo de Santa Clara (boat ride). cal birds at this wonderful site. The small town and spec- For information on this exciting eco-adventure please call tacular Maya ruins of Palenque lie in the Gulf of Mexico La Ruta de Sonora Ecotourism Association at 792-4693 or lowlands, at the foot of the Yucatán Peninsula and just in- email [email protected]. land from the vast Usumacinta marshes. A week at Palenque is an excellent tour for those who wish a pleasant introduc- Costa Rica Birding with Borderland Tours tion to tropical birding, a shorter Mexican experience, and a A thirteen day tour led by Rick Taylor, July 1-13, 2003, trip with the comfort and convenience of a single locality. $2845 For more information and/or a complete trip packet please Explore Costa Rica’s network of scenic national parks and call WINGS at 320-9868 in Tucson or email wildlife preserves from lowland rain forest to the northern- [email protected]. You can also visit their web site most páramo (tropical alpine zone) in Central America. Views at www.wingsbirds.com. J 24 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003

IBA CITIZEN SCIENCE, continued from page 4 of conservation concern, and hundreds of acres per day near identify stressors, potential impacts, enhancement opportu- Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma are being lost to development. nities, and guide prioritization for habitat acquisition or other Unique ironwood, palo verde, saguaro associations and xe- protection measures. ric riparian areas are especially critical to many species whose At the national level, Audubon has been asked by our population bases are centered in this habitat (e.g., Costa’s partners in the federal and state governments (i.e., North Hummingbird, Purple Martin-subspecies hesperia, Gilded American Bird Conservation Initiative–NABCI, Shorebird Flicker, and Black-throated Sparrow). Here again, we have and Waterbird Conservation Plans, and Partners in Flight strong membership capabilities in Tucson, Maricopa, working groups) to step up to meet this need. Audubon has Sonoran, and Yuma Audubon chapters. Our forests (both been doing this on a broad scale for over 100 years through our sky islands and montane conifer), semi-desert grasslands, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count which has documented great basin grasslands and desert-scrub, chaparral, gross changes in early-wintering bird abundance and distri- Chihuahuan and Mohave Desert habitats also have avian bution across the western hemisphere. Many Audubon mem- species of conservation concern in need of basic informa- bers have also participated in tion. Our Audubon chapters in the North American Migrant Prescott, northern Arizona, Count, often in conjunction White Mountain, and with International Migratory Huachuca have important Bird Day (this year May 10, roles in inventorying and 2003), as well as Arizona’s monitoring special areas in Breeding Bird Atlas through these habitats. AZ Game and Fish, Breeding Beginning this spring Bird Survey through the U.S. 2003, we are searching for Au- Geological Survey, and in Tuc- dubon members who want to son basin, the renowned Tuc- be part of IBA Avian Science son Bird Count overseen by Teams for identified or poten- Will Turner at the University tial IBAs throughout Arizona. of Arizona. The Arizona IBA Our first wetland, Sonoran Program would like partici- Desert, and raptor surveys will pants of these efforts, and es- begin in March. More inten- Jimmy Videle conducts bird surveys at Greens Peak, White sive riparian surveys will be pecially Audubon members, to Mountains, Arizona help document our Arizona conducted in April/May. IBA species of conservation concern at priority conservation sites! Science Teams will be given a standard protocol to follow, National Audubon has indicated to its partners the abil- and surveys will focus on a “suite of key species,” generally 5 ity of our state IBA programs to document and inventory or fewer, but more in riparian habitats (10-15 species). These waterbirds (e.g., rails), wading birds (e.g., egrets, herons, are species recognized as warranting conservation attention ibises), and shorebirds (e.g., stilts and avocets) at wetlands. or indicators of habitat health. Surveys are generally 2 or 3 In Arizona these habitats are, of course, rare. This we can do per season, but remote sites may only be surveyed once, with near our chapter membership bases where this habitat exists! an emphasis on the breeding and migration periods. Teams Nesting raptors, within defined areas, are a group of birds will be made up of 2 to 4 people. Special nest-census surveys that are also fitting of our membership capabilities (e.g., may have up to 8 or 10 people, plus Audubon staff or chap- Harris’s Hawk, Gray Hawk, Common Black-Hawk). Our ter officers. Organization of this statewide IBA avian science riparian habitats support approximately 80% of our south- initiative will be through a collaborative relationship between western breeding birds, indicating their critical importance the Arizona IBA Program office and regional chapter IBA in the landscape. Tragically, an estimated 95% of southwest- coordinators/conservation chairpersons, with full data-shar- ern riparian habitat has been altered or destroyed in the past ing among the AZ IBA office, chapters, and the national bird 125 years. Thus in Arizona, we have a critical responsibility monitoring efforts. to protect our riparian obligate and dependent species (e.g., In southeastern Arizona, within the Tucson Audubon Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Sum- Society region, a number of priority areas to be covered by mer Tanager, and many others), and this will be a major the AZ IBA Avian Science Initiative have been identified. focus of our efforts. These areas include: the middle Santa Cruz River, Mason Our Sonoran Desert is unique to the western hemisphere Audubon/Arthur Pack Park/Tortolita (survey team in place in its plant diversity and abundance. It supports many birds at MAC & A.P.P.), Cañada del Oro, Tanque Verde/Aqua March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 25

Caliente, Sabino Creek, Happy Valley, Cienega Creek, Las Web Corner by Kendall Kroesen Cienegas, Sonoita Creek, upper Santa Cruz (Kino Springs), Patagonia area, lower San Pedro, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge-select sites, and Tumacacori/Tubac area. Of With so many pressing environmental issues at hand, it these fourteen areas, we would be pleased to have 4 sites is important to know who your legislators are and how to with IBA Avian Science Teams in place this spring. We will contact them. Pages 4 and 5 of the Vermilion Flycatcher highlight conservation issues and give contact information for continue to collaborate and share data with the Tucson Bird our legislators. Count efforts, benefiting both projects in the Tucson basin. Outside of our citizen-science team effort, we continue to However, now National Audubon also provides an auto- pursue more intensive Tucson Audubon staff-supported avian mated, web-based way to get in touch with our representa- science projects at the Santa Cruz River Restoration Site, tives. For many, it may be more convenient than writing a Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, the Kino Ecosystem Resto- letter from scratch. Point your browser at the “Issues and Action” section of ration Project, Muleshoe Cooperative Management Area, and the National Audubon website, www.audubon.org/cam- will add the lower San Pedro River, middle Santa Cruz River wetlands, and Tumacacori beginning this year. Some of our paign/index.html. citizen-science teams will work jointly with Tucson Audu- You may read the information there, which—as this goes bon staff at particular sites (i.e., Mason Audubon, to print—is about Audubon’s outlook for the current 108th Tumacacori, Cienega Creek, lower San Pedro River, and Congress. When you are ready, click on “Take Action Now” on the potentially others). left margin. You will be given an opportunity to sign up Our first survey will be Sunday, March 16 (raptor survey) based from Tumacacori National Historic Park (space with Audubon’s Take Action campaign. After you have en- available up to 8 people—please call 629-0757 to sign up). tered some basic contact information about yourself, you A similar “large team” survey for nesting Yellow-billed Cuck- will be taken to the Take Action work page. oos will be conducted at Tumacacori and on the lower San A series of orange buttons across the top of the page provide you with several important tools. The most important Pedro River in July. Sites within Sonoran Desert habitat are is the one that says “Contact Legislators.” A drop-down menu open for surveys by IBA Science Teams beginning in the latter half of March. Wetland sites can be surveyed at the allows you to choose an issue on which to take action (cur- very end of March through mid-April. Riparian bird surveys rently including proposed changes to the Clean Water Act, can begin by April 21 and can continue through the third described on page 4). week in May. Remember to continue checking our monthly After reading about the issue, you can click on “Take Action Now” button. This takes you through the steps of Vermilion Flycatcher and website calendars for information creating a letter to your relevant representatives. It provides in the coming months for other large team-group surveys. Please call to find out about adopting an IBA and forming actual text written by National Audubon staffers, but that an IBA Avian Science Team for a special site near you! J you can edit and personalize. Of course, continue to visit the Tucson Audubon website at www.tucsonaudubon.org. There are links to the Take Ac- tion campaign and much more J

Tucson Audubon staff surveying birds at the Santa Cruz River Habitat Restoration Site J 26 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society March 2003 Panama: The View from the Canopy Tower

Eugene Loring

It starts before dawn and is a bit star- at the top, surrounding the modified swarm happens to be in their territory. tling on the first day. Snuggled into geodesic dome that once housed the This is always a hoped-for event on any your comfortable bed with a 72-degree radar equipment. (See more details on Neotropical trip. breeze blowing gently through your their website: www.canopytower.com). On another morning we took a room, you awaken to the roaring and Around the entrance are several very short ride to Metropolitan Park where barking of several mantled howler mon- active hummingbird feeders with six or the many goodies included a pair of Bat key troops reestablishing their territo- seven regularly occurring species, in- Falcons, a skulking Rosy Thrush-Tana- ries for the day. cluding the spectacular White-necked ger, several active wrens, and many oth- Well, you’re awake now, so you Jacobin, Violet-bellied Hummingbird ers. An afternoon birding near the might as well get up and go up to the with its glowing violet belly, and West- Tower included a visit to the Harpy canopy observation deck. When you ern Long-tailed Hermit with its im- Eagle research center, with its captive arrive, it is barely light, so the birds are probably curved beak. pair of this magnificent endangered only those you hear—Mottled Owl and The Canopy Tower is well located bird that, it is hoped, will provide Collared Forest-Falcon off somewhere to take advantage of some of the best chicks for reintroduction into their in the forest. And then the ubiquitous lowland and foothill birding locations Panama habitat. repetitive cher, cher, cher of the in central Panama. The road leading to One day we traveled to the Carib- Green Shrike-Vireo, one of the spe- the Tower and a trail near the base of bean side and birded the well-known cial birds of the Panama Canopy the hill were our first targets. Here we Achiote Road where we found such Tower. All this while you’re getting were delighted by such gorgeous and choice species as Spot-crowned Barbet, your first cup of coffee. interesting species as Red-capped Great Antshrike, Sulphur-rumped and Before the sun crests the distant Manakin, Black-breasted Puffbird, Vio- Flame-rumped tanagers, Yellow-tailed hills, the birds become active. A guide laceous Trogon, Crimson-crested Oriole, and, best of all, a roosting Spec- will announce, “There’s a Blue Cotinga Woodpecker, and Rufous- and Broad- tacled Owl. A fun train ride along the in that scope,” and lo and behold, an- billed motmots, the latter of which sat canal through the back country other specialty of the Tower reveals it- still on the side of the trail within 6 brought us back to the Pacific side. self. The singing Shrike-Vireo is also feet of us for as long as we cared to While on the train ride we counted located, and you have seen two species study it. the many species we could see–our very difficult to view from the forest The forest comes alive on our total was 42. floor–two lifers for me. evening trip where nightbirds and Our last day was spent on an out- And so it goes that first morning mammals take the prizes. Our luck (and ing into the foothills, mainly to Cerro before breakfast: tanagers, euphonias, the guides’ skill) brought us great views Azul. Here we stopped at a beautiful honeycreepers, dacnis, flycatchers, and of Common Potoo, Pauraques, and a home now operated by the Panama other small passerines flitting around Vermiculated Screech-Owl responsive to Audubon Society. The grounds and the crowns of the forest trees. Keel- the tape. We spied kinkajous and opos- surrounding forest were filled with billed and Chestnut-mandibled tou- sums crawling on a tree branch, and a birds, many of which were different cans add their spice to the mix. And tamandua raiding a termite mound. Both species from those encountered in the maybe even a King Vulture soaring two- and three-toed sloth were evident lowlands. Not long after our arrival, the overhead. But, for the most part, you both night and day. Earlier in the day, resident Rufous-crested Coquette, a are looking down. It’s quite a show. three species of monkeys also provided gaudy, minuscule hummingbird, The Panama Canopy Tower is a interest and amusement. alighted on his favorite perch and posed unique ecolodge set amidst a lovely for- One day our group visited the fa- for multiple scope views. Colorful tana- est on a hillside overlooking the mous Pipeline Rd. where we were for- gers abounded, including the spectacu- Panama Canal. A creative mind took tunate in finding several ant swarms, lar Bay-Headed and the uncommon an old, rusting US military radar tower marauding army ants eating anything Rufous-winged. Yellow-eared and fashioned it into a lodge. There are in their path. Several species of birds Toucanets were discovered in the for- two floors of comfortable guest rooms are obligate ant swarm followers, catch- est, and best of all, a seldom-seen Black- with private baths, a top floor with sit- ing the insects and other invertebrates eared Wood-Quail posed on the forest ting and dining room and kitchen (the as they attempt to flee the ants. Other floor for all to see. Watching birds from food is great), and the observation deck birds join in as opportunists when the the patio while we ate our picnic lunch March 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 27

Thanks & Wishes Jessie Shinn

We are grateful for the opportunity In addition, we would like to thank to work with and for such a generous and the following donors for their recent Current Wish List committed membership, as evidenced by in-kind gifts. Many thanks to… the results of our end-of-year fundraiser. Joan Hood Tucson Audubon Offices This year’s appeal brought in over Roy Johnson ý Bicycle rack $60,000, exceeding our goal by $4,000. and Lois Haight for the kind do- In these economic times, we do nations of books, ý Office supplies not take this achievement lightly. We and Judy and Richard Edison for ý Digital projector deeply appreciate all of you who par- the television set. ticipated in making it happen. We would also like to acknowledge Santa Cruz River Habitat Thanks to you, we will be able to donations made in memory of Marcia Project continue to thrive and grow, and bet- Levey. Marcia was an enthusiastic ý All-terrain vehicle ter serve you in our common goals birder, and member and volunteer of of improving the quality of the envi- Tucson Audubon. Thank you Henry Mason Audubon Center ronment through education, conser- and Mary Wolpert, Diane Burch, vation and recreational programs. Helen Steiniger, Lenna Merski, and ý Electric hot pot for tea Next month’s Flycatcher will feature Anne Daw for honoring Marcia’s life ý Flashlights a list of all our end-of-year donors through your contributions. Marcia and giving levels. will be missed. J ý Coleman lanterns ý Coffee grinder ý Swivel-style desk chair ý White Xmas tree lights ý Art supplies ý Coat rack ý Document shredder ý Torchier-style floor lamp ý Toolbox was the height of birding laziness. But tion the bird that drove us all crazy. several visits to areas of ethnic culture. no one complained. Early in the morning and at sundown, Or, as Hal did much of the time, just On the return drive, we stopped at the plaintive call of the Great Tinamou hang out and relax at the Tower. There a stream-crossing to view a Black echoed around the Tower. This bird was are plenty of birds to see right there.) Phoebe, a species most Easterners have somewhere close, but try as we might, (I went on a guided tour. For any- not seen. While at this stop, we were we were never successful in getting even one who wishes additional information fortunate to discover a large, fruiting a running-away view. Tantalizing, but on this, you can contact me at ficus tree. The frenzy of activity in one has to have something to return [email protected] or at Tucson this tree with a dozen and a half spe- for. And, I believe, we will return at Audubon Nature Shop on Wednesdays. cies and more numerous individuals some time in the future. The Tower is often full of tour groups, vying for the delectable treat was (For non-birding spouses/partners/ but in the summer, which is not a bad quite a show. friends, the Canopy Tower offers plenty time to go, they have reduced-rate This ended our fabulous week at the to do. Among possible activities are a packages for individuals. Both of the Panama Canopy Tower. The group saw trip on the Panama Canal (Saturdays excellent resident guides are personable approximately 300 species of birds and only; must reserve in advance); outings and helpful and are, I believe, part of heard several more. Of these latter, I to the old fort and other original build- the package.) J would be remiss if I neglected to men- ings in Panama City; shopping; and March 2003 Meeting: Japanese Fish and Mexican Birds Monday, March 10, 2003, DuVal Auditorium, University Medical Center 7:00 p.m. “Oh Boy! A Talk on Koi,” by Bob Panter 7:20 p.m. Break 7:30 p.m. “Bird Studies On The Upper Santa Cruz River, Sonora, Mexico,” by Eduardo Gomez and Joaquin Murrieta

Preprogram “Oh Boy! A Talk on Koi” Bob Panter, president of the Southern Arizona Koi Association, will give a 20- minute presentation, complete with slides, on the culture and raising of koi. Koi, for those unfamiliar with the Japanese word, are fish, members of the carp family. Only unlike the common brown carp that inhabit our North American waterways, koi are those gorgeous black, orange, white, etc., beauties that we all go oooh and aaah over. Bob will dismiss any fears and misconceptions you may have regarding koi, their expense, difficulty in raising and tell you what it takes to have koi in your life. If you’ve ever spent any time contemplating a single goldfish in a bowl or a few tropical fish in a tank, imagine how meditative and relaxing a koi pond must be.

Main Program “Bird Studies On The Upper Santa Cruz River, Sonora, Mexico,” The Sonoran Institute conducted the first ever avian survey of the Santa Cruz Parking Note: We are fortunate to be River in Sonora, Mexico from 2000-2001. Using the point count method, a total of able to use the auditorium at UMC. There 176 species was detected during the first year of the survey. In conjunction with the is parking in the multi-tiered Patient/Visi- tor parking garage closest to the auditorium; avian survey of the Santa Cruz, the Sonoran Institute established an environmental however, a fee is charged. Free parking is education program with the local middle school, integrating science and community available south of Mabel Street, across from outreach. Students have become active participants in the different research activities the College of Nursing (see map). You have to walk a bit farther, but as birders, a little and communicate their findings to the broader community. Eduardo Gomez, expert exercise is often in our best interest. Sonoran birder, and Joaquin Murrieta, Santa Cruz River project manager, will be sharing their experiences in bird monitoring and community-based river restoration initiatives. Join us for a slide presentation of birds of the Santa Cruz River in Sonora, Mexico. J

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

The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of the Tucson Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society. Members of other chapters may receive the Flycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson Audubon. See membership information on page 20.