February 2003 Vermilionlycatcher Tucson Audubon Society F www.tucsonaudubon.org Leaders in Conservation & Education since 1949 Volume 47, Number 5 ISSN 1094-9909 Birding in the Colorado River Delta A 3-day and 2-night tour hosted by La Ruta de Sonora

Birdwatch while learning the complex and unique issues related to the ecology, conservation, and international water rights policy of the Colorado River, the most controlled river in the world. Once one of the world’s largest desert river deltas, the Colorado River delta remains a rare freshwa- ter ecosystem in the midst of the Sonoran Desert. This authentic adventure shows you this unique area of northern Sonora through the eyes of people who live and work here, and are committed to preserving this special environment to protect wildlife and their livelihoods. The tour also offers the opportunity to appreciate the culture and culinary delights of the Arizona-Sonora border region. See “Travel” on This water-based adventure begins with a boat ride at Imperial Wildlife National Refuge, a page 22 for other natural flyway for thousands of migratory birds. We get an overview of the natural history of the travel opportuni- Colorado River and restoration efforts to protect this important wetland habitat for over 380 ties, including a species of birds and other wildlife. Our next stop is Betty’s Kitchen, a wildlife and interpretive area new trip to known for bird watching, fishing, and nature photography. We cross the border and spend the Palenque and an- night in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, and drive early next morning on a rugged road other of our to La Ciénega de Santa Clara, the area’s most important wetland. Thickly vegetated with cattail, popular trips to reeds and rushes, this unique wetland of 29,650 acres lies along the eastern shore of the Colorado Copper Canyon! flood plain. La Ciénega supports over 6000 endangered Yuma Clapper Rail and numerous other resident and migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and even Bald Eagles. Residents of the Ejido Johnson DELTA, continued on page 22 Inside

Calendar ...... 10 Dastardly Duos ...... 15 Director’s Perch ...... 2 Education News ...... 12 Field Trips ...... 6 Field Trip Reports ...... 8 Mason Audubon Center News ...... 13 Meeting program ...... 32 Membership Information ...... 20 Nature Shop ...... 16 President’s Mess...... 3 RBA Highlights ...... 24 TAS Travel ...... 22 Thanks & Wishes ..... 31 Web Corner ...... 30 Canoeists explore the Colorado River Delta 2 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Officers Director’s Perch by Sonja Macys President, Roger Wolf ...... 882-9633 Vice President, Floyd Gray ...... 670-5582 Secretary, Bill Mannan ...... 621-7283 Treasurer, Walter Kavanagh ...... 621-1750 My love affair with international for yourself! Tucson Audubon will be Directors at Large travel began when I was twelve years offering continuous trips to this jewel Wendy Burroughs Brian Powell old and visited the island of St. John in of a location (see page 23 for more de- 578-3650 670-5830 the U.S. Virgin Islands. A small group tails). Visiting Alamos only reinforces Don Eagle Susan Randolph 629-0510 629-0510 of equestrians traveled from Virginia to our conviction that habitat protection Kristi Keller Peter Salomon participate in an international horse does not stop at the border. 629-0510 298-9697 Lawrence Liese Linda Stitzer show. My memories of the island in- Although a recent visit to Phoenix 743-3520 297-3173 clude the exotic tropical fruits and tall was less glamorous, it was similarly ex- Chris McVie David Yetman 629-0510 621-2484 trees, new and interesting accents, and citing. Several Tucson Audubon board Robert Merideth my first encounter with real dairy milk and staff attended the quarterly meet- 884-4393 (which would have been much better re- ing of National Audubon Society’s Board Committees ceived today than as a child!). board. The meeting, hosted in large Conservation, Bill Mannan ...... 621-7283 Since then, my motivations for part by the emerging Arizona Audu- Education, Susan Randolph ...... 629-0510 travel have changed, nonetheless, my bon, brought together NAS leadership Development, Robert Merideth ...... 884-4393 Nominating, Susan Randolph ...... 629-0510 love for it remains. This is fortunate, to set priorities in the areas of policy, Community Presence, Linda Stitzer ...... 297-3173 as the issues facing bird and wildlife science, and chapters/states and centers. Programs and Activities conservation these days require a “big And although the geographical priori- Bird Alert ...... 798-1005 picture” approach that often brings me ties on which NAS will focus presently Bird Reporting ...... 696-4461 Bird Census, Susan Birky ...... 743-9390 far afield. My most recent adventure have been set, don’t be surprised if the Library, Bill Scott ...... 887-5813 took me to Alamos, Sonora. Twelve of Sonoran Desert becomes a point of in- Mailing, Gerald Sweeney ...... 326-3701 us made the journey from Tucson for terest in the future! Field Trips, John Higgins ...... 578-1830 Program, Tom DeMoss ...... 296-2963 the Sonoran Joint Venture’s biannual As we enter this New Year, our Membership & Hospitality ...... (vacant) meeting. Former board member thoughts move towards the future. Cynthia Lindquist drove as my col- What kind of world do we want to Audubon Nature Shop & Offices leagues and I viewed wintering raptors make, for ourselves, for the birds, and 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 Nature Shop Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10–4, Mon. & Thu. 10–5 for the nine hours’ drive. Warning, this for the habitat that supports them? As Shop Manager, Judy Edison has proven to be dangerous to do our Conservation Committee begins to Asst. Shop Manager, Susan Birky (520) 629-0510 Fax: (520) 623-3476 while driving. craft a vision for Tucson Audubon and www.tucsonaudubon.org In Alamos, we were met by Mexi- a strategy for effective conservation, we [email protected] can conservationists from Hermosillo, invite you to participate. We intend to Executive Director, Sonja Macys ...... 622-5622 Guaymas, and Alamos. For two days, keep you posted about challenges and Asst to ED, Jessie Shinn ...... 628-1730 MAC Outreach Coord., Jamie Brown ..... 744-0004 the group rallied at La Ciudadela, Jen- progress in the areas of policy, science, Education Prog. Man., Carrie Dean ...... 629-0757 nifer and David McKay’s bed and and conservation. And we aim to con- Education Specialist, Dan Wolgast ...... 744-0004 breakfast in the heart of the Colonial tinue to provide rewarding opportuni- Development Director, Holly Foster ...... 628-1730 Restoration Projects, Ann Phillips ...... 206-9900 City. We learned about the progress be- ties for your involvement. We can’t go Cons. Biol./IBA Coord., Scott Wilbor .... 629-0757 ing made in cross-border bird conser- it alone. As Friedrich Nietzsche once Prmclt./Com. Spec., Kendall Kroesen .. 206-9900 vation and the challenges yet to be said “Nothing ever succeeds which exu- Editors, Jane & Warren Tisdale ...... 749-2139 faced. And though the presentations berant spirits have not helped to pro- Mission Statement TAS is dedicated to improving the quality of were interesting and important, the duce.” Your dedication will allow future the environment by providing education, conser- best was yet to come. travelers to experience the diversity and vation, and recreation programs, and environ- J mental leadership and information. We departed Alamos early the next wonder of this region we all love. Tucson Audubon Society is a non-profit vol- morning to visit potential project sites unteer organization of people with a common in- terest in birding and natural history. TAS main- (and to bird). In the two hours prior to tains offices in Tucson, an extensive library, and arriving at our first site, we had already a Nature Shop where nature-related items are sold for the benefit of TAS programs, (520) 629-0510. logged 30 species, all from our car win- The Vermilion Flycatcher is published dows. Visions of Birdathon routes monthly except for combined May-June, July- Aug., and Dec.-Jan. issues. For address changes danced in my head…I won’t tell you or subscription problems call (520) 628-1730, or write to TAS (see info on page 20). Submissions about the lifers that I added to my list, for the March Flycatcher are due by February 7. but rather encourage you to go and see February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 3

President’s Message by Roger Wolf

Water Follies Wash and 90% of the springs on the ing agricultural rights. Generally users What happened to the Santa Cruz Hopi reservation, according to Vernon must pay closer to the true value and River? “The city of Tucson took it.” Masayesva, former tribal chairman. (An costs of water, such as the costs of harms This answer came from an elder of acre-foot of water is the volume re- to streams and habitat, water quality the Tohono O’odham nation, reported quired to cover one acre of land one degradation and subsidence. And fi- in Water Follies: Groundwater Pumping foot deep, or 325,851 gallons.) nally, when water rights are transferred, and the Fate of America’s Fresh Waters, Glennon hopes that the solution is a the state should require that a small by Robert Glennon. Glennon is a law railroad from the mesa to the Santa Fe percentage of the water be dedicated professor at the University of Arizona. line rather than piping water from Lake for environmental purposes. He seems to be acquiring a national Powell (or worse, from the Grand Can- It is a mixed blessing to learn that reputation—People Magazine quotes yon, as our Senator Kyl seeks). Arizona’s water woes are not uncom- him in its January 13 article on a The final Arizona case history is the mon. Maine is struggling to balance Florida woman’s efforts to restore controversial proposed Canyon Forest water for blueberries and for Atlantic access to Crystal Springs, closed af- Village just outside Grand Canyon salmon; Minnesota finds that irrigat- ter a deal to allow Perrier to bottle National Park at Tusayan. Its develop- ing potato crops with groundwater, re- its waters. ers have complex plans to avoid water quired by McDonald’s for uniform We’re fortunate to have Glennon in pumping from the fragile aquifer there french fries, threatens the Straight Arizona. He tells how our Santa Cruz by hauling water hundreds of miles by River; Massachusetts’ Ipswich River has went from something like the San rail and pipeline from the Colorado dried up because of groundwater Pedro River today, with gallery cotton- River across from California at Topock. pumping to support urban sprawl; wood trees, waterfowl hunting, beavers The cost of delivering this water would Atlanta’s growth and Georgia’s increas- and muskrat, and huge mesquite be an astounding $20,000 per acre- ing dependence on farm irrigation has bosques, to the bone-dry big ditch we foot, 1500 times the cost for a farmer diminished downstream Florida’s enjoy today, in only a few decades, in the Imperial Valley in California! Apalachicola Bay oyster harvests; new thanks largely to groundwater pump- Glennon believes that the project is subdivisions below Sacramento have ing. We learn about the hydrologic worth it to save the springs in the dewatered the Cosumnes River and its cycle and how groundwater adds to the Grand Canyon, to steer traffic and endangered Chinook salmon; explosive flow of gaining streams, all in clear and commerce from the park boundaries, growth in Tampa and St. Petersburg has easy prose and diagrams. and to buy out private land and water led to building a desalinization plant There is a chapter on the plight of drilling rights within the adjacent na- after groundwater pumping ruined the San Pedro River, threatened by tional forest. lakes and rivers; and gold mines in population growth and boosterism in Glennon lays out reforms to stop Nevada are drawing down the water Sierra Vista, by facile obfuscation of the the depletion of groundwater across the table under the Humboldt River. hydrologic reality that wells take from US. Simple, easy to follow conserva- So, thanks to Robert Glennon and the river, and by the fact that time tion standards would reduce the quar- Island Press for an engaging and read- passes to the disadvantage of the re- reling by interest groups, an example able book on what is now no longer a source in such cases. Glennon does not being Oregon’s uncomplicated restric- dense subject. The Tucson Audubon relieve us of our increasing despair over tions on new groundwater pumping bookstore has copies for sale. this impending loss of beauty and within a mile of a river. Legislatures birding habitat. should establish minimum stream flows Another Arizona story elucidated is and protect them from new pumping. the Black Mesa coal slurry pipeline. New wells must be banned near streams The pipeline takes pulverized anthra- and wetlands, and extraction taxes cite coal, suspended in water from an should be imposed on such wells al- aquifer, from Black Mesa in northern ready existing. Arizona 273 miles to the Mohave Gen- States must register all wells and erating Station near Laughlin, Nevada. meter them, including domestic wells. The 3,000 plus acre feet of water used New pumpers should mitigate the im- each year has dried up the Moenkopi pact on the environment, say by retir- 4 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003 Who to !! Future of Santa Cruz River ^! Contact and Rillito Wildlife Habitat City of Tucson MAYOR BOB WALKUP, City Hall, 255 West By Kendall Kroesen Alameda Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701 Phone: (520)791-4201, In 1951 Herbert Brandt published tain). Green fields, willow-lined canals, FAX: (520)791-5348 Arizona and Its Bird Life, based on trav- and cottonwood trees created an invit- E-Mail: [email protected] Individual City Council Members e-mail els in Arizona between 1935 and 1948. ing place for birds. In addition, to the addresses available at: He described four “major ornithologi- south there was a “noble woodland of www.ci.tucson.az.us/mcc.html cal areas” in the Santa Cruz River wa- mighty mesquite trees” which “bor- Pima County tershed: “Old Fort Lowell and Rillito dered both banks of the Santa Cruz for Sup. Ann Day, R, District 1, 740-2738 Creek; Fort Crittenden and Sonoita a number of miles and appeared to be Sup. Dan Eckstrom, D, District 2, 740-8126 Creek; the grand mesquite forest and four or five miles in width at its broad- Sup. Sharon Bronson, D, District 3, 740-8126 the adjacent Santa Cruz River; and est part.” Brandt described it as “the Sup. Ray Carroll, R, District 4, 740-8126 Sup. Richard Elias, D, District 5, 740-8126 Madera Canyon.” Of these four areas, only important trace of semitropical only Madera Canyon and Sonoita forest cover that [he] encountered in State of Arizona Creek retain a semblance of their southeastern Arizona.” Governor’s Office: 542-4331 or 800-253-0883 former bird diversity. The other two, These two “ornithological areas” Arizona House: 542-4221 or 800-352-8404 Rillito Creek and the Santa Cruz bot- have experienced terrible degradation Arizona Senate: 542-3559 or 800-352-8404 Fax: Sen (602) 542-3429/House (602) 542-4511 tomlands, are now dry washes mostly during the last 50 years. The Santa Cruz www.azleg.state.az.us devoid of vegetation. mesquite forest and agricultural canals TUCSON AREA STATE LEGISLATORS However, now there is room for lim- are gone, and the Rillito sports only the (ELECT) ited optimism about the future of wild- occasional mesquite or cottonwood. District 23 Rep. Ernest Bustamonte, D life habitat and birding opportunities The same kind of degradation has vis- Rep. Cheryl Chase, D in these two areas. I will describe the ited many other riparian areas in south- Sen. Pete Rios, D reasons for this after a review of the habi- ern Arizona. This is a reminder that the District 25 Rep. Jennifer Burns, R tat that has been lost in these areas. decline of environmental and agricul- Rep. Manuel Alvarez, D Brandt could hardly contain his tural resources is not only something Sen. Marsha Arzberger, D enthusiasm when recounting his spring, that futurists warn about, but a pro- District 26 1945 explorations of the Rillito. He cess that is well underway and which is Rep. Peter Hershberger, R Rep. Steve Huffman, R described “haughty cottonwoods that currently harming our economy and Sen. Toni Hellon, R tower along its margin, either in groves quality of life. District 27 or strung out as scattered individuals. Ironically, riparian degradation has Rep. Olivia Cajero Bedford, D Mingled with the cottonwoods is an coincided with the vast growth of pub- Rep. Phil Lopes, D Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia, D understory of open shrubbery consist- lic interest in wildlife viewing, espe- District 28 ing mostly of mesquite, baccharis cially bird watching. According to the Rep. David Bradley, D (desert broom), willows, and numbers National Audubon Society, in a 1997 Rep. Ted Downing, D Sen. Gabrielle Giffords, D of dense, desert elderberry, some so lush survey bird watching ranked second District 29 that they seem strangely out of place only to gardening as the United States’ Rep. Victor Soltero, D in their dry, sandy setting.” He also joy- most popular hobby. In a 1990 survey, Rep. Linda Lopez, D fully described the birds he saw there, twice as many vacationers preferred Sen. Ramon Valdez, D including herons, egrets, vireos, war- bird watching as those who preferred District 30 Rep. Randy Graf, R blers, yellowthroats, orioles, towhees, golf. In 1985 there were just 5 birding Rep. Marian McClure, R sparrows, buntings, and others. festivals across the country; in 1997, Sen. Tim Bee, R Brandt was equally effusive about there were more than 60 (see the Santa Cruz River, south of Tucson. www.audubon.org/campaign/refuge/ Federal th PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH Until the early decades of the 20 cen- econbird.html). The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue tury water flowed in the river (and as- The real irony is that while resources Washington, D.C. 20500 sociated irrigation canals) stretching for other pastimes and sports have in- Phone: (202) 456-1111 [email protected] from the San Xavier—Martinez Hill creased along with their popularity www.whitehouse.gov area north to Sentinel Peak (“A” Moun- RIPARIAN, continued on page 26 Continued on next page February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 5 FEDERAL continued

Grazing Buyout Could Restore AZ U.S. SENATE WEBSITE: www.senate.gov HOUSE OF REP. WEBSITE: www.house.gov Martin Taylor, Conservation Biologist, Center for Biological Diversity, Tucson THOMAS SYSTEM OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Grazing by domestic livestock is an Kreuper (1993, USFS) found a six-fold thomas.loc.gov (searchable full text of bills, adverse impact for 23 of 29 bird spe- increase in neotropical migratory bird Congressional Record, extensive links) cies of special concern on Arizona species in the San Pedro RNCA as ri- Federal Web Locator: www.infoctr.edu/fwl/ Game and Fish Department’s list (Bob parian forests recovered after cows were SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN: 241 Russell Senate Office Building Witzeman, Maricopa Audubon). Graz- removed. Washington, D.C. 20510 ing is the most common cause of the As more species become listed as Phone: (202) 224-2235, Fax: (202) 228-2862 endangerment of species in the south- endangered, ranching has faced cut- Tucson Phone: 670-6334, Fax: 670-6637 E-mail: [email protected] western U.S. (Flather et al 1994, USFS) backs on federal lands. As a result of a SENATOR JON KYL: and ranks fifth overall in the U.S. Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit 730 Hart Senate Office Building (Czech and Kraussman 1997, Science). in 1998, 300 miles of perennial streams Washington, D.C. 20510 The reasons are well understood. in Arizona and New Mexico were Phone: (202) 224-4521, Fax: (202) 224-2207 Tucson Phone: 575-8633, Fax: 797-3232 Unlike the Great Plains ecosystems, the closed to livestock. However, ranchers Email http://www.senate.gov/~kyl/contact.htm Intermountain West did not evolve fight reductions or closures, while the REP. RICK RENZI (DIST. 1): with large herding ungulates (Mack and BLM and Forest Service, who believe 418 Cannon House Office Building Thompson 1982, Am. Nat). Also, live- they are committed by law and regula- Washington DC 20515 stock are run at greater densities and tion to allow grazing on most of our (202) 225-2315 have different habitat and feeding pref- public lands, institute the minimum REP. TRENT FRANKS (DIST. 2): 1237 Longworth House Office Building erences than native herbivores. As a re- changes needed to keep an appearance Washington DC 20515 sult livestock have converted arid and of protecting listed species. The more (202) 225-4576 desert grasslands and ponderosa into savvy ranchers have recast themselves REP. JOHN SHADEGG (DIST. 3): conifer and shrub thickets. They com- as the “original environmentalists,” 306 Cannon House Office Building pete directly with grassland-dependent promoting dubious “solutions” like Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3361, Fax: (202) 225-3462 species for food and cover. They have Holistic Range Management. Others E-mail: [email protected] denuded and destroyed riparian habi- warn that if the enormous subsidies REP. ED PASTOR (DIST. 4): tat. By compacting soils across whole they already get aren’t boosted more to 2465 Rayburn House Office Building watersheds, removing vegetation and prop up a dying industry, they will sell Washington DC 20515 (202) 225-4065, fax: (202) 225-1655 chiseling banks, livestock cause massive out to developers. Despite covering one REP. J.D. HAYWORTH (DIST. 5): soil erosion, water pollution, flooding, third of the entire western land area, 2434 Rayburn House Building and reduction of base flows in streams. GRAZING, continued on page 29 Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2190 Fax: (202) 225-3263 E-mail: [email protected] Calling Congress: Just Face the REP. JEFF FLAKE (DIST. 6): 424 Cannon House Office Building Washington DC 20515 Phone and Follow Your Heart (202) 225-2635, fax: (202) 226-4386 [email protected] By Karen Kennedy REP. RAUL GRIJALVA (DIST. 7): 1440 Longworth House Office Building (Editors’ note: Karen Kennedy is a re- islators to speak up even though we Washington DC 20515 tired TUSD teacher and a veteran don’t.) Let’s let them know we’ll back (202) 225-2435 hunger lobbyist. She has provided us them up in doing the right thing. DC REP. JIM KOLBE (DIST. 8): with the following tips for contact- switchboard: 202-224-3121. 2266 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 ing legislators.) 3. Have your Vermilion Flycatcher be- Phone: (202) 225-2542, Fax: (202) 225-0378 1. Stop doing research. You already side you for moral support. Better yet, Tucson Phone: 881-3588 know enough from reading the Vermil- invite your buddies to a “Baby www.house.gov/kolbe/contact_kolbe.html ion Flycatcher. If you wait till you’re an Lobbyist’s Breakfast” and coach each expert, you’ll never call. Give it up and other as you call several legislators on get on the phone. your cell phones. It only takes a few minutes to contact YOUR 2. Call the legislator’s D.C. office. 4. Say, “I’m calling from Arizona, and congressional representatives and let them know how you want them to vote (and to That’s where you can talk personally I’d like to speak to the aide who remind them who put them in Phoenix or to a staff aide. (Odd how we expect leg- CONGRESS, continued on page 30 Washington). 6 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003

Birding outings for all Field Trips weather. Bring lunch, apple pie money interests and abilities and a scope if you have one. Meet on Houghton Road north of I-10. Back February 1 – Saturday 5:30 a.m . McDonald’s at Catalina Highway and by 5 p.m. Buckeye Tanque Verde Road. Bring lunch, wa- Leader: John Higgins (578-1830) Come and enjoy the drive to hunt for ter and scope if you have one. Finish thrashers and sparrows along the at park by 1:30 p.m. Call leader to February 18 – Tuesday 5 a.m. Salome Highway. We will hopefully sign up. Buckeye encounter Sage Sparrows and Sage, Leader: Brian Nicholas (760-3583) See Le Conte’s Thrasher and other Bendire’s and Le Conte’s Thrashers. On thrasher species in the narrow seasonal the way back we will stop at a few Call in rare bird sightings and updates to window when they tend to be perched ponds looking for wintering waterfowl. the voice mailbox at (520) 696-4461, option up and singing! Sage sparrows are also The drive is about 300 miles so car- 3, or e-mail them to [email protected]. likely. The early start is required because pooling would prove beneficial. Depart the drive to Buckeye is long, and the from the Perkins restaurant on the birds sing mostly in the early morning. north side of Ina Road just east of I-10 February 11 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m. Birding near the Gila River on the re- at a civilized 5:30 a.m. The goal is to Patagonia Lake State Park turn trip. Walking through mostly level reach Buckeye close to dawn to catch Look for wintering rarities, gnatcatch- fields, plus some birding along the the thrashers tee’d up on the sagebrush. ers, flycatchers, and waterbirds. Bring roads. Bring water, lunch and a scope, Bring lunch and water. Back by 4 p.m. mud boots and be prepared for some if you have one. Be at the carpooling Call leader to sign up. possible wading and/or sloshing site before 5 a.m., or contact the leader Leader: Gavin Bieber (573-7387, cell through mud. Bring water, lunch, and for an alternative meeting spot. Plan 272-8627, [email protected]) clothing appropriate to the weather. Be to carpool if at all possible, since the at the carpooling site before 6:30 a.m., drive is quite long. February 4 – Tuesday 7 a.m. or at Houghton Road north of I-10 Leader: Melody Kehl (885-6362, or Sweetwater Wetlands and Santa Cruz before 7 a.m. Those desiring another [email protected]) River meeting spot may contact the leader to Check out these local wetlands for wa- make arrangements. February 22 – Saturday 7:45 a.m. terfowl, raptors, and other wintering Leader: Diane Touret (299-7490, or Agua Caliente Park (Beginners Trip) birds. We’ll visit the water treatment [email protected]) Those new to birding or new to Tuc- facilities at Sweetwater, then work our son are especially invited to look for way along the Santa Cruz with the February 15 – Saturday 7 a.m. sharp and learn about the wintering water- route dependent on recent bird reports. departure fowl and resident desert birds at this Carpooling highly recommended, as Sulphur Springs Valley park. Depart at 7:45 a.m. from the parking is very limited at some places. Come see the Sandhill Cranes and win- This trip is especially suitable for be- parking lot in front of the Safeway at tering raptors before they head north. ginning or novice birders. Be at the the NE corner of Catalina Highway We will go to Whitewater Draw, carpooling site before 7 a.m. (leader not and Tanque Verde Road or at 8 a.m. from Elfrida, Willcox ponds and the AEPCO present), or at the Sweetwater parking the parking lot at Agua Caliente Park. viewing area. A 225 mile drive so lot before 7:30 a.m. Call the leader if Bring binoculars. Done by 10:30 a.m. carpooling is encouraged. Dress for the you need directions. Leader: Char McVey (751-2040) Leader: Gene Loring (625-8109, or [email protected]) Field Trip Information February 8 – Saturday 7 a.m. TAS field trips are free. We strongly encourage carpooling on the field trips and Northeast Tucson suggest driver reimbursement of 5 cents per mile. Unless noted otherwise, the 1/ We will see a variety of habitats while “carpooling site” is the parking lot behind the First Baptist Church on 5th Ave., 1 2 we explore Woodland Road, the lakes blocks south of TAS on the west side of the street. Please arrive before the departure in the Castle Rock development, and time listed in the trip description. Don’t forget to stop in the Nature Shop after your Agua Caliente Park. Hope to see an trip to check out new books, wonderful nature items, and to chat with volunteers. The assortment of raptors, sparrows and field trip coordinator is John Higgins (578-1830). waterfowl. Depart 7 a.m. from the February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 7

February 25 – Tuesday 6:30 a.m. dent birds and a checklist of birds Peña Blanca Lake found in the area. Binoculars helpful Other Field This lake and its surrounding area is but not necessary. Each child needs to Opportunities attractive to wintering birds of many be accompanied by an adult. Depart kinds. Expect about two miles of walk- at 9 a.m. from the McDonald’s on the ing on mostly level trails. Wear appro- northeast corner of Catalina Highway Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – priate footgear and dress for the and Tanque Verde Road. Please call birdwalks every day starting at 8:30 a.m., Oct. – Feb. Museum entrance. weather. A scope may be useful. Bring the leaders to sign up. LIMITED to 883-2702. Free with admission. water and lunch. Be at the carpooling eight children. site before 6:30 a.m., or at the Green Leaders: Brian Nicholas and Joni Arizona State Parks – birding and other walks; www.pr.state.az.us. Fee. Valley McDonald’s (Continental Road Startzman (760-3583) (602) 542-4174. exit) before 7 a.m. Buenos Aires NWR – Brown Canyon Leader: Clait Braun (529-4614, or March 4 – Tuesday 7 a.m. & grassland tours; reservations: 823- [email protected]) Madera Canyon and Vicinity 4251; Arivaca Cienega birdwalks ev- We will bird both the canyon and the ery Sat., Nov. – Apr., 8 a.m. 399-0537. March 1 – Saturday 7:45 a.m. areas along the entrance roads looking Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Sun- Sweetwater Wetlands Park for wintering birds. Dress in layers for day birdwalks, 8:30 a.m., Oct. 6 – Dec. Those new to birding or new to Tuc- a chilly morning followed by a warmer 8, free with admission. 689-2811. son are especially invited to see what mid-day. Boots, hat, and sunscreen are Catalina State Park – 5 a.m. - 10 p.m, early spring migrants are coming recommended. Bring a scope if you Fee. 628-5798. through. Depart from the Sweetwater have one, as well as water and lunch. Wetlands parking lot. To get there, take Be at the carpooling site before 7 a.m. Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve – open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Oct. - Prince west under I-10. Turn right on (leader not present), or at the Green May. (Closed Mon. & Tues.) Dona- Business Center Drive, left on River Valley McDonald’s (Continental Road tion Required. 394-2400. Park Drive, which becomes Commerce. exit) before 7:30 a.m. Ramsey Canyon Preserve – open ev- Left onto Benin Venture Drive and left Leader: Sally Johnsen (399-4050, or J ery day 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $5.00 onto Sweetwater. You will see the park- [email protected]) General Admission; kids 16 and un- ing lot and kiosk on the left side of the der free. 378-2785. road. Lost? See page 79 in the Tucson Sabino Canyon – birding and nature metro map or call the leader. Thought of the hikes. Parking fee. Call 749-8700. Leader: Roger Wolf (617-0249) Month Saguaro National Park – Call 733- “If every household in the United 5153 (East) and 733-5158 (West) March 1 – Saturday 9 a.m. for schedules of bird and nature walks. Young Birdwatchers of Tucson Tour States replaced its most com- Southern Arizona Bird Observatory Introduce your children to the wonders monly-used incandescent light bulbs with more efficient com- – hawk and crane tours on Saturdays of bird watching in a two hour tour of and Sundays, fee. 432-1388 pact fluorescent bulbs, electricity one of Tucson’s most diverse bird habi- www.sabo.org. tats. We will watch the waterfowl, use for lighting could be cut in half, lowering our total annual Tohono Chul Park – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. search for sparrows, and relish close daily. Birding walks at 8:30 a.m. CO2 emissions by approximately looks at raptors through a birding Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sat- scope. Each participant will receive a 125 billion pounds. This action urday, Oct. - May. Entrance fee. scrapbook showing some of our resi- alone would significantly slow the 575-8468. growth in CO2 emissions from Tucson Botanical Gardens – 8:30 Lost & Found the United States. Moreover, it a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bird and gardening WHITE CAMPER VAN would save each consumer at least tours on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., Sept. OWNER: Will the gentleman with $25 over the lifetime of the bulb.” - May. Entrance fee. 326-9686. the large white camper van who –The Birdwatcher’s Guide to Glo- Note: All phones are area code 520 attended the December 3rd bal Warming, 2002, Jeff Price, unless stated otherwise. Tucson birding trip to Catalina State Park Ph.D., & Patricia Glick, M.S., Weekly newspaper lists outdoor please call Frank (623-3384). You National Wildlife Federation and events in “City Week” column; may have his running shoes and the American Bird Conservancy. tucsonweekly.com/tw/current/l- out.html. prescription orthotics. Thanks. 8 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003 Field Trip Reports Green Valley

November 23 It started out quiet, but as it warmed Monthly Northeast Tucson up we encountered lots of birds includ- Fifteen enthusiastic birders had an ex- ing three very cooperative Arizona Program citing day birding northeast Tucson on Woodpeckers, a Painted Redstart, this clear semi-cool day. Our group in- Townsend’s and Olive Warblers, a Ru- On Saturday, February 15, 2003, at cluded natives of Ontario, New Hamp- fous-crowned Sparrow, a Hutton’s 10 a.m. at the Green Valley/Conrad shire, and Montana, adding to the over- Vireo, and a Dusky Flycatcher. At the Joyner Library in Green Valley, The all experience. The birds were active, lodge feeders we had a pair of Cassin’s Tucson Audubon Society will present giving us looks at a Merlin, Western Finches and Magnificent Humming- “The Jaguar in the Southwest–Past and Screech-Owl, and Loggerhead Shrike. birds. In Continental we had great Present.” The Lewis’s Woodpeckers appeared views of a Lewis’s Woodpecker stuff- David E. Brown, Wildlife biologist briefly, showing us their unique flight ing utility pole crevices with insects and at Arizona State University, will present as they disappeared across the wash. A pecans, Peregrine, an unseasonal Tur- a program on the jaguar’s tenuous his- male Lawrence’s Goldfinch also made key Vulture, and glimpses of Lawrence’s tory in the Southwest along with a sum- a brief appearance. A female Mountain Goldfinches. There was a total of 50- mary of its current status in Sonora, Bluebird was a nice surprise, as was a odd species, including 7 woodpeckers. Mexico. In addition to researching all late female Summer Tanager, which –Steve Barlow known accounts of jaguars in Arizona helped all of us sharpen our identifica- and New Mexico, Brown, in collabo- tion skills. At least 60 species were tal- December 7 ration with his colleague, Carlos Lopez lied by 1:15 p.m., with one birder add- Sulphur Springs Valley Gonzalez, conducted a study of these ing 6 life birds to her list. One carload Twenty-nine birders were welcomed by fascinating cats in the Mexican state of ended the trip with a Peregrine Falcon. one Merlin and hundreds of Sandhill Sonora between 1999 and 2001. Their Thanks to all participants for your Cranes milling about Whitewater study area in Mexico, which is approxi- sharp eyes and high spirits. Draw. Scaled Quail, Mountain Plovers –Brian Nicholas and Mountain Bluebirds were seen mately 145 miles south of the U. S. from the side of the road south of border, is almost certainly the source November 26 Elfrida. East and north of Elfrida were for the jaguars recently photographed West Side of the Dragoon Mountains Great Horned Owls, more Cranes and in Cochise and Pima counties, Arizona. It was a chilly, rainy day and most of many cooperative Ferruginous Hawks. Join us at the library at 9:30 for the birds had enough sense to find shel- Willcox Ponds featured five coffee and goodies, and to be sure you ter from the rain. Twenty-one birders Bonaparte’s Gulls and the hybrid get a seat for this program. For more did not. We did manage to see 31 spe- Eurasian-American Wigeon. information, contact Karen McBride cies, with the highlights being a very –John Higgins J at 399-1778. J cooperative Townsend’s Solitaire and a Sage Thrasher that seemed to be as fas- cinated with us as we were with it. It stayed visible in a small tree while all birders got as many long looks as they wished. Both of these birds were “lifers” “Birds Keep Tucson Humming” for several birders. The scenery was awesome. On the way back to Tucson, Bumper Sticker Contest Winner with the help of Melody Kehl, we tracked down the Eurasian Collared- Congratulations to Ardie and John Baker for submitting the win- Doves (6) that are living in Benson. ning entry to Tucson Audubon’s Bumper Sticker Contest: “Birds –Darlene Smyth Keep Tucson Humming.” We had many wonderful entries; thanks to everyone who sent one in. Ardie and John received a $20.00 December 1 gift certificate to the Audubon Nature Shop. The bumper sticker Madera Canyon and Continental will be on sale soon at the Nature Shop. Twenty-one birders walked from Proc- tor Road to Santa Rita Lodge and back. February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 9

Please Join Us in Welcoming Get Involved at Carrie and Holly, Our New Tucson Audubon!

Staff Members! We invite you to volunteer with these Tucson Audubon programs: Monthly Programs Many of you already know Carrie “My commitment to the Tucson region • Hospitality assistance to coordi- Dean through her volunteer work as began with a college ornithology class nate refreshments at the monthly the Mason Center’s lead naturalist. This in 1990. I was impressed not only with program self-proclaimed desert rat was featured the ornithological diversity but also the Contact Jessie Shinn, 628-1730 in last month’s Volunteer Profile. We many landscapes that contribute to this Membership are pleased to announce that Carrie’s spectacular region. Tucson Audubon • Management of membership da- role with Tucson Audubon has has a very important role to play to tabase grown, and she is now our new Edu- address immediate conservation threats • Representing Tucson Audubon at cation Program Manager. Carrie has and provide people of all ages with in- community events a long history with Tucson Audubon timate experiences of the landscape.” Contact Sonja Macys, 622-5622 education programs and we are We are excited to have Holly on board, Habitat Restoration Project thrilled by the skills and experience and know that her fundraising skills • Volunteer at the restoration site she brings to this position. will help Tucson Audubon programs to Contact Ann Phillips or Kendall Born and raised in Tucson, Carrie thrive and grow in the coming years. Kroesen, 206-9900 received her BS in Renewable Natural Welcome Carrie and Holly! J Resources from the University of Ari- Birding Fieldtrips zona. She comes to us from Tucson • Volunteer to lead Tucson Audu- Unified School District’s Cooper En- bon birding fieldtrips (training vironmental Science Campus, where available) she worked with students, teachers, Contact John Higgins, 578-1830, parents, volunteers (and wildlife), shar- [email protected] ing her love of the natural world. Nature Shop Holly Henning Foster will join the • Volunteer in the Tucson Audu- Tucson Audubon staff in early Febru- bon Nature Shop – minimum ary as our part-time Development Di- commitment 3 1/2 hours per rector. Holly will work together with week the board, volunteers and other staff to Contact Judy Edison or Susan implement Tucson Audubon Birky, 629-0510 fundraising programs, beginning with the Birdathon this spring. She is look- Website ing forward to helping expand the base • Web-savvy person needed to help of support for Tucson Audubon that manage website makes our work possible. Contact Kendall Kroesen, 206-9900 Holly has a BA in Environmental Mason Audubon Center Studies, and has been active in Tucson • Network administrator/Com- and the broader community in the ar- puter Optimizer, Housekeeper, eas of sustainable development, corpo- Grants Researcher, General Office rate environmental and social respon- Volunteer, digital photographer. sibility, affordable housing, and non- Contact Jamie Brown, 744-0004 profit fundraising. Most recently she (See page 13 for more details.) directed the development department of the Sonoran Institute. Says Holly, Holly Henning Foster 10 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003

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

Saturday, February 1, 8:30 – 10:30 am until noon, but you may arrive at 9:30 for coffee and cook- Mason Audubon Center Public Tour ies! The location is the Pima County-Green Valley (Conrad “Desert Holes and Homes.” Even on the hottest summer Joyner) Library, at 601 N. La Canada, Green Valley, AZ. day or the coldest winter night, the desert is buzzing with activity – just a few inches below the surface. Whether it’s a Saturday, February 22 Gila Woodpecker seeking shade in a climate-controlled Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory Hawk Stalk saguaro cavity, or a packrat resting comfortably in its grassy Author Pete Dunne is celebrity guest leader of this raptor nest below a triumphant pile of cholla segments, desert crit- fieldtrip through the Sulpher Springs Valley. Spend a day in ters are master hole builders. See page 13 for details. one of the finest winter raptor locations in the U.S. with one of the foremost experts. $100 – proceeds benefit SABO’s Saturday & Sunday, February 1 - 3 conservation and education programs. Limited to 10 partici- Friends of BANWR Sparrow Workshop pants. Contact SABO at [email protected] or (520) 432-1388. Enjoy an evening and morning at Brown Canyon and Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge while learning to identify Wednesday, February 26, 8:30 a.m. grassland and foothill sparrows. Instructor: Homer Hansen. Public Tour of Habitat Restoration Site 2 p.m. Saturday to 3 p.m. Sunday; $70 ($60 Friends of Ann Phillips leads a tour of Tucson Audubon’s habitat resto- BANWR member) includes 3 meals and lodging. Call ration project site on the lower Santa Cruz River (near the Jessie at 881-5610. Pinal Airpark Pecan Grove). Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Perkins Restaurant on the north side of Ina Road, just east of I- Monday - Saturday, February 3 - 8 10. Tour will start at 9:15 a.m. at the site. Wear hats, Photovoltaic Design and Installation Workshop boots, and long pants. Bring water, and binoculars if you Learn practical design and installation of solar photovoltaic so desire. We will return by noon. Call Ann Phillips at systems. Tucson - location to be announced. For more infor- 206-9900 for details. mation call Solar Energy International, (970) 963-8855. Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. February 6-9 Tucson Audubon Green Valley Monthly Program San Diego Bird Festival ”LIONS, TIGRES, AND BEARS! Tracking large mammals The 7th annual San Diego Bird Festival will be held at Ma- in the Sky Island Region,” by Janice Przybyl. The program rina Village. Birders will have a great variety of regional starts at 10:00 a.m. and lasts until noon, but you may arrive sightings to add to their list. Beginner classes and walks will at 9:30 for coffee and cookies! The location is the Pima be offered as well as programs and walks for children. See County-Green Valley (Conrad Joyner) Library, at 601 N. La www.sandiegonaturefestivals.org or call (619) 516-0139. Canada, Green Valley, AZ.

Friday & Saturday, February 7 & 8 Thursday - Sunday, April 24 - 27 Tucson Audubon Habitat Restoration Volunteer Days Institute for Desert Ecology Bring gloves, long pants, lunch & water, and have a great Since 1970 Tucson Audubon’s Institute of Desert Ecology day restoring riparian habitat! There will be activities suitaable has brought together 60- 65 participants and six expert in- for all levels of physical ability. Contact Ann Phillips for more structors for field studies of the Sonoran Desert. The insti- information, 206-9900. tute is held at Catalina State Park, at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, Arizona. One unit of Monday, February 10, 7:30 p.m. college credit may be earned during the sessions. The Insti- Tucson Audubon Monthly Meeting tute focuses on Sonoran Desert ecosystems with emphasis See back cover for details. on relationships between plant life, animals, and the physi- cal characteristics of the desert, rather than classification and Saturday, February 15, 10 a.m. identification. Our days start early and optional activities Tucson Audubon Green Valley Monthly Program such as owling, blacklighting for insects and star talks ex- ”The Jaguar in the Southwest: Past and Present,” by David tend on into the evening hours. For more information see E. Brown, ASU. The program starts at 10:00 a.m. and lasts pages 18-19, or call Jessie Shinn at 628-1730. J February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 11 SPARROWS! Audubon Center Of SPARROWS! The Northwoods SPARROWS! (An Audubon Center in Minnesota – not affiliated with Tucson Audubon Society. For further information, call By Dr. Janet Ruth (320) 245-2648 or write [email protected])

Anyone who’s interested in sparrows and can walk briskly Spring Family Camp across grasslands can help flush sparrows into mist nets. See April 4-6, 2003 secretive Baird’s and Grasshopper Sparrows in the hand! Celebrate Nature’s Annual Renewal! WHAT? Study of the effects of wildfire on wintering $105 per adult and $90 per child, $75 per additional child grassland birds. The 38,000-acre Ryan wildfire burned 90% non-refundable deposit to reserve room: $100 of the Audubon Research Ranch and much surrounding grassland and oak savannah. This study will repeat previous Hamline University Environmental Education Courses protocols on the Research Ranch and an unburned BLM Stories in the Rocks: Issues and Actions. April 25-27, 2003. (2 site to determine how this fire affects wintering grassland credits). Instructor: Craig Prudhomme. Tuition: $392 in- birds for several years after the fire. The study involves flush- cluding lodging and meals. ing and mist-netting grassland birds, primarily sparrows, as Vernal Pools. May 9-10, 2003. (1 credit). Craig Prudhomme. well as other survey and vegetation measurement protocols. Tuition: $196 including lodging and meals. We need your help in flushing sparrows! River Ecology. May 2-4, 2003. (2 credits). Instructor: Mike WHERE? Two sites in the Sonoita Valley – the Audubon Link. Tuition: $392 including lodging and meals. Research Ranch and the Davis pasture on the BLM’s Las Birds in the Classroom. May 16-18. (2 credits). Instructors: Cienegas National Conservation Area. Meeting places will Clarissa Ellis, Kate Crowley. Tuition: $392 including lodg- be identified and directions provided. ing and meals. WHEN? One Wednesday and Saturday in each of three Spring Flora. May 16-18, 2003. (2 credits). Instructor: Mike months (January – March). See dates and locations below. Link. Tuition: $392 including lodging and meals. CONTACT? Dr. Janet Ruth, U.S. Geological Survey, Landscapes & Geology. July 13th-19th, 2003. (3 credits). In- Research Ecologist: [email protected]. Phone: (w) 505- structors: Mike Link and Craig Prudhomme. Tuition: $835. 346-2870 or (h) 505-890-4083. Note: I will be reachable at Audit tuition:$490. These fees include additional travel fees. these numbers until about Jan. 3. After that, if you can’t e- Teachers’ Interdisplinary Audubon Environmental Education mail me, you could leave a message at the Audubon Research Workshop. July 21-25, 2003. (3 credits). Instructors: Clarissa Ranch (505) 455-5522, but please don’t flood them with calls. Ellis-Prudhomme, Craig Prudhomme and Mike Link. Tu- Please let me know which dates you plan to attend. Pro- ition: $725. Audit tuition: $380. These fees include an ad- vide an e-mail address and phone number if possible. This ditional fee for materials. will help me determine whether I have sufficient bodies (or Ecological Systems: Biomes. Aug. 3rd-9th, 2003. (3 credits). need to draft more volunteers). If you don’t tell me you’re Instructors: Mike Link and Craig Prudhomme. Tuition: coming or don’t give me a phone number, I won’t be able to $835. Audit tuition: $490. These fees include additional give you a call if I have to cancel due to bad weather. travel fees. Winter 2003 Mist Netting Schedule Youth Summer Camps Wednesday, January 15 Davis pasture Level I camps: these camps are set up to initiate girls and Saturday, January 18 Audubon Research Ranch boys ages 10-14 in an introductory experience, blending Wednesday, February 5 Audubon Research Ranch nature and outdoor skills. Saturday, February 8 Davis pasture WILD THINGS: Ecology of the North Woods Wildlife Wednesday, March 5 Davis pasture Ages: 10-12, $450, Dates: July 13-18,2003 Saturday, March 8 Audubon Research Ranch J ADVENTURERS: Ropes, Rocks and Rapids Ages: 12-14, $450, Dates: July 5-11 or July 21-27, 2003 AQUAVENTURES—Aquatic Adventures Ages: 12-15, $495, Dates:June 14-21, 2003 ADVANCED ADVENTURE—Sea Kayaking the Apostle Islands, Age: Minimum 13 years old, $695, Dates: August 2-10, 2003. J 12 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003 Education News Tidepools Family Institute Explore the unique ecology of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. Based at the CEDO (Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans) facility, families can learn to- gether about the ecosystems of intertidal habitats and estu- aries and other areas of Puerto Peñasco. Tucson Audubon naturalists along with CEDO marine biologists will share Phainopepla their knowledge through educational programs, observation (to be sung to tune of the Kookaburra song) and hands -on activities and field trips. Bring your own tent, or “camp” in CEDO dorm facilities. One adult may be ac- by Lucas Gibson-Rush companied by up to two children. Phainopepla sits in a desert tree, The Tidepools Family Institute will be at CEDO, Puerto A dark black bird with bloodshot eyes that stare at me. Peñasco, Mexico beginning Friday evening, March 7, through Its name means silky robe noon Sunday March 9. And it has a very dark spiked crest. The price is $115 for adults and children ages 13 and up; Mistletoe is spread by the Phainopepla $105 for children ages 5-12 – includes five meals and use of It eats the berries of that plant and drops its seeds CEDO dorms, library and labs. The seed grows into mistletoe For registration packet or more information contact The mistletoe begins to kill the tree. Carrie Dean, Tucson Audubon Education Program Man- ager, at 629-0757. J Phainopepla likes to eat flies and crickets It catches them in the air while it’s flying Fly Phainopepla, fly Phainopepla How great your life must be!

Note: The author of this poem is an articulate third-grader at Harrelson Elementary School. He decided to write this poem when his teacher, Mrs. Grover, assigned a report on Sonoran Desert birds. Asked why he chose the medium of poetry for his report, Lucas said that a poem is a “very spe- cial way to present a report.” A lot of the other students were doing reports on posterboard, and it was “nice to so something different.” Acknowledging the affinity between poetry and music, Lucas set the poem to the tune of the Kookaburra song (“Kookaburra sits on an old gum tree / Merry, merry king of the bush is he...”). He recently learned the song while taking cello lessons from Mary Beth Tyndall. Lucas sang his poem as part of his presentation, and he said his teacher “loved the report.” Lucas’s parents are Tanis Gibson and Mark Rush, who teach piano and violin, respectively, at the University of Arizona. Many beginning birdwatchers are daunted by bird biodiversity. But eight-year-old Lucas embraces it, saying, “Birds are interesting – there are so many species!” He has Mike Bissontz at Institute, courtesy of Karen Lamberton studied the cello for 2½ years. J February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 13 Mason Audubon Center News

GLOBE Studies Begin in Earnest at ‘structural’ hue. Our eye registers a color corresponding to Mason Audubon Center (MAC)! the wavelength of light reflected from modified barbules of Dan Wolgast, MAC Education Coordinator the hummer’s feathers, and the color changes with the angle In January 2003, we finally began taking some atmo- of reflection (hence the iridescence). spheric measurements for the GLOBE program. We’re start- You aren’t likely to see either bird at the Mason Audubon ing small, with just the atmosphere protocols (weekly high and Center this month, because, as a preserve in ironwood forest low temperatures, humidity, barometric pressure, etc.), but we we do not artificially feed wildlife nor do we have stream hope to soon add soil and land cover studies to our repertoire. habitat on site. However, we give our hearts to Northern For those unfamiliar with the program, GLOBE is a gov- Cardinals, which are common, as are most winter desert birds. ernment-sponsored, international program that aims at get- Most interesting at MAC this month are ‘signs’ of wild- ting kids to do real science. Students from kindergarten life – it is a veritable Swiss cheese of holes. The reddish soil through high school in just over a hundred countries world- ‘volcanos’ of the leafcutter ant pop up like sprouts after a bit wide take measurements of everything from soil tempera- of rain. We may see the quarter-sized holes of the tarantula ture to atmospheric ozone to dissolved oxygen, using the and its mortal enemy the pepsis wasp (tarantula hawk) as we same equipment and guidelines as professional scientists. stroll the nature trail. We surely will see several of the mag- Once data is collected, it is entered on the GLOBE web site nificent pack rat middens along the way. We can check out and shared with students and scientists all over the globe. the circular borings of the carpenter bee in old sotol stalks at Others can then access the data for use in research projects. the butterfly garden, and we could see the diggings of a Right now at MAC, we’re in the process of finding groups of skunk or coyote, which may have left us a perfect track students to come out and do the measurements. If you know on the sandy path. of any groups that are looking to get hands-on experience You can sample the MAC Swiss cheese by coming to the with these kinds of scientific investigations, please contact free public tour, Desert Holes and Homes, on February 1 from Dan Wolgast at 744-0004. 8:30 to 10:30am. IT IS VITAL TO RESERVE YOUR Naturalist’s Notebook SPACE by calling 744-0004. To provide a quality experi- ence and protect our wildlife, reservations are limited to 30 This month’s submission courtesy of Volunteer Naturalist, participants. Peggy Wenrick You will be seeing red this month! Not only the hearts Volunteer at the Mason Audubon and flowers of Valentine’s Day, but male Vermilion Flycatch- Center! ers arriving in lowland stream habitats and early Rufous Jamie Brown, MAC Community Outreach Coordinator Hummingbirds at the midpoint of their marathon migra- Do you enjoy spending time close to nature? How about tion. The flycatcher owes its vibrant red to pigments in the being part of a team and making a difference for wildlife feathers or skin, while the iridescent hummer’s color is a and the environment? If so, then consider sharing your tal-

Mason Audubon Center Desert Life Series - Public Tours 8751 N. Thornydale Road, Tucson, AZ 85742 Although MAC does not offer public hours to visit the Center, we offer free, public tours the first Saturday of each month. Phone registration is required for up to 30 participants (744-0004). We require reservations to ensure a quality experience for participants. Tour themes are chosen to reflect the seasons and special “happenings” in the Sonoran Desert. MAC Naturalists give a brief history of the property, tour of the grounds, nature walk on trail and invite guest speakers and/or offer hands-on displays related to the theme. Saturday, February 1, 8:30 – 10:30 am “Desert Holes and Homes” – Even on the hottest summer day or the coldest winter night, the desert is buzzing with activity – just a few inches below the surface. Whether it’s a Gila Woodpecker seeking shade in a climate-controlled saguaro cavity, or a packrat resting comfortably in its grassy nest below a triumphant pile of cholla segments, desert critters are master hole builders. Visit the Mason Audubon Center and find out who lives in what hole and how, in the desert, six feet under is often the best place to be. Please come prepared with a water bottle, hat and sunscreen. Reserva- tions are required, call 744-0004. 14 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003 ents and interests by volunteering at the Mason Audubon 4) General office volunteer: Help with special projects, da- Center. Currently, we have the following volunteer posi- tabase entry, mailings, word processing, etc. 2-3 hours/week. tion vacancies: 5) Digital photographer: Help us visually document the flora 1) Network administrator/Computer optimizer: Help keep and fauna of the MAC as well as our activities with groups, our very small network running smoothly and keep our com- 2 hours/week. puters optimized. As needed. We need people like you to build onto our already strong 2) Housekeeper: Every week, we have groups of adults and/ foundation of dedicated volunteers (we can’t thank them or students who use our facilities during educational work- enough!). Know that your time will be well spent by helping shops. Unfortunately, we cannot afford professional house- us to protect more open space around the Mason Audubon keeping and would greatly appreciate your help with dust- Center, educate more children and adults, and improve our ing, sweeping, mopping, and general cleaning. Weekly. 1 facilities to better meet the needs of the community. For hour/week. more information or to apply, please call MAC Community 3) Grants researcher: Do you enjoy research work and at- Outreach Coordinator, Jamie Brown, at 744-0004. tention to detail? If so, this may be the volunteer opportu- Save the Date: nity for you. Scour the internet looking for possible grant The fourth annual Ironwood Festival will be held Satur- opportunities and develop a spreadsheet of what you find. 1 day, May 3rd, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Mason Audu- hour/week (or more, if desired). Work from home (com- bon Center. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for puter and internet connection required). this wonderful event! J Scouting for Birds

by Doris Evans

I’ve never seen a roadrunner in a tree! tailed Hawk put on a show perching high in a tree along the I didn’t know there were hawks around here. wash, then gliding to another nearby tree where it landed I can’t believe how many birds we’ve seen! near a nest. These were but a few of the comments overheard during These may be common sights to us old birders, but to the annual Girl Scout birding morning held in mid-Decem- these girls and their leaders it was a thrill, and that enthusi- ber at the Hacienda, the Girl Scout facility on Sabino Can- asm was contagious to the four Audubon helpers, Patty Stern, yon Road. The program began with a session on bird identi- Siscily Lederman, Beth Russell, and Doris Evans, who were fication, using well-known bird cartoon characters and graph- equally excited as they assisted in spotting birds and helping ics of real birds to illustrate various ways to the girls make their identifications. look at birds—field marks, shape, size, The motivation for this birding morning voice, habitat, flight patterns—all of which is to get the Scouts interested in birds so develop observation skills. that they may be inspired to earn a badge After a short lesson in binocular use, the or perhaps become involved in the Christ- 70-plus girls and their adult leaders, outfit- mas Bird Count. ted with binoculars and bird books, were off The oft-asked question arose, “Where can on the grounds—a desert oasis along the we go to see birds?” My usual response is that Tanque Verde Wash surrounded on the other three sides by one can begin in one’s own backyard and immediate neigh- homes, a busy road, and a golf course. As always with groups borhood. Most of us have parks, even a square-block city such as this, it is so much fun to see the excitement as kids park, nearby that yields many species. Then, there are all the (and grown-ups as well) see a bird, find it in their binocu- other larger parks and favorite birding areas all around town. lars, and note characteristics, behavior, and voice. Then if One need not travel far or spend much money to pursue this they can identify it or learn the ID from a friend or adult, hobby. Birds are cooperative about that. and see it in a field guide, they are delighted. At the end of the three hours many told us how much The day was perfect. Clear skies, not a breeze, and mid- fun they had and that they were indeed going to take their 60s temperature made for excellent birding. As small groups scout troops on birding field trips. In addition, the Girl Scouts wandered the trails through the site they were amazed to see were especially appreciative of Tucson Audubon for provid- birds everywhere and soon they were identifying Mourning ing the instruction and assistance, plus the loan of binoculars Doves, White-crowned Sparrows, even Phainopeplas! A and field guides. “How nice of you to do this” was heard through- Greater Roadrunner dashed in front of a group and launched out the morning. But it was, indeed, our pleasure. Who knows up into a mesquite tree to the amusement of all. A Red- how many future birders were incubated that morning? J February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 15 DastardlyDastardly Duos Duos by Larry Liese

Have you read how most experts say that rare birds get very drawn out, like a Blue-gray with a southern drawl. I’ll found by people who really study their area’s common birds? have to remember that the next time I’m at Patagonia Lake! That way, they are prepared for that odd time when a bird If you’re trying to find a staked-out Black-capped, my best doesn’t quite look or sound right. This month’s Duo actually advice is to ask yourself: “Is it a funny sounding gnatcatcher?” is of three species: the Black-capped Gnatcatcher (Polioptila Then, look at the bill. nigriceps), the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura), Some years ago, Dick Palmer, another birding friend of and the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea). In their mine and fellow Mexico birding aficionado, said “look at different plumages, telling the three apart can be tricky, the bill”, when we were discussing gnatcatchers. Since then, and familiarity with the common two will certainly come I’ve found this a lot easier than looking for head pattern in handy. differences. The Black-capped has a long, very pointed all- In southeast Arizona we get the Black-capped most years, dark bill that is distinctive. Blue-grays have a shorter bill usually between March and August, though as I’m writing that can be flesh-colored be- low at the base. Blue- this, a pair has been parked at Patagonia Lake through the grays have a bold white eye ring, while the oth- winter holidays. They are very local in habitat choice here, ers have a more muted one when present. having been found mostly in Chino Canyon, around Some field guides refer to wing and Patagonia Lake, and in Sycamore Canyon in recent years. back colors as being different, but Black-tailed inhabit desert scrub this would take some practice to year-round, and Blue-grays get familiar with. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher breed higher up in oak and Now for the undertails: pine-oak woodland, with Black-tailed Gnatcatchers have some moving down into a mostly black undertail with desert washes in winter. white edges and white blotches near The main year-round differ- the tail tip, while the others have all- ences between the three are in the white undertails with a central dark undertails, bill, and voice. The male streak. These are easy to see if given a rea- Black-capped sports his black cap only sonable view. Incredibly harder to see is the from about February through August, and more graduated length of the tail-feathers on the the Black-tailed from February through July. Black-capped compared with the Blue-gray. I have If you see a male in breeding plumage, look tried viewing this on both species without much for an eye ring. The Black-tailed will have one luck. It would probably be viewable on a dead bird, while the Black-capped has only a thin crescent but the little guys just don’t stay still long enough to below the eye. Also, the Black-capped has a get a view of this field mark! more solidly black cap that extends So, get on down to Patagonia Lake below the eye. and hope the pair Voice is key as that is how is still around, or one usually first knows a wait for summer gnatcatcher is in the area. and monitor the Calls are quite different but hotline for reports can be hard to describe. I from Chino Can- think of the Blue-gray as having a yon adjacent to Gnatcatcher-like call that isn’t raspy Madera Canyon for like the Black-tailed. I’ve heard the a chance on a Black-capped give the mewing call Black-capped. In it’s famous for, but I’m unfamiliar the meantime, with the other sounds that field take some close Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Blue-gray Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Black-tailed guides describe. A birding buddy Gnatcatcher Black-capped looks at our ‘regu- of mine, Melody Kehl, notes that lar’ gnatcatchers. the Black-capped vocalization is G. C. West Good luck! J 16 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003

Audubon Nature Shop by Judy Edison

Super Sales Events longer please park on 5th Avenue, north Wild Flower Guide ($1.50). Small of University Boulevard or on the north enough to fit in a hip pocket, this guide Go MAD at TAS & Get a Great side of University (across from the uses line drawings to help you identify Deal on a Great Shirt Shop). This area directly across from 80 plants that can be found within 50 This is the month we go MAD at the shop is designated as residential miles of Tucson. the Audubon Nature Shop! Join us for parking but not until after 5 p.m. Park- The Audubon Nature Shop has our annual Membership Appreciation ing can also be found on University just many other great wildflower and plant Day (MAD), Saturday, February 15th. west of 5th Avenue or in the alley east guides. Among these are: Flowers of the To show our appreciation for your loy- of the building. Southwest Deserts ($9.95) by Natt alty we will offer a 20% discount to all February – Desert Springs to Life Dodge, Peterson Field Guide to South- National Audubon Members and Tuc- Spring in the Sonoran Desert be- western and Texas Wildflowers ($19.00), son Audubon Friends. This great dis- gins in February and with spring comes, and 100 Desert Wildflowers of the South- hopefully, the beginning of our wild- west ($7.95) by Janice Bowers. flower season. This winter has been wetter than last year, but probably not wet enough for a good showing of desert annuals. My botanist friends tell me if we have good rains in January and early February, we might have a good showing of the perennials. Let’s hope for the best and look at a few good wildflower books. New this spring is the Falcon Guide to Sonoran Desert Wildflowers ($24.95) by Richard Spellenberg. This easy-to-use guide has detailed descrip- tions and color photos of more than 300 plants. Also included is an intro- duction to the habitats and ecology of the Sonoran Desert, a primer on plant characteristics and a glossary of botani- cal terms. Sonoran Desert Wildflowers is great for either the novice or expert Newly Arrived – A Birder’s count applies to all books and merchan- wildflower enthusiast. Guide To Alaska dise except optics and items already Other good publications are Desert marked down. Wildflowers of North America ($24.00) The latest in the ABA/Lane In addition to this great sales event by Ronald Taylor and Wildflowers of Birdfinding Guide Series has finally we will offer a super discount on all the Desert Southwest (($9.95) by Meg arrived! A Birder’s Guide to Alaska shirts in stock. For the entire month of Quinn. Taylor’s book contains descrip- ($28.95) by George C. West gives you February all shirts—T-shirts, tions and photos of over 500 species of the detailed information you need to Sweatshirts, and Denim Shirts will be flowering plants. It includes an over- find Alaska’s great birds. Over 60 loca- marked down 50%. Shop early for view of desert ecology, a simplified tions are covered, including the entire the best selection, as stock on some botanical key, and an illustrated glos- road system, the Alaska Marine High- styles is limited. sary. Sometimes for a beginner, less is way ferry system, and the Alaska High- Parking Problems? better. In her book Meg has organized way from British Columbia to Alaska. Special attention is given to providing Parking at the TAS Nature Shop the flowers by color and identifies and birding information and trips for the and Offices can be a challenge. Here describes eighty of the most common larger communities—Anchorage, are a few tips to help. The area in front and showy species. Another favorite Fairbanks, Juneau—in addition to vis- of the Shop is limited to 1-hour. If you among seasoned desert dwellers is the iting Alaska’s most popular tourist des- are attending a meeting that will last Tucson Citizen’s Southern Arizona tinations—Denali National Park, the February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 17

Winter Season Shop Hours KIDZBOOKS Monday 10:00 – 5:00 Tuesday 10:00 – 4:00 During the holidays we received son, Megan explores Arizona’s Wednesday 10:00 – 4:00 several new children’s books. These Sonoran Desert, recording her Thursday 10:00 – 5:00 would be great books to stimulate a life- musings, scientific facts, questions, Friday 10:00 – 4:00 time of interest in nature. and accounts of her experiences in a Saturday 10:00 – 4:00 Throughout his career, Roger nature journal decorated by her Sunday Closed Tory Peterson was interested in teach- paintings of the native plants and ing children the importance of their animals. Written for children in Inside Passage, Kenai Peninsula, Nome, part in the natural world. Author and grades 2-5, this would be a great in- and Barrow. graphic designer Rudy Hogland has troduction to our area for a visiting Over 40 authors, expert birders used Peterson’s artwork to create a grandchild or a newly arrived young from throughout Alaska, contributed charming pair of books for little bird- resident. J to the guide. If you are planning your watchers. Roger own trip, their birding routes will take Tory Peterson’s you to the best local sites, and a wealth Numbers and Roger of local logistical information will help Tory Peterson’s Col- you plan ahead for your trip. If you are ors ($14.95 each) taking a tour, this guide will help you are designed for ages prepare to make the most of your 4-8. These two con- birding time in Alaska. cept books will not Author George West, a longtime only help young resident of Fairbanks and Homer, has children learn their done a superb job of bringing together bird finding information to help both colors and numbers, visitors and residents benefit from their but also foster their Alaska birding trips. In addition, he has interest in birds and illustrated the guide with over 60 draw- bird-watching. Also ings including the front cover’s gouache look for Hogland’s painting of Smith’s Longspur. And—if alphabet book for the name sounds familiar—George and children—Roger his wife Ellen are now living in Green Tory Peterson’s ABC Valley and George’s artwork illustrates of Birds ($15.95). Larry Liese’s monthly column “Das- Saguaro Moon— tardly Duos.” J A Desert Journal ($7.95) by Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini tells a story as it teaches kids about the Sonoran Desert in a nature journal format. Join Megan and her friend Mitchell as they play and learn throughout the desert year. From Saguaro Moon, the first season of the Tohono O’odam year through Painful Moon, the final sea- 18 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003 2003 Institute of Desert Ecology Since 1970, the Tucson Audubon Society’s Institute of Desert Ecology has brought together 60-65 participants and six expert instructors for field studies of the Sonoran Desert. The Institute will be held at Catalina State Park, at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, April 24-27, 2003. One unit of college credit may be earned.

Dates: All participants are encouraged to set up camp on Participants: Tucson Audubon Society membership is not Wednesday, April 23 between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Insti- required, but membership entitles you to a discounted price! tute sessions begin on Thursday, April 24 at 6:30am. Participants should be at least 18 years of age and in good Location: The site of the Desert Institute is Catalina State health. Anyone with an interest in natural history and desert Park. The spectacular northwest face of the Santa Catalina ecology can participate. No pets are allowed. Mountains forms the backdrop for this 5,500 acre desert Faculty: Faculty members are experienced at teaching park located just north of Tucson at elevations ranging from students with different knowledge levels. 2,650 to 3,000 feet. Desert washes, canyons and bajadas contain a vast array of desert plants and wildlife. The park is RONNIE SIDNER, Ph.D. (Mammalogy) Consulting Biologist a popular birding area and has a bird list of over 150 species v that have been seen within its borders. Our camping area is CARL OLSON, M.S. (Entomology) comfortably shaded by mesquite trees, adjacent to undis- The University of Arizona turbed desert washes, canyons, hillsides and rich riparian ar- v eas, and secluded from other campgrounds. Days should be CECIL SCHWALBE, Ph.D. (Herpetology) sunny and hot, but expect chilly evenings. US Geological Society, Sonoran Desert Field Station Program: Our study focuses on Sonoran Desert ecosys- v tems with emphasis on relationships between plants, ani- LINWOOD SMITH, Ph.D. (Ornithology and Botany) mals and the physical characteristics of the desert rather than Ecological Consultant on classification and identification. Our days start early and v optional activities such as owling, blacklighting for insects CARL TOMOFF, Ph.D. (Ornithology and Botany) and star talks extend into the evening hours. Participants Prescott College and faculty interact in small groups during the first three v days. On Sunday, a final hike ties together the experiences BOB SCARBOROUGH (Geology) of earlier sessions for the entire group. Consulting Geologist Accommodations & Meals: Participants furnish their own tents or campers. Water is available but there are no electri- cal or water hookups. To avoid disrupting the peaceful sur- University Credit: University of Arizona credit is offered roundings, operation of generators is not permitted. Solar through RNR 497B/597B—Desert Ecosystems, 1 unit, for showers and portable restrooms are provided, and the park an additional fee payable at the Institute. The University of has holding tank disposal facilities. Ample, tasty meals are Arizona is an EEO-AA Employer. catered from an on site unit, with adequate choices to ac- Scholarships: Limited scholarship funds are available. commodate vegetarians. Before early field sessions, a nutri- Contact the Institute Director for more information (see tious pre-breakfast snack is available. below). Donations are welcomed and are tax deductible. Fee & Registration: The fee of $375 per person ($350 for Tucson Audubon members) includes park entrance fee and camping from 4/23 to 4/27. It also includes expert in- struction and all meals beginning with Thursday breakfast Questions? through Sunday lunch. The Institute ends Sunday, April 27 at 2:30pm. A non-refundable deposit of $45 per person must Contact Jessie Shinn, Institute Director accompany the registration form. The balance is due by (520) 628-1730 March 14, 2003. Please make checks payable to the Insti- [email protected] tute of Desert Ecology. No money will be refunded for can- cellations received after April 1, 2003. To avoid disappoint- Also see online registration form at: ment, please register early, since the Institute is often fully www.tucsonaudubon.org/education enrolled several months in advance. Registration is limited to no more than 65 people. February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 19

Registration Form 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 February 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 February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 21 Non-birding the Amazon

by Karen McBride

When I die, if I haven’t been good and don’t go to Heaven, tinued on to the far northern tip of the island to visit the I know what fate is in store for me: banishment to Amazo- Blue Waters Inn, and after a delicious kingfish lunch, we nian Brazil where I’m not allowed to bird! AAAGGGHHH! hired a glass-bottom boat (for just $15 per person) and spent But let me start this tale at the beginning. Jim, my non- an hour snorkeling Angel Reef. The hour-and-a-half race back birding spouse, found another travel bargain in the Tucson to the ship for the 5:30 sailing frazzled our nerves! newspaper—a 17-day cruise to the Amazon on a Greek ship L’Isle Royale (Devil’s Island), French Guiana, was a real out of Ft. Lauderdale for $986. No, it wasn’t a misprint; it surprise. We only had a few hours there but I would have was a real deal! The ship was new and fast; the food and loved a whole day. There are actually three islands that were service were superb; the enrichment lectures were notorious as the penal colony where “Papillon” fascinating; the itinerary was irresistible. launched his daring escape through shark-infested We drove to Ft. Lauderdale, with several stops waters. While strolling among the ruins of the along the way, and managed to find the spot in prison buildings through lush tropical greenery, I town where the Purple Swamphens live before we was able to sort out five new species: Spotted Tody- boarded our ship. Later, on our first shore excur- Flycatcher, Black-billed Thrush, Versicolored Em- sion on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, erald, Burnished-buff Tanager, and Yellow-bellied I found two new species, a Purple-throated Carib Seedeater. Long-legged agouti darted by and there and Scaly-naped Pigeons, among the many birds were caiman and iguana in the “swimming pool.” at the “Baths,” a place of sculptured rocks and The next morning we found ourselves in a sugar-white sand. What a nice way to celebrate vast, muddy sea that is the entrance to the Ama- my birthday! zon. It is so wide that you can’t see either bank, I had e-mailed an ABA member on Barbados and one-third of the world’s fresh water pours who graciously agreed to take me birding for a through it into the Atlantic. Wow! We had no few hours. He helped me find six new species: idea that the Amazon would be this big! It makes Caribbean Coot, Green-throated Carib, Antillean the Mississippi look like Kickapoo Creek. As we Crested Hummingbird (female), Caribbean Mar- made our way upstream to Manaus, Brazil, a dis- tin, Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, and Grassland Yel- tance of 1000 miles, beautiful Large-billed Terns low-Finch. A great afternoon! I loved the up-and- kept us company. The weather got hotter and down looks I got from the other cruise passengers much more humid as we celebrated the cross- Karen McBride when I reboarded in my grass-studded birding garb! ing of the Equator and then anchored in the The Captain of our ship then relayed the bad river off Boca da Valeria, waiting for the ship’s lifeboats news that we wouldn’t be able to go up the Orinoco as sched- to ferry us ashore. uled because of striking pilot boat captains in Venezuela. This village of maybe 100 souls is built on a tiny tribu- Instead, our itinerary was changed to Martinique and To- tary of the Amazon and is primitive indeed. Houses teeter bago. I wasn’t too unhappy as I’d never been to Martinique and on stilts and boats are hand-made dugout canoes. The vil- have always wanted to show Jim the pretty island of Tobago. lagers are accomplished woodcarvers and offered us their Our island tour of Martinique was lovely. In the town of crafts for tiny prices. My new birding buddies and I marched St. Pierre that was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Pelee up a jungle path and were absolutely surrounded by birds in 1902 (killing all its inhabitants except one lucky fella who and birdsong. It was overwhelming! Book in hand, I whipped was serving time in the dungeon), I found a Black-rumped through the pages and they called out field marks. Among Waxbill and the male Antillean Crested Hummingbird, a the hundreds of possibilities, I only positively identified ten stunning little thing. Yep, the spectacular flowers and beaches new species (Cocoi Heron, Green Ibis, Tui Parakeet, Black- of Martinique are worth the visit. banded Woodcreeper, Red-and-white Spinetail, Variegated We had a whole day on Tobago instead of the usual half- and Rusty-margined Flycatchers, Yellow-browed Tody-fly- day, so four of us hired a taxi (birders have a way of flocking catcher, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, and Yellow-browed Spar- together, even on a cruise ship), and drove to Grafton Estate row) before our time ran out. and Arnos Vale where the birds were gathered at feeders. I had been unable to hire a guide at Manaus, so we signed The Motmots were so tame on this day that we could take up for the Jungle Nature Walk (which was a complete wash- pictures two feet away and they didn’t flinch. My new birding out in a pounding thunderstorm) and a half-day Amazon friend from New Jersey was entranced! From there we con- AMAZON, continued on page 25 22 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003 Tucson Audubon Travel TAS Offers Extended Copper Canyon Trip! Our previous two Copper Canyon trips filled so quickly that we are now offering another trip from October 18-27, 2003. Since sev- eral of our participants suggested that the trip was “just too short,” we have added two additional days to the itinerary to take advantage of the marvelous birding terrains of the coastal river plain around El Fuerte and the tropical riparian habitat at Batopilas. For a complete list of species that were seen on our first trip in December, 2002, go to www.tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips/copbirds.htm. This trip offers an opportunity to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery of North America and see exciting neo-tropical bird species as well as observe the fascinating mix of Mexican/Mes- tizo and indigenous Tarahumara cultures present in Copper Canyon. The trip originates in Los Mochis, a two-hour flight from Tuc- Copper Canyon train route son. We spend two days in the Spanish Colonial town of El Fuerte where we boat down the Rio Fuerte. (On our first trip we saw almost 60 species from the river in four hours, including Russet-crowned Motmot, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, and both Common and Great Black-Hawks.) After another day of birding the lowlands, we take the world-famous Copper Canyon train from sea level to 7700 feet elevation at the hub town of Creel. We take a short hike to look for Eared Trogons along the Cusarare waterfall trail on our van trip down to the semi-tropical town of Batopilas at 1450 feet elevation. We then retrace our steps back to Creel, El Fuerte, and home. This is a birding and sightseeing extravaganza not to be missed. Tucson Audubon fieldtrip leader and board member Larry Liese will co-lead the trip with Rochelle Gerratt, experienced trip leader and former Tucson Audubon Board member. Cost is $1,799 based on double occupancy. This includes all ground transportation from Los Mochis, round-trip train ride, two guides, all meals, and comfort- able hotels. Airfare and alcoholic beverages are not included. The price of the trip includes a $150 donation to Tucson Audubon. Con- tact Rochelle Gerratt at 696-2002, [email protected], and view the itinerary on www.tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips/ Boating and birding on the Rio Fuerte copitinerary.htm. J

DELTA, continued from page 1 will escort us on a canoe ride. Our next stop is El Golfo de Santa Clara, located within the Alto Golfo de California and Delta del Río Colorado Biosphere Reserve. We get a fascinating perspective of the Gulf of California’s ecosystem and the efforts to protect the vaquita porpoise, the world’s smallest and most endangered marine mammal. Next day, we travel by panga (motor boat) up the Gulf of California to the delta of the Colorado River. We pass Montague and Pelícano Islands and may spot some unique species of birds that make these islands their home. We make our way back to Tucson through the Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. We get a glimpse of the majestic volcanic beauty of this unique desert landscape and make a brief stop at Crater Celaya. The tour departs from Tucson on Saturday April 26th and returns on Monday the 28th, 2003. The price is $635 per person for double occupancy and $690 for single occupancy. This includes all hotel accommodations, transportation, meals, activi- ties, entrance fees and guides. Alcoholic beverages are not included. $100 of the tour price is a donation to the Tucson Audubon Society. Group size is limited to 12. Registration deadline is March 31, 2003. For more information on this exciting eco-adventure please call La Ruta de Sonora Ecotourism Association at (520) 792- 4693 or email [email protected]. J February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 23

the Sierra Madre is tropical deciduous forest and Sinaloa A Week at Palenque thorn forest to the shores of the sea of Cortez, you will be impressed with the amount of diversity found within a day’s with Rich Hoyer drive south of the border! For more information, go to www.solipaso.com You can Birdwatchers who love Mexico return time and again to also e-mail David and Jennifer at [email protected]. Or call Palenque. Indeed, many first become acquainted with tropi- 011 52 647 428 0466. cal birds at this wonderful site. The small town and spec- Birding in the Colorado River Delta tacular Maya ruins of Palenque lie in the Gulf of Mexico A 3-day and 2-night tour hosted by La Ruta de Sonora, lowlands, at the foot of the Yucatán Peninsula and just in- land from the vast Usumacinta marshes. Here, North Ameri- April 26-28, 2003, $635 can warblers, vireos and other migrants share the forest with See story beginning on front page. toucans, parrots, trogons, motmots, antbirds and a host of Costa Rica Birding with Borderland other Neotropical residents. We’ll become familiar with the Tours regularly occurring species and search for local rarities, as A thirteen day tour led by Rick Taylor, July 1-13, well as have ample time to enjoy the famous ruins and relax 2003, $2845 in the sun. Our week at Palenque is an excellent tour for those who wish a pleasant introduction to tropical birding, a Explore Costa Rica’s scenic network of national parks and shorter Mexican experience or a trip with the comfort and wildlife preserves from lowland rain forest to the northern- convenience of a single locality. The leader, Rich Hoyer of most páramo—or tropical alpine zone—in Central America. Tucson, also delights in sharing his love of all aspects of natu- Views of 350-400 birds are expected, with visits to Carara ral history, so one can expect to spend some time observing National Park, the Rio Savegre area high in the Cordillera the various mammals, butterflies, and reptiles of the region. Talamanca, Rancho Naturalista in the bird-rich foothill zone The dates for this trip are October 18-25, 2003. For more of the Cordillera Central, the La Selva field station in the information and/or a complete trip packet please call WINGS Caribbean rain forest, and the world famous Monteverde at 320-9868 in Tucson or e-mail [email protected]. Cloud Forest. You can also visit their web site at www.wingsbirds.com. For more information and/or a complete trip packet please Cost of “A Week at Palenque” includes all accommoda- call Borderland Tours at (520)-882-7650, or e-mail tions, meals, entrances, transfers, and all transportation, in- [email protected]. (See also the story on page 22 cluding courtesy airport transfers, beginning and ending in in the December 2002 – January 2003 Vermilion Flycatcher.) Villahermosa, Mexico. $150 of the tour price is a donation Copper Canyon Birding to the Tucson Audubon Society. Price listed for this trip is A ten-day tour co-led by Larry Liese and Rochelle J based on 10 participants. Trip limited to 14. $2,040. Gerratt October 18-27, 2003, $1799 See story on adjacent page. International Birding A Week at Palenque with Rich Hoyer An eight-day birding trip to southern Mexico hosted by Trips: A Summary Rich Hoyer of WINGS October 18-25, 2003, $2040 See story this page. J Full information for the trips described below can be found on the TAS website at www.tucsonaudubon.org/ fieldtrips/tastravel.htm or by using the contact information given. All trip prices include a tax-deductible donation to TAS. Alamos, Sonora Seven day tours hosted by David & Jennifer MacKay, March 30-April 5, and April 7-13, 2003, $1150 Once again, Tucson Audubon is offering birding adven- tures to beautiful and historic Alamos, Sonora with Solipaso Excursions. These trips offer the opportunity to experience an incredible diversity of interesting habitats and cultural beauty without getting on an airplane! From the foothills of 24 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003

Compiled by Susan Birky Highlights from the Rare Bird Alert & Gene Loring November/December, 2002 The 2-month list of rarities is impressive. Leading the a Golden-crowned Sparrow was seen 11/21 and a Yellow- list are the Black-capped Gnatcatchers that were first seen bellied Sapsucker was seen 11/28 – 12/5. At the Green Val- 10/8 at Patagonia Lake State Park and continued to be seen ley Sewage Treatment Plant a Ross’s Goose was found 11/ through December. Also seen there was the Common Loon. 30. A Red-shouldered Hawk was seen 12/18 and continued An Elegant Trogon was found 11/23 and has remained through through the month, while an Osprey was seen 12/12. December, as has the Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana Water- In Arivaca a Rufous-backed Robin was seen 11/23 at a thrush. A Golden-crowned Sparrow was seen 11/17, a Hooded private residence. A Gray Hawk was discovered in Amado Merganser 11/6, a Heermans’s Gull 11/23, Evening Grosbeak 12/18 and has remained there through the report period. 11/14, Harris’s Sparrow 11/12, Wilson’s Warbler 12/1, Ru- At Calabasas Park in Nogales, a Rufous-backed Robin fous-backed Robin 12/15 and a Barn Swallow 12/21. was found 12/22 and also continued through the month. At In the Tucson area the main Kino Springs a Palm Warbler star was the Least Grebe at Call in rare bird sightings and updates to the was seen 12/21. Sweetwater Wetlands, first re- voice mailbox at (520) 696-4461, option 3, At the Paton’s feeders in ported 11/19 and remaining or e-mail them to [email protected]. Patagonia, besides the expected through December. Also exciting hummingbirds, there were were the Clark’s Grebes at Arthur Pack Golf Course and the Ruddy Ground-Doves, a Golden-crowned Sparrow and Long-eared Owl that returned to Tohono Chul Park for the Cassin’s Finches. second year in a row. It continues to perch in the Aleppo The Rare Bird Alert is sponsored by Tucson Audubon pine tree next to the tea room patio, to everyone’s amaze- Society and reported by Bill Scott. Report sightings to voice ment. Where the owl is feeding, and why it has chosen mail at 696-4461, option 3, or or by e-mail to this particular tree, is the subject of much speculation. [email protected]. RBA reports are published weekly At Avra Valley Sewage Treatment Plant a Surf Scoter on Thursday evenings and can be accessed at (520) 798- was found 11/2 and a Ross’s Goose stayed through early 1005, or by visiting www.tucsonaudubon.org or December. A Barn Swallow was seen 11/16. Hooded Mer- www.birdingonthe.net. Directions to many of the sites men- gansers were seen there 11/21 and they were also reported tioned can be found in Davis and Russell’s Finding Birds In from the Santa Cruz River at Ina Road, Sweetwater Wet- Southeast Arizona. J lands, Sam Lena Park, and Reid Park. Along the Santa Cruz River at Ina Road a Red-shoul- dered Hawk was discovered 11/3, a Black and White War- bler was seen 12/15, Dunlins were seen sporadically through 2002 Tucson Valley December, a Golden-crowned Sparrow was seen on 11/10, and a Clay-colored Sparrow on 11/10. A Clay-colored Spar- Christmas Bird Count row was also found along the Rillito River in north central Tucson 12/19 and remained through the period. Results At Sweetwater Wetlands a Northern Parula was seen 11/ 2 and an Ovenbird 11/11. A Yellow Warbler was found there The Tucson Valley Christmas Bird Count was held De- on 11/10 and another one was found in north central Tuc- cember 15, 2002 with 65 participants. 139 species were re- son on 12/15. The wintering Zone-tailed Hawk continued ported with 41,805 individuals. through the period in central and east Tucson. A Hooded Thanks to the following golf courses, within the count Oriole was seen in northeast Tucson 12/10 and a Red- circle, for allowing participants limited access to their facili- breasted Merganser was seen at Quail Creek Golf Course ties: Arthur Pack Golf Course, Omni Tucson National Golf 11/10. At Kennedy Park a California Gull was seen 11/11 Resort, Oro Valley Country Club, Quail Canyon Golf and, amazingly, a Summer Tanager was discovered in down- Course, Sheraton El Conquistador Resort Course, Starr Pass town Tucson 12/16. Golf Resort, Trini Alvarez/El Rio Golf Course, and Tucson East of Tucson in Sells on the Tohono O’odham Indian Country Club. Rarities are in bold; CW = seen in count week. Reservation a Heerman’s Gull was seen 11/13. Least Grebe 1; Pied-billed Grebe 20; Eared Grebe 1; In Madera Canyon, Cassin’s Finches were seen through Clark’s Grebe 3; Double-crested Cormorant 2; Great Blue December and an Indigo Bunting was spotted there 12/14. Heron 9; Great Egret 6; Green Heron 5; Black-crowned In Green Valley at the Pima County Maintenance Yard Night Heron 10; Snow Goose 1; Green-winged Teal 405; February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 25

Mallard 253; Northern Pintail 66; Blue-winged Teal 1; Cin- Averill-Murray, Gavin Bieber, Bill Birky, Susan Birky, Michael namon Teal 26; Northern Shoveler 840; Bufflehead 2; Gad- Bissontz, Jim Brewer, Bill Bruni, Lynda Camburn, Jean Cook, wall 22; American Wigeon 323; Canvasback 63; Redhead 4; Diana Davis, Carol deWaard, Judy Edison, Tina Eggert, Ring-necked Duck 589; Lesser Scaup 2; Common Golden- Linda Figueroa, Houston Flores, Carolyn Fowler, Tom eye 2; Hooded Merganser 1; Ruddy Duck 388; Turkey Vul- Furgason, Floyd Gray, Linda Greene, Don Gunther, Melissa ture 1; Northern Harrier 6; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4; Cooper’s Halpern, Barbara Heineman, Dylan Holstein, Rich Hoyer, Sally Hawk 46; Harris’s Hawk 39; Zone-tailed Hawk CW; Red- Johnsen, Melody Kehl, Robin Kellogg, Ken Kertell, Sheryl tailed Hawk 69; Golden Eagle 1; American Kestrel 44; Prai- Kistler, Barbara Koenig, Jonathan Kress, Bobbie Lambert, Gene rie Falcon 6; Peregrine Falcon 8; Falcon sp. 1; Gamble’s Quail Loring, Vivian MacKinnon, Sonja Macys, Janine McCabe, 827; Sora 2; Common Moorhen 13; American Coot 140; Karen McConkey, Brian McKnight, Norma Miller, Ed Moll, Killdeer 103; Black-necked Stilt 60; Spotted Sandpiper 15; David Morrison, John Mueller, Bill Nelson, Ellie Nelson, Kathy Western Sandpiper 1; Least Sandpiper 400; Dunlin 3; Long- Olmstead, Sandy Peterson, Lorel Picciurro, Evlyn St. Laurent, billed Dowitcher 12; Wilson’s Snipe 6; Rock Dove 4962; Peter Salomon, Lisa Schibley, Jerry Seiden, Tom Skinner, Kristen White-winged Dove 10; Mourning Dove 9666; Inca Dove Stevens, Robert Stevens, Carol Tepper, Stan Walker, Greer War- 423; Greater Roadrunner 14; Western Screech Owl 1; Great ren, Bob Wenrick, Peggy Wenrick, David West, Scott Wilbor, Horned Owl 6; Burrowing Owl 2; Long-eared Owl 1; White- Darwin Wile, Ann Witman, Roger Wolf. J throated Swift 747; Broad-billed Hummingbird 7; Violet- crowned Hummingbird 2; Anna’s Hummingbird 160; AMAZON, continued from page 21 Costa’s Hummingbird 33; Hummingbird sp. 13; Belted King- River Tour. A few interesting birds were added to the list fisher 4; Lewis’s Woodpecker 3; Gila Woodpecker 667; Red- along the Rio Negro and Amazon Rivers: Oriole Blackbird, naped Sapsucker 8; Ladder-backer Woodpecker 23; North- Green and Rufous Kingfishers, Maguari Stork, Greater Ani, ern Flicker 87; Gilded Flicker 13; Flicker sp. 8; Black Phoebe Capped Heron, and the Greater Yellow-headed Vulture. A 12; Say’s Phoebe 22; Vermilion Flycatcher 35; Violet-Green highlight was the “Meeting of the Waters,” where the muddy Swallow 3; Western Scrub Jay 5; Common Raven 30; Ver- Amazon runs along side-by-side with the black waters of the din 270; Cactus Wren 186; Rock Wren 25; Canyon Wren 2; Rio Negro without mixing. Pretty dramatic photos! Bewick’s Wren 17; House Wren 2; Marsh Wren 1; Ruby- crowned Kinglet 172; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2; Black-tailed We only had half a day at Santarem, a lovely town on Gnatcatcher 25; Hermit Thrush 13; American Robin 16; the Amazon, but our shore excursion up the Eco River to Northern Mockingbird 274; Curve-billed Thrasher 174; Maica Lake was beautiful. I wished for a week here. There Crissal Thrasher 4; American Pipit 51; Phainopepla 294; were literally hundreds of parrots, parakeets, and parrotlets Loggerhead Shrike 3; European Starling 934; Hutton’s Vireo in the trees, but the boat didn’t stop for them. It did stop to 1; Cassin’s Vireo 2; Orange-crowned Warbler 53; Yellow let everyone fish for piranhas, so I was able to locate a few Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s) 2835; Yel- new species: White-rumped Swallow, Red-capped Cardinal, low-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler Tail-banded Hornero, and Brown-chested Martin. Yellow- (Audubon’s X Myrtle) 1; Black-throated Gray Warbler 2; headed Caracaras seemed to be everywhere and there was a Black and White Warbler 1; Common Yellowthroat 11; wide variety of flycatchers and kingfishers, but the famous Summer Tanager CW; Northern Cardinal 46; Pyrrhuloxia pink dolphins didn’t show up. 39; Green-tailed Towhee 5; Spotted Towhee 7; Canyon To- In Trinidad, I had prearranged with a guide from last whee 58; Abert’s Towhee 195; Rufous-crowned Sparrow 7; year to take me to Chagauramas. Although I added only one Chipping Sparrow 137; Clay-colored Sparrow 1; Brewer’s new bird, the Saffron Finch, in that few hours we logged 61 Sparrow 439; Black-chinned Sparrow 7; Vesper Sparrow 57; species and enjoyed spectacular views of the harbor from Lark Sparrow 67; Black-throated Sparrow 37; Lark Bunting Fort George high on its mountaintop. 3; Savannah Sparrow 16; Fox Sparrow 2; Song Sparrow 42; Our last stop was St. Thomas, where we took a ferry Lincoln’s Sparrow 100; White-throated Sparrow 1; White- across to St. John and had a quick, raucous tour with Wesley crowned Sparrow 5259; Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 53; Dark- Eastley (his real name) around the island and National Park. eyed Junco (Grey Headed) 3; Dark-eyed Junco (Form?) 13; Bananaquits and Pearly-eyed Thrashers were common, but Red-winged Blackbird 291; Western Meadowlark 3; Yellow- there was no time to look for the elusive Bridled Quail-dove. headed Blackbird 128; Brewer’s Blackbird 310; Great- As usual, shopping was more important than birding. tailed Grackle 1124; Bronzed Cowbird 76; Brown-headed Now maybe you can see why I was frustrated! But, hey! Cowbird 370; Hooded Oriole CW; House Finch 2694; That’s OK. It was a fun 17 days. I learned a lot, logged 181 Lesser Goldfinch 420; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 747; House species of birds (39 new ones), and added more places to my Sparrow 1856. “REVISIT on a BIRDING TOUR” list. Jim enjoyed him- Participants: Compiler - Susan Birky, 2641 N. Tomas self, too, and took wonderful digital photos. Next project: Rd., Tucson, AZ 85745: Annalaura Averill-Murray, Roy LOSE WEIGHT. Greek food is definitely not low calorie! J 26 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003

RIPARIAN, continued from page 4 Tucson are involved in the planning of this project. It is called (soccer fields, little league diamonds, skating rinks, etc.), re- “El Paseo de las Iglesias” (Walk of the Churches) for the his- sources for those interested in birding have declined. toric passage between mission churches – San Xavier and This brings us to our reasons for limited optimism. A San Agustin – that are located at either end of the project combination of factors has produced several habitat restora- area. Still in its formative stages, the project may include tion projects along the Santa Cruz River and the Rillito. One restoration of perennial flow and associated riparian habitat factor is the public’s desire for more urban open space. A in the river. The water source has yet to be identified – CAP, second is a willingness by planners (including Rio Nuevo effluent, reclaimed water, and harvested rainwater have all planners) to use Tucson’s past, including its ecological past, been mentioned. The county is addressing protection and as a theme in urban renewal. Finally, there is a growing aware- possible restoration of its land along the West Branch. ness among public agencies of both the inherent value of wild- life habitat and its economic value in the face of growing pub- lic interest in wildlife viewing. Water resources for habitat restoration are scarce now that groundwater has been pumped unsustainably for so many decades, lowering the once near-surface water table. But res- toration is conceivable even on a very low water budget. Possible sources of water include CAP, effluent (treated waste- water), reclaimed water (effluent that has been filtered and disinfected, but that is not safe for body contact), and rain- water. Currently demonstrated by Tucson Audubon’s Santa Cruz River Habitat Project (see below), many kinds of re- stored habitat can be sustained on harvested rainwater with minimal inputs of water from other sources in the early stages of planting. Lusher (hydroriparian) areas, however, would require the introduction of effluent or reclaimed water. Be- cause ground water is potable and CAP water is potentially Summer poppies (caltrop) and amaranth at the West Branch potable, they are generally considered less desirable for hydroriparian restoration. The following is a quick review of current and potential Tucson Origins Cultural Park future restoration efforts. At the north end of El Paseo de las Iglesias sits the envi- San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation sioned site of the Tucson Origins Cultural Park, part of the Starting at the south end of the area that Brandt talked Rio Nuevo downtown revitalization project. Two teams of about, the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Na- planners are currently competing to design the park, which tion has begun planting a wide variety of trees and wetland will commemorate the historic Convento San Agustin and plants in a low area adjacent to the riverbed, near Martinez its associated cultural, natural, and agricultural environment. Hill. The vast riparian environment, once a pillar of their Depending on the design of the project, it could involve economy and a part of their lore, was taken from them. Resi- improvements in habitat for birds and other wildlife. Final dents see the creation of this small, arborescent wetland area presentations of two groups competing for this design took as an opportunity to recover some of that environment. place on January 21, and Rio Nuevo planners are currently During the summer of 2002 when the water was turned on deliberating. Now would be a good time to let your city to the wetland area, it was only a matter of days before swal- council members know of your interest in seeing restored lows and martins began swooping in for a drink, and frogs habitat as a part of this project. started croaking! (Birders are reminded that access here is Christopher Columbus Park restricted to residents of the Tohono O’odham Nation.) Down stream from Paseo de las Iglesias sits Christopher Paseo de las Iglesias Columbus Park. It is located across the river from the Roger Moving north along the Santa Cruz River is the former Road Wastewater Treatment Plant and stretches northwest agricultural plain stretching from San Xavier to Sentinel Peak. for over a mile. Currently only the south end of the park is This area includes both the main river drainage and the “West developed, with a good deal of the rest containing native or Branch,” where the county has recently purchased land found degraded native vegetation. to contain remnant habitat and threatened species. The U.S. City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department is cur- Army Corps of Engineers, Pima County, and the City of rently formulating a master plan for the development of the February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 27 park. The plan currently focuses more on soccer and softball Town of Marana fields than on habitat protection and restoration. Parks and The Town of Marana has recently adopted a Santa Cruz Rec has included some habitat restoration in the plan (bor- River Corridor management plan. In a general way it ad- dering the river along the east side of the park). But unlike dresses a variety of uses of the corridor including wildlife the playing fields, the habitat restoration has not yet received habitat, trails, and cultural/historical resources. Specific any funding. Planning here is in a critical stage, so contact- plans for the river corridor in Marana are now being de- ing your city and county representatives would be very use- veloped in coordination with the Tres Rios del Norte ful. Significant habitat restoration in this area – if done prop- project (see below). erly – could widen and vastly improve habitat along the ad- Tres Rios del Norte jacent, effluent-dominated riparian area that has sprung up Pima County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along the Santa Cruz River. currently have funding for a feasibility study for flood con- Cortaro Mesquite Bosque trol, groundwater recharge, and environmental restoration The Cortaro Mesquite Bosque is an 80-acre Pima Flood along the Santa Cruz River in the area from Prince Road Control District project in northwest Tucson along the west north to Sanders Road. Habitat restoration along this vast side of the Santa Cruz River near Continental Ranch (near corridor could greatly enhance resources for the migra- the north end of the Tucson Mountains). Like the Colum- tory and nesting birds that depend on riparian habitat. In bus Park area, the river here has an effluent-induced strip of addition, some of this restoration could take place in the riparian vegetation, and the adjacent project area has the river corridor adjacent to Christopher Columbus Park and potential to widen existing habitat. the Cortaro Mesquite Bosque, creating a synergy with Though delayed due to water negotiations, the project is those efforts. now going forward with the design of an irrigation system Tres Rios del Norte will probably depend exclusively on using effluent pumped from the river. Restoration plans in- the tens of thousands of gallons of effluent that are discharged

Photomosaic of Cortaro Mesquite Bosque Project site (left) and adjacent Santa Cruz River (right) volve islands of thick vegetation (mesquite, desert willow, daily from the Roger Road and Ina Road Wastewater Treat- cottonwood, etc., with an understory of shrubs) separated ment Plants, while also enhancing the recharge of these wa- by areas planted mostly in grasses. A seven-acre area will be ters. This project is entering a critical public comment phase. designed as a kind of marsh, but with marsh water being Watch the Flycatcher for information about how to support entirely subterranean in order to avoid mosquito infestation. habitat restoration in this area. There will be public access to this site via trails. In Rillito Watershed Projects combination with potential habitat improvements in the Several projects are being planned along the Rillito and river zone itself (see Tres Rios del Norte, below), habitat its tributaries. One, “Rillito Recharge and Habitat Restora- restoration at this site could produce vastly improved habi- tion,” calls for wetlands and riparian habitat along the south tat for birds and other wildlife – and another destination bank of the Rillito, west of Swan Road. It is slated to use for birders. reclaimed water, cycling through the wetlands. 28 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003

At Fort Lowell officials are considering a riparian project and access for birders. In addition, advocate for wise use of that would enhance existing cottonwood and pecan groves, water resources within these projects (they can all benefit and that would create or modify a wetland that would dis- from the harvesting of rainwater and runoff as part of their charge into a stream. In addition, a plan is being considered restoration strategy). Contact information for legislators is to release reclaimed water in both Ventana and Sabino Washes on pages 4 and 5 of the Flycatcher. The most efficient way to to enhance existing riparian vegetation. Another plan being influence your representatives is to call or fax them (see ac- considered is to extend reclaimed water to Forty-niner Golf companying story). You may also keep in touch with Ann Course to replace groundwater use, including discharge into Phillips and Kendall Kroesen at the Tucson Audubon Habi- Tanque Verde Creek to improve riparian resources there. tat Restoration Office (206-9900). They are tracking the The Army Corps and Pima County Flood Control are progress of each of the projects mentioned above. also in the planning stages of the Rio Antiguo Habitat Res- In our lifetime we will not see full restoration of the places toration Project, located along the Rillito between Campbell that provided Herbert Brandt with so much delight. But Avenue and Alvernon Way. With the help of Novak Envi- these projects could represent small steps in that direction. ronmental, Inc., they have collected initial citizen input. They can provide wildlife, and birders, with more resources Public recommendations include restoration of native veg- in the urban Tucson area. Call your legislators today and let etation, using reclaimed water, possible seasonal cienagas them know that habitat restoration is a legitimate and pro- using harvested rainwater, enhanced trails and equestrian ductive use of public funds! J access, interpretive signage, and improving visual impact. The Army Corps and Pima County will continue to plan and to invite public input—watch for opportunities to get involved. Perhaps the best-known project in the Rillito watershed Blessings for was at Agua Caliente Park. Pima County and the Army Corps publicized several alternative plans for restoration of cienaga- Restoration Site like wetlands to harbor several threatened plant and animal by Kendall Kroesen and Ann Phillips species, including the lowland leopard frog. This project encountered stiff opposition from a group of local residents, which sought to protect the current configuration of the park In the past year progress has been made on several lev- (dominated by ponds that, unfortunately, harbor mostly non- els at Tucson Audubon’s Santa Cruz River Habitat Project, native fish and amphibian species). Late-breaking news is that near Marana. the county has decided not to go forward with the project. On the planning level, we completed thorough site as- Tucson Audubon’s Santa Cruz River Habitat Project sessment and design documents to guide labor at the site. Tucson Audubon’s Santa Cruz River Habitat Project, in On the physical side, seeds and plants were distributed and northern Pima County, is the most northerly of the Santa myriad supporting tasks completed. On the psychological Cruz River restoration projects. It has been described many level, the work (though sometimes grueling) provided satis- times in the Flycatcher (information archived at faction for staff members and many valiant volunteers. At www.tucsonaudubon.org/conservation/scriver.htm). Here it the community level, the site has provided opportunities to will suffice to say that Tucson Audubon is using innovative reach out to birders, conservationists, local government offi- techniques to restore wildlife habitat along the river and ad- cials, and students. jacent former farm fields. There will several opportunities The spiritual realm was the only area that had not been this winter and spring to visit the project, including a public addressed. tour on February 26; volunteer workdays on February 7-8 Land at the restoration site has endured many insults over & March 7-8, and a birding fieldtrip on April 26. Call Ann the years. It has seen clearing of native vegetation, intensive Phillips or Kendall Kroesen at 206-9900 for details about farming, a plummeting water table, assaults by invasive spe- any of these opportunities. Also, hear Ann and Kendall speak cies, and unprecedented flooding exacerbated by degrada- about habitat restoration at the February 10 membership tion of the upstream watershed. Finally, the river at the res- meeting (see back page). toration site now flows with treated wastewater bearing the Conclusion remnants of all that we have discarded to the sewer from our Many of these projects are in their formative stage, with homes, businesses and industries. many interest groups competing to realize their visions. City, On Sunday, December 22, 2002 the restoration site ex- county, state, and federal legislators can all bring influence perienced the first efforts of people coming together in a to bear. Let them know that you want the above-mentioned spiritually healing way. Fifteen people joined Daniel Preston public projects to maximize restoration of wildlife habitat and Renee Red Dog, honored guests from the San Xavier February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 29 district of the O’odham Nation, and Michelle Rudy, a rep- future subsidies. Although there is a national campaign resentative of the Buddhist Tucson Shambhala Meditation (which seven Audubon chapters have already endorsed*), Group, for a blessing of the site. the proposal has gotten the most interest from ranchers Under dark skies that reflected our gloomy environmen- in Arizona. tal times but also portended the healing power of rain, Daniel Of 800 Arizona permittees contacted in a recent poll by said prayers in Tohono O’odham and English. Daniel blessed the Whitneys of Circle Bar Ranch (Tonto National Forest), a small palo verde tree, which staffer Rodd Lancaster then 200 responded, and 140 of these or 70% responded in sup- planted in the first rainwater-harvesting basin ever dug at port of legislation. The permittees are now working on the the site. Then we all moved to the edge of the river. With the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association to try to get them to smell of burning sage in the air we faced the four directions, change their opposition to the idea into support. one by one, as Daniel and Renee prayed and sang for them Draft legislation for the proposal has been drawn to be to send us their strength and assistance as we worked to re- enacted as a pilot program in Arizona. The basic features pair the damage to this land and return it to self-sustaining include: abundance. Daniel’s and Renee’s prayers and songs were a 4 A permittee can volunteer to surrender the permit within poignant reminder and strong connection to the past stew- a set window of time. ardship of this land by the Hohokam. 4 They would get a one-time payment of $175 per animal Michelle Rudy brought to the site a vial of water blessed unit month (AUM) on the permit, averaged over the last 10 with Buddhist relics as part of the Maitreya Project. Two years. months before the ceremony the Maitreya Project brought 4 The associated allotments would be permanently retired relics of great Buddhist teachers to Tucson as part of a world from livestock grazing. tour. The relics included remains from the historical Bud- 4 No property right would be created in a grazing permit dha Shakyamuni and his disciples, and the previous Buddha by this Act. Kashyapa, who predates recorded history. In their travels the Federal money would fund the program. However, local relics mapped out a great, healing mandala on the face of municipalities and conservation groups could also be involved the Earth. Their journey will end in India, where they will in funding for the program by helping to buy out state graz- be enclosed in a new statue of the Buddha. After reciting ing leases that are surrounded by federal land. Such leases prayers Michelle invited Restoration Manager Ann Phillips would become worthless for grazing if the surrounding fed- to sprinkle the blessed water in the river and on the sand. eral land was closed to grazing. To avoid opposition from Restoration work at the site is based on our faith in the the state land department we are proposing to make the fed- environment’s ability to heal, and rooted in the unbreakable eral buyout contingent on a conservation (no grazing) buyout link between human communities and the land. This bless- of the enclosed state leases by a third party. The ranchers ing ceremony provided sustenance for the many people who have also pointed out that the buyout would reduce the sale work to help heal this land, just as the rainwater falling that and subdivision of private ranch land. Many ranchers do day provided sustenance to the newly planted tree. We ex- not want to do that, but would be forced to if they get no tend our deepest gratitude to Daniel Preston, Renee Red Dog, compensation for losing their permits. If they get compen- and Michelle Rudy for their prayers, songs and blessings. J sation they have less need to sell their private lands. Even if every permittee in Arizona went for the money, it would only cost the US taxpayer $371 million, which repre- GRAZING, continued from page 5 sents about 10 years of subsidies. Although not all are ex- ranching on federal lands accounts for less than 4% of US pected to volunteer for the buyout, a significant number livestock production, and is economically irrelevant. US tax- surely will. Thus the program is also a saving for taxpayers in payers pay for the destruction of our western natural heri- the long run. tage by livestock, with subsidies exceeding $500 million To endorse the campaign in Arizona contact us a year. at [email protected] or [email protected]. The Federal grazing permittees strongly resist reductions and Arizona campaign now has a website www.azbuyout.org with closures because many of them have borrowed against their more details. federal permits, or have paid a lot to buy them. Permits have * Greater Wyoming Valley (PA), Blue Mountain (WA), no value, convey no property entitlement and can be re- Mountaineer (WV), Washington Crossing (NJ), Lane voked at any time—in theory. In practice, land managers County (OR), Corvallis (OR), Rogue Valley (OR) have acted otherwise and, as a result, markets do place a Editors’ note: Martin Taylor is a former UA professor in value on permits. A coalition of environmental groups is Entomology and has taught field classes on impacts of live- proposing federal legislation to pay ranchers generously for stock grazing on insect and plant ecology in the Santa Ritas. cancellation of their permits—one final subsidy to end all He has lived in Tucson for 12 years. J 30 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society February 2003

CONGRESS, continued from page 5 15. Immediately write a thank-you biodiversity. Their website is full of in- handles environmental issues. Who note, on letterhead if possible, and teresting information that truly gives a would that be, and how do you spell fax it to the aide. In it you can re- global perspective. his/her name? And by the way, what peat your points. Call back when you Birdlife International has partner is your fax number?” said you would. organizations worldwide, one of which 5. If you get a voicemail, leave a mes- 16. Don’t be discouraged with appar- is the National Audubon Society sage. If you haven’t heard back by the ent lack of success. Call the aide from (www.audubon.org). National next day, call again. You want to cre- time to time with updates, questions, Audubon’s Important Bird Area (IBA) ate dialogue. and inspiration. Stay connected. Program works to identify areas within 6. Introduce yourself to the aide as a 17. Fax, don’t mail. All mail to Con- the U.S. that are important to main- gress is examined for anthrax. Delivery constituent. (“I’ve lived and voted in taining avian diversity. You can read this district for 27 years.”) Ask if s/ can take eight weeks. about the IBA program at he’d be willing to talk with you about 18. Don’t try to educate or lobby your www.audubon.org/bird/iba, and you this issue for a few minutes. legislator in a public meeting where can click on a map of the U.S. to ac- 7. Ask how the legislator feels about he may be less receptive. It’s more ef- the issue. Has he taken a public stand? fective to educate the aide or to ask for cess information about local IBA pro- Which way is he leaning? Is he will- a meeting with the legislator. (Bring- grams in each state. ing to hear more on the issue? ing locally prominent people will help National Audubon is also develop- 8. Express appreciation for some- you get a meeting.) ing a “watchlist” of 201 bird species that thing he’s done. We don’t own all the 19. Never give up. are in jeopardy. This list highlights spe- moral high ground. True story: A small team of hunger cies that have the greatest conservation 9. Be ready with a specific request, activists worked for several years to edu- needs, and it includes more than one not just a general upset. cate and inspire a young aide on global quarter of the species that are found in 10. Listen to the aide’s language and child survival issues but had little suc- North America. Go to use it yourself. You may hear: effi- cess in impacting the congressman’s www.audubon.org/bird/watchlist/ ciency, cost-effectiveness, tax savings, votes. When that aide moved to a dif- index.html and click on “view heritage, making America great, love of ferent congressman’s office, he educated watchlist” on the left margin to actu- country, global leadership and inspired his new boss. As a result, ally see which species are on this list. 11. Get personal: “Are you from Ari- that new boss, a committee chairman, Here’s where you can “act locally.” zona? May I ask if you have children? became a champion for child survival Go to Tucson Audubon’s website What kind of world/country do you funding. Moral: Always make your most (www.tucsonaudubon.org) and click envision for them?” Such questions powerful and inspiring case. You don’t on “AZ IBA Program” (or go directly J can put aides in touch with their know where your message will go. to www.tucsonaudubon.org/conserva- higher values and deepen the dia- tion/birdareas.htm). You can read de- logue. (Two people are talking here, Web Corner tails about the Arizona IBA Program not two positions.) by Kendall Kroesen and learn how you can help out. You 12. Be real. Speak from your heart can nominate sites that you think and say how the issue touches you per- Last time I used this space to point should be among Arizona’s important sonally (could be on behalf of your you toward the “Living Oceans” sec- bird areas, and you can volunteer to grandchildren). If the legislator has tion of the National Audubon Soci- monitor and survey bird life at one of voted “wrong” in the past, ask the aide ety website (www.audubon.org/cam- these sites. You can be a big help! directly what his concerns are, really paign/lo/index.html). This month listen, and then respond or get back let’s get back to our favorite cause: By the way, access to our website is to him with a response. Then find and bird conservation! much faster now that Envirolink fax the best info you can get your When it comes to bird conservation (www.envirolink.org), our web service hands on within 24 hours. on the web, you can follow this motto: provider, has moved us to a new server. 13. Respect the aide’s time, and thank Surf globally, act locally! For the glo- Envirolink’s “Enviroweb” service gives her/him for the conversation. (These bal perspective, try Birdlife Interna- us, and other environmental non-prof- are incredibly busy young people, of- tional, at www.birdlife.net. This is a its, free web domain hosting. Go to ten working all night to research and global network of organizations work- www.envirolink.org/about.html, and write legislation.) ing toward bird conservation using lo- scroll to the bottom of the page, to 14. Tell the aide you’ll call back in a cal cultural values and ecotourism, and see how you can support this worthy few days for a response. identifying important sites for bird endeavor. J February 2003 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher 31

Thanks & Wishes by Jessie Shinn

We are grateful for the generosity Karen McBride Current Wish List and enthusiasm of all of Tucson David West Audubon’s members and supporters. Carol de Waard Thank you for all of the many ways in Ed Curley TAS Offices: which you help to preserve our envi- We also appreciate the support of ý Bicycle rack ronment. Your financial and in-kind local businesses. Thanks for your help ý Office supplies donations make our work in environ- with the IBA photo contest: mental education, conservation, and Jones Photo ý Digital projector birdwatching possible. Thank you for Centric Photo ý Pots and pans for kitchen participating in and caring about our And thanks to Edward Mary for the community and our world. donation of stereo equipment. Santa Cruz River Habitat Thank you, Lucy Mack, for the Tucson Audubon is honored to re- Project kind gift in honor of Kay Siggins. ceive memorial gifts. We acknowledge ý All-terrain vehicle We received many thoughtful in- a donation from Vivian Wilson in kind contributions during the months memory of Etta King, whose long life Mason Audubon Center: of December and January. (105 years) was made richer by Many thanks to those who re- birdwatching. ý Night scope sponded to our request for tools and Many thanks to all who donated ý Desk lamp equipment for the Santa Cruz restora- in response to the end-of-year appeal. ý Art supplies tion project: A complete list of your names and Patricia McGoey levels of giving will appear in our ý Coat rack Bob Eiermann March issue. ý Pots for house plants Rain for Rent And thank you, John Sherlock for As always, we love to receive new the thoughtful contribution in memory ý Document shredder additions to the library. For the dona- of your wife, Patricia. We appreciate ý Fireplace tools tion of books and magazines, thank you: your honoring her life in this way. J ý Household tools (hammer, screwdriver, etc.)

List of Arizona Bird- and Nature-related Activities

8 Wings Over Willcox, Willcox, AZ, January 17 – 19, 2003, 520-384-2272, www.wingsoverwillcox.com, www.willcoxchamber.com, 800-200-2272. 8 Wildflower Festival, Tucson, AZ, April, 520-742-6455. 8 Verde Valley Birding Festival, Cottonwood, AZ, last weekend in April 25 – 27, 2003, 928-282-2202, www.birdyverde.org, [email protected], 928-634-8437. 8 Tucson Bird Count, Tucson, AZ, during April 15 – May 15, www.tucsonbirds.org, www.tucsonbirds.org/ current/Current.asp. 8 Yuma Birding Festival, Yuma, AZ, 800-293-0071, April 9 – 13, 2003, www.yumabirding.org. 8 Fiesta de Las Aves International Migration Celebration, Bisbee, AZ, May 4 – 11, 2003, 520-432-1388, www.sabo.org/activity.htm#fdla. 8 Southwest Wings Birding Festival, Sierra Vista, AZ, August, 2003, 800-946-4777, www.swwings.org. 8 For updates of this list, see www.birdinghotspot.com. February 2003 Meeting: Santa Cruz River Habitat Restoration Monday, February 10, 2003, DuVal Auditorium, University Medical Center 7:00 p.m. “International Sonoran Desert Alliance,” by Larry Glickman 7:20 p.m. Break 7:30 p.m. “Santa Cruz River Habitat Restoration,” by Ann Phillips and Kendall Kroesen

Preprogram The International Sonoran Desert Alliance, based in Ajo, Arizona, has as its lofty goals: promoting the concept of conservation in the Sonoran Desert in the U.S. and Mexico; educating people in ways of protecting and respecting valuable biological and cultural resources; developing cre- ative solutions to critical problems, such as energy production, housing and water use; and providing practical methods for individual and com- munity empowerment. A 15-member board that represents both indig- enous and non-indigenous populations of the U.S. and Mexico governs the ISDA. Director of Development Larry Glickman will educate us re- garding ISDA and bring us up to date on what’s taking place in this hard- working organization that deserves our admiration and attention.

Main Program Tucson Audubon’s Ann Phillips and Kendall Kroesen will talk about Parking Note: We are fortunate to be habitat restoration along the Santa Cruz River. The river corridor has able to use the auditorium at UMC. There international importance as a migratory bird corridor. However, many of is parking in the multi-tiered Patient/Visi- tor parking garage closest to the auditorium; the riparian areas along the river have been degraded or lost. There are however, a fee is charged. Free parking is many efforts afoot to restore native, riparian habitat, including Tucson available south of Mabel Street, across from Audubon’s Santa Cruz River Habitat Project. This is your opportunity to the College of Nursing (see map). You have to walk a bit farther, but as birders, a little learn about Tucson Audubon’s approach to habitat restoration, including exercise is often in our best interest. water harvesting and planting techniques that might come in handy in your own backyard. There will be a slide presentation, trees planted in tubes, clay pellets containing seeds, and lots more. Learn about project goals and how those goals are being met. 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.