Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org Vermilion f l y c a t c h e r March–April 2010 | Volume 55,54, Number 25 Navigating toward a Sustainable Future

3 changing Our Consumer Culture 13 Political Hurdles for Our Desert Ecosystem 14 Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls in the Sonoran Desert 16 Power Lines Threaten Lower San Pedro Valley

11 what’s in a Name? Western Tanager 12 Visible Migration Along Our Avian Highways

Tucson Audubon’s bi-monthly News Magazine Features Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org 11 What’s in a Name? Western Tanager VERMILION 12 Visible Migration Along Our Avian F L YCATCHER March–April 2010 | Volume 55,54, Number 25 Highways Navigating toward a 13 Political Hurdles for Our Desert Sustainable Future Ecosystem Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving the quality of the environment by providing 14 Research and Recovery of education, conservation, and recreation programs, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls in the environmental leadership, and information. Tucson Sonoran Desert Audubon is a non-profit volunteer organization of people with a common interest in birding and natural 16 Power Lines Threaten Lower San history. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a library, Pedro Valley 3 Changing Our Consumer Culture and nature shops in Tucson, the proceeds of which 13 Political Hurdles for benefit all of its programs. Our Desert Ecosystem Departments 14 Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls Tucson Audubon Society in the Sonoran Desert 3 Commentary 16 Power Lines Threaten 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 Lower San Pedro Valley

629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) 4 News Roundup 11 What’s in a Name? Western Tanager All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated. 8 Events and Classes 12 Visible Migration Along Our Avian Highways www.tucsonaudubon.org TUCSON AUDUBON’S BI-MONT HLY N EWS MAG A ZINE 10 Living With Nature Board Officers & Directors Messages 622-5622 10 Events Calendar President Herb Trossman 18 Conservation and Education News Front cover: Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl by Vice President Mich Coker 20 Field Trips Sky Jacobs. Sky is a southwest native who loves birds, Secretary Robert Merideth photography, and the Sky Island and Sonoran Desert Treasurer Lindsey Quesinberry 23 Birding Travel from our Business Partners region. See his photography and more at wildsonora.com Directors at Large Mary Kay Eiermann, Richard Fray, 24 Classified Ads Sandy Elers, Julie Gordon, Linda Greene, Craig Marken, Neil or skyjacobs.com. Markowitz, Liz Payne, Cynthia Pruett, Adrian Quijada, Bill 25 Birds & Business Alliance Roe, Jessie Shinn, Linda Stitzer 25 Sustainability Corner To have your photographs considered for use in the Board Committees Conservation Chris McVie, Vermilion Flycatcher, please contact Matt Griffiths at Development Sandy Elers, Education Cynthia Pruett, 26 Nature Shops Membership Jessie Shinn, Finance Lindsey Quesinberry, 27 Bookends [email protected]. Personnel Mich Coker, Nominating Robert Merideth Programs & Activities Field Trips Darlene Smyth 297-2315 Library David West 629-0510 Membership Meetings Jean Barchman 622-5622 Remember: Elected Officials Represent You Rare Bird Alert John Yerger | Report Rare Birds 798-1005 A guest opinion by Steve Arnquist, executive director of the Arizona League of Conservation Staff Executive Director Paul Green 777-9525 Voters and the Arizona League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. Steve is proud to Finance and Operations Brad Paxton 629-0757 call Tucson home and his work takes him all over Arizona. Accountant Michelle Bourgeois 629-0757 Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman 622-5622 As our state struggles with its budget crisis, and do not, our representatives will Special Projects Erin Olmstead 622-5622 Education & Outreach Specialist Matt Brooks 622-2230 our national economy grows less quickly, it is more continue to treat our natural IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor 628-1730 important than ever to watch our state and federal world as a disposable luxury. IBA Program Assistant Samantha Barnett 628-1730 government to ensure that they continue to invest The Arizona League of Restoration Program Manager Kendall Kroesen 206-9900 in cleaning up our environment, and to ensure Conservation Voters produces Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 Restoration/Communications Specialist that they do not remove or waive environmental a scorecard each for each of our Matthew Griffiths 206-9900 protections for which we all have worked so hard. legislators. AZLCV scores legislators based on Restoration Specialist Chris Harrison 206-9900 When our legislators, people we put in office, their proconservation votes over the course of the Restoration Specialist Andy Bennett 206-9900 Mason Outreach Coordinator Lia Sansom 971-6238 ought to be minding the budget or funding our session. This gives us an easy way to assess our University Shop Manager Sara Pike 622-2230 parks or other vital state services, they are legislators, and an opportunity for us to tell them Volunteer Coordinator/Agua Caliente attempting to “reclaim” jurisdiction of Arizona’s what we think of their performance. Shop Manager Becky Aparicio 760-7881 rivers to exempt them from Clean Water Act We must advocate to protect the Arizona that Tucson Audubon Nature Shops 300 E University Blvd #120 629-0510 protections. When they should be thinking about we all love for ourselves, for our children, and for 623-3476 fax / 622-2230 Shop Manager Arizona’s future water and energy needs, they our grandchildren, and we must make sure that our Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a m –4 p m (5 p m Mon & Thu) are pulling out of the Western Climate Initiative representatives know it! I challenge every person Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881 or frittering away time on social issues as our who reads this to commit to two (or two more) Hours: 9 a m –3:30 p m Thu, Fri, Sat state continues to bleed. Without a reversal in phone calls to one of their elected officials this year Vermilion Flycatcher is published bi-monthly. For address the political tide in Arizona we can expect more on a piece of environmental legislation and to vote changes or subscription problems call 622-5622, or write bad news. This is our responsibility (see quote on for environmental candidates this November. to Membership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E. University Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Submissions are page 3). Arizona is too important and too precious to do due the 1st of the month, two months before the date of the We live in a democracy. Arizonans do not want otherwise. issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF to see parks closed, we do not want our air and The non-partisan Arizona League of documents, or plain text files, to Matt Griffiths at mgriffiths@ water soiled or a relaxation of regulations that help Conservation Voters works with members of both tucsonaudubon.org. Coordinator Matt Griffiths 206-9900 to beautify our state and protect its residents. What political parties to turn environmental values into Proofreaders Jane & Warren Tisdale 749-2139 and Arizona needs is for all concerned Arizonans to Arizona priorities. For more information on AZLCV Tucson Audubon staff and board members increase pressure on our elected officials all year visit www.azlcv.org. VF Design/Layout Eng-Li Green long and to vote “green” at the ballot box. If we

2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Commentary Paul Green | Executive Director Changing Our Consumer Culture

The eyes of the future are looking back sustainability where our choices restore Perhaps the main impediment to at us and they are praying for us to see some of our ecological systems to health. change is that many have a stake in beyond our own time. Changing culture when many of our the status quo. Listen carefully, and Terry Tempest Williams. leaders do not see either the crisis we every day you will hear a variant on the face, or the opportunity to change in a following message: “We must do nothing In the 2009 documentary The Age of planned manner, is one of our challenges. whatsoever on climate change because Stupid, Peter Postlethwaite plays a man Bill Gates’ announcement, on February it threatens our economy and jobs.” Not living alone in the devastated world of 12, that climate change is the most addressing climate change (itself just a 2055, looking back at old footage from important challenge on the planet offers symptom of the problem) threatens our 2008 and asks: why didn’t we stop climate a glimmer of hope. At the 10th John H. economy, jobs, and a great deal more—it change when we had the chance? Erik Chafee Memorial Lecture on Science and threatens our survival! Assadourian, writing on The Rise and the Environment, Gus Speth, who for the Each of us must stand up to the Fall of Consumer Cultures in The State of last decade served as Dean of the Yale madness represented by those with a the World 2010 opines that it has nothing School of Forestry and Environmental shortsighted stake in the status quo, to do with stupidity, and everything to Studies, called for “A New American and focus our efforts on building a new, do with changing our culture, since it is Environmentalism and a New Economy.” sustaining economy centered on the culture that determines what we think of Speth argued that, “America is now health and safety of people and planet. as “natural,” that shapes and constrains faced with several linked and worsening Terry Tempest Williams also said, “I our actions. crises—economic, environmental, do not think we can look for leadership We think it is natural to drive cars, social and political—that require deep, beyond ourselves. I do not think we can fly planes, have large homes, use air transformative changes if they are to be wait for someone or something to save conditioning: we don’t think of these met, and, that to drive systemic change, us from our global predicaments and as being unnatural choices. We even we need a new politics in which the obligations. I need to look in the mirror promote them as ideals for millions of various progressive communities come and ask this of myself: If I am committed people in less developed countries. out of their silos and coalesce around to seeing the direction of our country These activities are not sustainable. building a common agenda and a unified change, how must I change myself?” Worse still, our per capita consumption is political force.” What can you do in southeast Arizona rising, by 300 percent since 1960. Metal Speth concludes that environmentalism to ensure a healthy quality life for your production increased six fold between is failing because “the full burden of children and grandchildren? Inform 1950 and 2005, and gas consumption 14 managing accumulating environmental yourself. Start with Gus Speth’s review, fold. Do we believe we can sustain this threats, and the powerful forces of The Bridge to the Edge of the World. ever increasing consumption of resources modern capitalism driving those threats, Engage yourself in our local water issues: even as billions of new people aspire to have fallen to the environmental let’s leave sufficient water to support our the same? community. The burden is too great. natural environment, which supports our The pressure to construct new mines The system . . . will generate ever human existence. Look to protect our is an outcome of our consumer culture. larger environmental consequences, streams and rivers from adverse impacts The exponential increase in carbon outstripping efforts to manage them. of development (see page 13). Think how dioxide levels in our atmosphere over The system will seek to undermine (our) you can reduce your water use (page the last 250 years is just one of a series efforts and constrain them within narrow 25). Protect our natural areas from those of environmental effects of our levels limits . . . working within the system puts seeking to profit from decimating the last of consumption. Losing seven million off-limits major efforts to correct many unspoiled natural habitats of our region at hectares of forest each year is another. underlying drivers of deterioration . . . the expense of our long-term well-being The growth in our economy that many are what is needed is transformative change (see page 18 on Rosemont). Read Steve seeking within our current model equates in the system itself.” He called for a new Arnquist’s article on page 2 to see what to increasing the rate of conversion of American environmentalism centered your elected representatives are doing finite natural resources (or capital) into on building a new, sustaining economy about these issues, and bring some man-made capital: is that what we really where the overriding economic priority pressure to bear on them. want? To sustain our civilization will is not profit and growth, but people and Please also support Tucson Audubon require changing our consumer culture, planet and quality of life for all. He set out with your dollars to help us keep ahead of a culture in which we find meaning, policy and other prescriptions for building the curve on these issues that will directly contentment, and acceptance through the this new economy—creating, “an agenda affect the lives of your children and consumption of goods and services. Our for the new environmentalism.” grandchildren. VF goal needs to be the creation a culture of

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3 Tucson Audubon News Roundup Birdathon Takes Flight! by Erin Olmstead, Special Projects S cott O lmstead GRAND PRIZE: Ecuador Birding trip for you and your best birding buddy!

V ivian M ac k inn o n Win two spaces on Tropical Birding’s Andes Introtour: November 20–28, 2010. Explore the mega-diverse Choco bioregion in search of brilliant tanagers, hummingbirds, antpittas and more! 8days/7nights from Quito. Valued at over $3,000! For tour itinerary and trip reports, check out www. tropicalbirding.com. Thanks to Birds & Business Alliance member Tropical Birding! How to Win: First, you must register for Birdathon! This exciting prize will be awarded to the Birdathoner with the highest Total Score. 1 point per dollar raised + 2 points per bird species observed = Total Score Raise $50 and earn this cool souvenir T-shirt! Thanks to Rick Wheeler for donating this beautiful image! About the artist: Arizona artist Rick Wheeler is best known for his scratchboard/watercolor work, as seen on this year’s How would you like to go birding New this season Birdathon T-shirt. This particular image, titled “Cactus in Ecuador at Thanksgiving? Been In the last issue I hinted at a few Wren & Nest,” was jury-selected to the “2004 Arts for the lusting after a new pair of binoculars? exciting new features for this year’s Parks Mini 100.” Several national parks and monuments Looking for a few good birding Birdathon. The biggest change is have commissioned Rick for his work, including Grand Canyon, Yosemite, buddies? Could you use a hint to ID Online Registration—check out www. Arches, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree, as well as several other companies. some of those tricky species? Need tucsonaudubon.dojiggy.com to sign Anyone interested in learning this technique can inquire with the Arizona- an excuse to get outdoors this spring? up. You’ll have the option to set up Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute, as he teaches there on a regular basis. If you’ve answered “yes!” to any of your personal fundraising page, Or visit his website at www.rickarts.com for more information. these questions, then Birdathon 2010 complete with your very own pledge has something for you. thermometer for tracking your goal. The online format allows you to share birding opportunities. Remember, Choose your own adventure the excitement and challenge of your space is limited. Contact me at 622- Birdathon is an annual event for Birdathon experience with sponsors 5622 for more information. birders and nature lovers of all ages who can then donate by credit card, and experience levels. Teams go Think big! thus eliminating the chore of collecting birding for up to 24 consecutive Birdathon is a fun example of the pledges after the birding is done. By hours in an effort to tally as many cumulative power of many individual linking to your page, your friends and species as possible. Family and contributions of time, talent, effort, family will be able to see how their friends cheer them on by pledging and spare change. Your participation support counts toward your target (as Birdathon 2009 Stats their support on a per-species basis counts, and all the money you raise well as the overall Tucson Audubon Number of teams: 20 or with a flat donation. It’s the most will support Tucson Audubon’s goal) and help you win prizes E laine R. W ils o n , www . nat u res p ics nline c m fun you can have while raising funds valuable conservation, education, Total Money Raised: $28,134.00 including birding travel, optics, gear, for a great cause. You choose when and youth birding programs. Yes, Most Money Raised by Individual: fine dining, and education classes and where to bird, with whom, and at Birdathon is a fundraiser (and an $2,195.45 Another fun element of Birdathon what pace. If you are itching to join important one, at that) but it’s about Most Species Seen by Team: 169 is the chance to get out in the field your birding buddies in search of Big more than just raising money. It’s also Most Individual Pledges Collected this spring with a few of our friendly Day glory, there are many southeast about raising awareness. by Individual: 45 neighborhood bird tour professionals. Arizona specialties waiting for you. Tucson “All-Stars” Gavin Bieber and An opportunity But if you prefer to update your Rich Hoyer of WINGS, Scott Olmstead Birdathon is a great opportunity to ours. Veteran Birdathoners: Consider yard list with a cup of coffee on the of Tropical Birding, and John Yerger learn more about birds and birding, inviting a novice birder or new friend patio, that’s just as good—because of Adventure Birding Company have and to increase appreciation of wildlife to come along! What a great way Birdathon makes common (and all enthusiastically agreed to lead and habitat conservation in our area. If to start the new decade with a new sometimes overlooked) species your Birdathon! A variety of outings you’ve never done a Birdathon before, tradition. Together we can make 2010 exciting again! from relaxed to hardcore are listed on we encourage you to give it a go. Get the biggest Birdathon ever! page 5—don’t miss these fun guided your own team together or join one of

4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 about? Join the “Scott’s Orioles” for the San Pedro, turning up 100–140 Birdathon Events daylight birding on Mount Lemmon, species representing a choice cross- Count Me In! led patiently by Scott Olmstead of section of local bird diversity along M att B rooks Treat yourself to one of these exciting Tropical Birding. You are guaranteed the way. Limited to 10 participants. Birdathon events! Registration to catch the buzz! Limited to 10 Transportation included. $250 is required. If you don’t have a participants for this Birdathon kickoff “Hoyer’s Voyeurs” with Rich team, don’t have the time to get outing. Transportation included. $150. Hoyer of Wings. April 25 one together, or don’t know where “Kowa Digiscopathon” with Returning team champions “Hoyer’s to start in planning a Birdathon day, Jim Danzenbaker of Kowa. Voyeurs” will again be in hot pursuit join one of our pre-arranged outings! April 16 & 17 of the feted “Most Species Seen” with almost every species imaginable. It is a great way to meet other local Scope it out—this one’s a two-parter! title. Join Rich Hoyer of WINGS for We’ll hit a few hotspots like Madera birders and nature lovers. These Join Jim Danzenbaker of Kowa for a a full-on Birdathon around southeast Canyon and Patagonia, with some Tucson Audubon expert-led “All- Friday afternoon Digiscoping warm-up Arizona. Starting with owls and other “secret” spots in between. We hope Star Fundraiser” teams are open to workshop at Tucson Audubon, and nightly audibles, this Big Day attempt to see 150+ species of birds. Limited anyone, but group sizes are limited a low-carbon digiscope Birdathon starts with the assumption we won’t to 10 participants. Transportation and a minimum fundraising effort is at the Mason Center on Saturday. need all 24 hours to tally a huge included. $250 suggested (we hope you will collect Participants must collect $150 in list. With 17.5 hours planned, this many pledges, but you can donate pledges or donations for Saturday’s team will shoot for a whopping 175 “President’s Choice” with this yourself). outing, which is limited to 10 birders. species! Limited to 10 participants. Tucson Audubon President All you do is sign up, collect Bring your own digiscope gear or test- Transportation included. $250 Herb Trossman and Executive Director Paul Green. TBD pledges or donations, and show up drive the new Kowa setup! $150 “Gonzo Birders” with John ready to have a great time. To register We’ll combine relaxed birding with “High Rollers” with Gavin Yerger of Adventure Birding good food. Minimum fundraising effort contact Erin Olmstead at eolmstead@ Bieber of Wings. April 18 Company. May 7 tucsonaudubon.org or 622-5622. $250 prior to the date. 10 participants. Go for it with WINGS leader Gavin Hungry for a taste of hardcore “Scott’s Orioles” with Scott Bieber on this relaxed all-day survey birding? Immerse yourself in the Or, participate in one of the many Olmstead of Tropical Birding. trip. Get the lowdown on Sky Island ultimate Birdathon experience with fun and educational classes or field April 9 life zones from the top down! Explore Adventure Birding guide and veteran trips offered this season and make it Calling all beginners: First time out­? the Huachucas from the mixed conifer Big Day planner, John Yerger. It’s a YOUR Birdathon! See pages 8–9 and Want to see what Birdathon’s all of Carr Canyon down to riparian at 17-hour, coffee-fueled frenzy filled 20–22 for ideas!

Get Trained to Survey New Important Bird Areas! Workshop March 5–6! Scott Wilbor, Important Bird Areas Program Conservation Biologist

What makes the surveying for the local bird guides who bring an area to and you become our eyes and ears in Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Important Bird Areas (IBA) program our attention. We train our surveyors on the ground for IBA conservation Refuge, Organ Pipe Cactus National different from regular birding and to follow a protocol, and we set certain (our IBA stewards). Teams are of two Monument, and Patagonia Mountains, rare-bird chasing? We explore and date windows for our multiple (7–8) people. Our typical survey methods with some additional work on the survey hard-to-access areas, areas surveys at a site, which makes them include transects, point counts, and Lower San Pedro River. A northwest big in scale, often with very little bird repeatable as well as comparable wetland censuses, and sometimes Arizona site is also an option being population information, and frequently across the state. You need to have at we have options for special surveys explored. with pressing habitat threats. But, least an intermediate-level of birding to cover colony sites, marsh birds, Our two-day workshop, March also they have potential conservation skills, and be able to hike (sometimes and raptors. We also give you the 5th & 6th (Fri./Sat.) gives you the opportunities we have identified. off trail) a couple miles. Of course, option to be part of some especially training to become part of all these Typically it is the birding community or you get to know your site really well fun adventuresome “backcountry” efforts. Our first day will be at Arizona overnight trips to areas where we are Game and Fish Department offices focusing our efforts in a particular (Tucson) and along the nearby year. These are sites that may be Santa Cruz River, and our second quite remote, have complex logistics, day, at Simpson Habitat Restoration require off-trail travel, and perhaps site, Lower Santa Cruz River (good special permission or permits. In food provided, too). Give us a call to 2010 we are looking for new teams signup: Tucson Audubon IBA office for sites at Amado, Cienega Creek, 628-1730. Let’s put your birding skills Lower San Pedro, Tanque Verde, to work for IBA conservation and have

Ru th W ilderman S cott wilbor Cienega Creek, and Patagonia. Our a little fun and team camaraderie IBA workshop participants learning the fine points of bird survey data collection. “backcountry” team surveys continue as well!

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5 Tucson Audubon News Roundup Staff News: Welcome to Erin Olmstead, Special Projects A chance encounter with a pair of Gala Soars Again! Barred Owls got Erin hooked on Sandy Elers, Development Chair birds nearly ten years ago. Since then, she has explored the Americas as an interpretive naturalist, helping people connect with nature and

M att B rooks appreciate the value of biodiversity. Her adventures have taken her from the bustling hawk-watch platform at Cape May, NJ, and the briny shores of Mono Lake in California, to the pristine tropical beaches of Costa Rica and the spectacular rainforest canopy of the Amazon. Erin spent almost three years getting to know the M att B rooks birding community through her work In addition to grant-seeking and with an ecotourism outfit in Ecuador writing and a variety of membership before returning to the States last and development projects, she is winter. After landing in Arizona, Erin coordinating this spring’s Birdathon spent a season monitoring breeding fundraiser. Erin will be birdathoning Bald Eagles near Phoenix and for the first time this year with her joined Tucson Audubon as our new husband Scott, and hopes to see you Special Projects staffer in November. out there! Kendall Kr o esen M att B rooks Top: Kim McClean and Marie, the Harris’s Hawk. Botton left: Wally Paton and Jackie Covey. Bottom right: Kate Galloway, Mich Coker, and Robert Glennon. Welcome new members!

Tucson Audubon’s second annual Marion and Wally graciously opened Phil Abromowitz and Barbara DeLosier, Kathy Aldern, Tom and Nancy Allin, Gala, Making a Splash for Wildlife, their Patagonia backyard to birders Albert and Lynn Andrew, Dante and Diana Archangeli, Jim and Ruth Barwick, took Tucson by storm on Tuesday, from all over the world. Son Wally Donna Bauer, Bill and Gail Beardsley, Laurel Bender, Andy and Kate Bessey, February 2, at the Arizona Inn. The Paton and daughter Jackie Covey Emma Blake and Rob Schoen, Jerry Bock, Joyce Bolinger and Lavina Tomer, lively cocktail hour saw guests bidding accepted the award for the family. Linda Bonotto, Arthur and Martha Boright, Laura Branton, Cindy Brocious, on silent auction items including Herb also presented a President’s Michael Brookshier, Shirley Casebolt, Bill Chambers, Athol Cline, Wendell and an African Safari and bee habitat Award to Eng-Li Green for her many Mary Clutz, Mark Cocker, Beverly Cosper, David and Deborah Cowan, Joseph sculptures. Our Master of Ceremonies, outstanding contributions in the Dolan, James C. Dudley, Tura Eisele, Roy Emrick, Joan Feldman, Annette Chuck George from KOLD 13, guided graphic arts to Tucson Audubon. Felix, Derre Ferdon, Don Feyrer, Patricia Francis, Bruce Fulton, Betty Funk, us through the program, kicked off by She has changed the face of the Peter Gignac, Chelsea Rae Ginn, Ann Givey, Sara Grimm, Bob Groendyke and Jim Dawson of the Arizona-Sonora organization through her skilled Deborah Kuechel, Curtis Hahn, Constance Hammond, Charles Hassen and Desert Museum. Jim flew his Harris’s revamping of our newsletter, Jan Abington, David Hawkins, Debbie Hicks, Douglas Higgins, Peter Hubbell, Hawk around the dining room to the pamphlets, brochures, letters, and the Michael and Jane Jarrett, Mark Jensen, Dr. Judy Johnson, Larry Johnson, Mary delight of the audience. Our speaker newly launched website. Johnson, James Karp, Anthony and Kathleen Kent, Lou King, Karen LaFrance, for the evening, Dr. Robert Glennon, We thank all who attended and Victoria Lanphier, Leo Leonhart, Steve Lindblom, Wendy Marcus, Kelley entertained and enlightened us on the donated, for their generosity and Matthews, Ann Mavko, Carolyn McGorray, A Meija, Andrea Michaels, Bonnie water crisis in America today. devotion to conservation and Tucson Moon, Tom Nimlos, Dan Norton, Chuck Palm, Marjorie Paxton, Sharon Pettus, Our Honorary Chairmen were Audubon. We extend special thanks Eben and Christy Polk, Juliata Portillo, Quentin Powers and Carrie Dupre, Mike Julia Gordon and Mich Coker, and we to our major gala supporters: Quigley, Judith Reeve, Shirley Ridgway, M Brown Riley, Michael and Carol were joined by some of our partners in Rillito River Tables: Tucson Electric Rosenzweig, H Nelson Rowley, Suzette Russi, Karen Sawyer, Judith Schenck, conservation Bob Hernbrode, Jennifer Power; Southern Arizona Paving Heidi Schewel, Adam Sewell, Jeff and Gail Shank, Tim and JoAnn Siemsen, Martin, Carolyn Campbell, and David and Construction; Salt River Project; Robert Singler, John Spence, Becky Spencer, Joan and Richard Spencer, Yetman. Officials present included Farhang & Medcoff, PLLC; Bureau of Robert and Elizabeth Starks, Edward and Patricia Tobin, Ann Tousley, Barbara Rodney Glassman, Richard Elias, Ray Land Management Warren, Sally Wills, Margaret Willson, Lee Wilson, Blair and Amy Windley Carroll, and Chuck Huckelberry. Madera Creek Tables: Sandy and Birds and Business Alliance New Members Tucson Audubon President Karl Elers; Chris and Doug McVie; Copper Level: Farhang & Medcoff, PLLC; Salt River Project; Herb Trossman, presented the first Cynthia Pruett; Bill and Alice Roe Southern Arizona Paving & Construction Wally and Marion Paton Award for Silver Level: Loews Ventana Canyon Outstanding Contributions to Birding Read a full report at our website www. to the Paton Family. For many years, tucsonaudubon.org. Jean Barchman, Membership Coordinator

6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Volunteer News Roundup VOLUNTEER OF THE Month Becky Aparicio, Volunteer Coordinator Tim Helentjaris is an “Important- Bird-Area man.” What does that New Volunteers: Arizona Trail Association—April 3, mean? Well, every once in a while Betty McElhill—Outreach 10 a m –1 p m : Colossal Cave the IBA Program is blessed by an Elizabeth Snoke—Library research Mountain Park is hosting a family exceptional volunteer who takes the Kathleen Fullin—IBA data entry day of activities and we’ll need two initiative to be part of the program Carla Danforth—Education and volunteers to assist with this outreach. in all aspects, from bird survey Outreach Call or email Becky. planning, to forming an IBA Team, mapping the survey route, taking part Thank You to ALL who helped with Tucson Children’s Museum Earth in all backcountry surveys offered, Wings Over Wilcox, the Crane bus Day Festival—April 10, 10 a m –2 p m : and making sure the bird data gets trip, the Youth Birding Club and This special event to promote an entered and used for conservation Education outreach as well as our appreciation of the environment in purposes. In 2009 Tim was always Four Questions shop volunteers who keep sales families will be held on a free day at there at every opportunity. humming. A very special thanks to the museum. Volunteers are needed Why IBA? The data-gathering Tim, a plant geneticist and former all the Gala volunteers who made to assist with this outreach. Call or aspect is particularly appealing UA scientist, started volunteering for our 2010 event a great success, email Becky. to me, because as a trained the IBA Program in February 2007, great fun and a solid fundraiser. Gala Tucson Bike (and Bird) Fest— scientist I understand the greater helping and then leading IBA Team chairperson Sandy Elers and silent Saturdays, April 10 and 17, 8–10 a m : value that data can provide for efforts at potential IBA sites. Tim’s auction chair Rosie Bennett led the Matt Griffiths leads the bike/bird trip IBA documentation, and the utility big year, though, was last year. team of volunteers and staff. on April 10 at Ft. Lowell Park. Becky that this data can provide for He volunteered approximately 100 March and April will be busier Aparicio leads this family event on conservation decisions. hours and drove over 1,400 miles. still and your help is invaluable in April 17 at Reid Park. Free admission Tim volunteered for all four Lower Best bird sighting, while IBA completing our tasks and meeting to all who bike to the zoo that day. San Pedro River surveys, which surveying? Thick-billed Kingbird Tucson Audubon’s mission. Helmets are mandatory. Two more volunteers are needed for each ride to required parts of two days away from along the Lower San Pedro River Please put the following dates on make them safe and fun. Call or email home and staying overnight in San IBA! They were challenging to find, your “dance cards” and volunteer your Becky or visit dot.ci.tucson.az.us/ Manuel, Arizona (and eating at two but once found, they were really fun time to help. Call or email Becky at bikefest/index.php. Mexican restaurants per trip! “No to watch around their nest site with 622-2230 or 760-7881, baparicio@ problemo,” right, Tim?). Tim made all their4 antics. Together Green Weed Removal— tucsonaudubon.org another special trip with me to San April 10 & 17: 7:30 a m –noon: Help Coolest IBA you’ve been to Manuel to check on raptor nesting Festival of Books—March 13 & fight the “scourges of Tucson (so far)? The Lower San Pedro IBA outcomes in July 2009 (in the midst 14. Many of you have committed to canyons”. On April 10 Kendall for the sheer number and diversity of of our tropical heat wave). Tim also this event and signed up. We still Kroesen leads giant reed removal birds, and the Patagonia Mountains volunteered for both Patagonia need sales and outreach volunteers teams around Sabino Creek for the wild country and scenery. Mountain backcountry camping sur- for this exciting community activity properties and on April 17 the vey trips in May & June 2009. Finally, Favorite Mexican Restaurant at the University of Arizona. Visit challenging job of removing fountain Tim led an IBA Team with seven (Tucson)? The Mosaic Café at www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org to grass in Tucson Audubon property in surveys in the Santa Rita Mountains, Grant & Silverbell: consistently discover more about this Esperero Canyon. The latter involves and led surveys in the Patagonia and good food and close to home; but event. Contact Becky or a short but rocky hike in, and rough Santa Catalina Mountains, and the in Mammoth, Arizona, I recommend Jessie Shinn jshinn@email. work in a stunning of-limits area. Santa Cruz River. Tim also does his two, the only two! arizona.edu. Contact Kendall at 971-2385 or own data entry. [email protected]. Scott Wilbor

Local Rarities Highlight First Youth Birding Field Trip for the February trip would be Scott Olmstead and Kendall Kroesen Reddington Pass, with a stop at Agua Caliente Park on the side. Six enthusiastic young birders (and Bird highlights included Sharp- a male Cinnamon Teal were unusual Club members and leaders will be three parents) joined leaders Rob shinned Hawk, Merlin (left), American sightings for the park. Later we birded working together to set field trip priori- Payne, Scott Olmstead, and staff Robin, Northern Rough-winged a short stretch of the Rillito River ties, to structure club organization, liaison Kendall Kroesen on the Swallow, Belted Kingfisher, and the Park, where we enjoyed watching and decide on participation in various inaugural Tucson Audubon youth local Vermilion Flycatchers. The an American Kestrel hunt from his possible citizen science projects. If birding club field trip on January 30. ponds held an excellent variety of perch and several Anna’s and Costa’s you are a youth from 8 to 18 years We birded around Reid Park under ducks and we had dazzling close-up (above) Hummingbirds engage in old, or know one, come join us for partly overcast skies (and in a wintry views of Canvasback, Redhead, territorial antics. the next field trip on March 27. See breeze!) most of the morning and saw Lesser Scaup, and Ring-necked Over lunch back at Reid Park the field trip section on page 21 for a

VF

A ll p h o t s by Ro b Payne a total of 42 species. Duck. Four Hooded Mergansers and we decided that a good destination description of the March trip.

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7 Tucson Audubon

Events and Classes M att B rooks J im & D eva Bu rns . www .J rnsPh o t s c m

Hurry! There’s space for only two more families! Riparian Family Institute • March 20–21

Do your children (or you!) want to get their hands muddy and explore the river ecosystem of the San Learn with the Experts! Pedro? Are you interested in camping with your kids in a safe location with other fun families? If Institute of Desert Ecology • April 15–18 so, then join us for Riparian Family Institute. We have many activities planned such as river walks, Space is limited in the upcoming 40th annual landscape of southern Arizona. Don’t miss the bird walks, blacklighting for nighttime invertebrates, Institute of Desert Ecology, so sign up today! opportunity! Location: Catalina State Park. Cost habitat restoration, a campfire and a country-style Join us for a world-class learning experience $425, Tucson Audubon members ($460, non- cookout. The fee covers a family of four (price in a spectacular setting. Desert ecology will be members; includes membership fee). Fees include varies for more or fewer people) and includes right at your fingertips in this hands-on, four- gourmet food, all instruction, and camping fees. camping, instruction and wonderful food. Don’t day institute. Learn from experts in the fields of To sign up, call the Nature Shop at 629-0510 or hesitate; contact the Nature Shop to sign up 629- herpetology, entomology, ornithology and more! email [email protected]. Also visit 5010 or [email protected]. This is a wonderful chance for you to interact www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/education/ with like-minded, inquisitive adults in the unique eduadult/ide.html. Above: Intrepid explorers learn about river ecosystems.

Take Bird ID Beyond Guess Work Moving to Mastery and Specialty Workshops • Fall 2010–Spring 2011 If you consider yourself an intermediate birder or Moving to Mastery will complete our Backyard Birding and Beyond Classroom sessions: Wednesdays, October 13, 20, class this spring, you should consider the next 27 and November 3 & 10, 2010 step in developing your skills as a birder. Take identification beyond guess work and provide a Field trips: October 16, 23, 30, and February 6 framework in which to hone your skills by moving beyond the basics with our Moving to Mastery Specialty Workshops course. Or, if you have a special interest in a Warblers: September 1 & 4, 2010 particular bird family, check out our Specialty Flycatchers: September 8 & 11, 2010 Workshops. For more information call 622-2230. Sparrows: January 26 & 29, 2011 To sign up, call the Nature Shop at 629-0510 or Raptors: February 2 & 5, 2011 email [email protected].

Cost for Moving to Mastery: $250 ($285 non-members, but includes membership) Cost for Specialty Workshops: $110 ($145 for non-members, but includes membership) J ames Pr u dente

8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Build Your Birding Power with these Spring Education Programs

Combine Spring Birding with Return a Workshop on the Birds of of the Ironwood Mt Lemmon Education April 22 and 24 — For All Birders Festival! Spring is right around the corner and this Back by popular demand, the workshop will get you tuned up for spring migration Ironwood Education Festival will be and summer birding. Whether you’re trying to remember the song of the Red-faced Warbler or held on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at learning to identify new species, this workshop is the Mason Center, 8:00 a m –12:00 p m for you. With the diversity of habitats that occur This festival provides an opportunity in sky islands like the Catalinas there is the to learn all about the Ironwood opportunity to understand the interaction of birds Forest; from the National Monument and plants in varying habitats. With a one-hour workshop and an all-day field trip, you will learn to the backyards of Northwest about and experience a variety of birds and plants Tucson. Additionally, there will be live along the way. This can even be your day to critters, trail walks and sustainable support Birdathon. (See page 4 for details). design demonstrations (solar, water Taught by Lynn Hassler, an expert on birds and harvesting, and composting toilets!) plants and author of numerous books. Don’t miss the opportunity to study and bird with her. Check out the Mason Center web Classroom session: Tucson Audubon, Thursday page for more information: www. April 22, 6 p m (one hour) tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/ Field Trip: Saturday April 24, 7 a m –3 p m ; meeting education/mason.html location to be announced. The festival is FREE and open to Cost of the workshop: $90 for members and $125 the public for non-members which includes a membership

J im & D eva Bu rns . www .J rnsPh o t s c m in Tucson Audubon.

Raptors, Raptors, Raptors April 21–May 22 — For All Birders

Arizona is prime territory for a wide variety of opportunity to study with this respected scientist raptors, both year-round residents and Neotropic and excellent instructor. breeders in the spring and summer. This provides The course will consist of five two-hour a great opportunity to study a large variety of classroom sessions and one eight-hour field trip.

species at this prime time of year. In this class you Classroom session: Tucson Audubon, P hil ritcahrd will learn to cut through the many ambiguities of Wednesdays, April 21 through May 19, raptor identification and broaden your knowledge 6:30–8:30 p m To sign up for any of the courses, call of the habitats and natural history about these top- Field trip: Saturday, May 22. Start time and location our main Nature Shop at 629-0510, of-the-food-chain birds. You will study both resident to be announced. or email education@tucsonaudubon, species and the migrant species residing here for Cost of the workshop: $185 for members and $220 or drop by the store at 300 E part of the year. This interactive class will give you for non-members which includes a membership University Blvd. increased knowledge and ID skills, and will include in Tucson Audubon. an element of fun with challenging quizzes—on the honor system, of course. Available in our Nature S­ hops Raptor biologist Jim Dawson, an authority on A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert. $24.95. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum the Harris’s Hawk, author, and raptor conservation Press. This books provides the most complete collection of Sonoran Desert natural history biologist with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, information ever compiled. It’s the perfect introduction to the Sonoran Desert, and the will teach the course. This is an excellent perfect companion to your education at the Institute of Desert Ecology.

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9 Tucson Audubon’s Living with Nature Lecture Series Events Calendar March 5 & 6. Southern Arizona Mark Pretti is a perpetual student Tucson Living with March 10 • Green Valley IBA Bird Monitoring Workshop in Nature Lecture Series / The Exciting Night Life of of nature as well as a humble teacher Tucson (details p 4) Member Meetings focusing on birds, natural history, Bats! with Karen Krebbs March 8. Living With Nature DuVal Auditorium, NE section of the and conservation. Based in Did you know Arizona lecture: Evolution of a University Medical Center Bldg. 501 Hereford, AZ, he worked is home to 28 Photographer with Jim Burns N Campbell Ave. Program begins at for seven years as

species of bats? (Tucson) (details left) s

7 pm, second Monday of each month b a naturalist at The Karen Krebbs, b e March 10. Living With Nature September through May. r Nature Conservancy’s K Conservation n lecture: Night Life of Bats with e Ramsey Canyon Biologist at the ar Karen Krebbs (Green Valley) Green Valley Living K Preserve. He has also Arizona-Sonora (details left) with Nature Lecture Series moonlighted as field trip Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N Desert Museum’s March 13 & 14. Festival of Books coordinator and trip leader for the La Canada Dr. 594-5295. Program Center for Sonoran Desert Studies (details p 25) Southwest Wings Birding and Nature begins at 10 am, third Saturday of and local bat expert, will talk about Festival, as board member and trip March 18. Birds and Beer. each month October through May. the natural history of these amazing leader for the Huachuca Audubon BYOB, meet other birders, share animals and some of her research sightings and photos. Tucson Contact Jean Barchman, 622-5622 Society, and as office manager, projects. Bats are fascinating and Audubon HQ. or jbarchman@tucsonaudubon. trip leader, and head dishwasher interesting creatures. Join us for org for more information or visit for Mark Pretti Nature Tours. Good March 20 & 21. Riparian Family an entertaining and educational tucsonaudubon.org. fortune has allowed him to lead many Institute (details p 8) program and learn more about these trips in Arizona, Mexico, Belize, April 9. All-Star Birdathon day: beneficial mammals of the evening! Ecuador, and Brazil where he’s Scott’s Orioles (details p 5) Karen will also present a live bat after greatly enjoyed seeing and learning the lecture. April 10 & 17. TogetherGreen about the birds and natural history of weed removal (details p 7) April 12 • Tucson these wonderful places. April 10 & 17. Tucson Bike (and BIRDS & NATURAL HISTORY April 17 • Green Valley Bird) Fest (details p 7) OF MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL PREDATORS IN MINIATURE: April 15. Birds and Beer. BYOB, with Mark Pretti Spiders of Southern Arizona with meet other birders, share With large regions of undisturbed Jillian Cowles sightings and photos. Tucson tropical forest, an abundance of Audubon HQ. Curious about how spiders hide, rivers and wetlands, a tremendous hunt, breed and raise their young? April 12. Living With Nature

J im Bu rns diversity of flora and fauna, and lecture: Birds of Mato Grosso with Join us for an informative program outstanding birding and wildlife Mark Pretti (Tucson) (details left) covering the range and diversity March 8 • Tucson viewing, Mato Grosso, Brazil, is of spiders found in our area, with Apr 15–18. Institute of Desert EVOLUTION OF A one of the world’s finest natural a focus on their natural history. Ecology (details p 8) PHOTOGRAPHER with Jim Burns destinations. Here, a 500-mile long Local spider expert Jillian Cowles April 16–17. All-Star Birdathon Jim Burns is an outdoor writer/ transect passes through some of will share a colorful and photogenic day: Kowa Digiscopathon photographer based in Scottsdale, Earth’s richest habitats where over array of jumping spiders, and (details p 5) Arizona. He graduated from the 200 species of mammals and almost spiders camouflaged to look like April 17. Living With Nature University of Kansas with a degree 750 species of birds make their bird droppings. Learn about bold lecture: Predators in Miniature in English Literature and became homes. In the far south, one finds the and aggressive hunters and stealthy with Jillian Cowles (Green Valley) hooked on birding while backpacking world’s largest freshwater wetland, kleptoparasites that steal food (details left) with his wife Deva, trying to place the Pantanal, while in the north from the webs of black widows, April 18. All-Star Birdathon day: proper labels on the birds they were is pristine Amazonian ambush hunters that blend High Rollers (details p 5) seeing along the trail. rainforest. In between with the petals of flowers, During this entertaining program, these two biomes is Apr 21–May 22. Raptors, and pirates that raid the Jim will highlight the progress in his the vast cerrado, Raptors, Raptors course webs of other spiders (details p 9) bird photography from documentation an area of and prey on them, snapshots and simple portraits to grasslands, dry Apr 22 & 24. Birding by Habitat: weavers of large intimate glimpses into the lifestyle forest and the Birds of Mt Lemmon workshop webs, and spiders that of his avian subjects. The goal in southernmost (details p 9)

j subdue their prey by his photography now is to capture hints of o April 25. All-Star Birdathon day: h S spitting venom and glue k Hoyer’s Voyeurs (details p 5) action and behavior that the average Amazonia. In this c n a r at them! birder never sees or doesn’t see well presentation we’ll F May 7. All-Star Birdathon day: enough to fully appreciate. His latest explore the biological Gonzo Birders (details p 5) book Jim Burns’ Arizona Birds: From richness of Mato Grosso May 15. Ironwood Education the Backyard to the Backwoods, will and learn about many of the animals Festival (details p 9) VF be available after the presentation and plants that are found there. J illian Co wles

10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 America by white men, and the first by What’s in a Name? Americans), but also for the scientific Interesting stories about birds with interesting ­names accomplishments. One hundred seventy- eight new plants and 122 species and subspecies of animals were documented on the journey; among them were Western Tanager seven species of birds new to science, including Lewis’s Woodpecker and Clark’s Larry Liese Nutcracker, named in their honor. Although widespread in the West, I’ll never forget the sighting of my first Although widespread in the West, Western Tanager populations have male Western Tanager, perched high in Western Tanager populations have waxed and waned over the years, and a pine tree on Mount Lemmon with the waxed and waned over the years, certain population models even predict sun lighting up its orange-red head, with and certain population models even local extirpations. Interestingly, certain the bright yellow and contrasting black predict local extirpations. feathers granting me show-stopping logging practices can have beneficial pause. What fun! Tanagers are a colorful effects due to changes in tree density and of mates. In contrast, the male Scarlet amount of brush covering the ground. bird family, and the Western Tanager is Tanager’s bright colors do attract the no exception. It’s the most north-ranging Parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds females. But with increased visibility has been found to be as high as 100% of the family, with birds breeding up into causing subsequent increased risk the Yukon in Canada. Wintering in Mexico in some studies, yet the tanagers mostly of predation, he soon molts back to a overcome this burden by breeding early and Central America, these birds end up plumage resembling the female, following spending as little as two months on the and having a moderately high clutch size the breeding season. (usually four). The tanager nestlings can breeding grounds up north. Although the derivation of the name One might think that the male’s head thus compete with the cowbird chicks and Western Tanager is straight forward, the fledging success is generally not low. coloration is derived in the same manner scientific name Piranga ludoviciana has as the reds of our other tanagers, but not In southeast Arizona we find Western a nice story to it. Piranga is the native Tanagers to be a quite common migrant, so. Those other birds’ colors are derived name for a kind of South American bird. metabolically from relatively common easily found in most habitats (even Similarly tanager is from tangara, a kind urban areas). It breeds here at medium precursors in the birds’ diets, but the of bird in Tupi, a South American Indian male Western Tanager’s red-orange and higher elevations, particularly in language. The species name ludoviciana the Transition (ponderosa pine) and color comes directly from diet, without is stated to be Modern Latin for ‘of modification from harder to find sources; Canadian (conifer forest) Zones in our Louisiana.’ Named by Wilson not for the Sky Islands, one of the southernmost in fact, researchers have not been able state but for the Louisiana Territory from to pin down exactly which food sources parts of its breeding range. Although which the bird described by him was not highly conspicuous on its breeding provide it (presumably, insects that have brought back by Lewis and Clark, who themselves acquired the pigment grounds, its frequent calls during summer collected it in Idaho. make it readily observable in places like from plants). Also unknown is The travels of Lewis and Clark are whether the males’ head Bear Wallow and the Mount Bigelow area legendary, not just for daring the unknown on Mount Lemmon. coloration influences (their expedition was only the third ever to females’ choice So, as late April brings us the host of travel overland across North migrants and breeders that make birding here in southeast Arizona such fun, keep an eye out for this beauty. You might even get one as a yard bird. Good luck! VF

Available in our Nature S­ hops Tanagers, Cardinals, and Finches of the United States and Canada, The Photographic Guide. $29.95. Princeton Press.

G e o rge W est This book covers 46 species, including the Western Tanager, and introduces the reader to the biology, identification, molts, vocalization, and distribution of each.

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11 Where to Go, Birds to See Visible Migration Along Our Avian Highways Richard Fray R ichard F ray March and April are months of great activity and change in our bird communities, and we’re lucky here to have several opportunities to witness “visible migration.” We are blessed with several important migration corridors, most notably the Santa Cruz and San Pedro River valleys. These avian highways are on our doorstep, and now Kendall Kr o esen is the time to hit the sidewalk and watch Kendall Kr o esen the traffic. Perhaps the most visible overhead side at times, along with the Gray northern migration is the spectacle of Flycatchers that have been present all migrating hawks and vultures, with the winter. Any Western-type flycatcher you first Turkey Vultures appearing in early see at San Pedro House in April is almost March. In recent years, it has become a certain to be a Pacific-slope, which is tradition for birders to gather along Bridge a common migrant during the month Road at Tubac (or anywhere with good (Cordilleran isn’t usually seen until May, riparian overviews) on mornings in mid- and normally at higher elevations). Also March to witness the northward passage. check out the Kingfisher Pond for Green The most notable species in these Kingfisher, probably the best place to see movements is Common Black-Hawk, them in southeast Arizona. A female was G e o rge W est which breeds in the lower San Pedro seen by the pond in early February, so Above left: San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area. valley and at Aravaipa Creek. Zone-tailed be vigilant and listen for the distinctive Above, top to botoom: Zone-tailed Hawk, Kingfisher Hawks join the party towards the end of squeaky, rattling call. Pond, and Western Wood-Pewee. Below left: Voilet- crowned Hummingbird. March, as do Gray Hawks in early April, The first Western Wood-Pewees arrive with some continuing north and others around the middle of April, but Willow arriving on territory. Flycatcher won’t be seen until May. As many as ten species of Swainson’s Hawks begin to migrate Northern Beardless-Tyrannulets start hummingbird use the San Pedro as a through our region around mid-March as to appear in April, to add to the small migration corridor. Southeastern Arizona well, and by April are on territory across flycatcher confusion. In the slightly larger Bird Observatory conducts hummingbird desert grasslands. One good place to see flycatcher category, you might see Greater banding sessions at San Pedro House, them is the San Pedro Riparian National Pewees on migration at the end of March, which give a unique opportunity to see Conservation Area, the Important Bird and the occasional Olive-sided Flycatcher these special creatures up-close-and- Area that covers most of the valley from by the end of April. Our three regular personal. Check www.sabo.org for the Mexican border north to St. David. Myiarchus flycatchers can be seen side- details. And of course, the first Violet- This jewel of a birding site is worth a visit by-side along the river in May, but a visit crowned Hummingbird will return to the in April to look for the many passerines in the latter half of April should produce Patons’ feeders at some point in late that migrate into and through southeast Dusky-capped along with the Ash-throated March or early April. Let’s hope that we’ll Arizona. that began arriving mid-March. And be able to see these charming birds at April gives us the best chance to get rounding out what could be an amazing Patons’ long into the future. VF to grips with flycatchers, and San Pedro flycatcher day, both Western and Cassin’s House is the perfect place to see many Kingbirds arrive in mid-March. Richard is a member of the Tucson different species. In addition to Black and Warbler migration heats up in April Audubon Society Board of Directors, Say’s Phoebes and dazzling Vermilion and a visit to San Pedro House may yield and started Fun Birding Tours in January Flycatchers, many of our more tricky as many as ten species. Hepatic and 2010, guiding birders around SE Arizona. species are feeding along Summer Tanagers can both be seen in www.funbirdingtours.com the river. Hammond’s April (Western doesn’t normally arrive and Dusky Flycatchers until May), as can Hooded, Bullock’s Please visit Tucson Audubon’s Nature pass through in and Scott’s Orioles, adding a splash of Shops for CDs, DVDs, books, and April and can computer software to help you identify our R ichard F ray outrageous color. You could also encoun- be seen ter any or all of Cassin’s, Plumbeous, many avian migrants. Call us at 629-0510 side-by- Hutton’s, Warbling and Bell’s Vireos. for information.

12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Special Feature | A debate over water Political Hurdles for Our Desert Ecosystems Navigating our way to sustainability: our choice is not between thriving natural areas and people, it is between a rich or an impoverished existence for us all. Ed Verburg, Paul Green, and Chris McVie

We have killed the Santa Cruz River infrastructure and supply issues. The ignores the significant aesthetic, quality where it used to run through Tucson, second report was released in December of life, and economic benefits of allowing and we have killed the Rillito River. The 2009. This recommended a new wildlife (think trees, think birds) to use groves of cottonwood trees are gone due paradigm to provide balance across all this effluent in riparian habitat areas that to poorly managed pumping of ground requirements for water to serve people, may far outweigh this estimate—often water. The vegetation we have is the economics, and our natural environment. presented by the U.S. Fish in Wildlife result of putting back a tiny part of what The report presents a set of goals and Service in its periodic National Fishing we have taken from our environment. So recommendations for the City and County and Hunting Surveys. It also ignores a do you sometimes wonder if the water in to consider as they make decisions recent U.S. Geological Survey report the Tucson area is being well managed that would establish a path towards a that documents ecosystem collapse in for our best interests in the future? The sustainable water future for the City and Western states tied to dwindling water City Council of Tucson and the Pima County. You can read the report at www. supplies. It also ignores the fact that our County Board of Supervisors wondered tucsonpimawaterstudy.com. human existence is dependent upon the same thing, and more than two years When the Pima County Board of functional integrity of our ecosystems, ago they commissioned a committee Supervisors and Tucson City Council met which provide us with clean air, water, to assess our water resources and to to discuss the report, the County Board food, and clothing. It also ignores the provide a framework that our community voted to adopt the Joint Committee’s fact that, in order for City and County might follow to ensure a sustainable water report as a framework for future infrastructure projects and HCP’s to go supply. discussions. However, the Mayor and forward, riparian restoration is one way The Joint Water and Wastewater City Council decided to seek additional to get credit for mitigating our actions. Committee met over a two year period public input over a 30-day period. The And finally, it ignores the fact that the and invited public input during 32 open many comments from the homebuilders City’s option to receive and recharge CAP meetings. They reviewed, and made and their allies in the development water, and to pump ground water, all stem available to the public, a vast array of community argue that some of the policy from the national and tribal settlements scientific, engineering, and statistical recommendations could negatively that have occurred, which resulted in reports, aided by County and City staff. affect “job creation, near-term economic the IGA currently under consideration. They listened to many different points of and fiscal conditions, and the long-term The proposed supplemental IGA only view related to future supplies of water, economic development and security of begins to describe ways of developing use of this valuable resource, and how to the community.” implementation tools to fulfill our existent address competing demands. Ironically, the topic that sparked the legal obligations. The Joint Committee issued its first greatest number of comments from The City Council held a public hearing report in May 2009, which examined both the conservation and development on February 9 to consider the various communities is a bit of a red herring: they perspectives. At the end of the session, focused on was the Conservation Effluent more than one City Council member Pool (CEP). This represents 10,000 made it clear they do not see a dichotomy acre feet of water, of a total available between the economics of development supply of 217,444 acre feet (which is and the use of water resources for not yet being totally allocated) or about environmental purposes, pointing to the 4.6% of the total. The City, County, and importance of ensuring sound use of this Department of the Interior designated the important resource in a balanced manner. CEP in 2000 as a set-aside for riparian On February 17, they voted in favor of restoration projects. However, there was accepting the resolution and approving of concern about the CEP being worth as the report which will inform future regional much as $50 million? This is the red dialogue regarding water issues. VF herring—charges to an operator are figured annually and are currently either Dr. Ed Verburg, President, Tucson Bo th Ph o t s M att G riffiths 300 or 700 $ per acre foot, depending on Mountains Association, and former The lush, green habitat at Tucson Audubon’s Simpson the type of service sought. and the impact Assistant Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Farm restoration site (pictured above and top right) supports a diversity of wildlife and is maintained mainly on ratepayers of setting aside this amount Service. by effluent flow. of effluent. Of course, this argument

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13 Special Feature | Species update Research and Recovery of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls in the Sonoran Desert Aaron D. Flesch

For nearly ten years, efforts to protect a small A ar o n D. F lesch population of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls near Tucson pitted environmentalists against developers in a heated clash reminiscent of the controversy that surrounded the Spotted Owl in the Pacific Northwest.

In 1997, when the US Fish and Wildlife recovery. Soon after, a coalition of conservation Service listed the Pygmy-Owl as endangered organizations petitioned the USFWS to relist the under the Endangered Species Act, we had owl. A decision is expected sometime during little biological information available to guide 2010. the debate. Efforts to survey large portions of We now know a lot more about the ecology southern Arizona began soon after in 1998 and and genetics of Pygmy-Owls, which should help 1999. We soon discovered that Pygmy-Owls guide conservation, recovery, and urban planning were rare and that most occupied sites were in Arizona. Most importantly, in spite of changes in xeroriparian woodlands and adjacent desert in its legal status, efforts to augment and recover scrub and grassland with saguaros, as well as in populations of Pygmy-Owls began immediately native and exotic vegetation on the outskirts of after it was delisted. northwest Tucson. However, we found very few Recent recovery efforts have taken two forms:

S ky J acobs Pygmy-Owls along major river valleys where they a passive approach to improve local habitat were described as common in the early 1900s, conditions by erecting nest boxes on the Buenos probably due to the loss of large riparian forests. Aires National Wildlife Refuge in areas that are By 2000, there was still little information on the otherwise suitable but that lack nest cavities, status of Pygmy-Owls in adjacent Mexico and on and a more active approach by the Arizona important habitat attributes. Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to breed Much has changed over the last ten years. Pygmy-Owls in captivity. Since 2006, AZGFD has In 2006, the US Fish and Wildlife Service removed 11 Pygmy-Owls (mainly juveniles) from (USFWS) removed Pygmy-Owls from the the wild in Arizona and they have produced six endangered species list for reasons unrelated to fledglings over three breeding seasons, none of

14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 small spatial scales are extremely important even Special Feature | Species update relative to resources at larger spatial scales in areas up to 6 acres around nests. My studies of Pygmy-Owl movement and dispersal indicate that individuals tend to avoid large vegetation Research and Recovery of Ferruginous gaps when dispersing from their natal sites. The probability a dispersing Pygmy-Owl will pair, settle, and establish a territory declines Pygmy-Owls in the Sonoran Desert as vegetation disturbance in the landscape surrounding habitat patches increases. Aaron D. Flesch Findings from recent research have important implications for recovery of which has been released into the wild. Additional Pygmy-Owls in Arizona. While managers attempts at captive breeding will be needed tend to consider declines due to drought as

before these efforts can contribute to recovery being beyond our control, high-quality habitat h c s in Arizona. may buffer the effects of drought. Therefore, le . F So what have we learned from recent research maintaining and enhancing riparian woodlands n D Aaro and what are the implications of these results? and the abundance of potential nest cavities In 2006, Glenn Proudfoot provided compelling should help because populations in areas with evidence that populations in Arizona are these characteristics have declined less even genetically similar to those in adjacent Sonora despite drought. While conservation planners and Sinaloa, and different from those in southern often work with general models or descriptions Texas and elsewhere in Mexico (see distribution of habitat as targets for conservation and map, right; map provided by http://bna.birds. mitigation, resources at small spatial scales cornell.edu and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology). are of enormous importance to reproduction by These findings will form the basis for revising the Pygmy-Owls. Therefore, we may need to re- current taxonomy and may affect the USFWS evaluate these general habitat targets to ensure decision on listing the species as endangered. they are consistent with the actual resources Although efforts to systematically monitor and conditions that promote the persistence populations of Pygmy-Owls in Arizona are and growth of populations of Pygmy-Owls. At lacking, only 37 adults have been found larger regional scales, landscape structure such since 1999 and only approximately 20 adults as vegetation disturbance affects movements have been found during any year since 2003, by Pygmy-Owls. Therefore, linkages that foster suggesting that populations have recently dispersal among existing or soon to be restored declined. Pygmy-Owls are now extirpated from patches of habitat may be essential for recovery.

the Tucson area; AZGFD removed the last- Finally, we should consider restoring mesquite Year-round known Pygmy-Owl in 2006 and the last verified woodlands at large scales along major drainages record of a wild bird was near Red Rock in 2007. in southern Arizona, and translocating owls from In the past two years, Pygmy-Owls have occurred areas in Sonora where we know abundance in Arizona, in Organ Pipe Cactus National has been stable or increasing in recent times. Monument, in and around the Altar Valley, and Priority sites for translocation will be those that on the Tohono O’odham Nation. owls have recently occupied or that are now In 2000 and 2001, I documented a population occupied by unpaired owls, and those that have of Pygmy-Owls in northern Sonora that can habitat features known to foster high levels of provide an important source population for demographic performance by Pygmy-Owls. augmenting numbers in Arizona. At the same Experienced adult owls from adjacent Mexico are time, I also began to monitor populations and a better source for bolstering captive populations have since estimated declines in abundance than juveniles from Arizona, which may be Acknowledgements totaling approximately 27 percent over 10 essential for local persistence. Good future I thank Scott Richardson years. The structure of the vegetation at sites prospects for populations of Pygmy-Owls in of USFWS for contri- I have monitored has been largely stable, Arizona will require focus, effort, resources, and buting information on and drought seems to be driving the decline. public support. VF the status of Pygmy- Declines have been greater at sites with Owls in Arizona and smaller areas of riparian vegetation and less Aaron is a Senior Research Specialist at results on recent structural complexity of riparian vegetation, fewer the School of Natural Resources and the recovery efforts. I thank potential nest cavities, and greater land use by Environment at University of Arizona, and a Bob Steidl and Sky humans. I have also found that reproductive graduate student in the Division of Biological Jacobs for contributing performance is higher in nest cavities with Sciences at University of Montana. You can to the research reported smaller entrances, greater height, and larger find more information about his research on the on here. internal volume, and that these resources at following website: www.aaronflesch.com.

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15 Conservation Alert Power Lines Threaten Lower San Pedro River Valley Chester F. Phillips, Paul Green, and Chris McVie

The Lower San Pedro River valley, an Important Bird Area of Global Significance, is without parallel in the American Southwest. Within the span of a few miles, the Chihuahuan Desert scrub reaches its westernmost limit and folds into the saguaro-dotted hills of the Sonoran Desert. The valley’s high biodiversity, including more than 400 bird species, comes from the Rocky Mountains to the north and the Sierra Madre Mountains to the south. The proposed SunZia Southwest Transmission Project, designed to carry power over two 500-kilovolt (kV) lines from central New Mexico to Phoenix and southern California, now threatens this unique area. The Bureau of Land M att G riffiths Above: Lower San Pedro Valley. Above right: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Management (BLM) is evaluating alternative routes, some of which pass move upward to cooler ground only if through the Lower San Pedro valley. Effects we preserve intact canyon corridors. If constructed, up to 300 sixteen-story The BLM holds conservation easements towers would run the length of the valley, • It is one of the most important north- in the valley to protect both archaeological with an access easement up to 1000 feet south migratory bird flyways on the sites and wildlife habitat. A giant utility wide and access roads to every tower. North American continent, with more corridor through the area therefore Vegetation beneath the lines would be than half of all bird species in the runs counter to the BLM’s own stated cleared. Unites States making use of the San conservation goals in the San Pedro In addition to the initial access corridor, Pedro valley at one time of year or watershed. No sufficient mitigation SunZia’s planners have requested that a another. options exist for the damage that new roads and infrastructure development one-mile wide corridor be approved by • Eighty-seven mammal species, the would do to this fragile area. the BLM for future expansion. It is difficult largest number in the continental Studies have found that collisions to conceive of a mile-wide utility corridor United States, call the San Pedro with towers and power lines are along the narrow San Pedro Valley. valley home. The valley also hosts among the top human-related causes What is the biological importance of the several threatened and endangered of bird mortality in the United States. San Pedro River Valley? fish species, 65 species of reptiles Construction and maintenance would • It provides a home to the densest and amphibians, and 200 species of likely cause substantial erosion and lead population of endangered butterflies. to silting of valley streams and the river, Southwestern Willow Flycatchers • Both state and federal agencies and threatening endangered fish species like in Arizona, and gives safe haven to conservation groups hold mitigation the loach minnow and spikedace. Road the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cactus lands in the San Pedro valley meant to embankments would create barriers to Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and other balance endangered species protection the movement of small mammals and important bird populations, including with provision of water to Phoenix from reptiles, including the Sonoran Desert Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, and Gray Roosevelt Lake. Utility lines through Tortoise. Habitat fragmentation would be Hawk. or near them would compromise the further exacerbated by increased off-road mitigation value of these lands. • Its canyons provide wildlife with water vehicle use along access roads, bringing and migration corridors to move • Private land owners have also placed increased light, noise, and human between the Rincon and Catalina substantial acreage under conservation presence to previously undisturbed lands. Mountains to the west and the Galiuro easements to limit future development. New roads through wild areas often lead and Winchester Mountains to the east These easements are the result of to the spread of invasive species that of the valley. With climate change ongoing collaborative efforts by the out-compete native plants and animals, expected to raise area temperatures in valley’s rural communities to protect further degrading the habitat. coming years, species will be able to their natural and cultural heritage.

16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Do we need new power transmission lines? How do we balance our energy needs with Conservation Alert Faced with the degradation of the Lower San conserving natural areas? Pedro River valley, a rich, intact, natural area, by Developing energy supplies from renewable a power transmission corridor you may be asking sources like wind and sun offers opportunities to Power Lines Threaten Lower San Pedro River Valley yourself, “Do we need these significant new avoid environmental degradation from drilling and transmission lines?” Why can’t we use or upgrade mining in wildlands, and carbon dioxide pollution Chester F. Phillips, Paul Green, and Chris McVie our existing grid? Is it necessary to sacrifice of our atmosphere from fossil fuels. unique natural areas so that people further west We need a diverse approach to reach a more can have more energy? sustainable energy future. This will involve: Why do we need to transmit the power over 1. decreasing demand through a combination such a distance? of conservation, efficiency, and smart grid The load centers in New Mexico, Albuquerque technologies;

Jo hn Ho ffman and Las Cruces, will tap into the same wind and 2. distributed generation, like rooftop solar and solar resources as the SunZia project. Analysis community wind, which limits transmission Managing future urban growth by the Western Governors’ Association reveals needs by creating power where it is used; Some planners have predicted that by that the area where SunZia begins in New Mexico 3. developing utility-scale wind, solar, and 2050 a vast metropolitan region will holds potential for more than 11,000 MW of wind geothermal plants that will replace existing stretch from Prescott to the Mexico development, exceeding what Albuquerque and coal-fired power plants. Border. The San Pedro watershed Las Cruces can use. These renewable resources, Renewable resource development is not is too fragile for urban development, along with the wind and solar available along appropriate everywhere, and we should develop since additional ground water pumping the SunZia route, will be more attractive to load responsibly by using sites closest to load centers would kill both the river and the habitat it centers in Tucson, Phoenix, and further on in Las and existing infrastructure, and on degraded land. supports. However, if we plan and protect Vegas and California. Some new transmission will be needed to access it from threats like SunZia, the lower San While there are renewable resources in those renewable resources in remote locations, and to Pedro valley can provide wildlife habitat areas too, the pressure which state-mandated support renewable energy generation to replace and recreational amenities not far from Renewable Portfolio Standards place (California dirty fossil fuels. They will need to be sited and the urban outskirts. = 33% by 2020; Arizona = 15% by 2025; New built to minimize environmental impacts. The long-term protection of this Mexico = 20% by 2020) on delivering renewables The goals of preserving our natural areas and river valley is a top priority for Tucson to market will mean building some projects in developing a clean energy future are possible. To Audubon. We should not have to choose areas not currently served by transmission lines. that end, the Wilderness Society has developed between renewable energy and intact a series of principles one of which, Transmission wildlands. Instead, alternative routes for Why not use the current grid? for the Transition, provides guidelines on how the SunZia project should be chosen The current grid is aging, with many power lines to avoid impacts to important wildlands, and to along existing highway corridors, avoiding more than 40 years old, and already at capacity support the transport of renewable energy rather biologically and culturally sensitive areas with electricity from existing generation plants. than new fossil fuel sources. like the San Pedro watershed. While we free up capacity in the future by shutting down coal plants, we’ll have to get renewable We will need to exploit alternative clean What you can do energy plants online to replace them first. energy opportunities, such as incentivizing gains in energy efficiency, requiring demand-side Educate yourself about the issues, spread Can we upgrade the current grid to cope? management, or wringing the slack out of the the word, and send your opinions to We have opportunities to upgrade the grid existing grid, to the full to ensure that only truly [email protected] or to Adrian in key places, and we are pushing for that in essential large-scale facilities are constructed. Garcia, Bureau of Land Management, transmission planning processes in Arizona, For the SunZia line, the power generation SunZia Transmission Line Project, P.O. the west, and across the nation. These are not facilities have yet to be built, as their construction Box 27115, Santa Fe, NM 87502-0115; easy fixes; often transmission lines need to be is dependent upon the transmission lines being phone 505.438.7424. closed down for months during upgrades. Power that was running on those lines has to reach its planned. If we build new transmission lines, let’s www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/ destination in the interim and an over-taxed grid make sure we do so consciously and carefully, lands_realty/sunzia_southwest_ limits the opportunities for upgrades. Predicted avoiding sensitive areas and facilitating access, transmission.html increases in demand mean that we will need construction and maintenance. Let’s incorporate www.cascabelworkinggroup.org/ more than upgrades alone can provide. While we wildlife linkages and corridors into the design gpage.html think the San Pedro valley should be off limits phase to ensure that we do not create barriers to for utility development, we must work together animal movement. Chester (Chet) Phillips is a Ph.D. to identify more acceptable routes. In addition, It’s obvious, isn’t it, that the least student at the University of Arizona electricity sells for 50 percent more in California environmentally damaging clean energy projects whose research focuses on collaborative than in New Mexico and Arizona, and demand are those that never need to be built. We should conservation planning and protection of greater: California imports nearly twice as much always remember, in our personal lives, that instream flows in the lower San Pedro electricity as it generates itself. saving energy saves lands, and habitats for birds. watershed. VF Some information courtesy of The Wilderness Society’s website, www.wilderness.org/campaigns/energy/ renewable-energy-public-lands

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17 Conservation and Education News Aubrey Valley Chris McVie, Paul Green, Kendall Kroesen, and Scott Wilbor Wind Farm By Zen Mocarski, Arizona Army Corps Cites Pinal County for San Pedro Game and Fish Department River Violations; Settlement Reached by Conservation Groups

The Arizona Important Bird Area

(IBA) program, initiated in 2001 by C hazz L ayne Tucson Audubon, seeks to protect the The Aubrey Valley is a vast area west state’s most important areas for birds. of Seligman, Arizona, that includes the The Lower San Pedro River IBA has Aubrey Cliffs, the proposed site for a been recognized as being of global wind farm. This area has been found importance, harboring Bell’s Vireo, to be a major flyway for migratory Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, birds and serves as home to several Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and species of nesting raptors, including Lucy’s Warbler. the Golden Eagle. While the Arizona Tucson Audubon has been Game and Fish Department supports involved in this area for more than the use of alternative energy, recent 20 years through our Riparian Family studies in the Aubrey Valley area Institute and our ongoing research

Pa u l S chwennesen have raised concerns about potential documenting this area as an IBA. We impacts to a number of bird species have consistently advocated that the Pinal County heavy machinery caught in action, illegally blading a road across the San Pedro River in designated Critical Habitat for the federally endangered Southwestern using this corridor. The AZG&F has lower San Pedro River would best Willow Flycatcher. submitted four letters since 2005—the be managed by the USFWS as a first including an attachment regarding National Wildlife Refuge. Bureau signs on the property reading the Supremacy Clause of the background information on the raptors We reported in the July–August “NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES, Constitution of the United States of found in the area—and sited the 2008 Vermilion Flycatcher on how ADMINISTRATIVE USE ONLY” America. fact that the area is known for raptor Tucson Audubon joined with the refuted the county’s testimony. Pinal BLM filed a complaint with the migration. In addition, Game and Fish Center for Biological Diversity and County then illegally dredged and ACOE and threatened to file a has met with the company to provide Maricopa Audubon Society to seek filled parts of the San Pedro River at trespass complaint against Pinal input regarding their pre-construction injunctive relief in support of Paul and this location. County, some months after Pinal studies. Bat species, also known Sarah Schwennesen’s Double Check Pinal County violated the Clean County’s egregious actions. to migrate from the canyon to the Ranch conservation easement, held Water Act (CWA) by failing to obtain The Army Corps of Engineers valley area to forage, may also be by the Bureau of Land Management a 404 Permit from the Army Corps has cited Pinal County for its illegal impacted. It is believed the prairie dog (BLM). The easement, created in of Engineers (ACOE), and the activities. Pinal County has agreed population, along with jackrabbits and 1996, applies to the ranch in its Endangered Species Act (ESA) by to pay the conservation groups’ legal cottontails, provides a strong hunting entirety and protects sensitive San not consulting with the ACOE and the fees. We have accomplished the goals ground in the valley for raptors. Pedro River streamside habitat from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), of our action. We will follow the Army Other notable raptors of interest cattle grazing and off-road vehicle use. prior to blading a road across the San Corps and the BLM closely as they in the area include Ferruginous Pinal County seized easement Pedro River in designated Critical now assume the proper defense of the Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Rough- property by eminent domain, claiming Habitat for the federally endangered preserve. We encourage you to do so legged Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, an “emergency,” and testifying that Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. too. See www.tucsonaudubon.org Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers it did not “believe BLM will raise Though BLM was slow to uphold for more information on the lower San and American Kestrels. While Bald any objection to the condemnation the conservation easement entrusted Pedro River. Eagles have also been spotted in the proceeding.” No emergency existed; to them, the county’s action violated area, the Golden Eagle is most often associated with the cliffs because of the strong thermals and multiple We can’t let environmentalists run and ruin this economy. John McCain perching and nesting sites. Aubrey Valley also serves as home to the Visiting Sahuarita in January, future Flycatcher). Last month, in a McCain added that he could not endangered black-footed ferret. Senator John McCain heard that response to questions from Pima reject the proposal because of its job the Rosemont Mine was unpopular County Supervivor Ray Carroll, creation potential. Tucson Audubon urges members to for many reasons, not least of McCain replied, “Frankly, I’m sorry, Visit www.scenicsantaritas.org to contact USFWS (Flagstaff regional which were the issues of water but we can’t let the environmentalists stay up to date with developments on office) and Coconino County around the mine (more on this in a run and ruin this economy.” the Rosemont Mine. Development Services to voice their concerns about this project.

18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Kathy Jacobs Earns White House Appointment Tucson Audubon to Move? For a number of years, Tucson the office’s Energy and Environment the Arizona Department of Water Audubon has been looking at Division on January 4, 2010 while Resources’ Tucson office from 1988 alternative venues for its offices and retaining her position as a professor to 2001, where she helped establish main shop. Some benefits of an in the Department of Soil, Water, groundwater rights, conservation alternative location would include and Environmental Science at programs for agriculture, industry and natural habitat, opportunities for the University of Arizona. While in municipal water users and rules that hosting more events, improved Washington, D.C., she will work with provide for assured water supplies for parking, decreased rental costs, and the U.S. Global Change Research new residential development. being closer to core concentrations of Program agencies and others to help Kathy has a long and distinguished members. coordinate climate assessment and career in the fields of water policy We are currently evaluating a Tucson Audubon knows Kathy adaptation strategies and activities. and climate change adaptation while County-owned property on the north Jacobs as a member and a birder Kathy has worked on drought and working to bridge the gap between bank of the Rillito River on the west (and member of the “AveVentura” climate change issues since 1998, academic research and real-world side of Craycroft Road, just south of Birdathon team), and we have long serving on the National Assessment decision-making. Most recently, River Road. If you have comments valued her expertise and insight on Synthesis Team during the Clinton she helped build the Arizona Water on the suitability or otherwise of this issues related to water policy and administration and helped write Institute, serving as its director location we would like to hear from conservation. She has often brought the water sector chapter for the from 2006 until it was dissolved you, especially if you would be more her broad and diverse knowledge to first report under the U.S. Global last summer. The institute was a or less likely to visit us at this location, bear on advising and bringing clarity Change Research Act. She has collaborative effort of Arizona’s either to use the Nature Shop there, or to the NGO community on issues served on numerous other climate three universities to help solve water to attend events. related to water policy. and assessment-related National sustainability and water quality issues Please send comments to Kathy has been honored by an Academy panels, Most recently in the state. Herb Trossman herbtrossman@ appointment within the White House chairing a panel on Adapting to the Kathy commented, “Climate gmail.com or Paul Green pgreen@ Office of Science and Technology Impacts of Climate Change, due to be issues are very significant for tucsonaudubon.org. Policy (OSTP), which has the broad released in the next few months. this administration and there is mandate to advise the President on For four years, she served as a broad objective of limiting the the effects of science and technology deputy director of Sustainability of emissions of greenhouse gases as Cuts at the City of Tucson on domestic and international affairs. semi-Arid Region Hydrology and well as supporting state and local Among those included in the 80 or We congratulate her! Riparian Areas, or SAHRA, a National efforts to adapt to the impacts of a more staff reductions at the City of Kathy took up her new post as Science Foundation science and changing climate.” Tucson were David Schaller and OSTP’s Assistant Director for Climate technology center located at the We wish her well in her new Jamie Brown, both with the Office Adaptation and Assessment within University of Arizona. Kathy directed endeavor! of Conservation and Sustainable Development. David Schaller was the staff lead on the City of Tucson’s Blue Ribbon Panel Addresses Sustainability of Advisory Committee on Climate Change and was responsible for Arizona’s Water Supply designing a comprehensive energy By Linda Stitzer efficiency strategy for the City of Tucson, building upon funding from A Blue Ribbon Panel on Water federal, local, city, and tribal level and may sign up at the ADWR the US Department of Energy’s Sustainability has been meeting governments, universities, and private website at www.azwater.gov/azdwr/ Energy Efficiency and Conservation monthly in Phoenix since January utilities. The only panel member watermanagement/blueribbonpanel. Block Grant. David worked with to develop strategies to improve the from the environmental community htm. Panel information including Jane Pointer to establish The Local long-term sustainability of Arizona’s is Brenda Burman of The Nature membership, meeting materials, Trust, with whom Tucson Audubon is water supplies through increased Conservancy. presentations, and more information partnering to accept offset payments conservation, recycling and reuse of At the February 5th meeting the on the working groups is posted at the to establish urban forestry projects reclaimed water. The panel, formed in panel further discussed its goals and same website. Jamie Brown has been leading the August 2009 by Governor Jan Brewer, the formation of 5 working groups The panel is to produce an interim development of the City of Tucson’s is co-chaired by Arizona Department that will develop water sustainability report by the June 2010 meeting Habitat Conservation Plan. Tucson of Water Resources (ADWR) Director recommendations. The groups are: that will be a compilation of working Audubon members will remember Herb Guenther, Arizona Department 1) Public Perception/Acceptance; group progress on identifying issues, Jamie as being responsible for the of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) 2) Regulations and Permitting; priorities and solutions, with a final Mason Center some years ago. VF Director Ben Grumbles, and Arizona 3) Infrastructure Retrofit; 4) Water report due November 2010. The final Corporation Commission (ACC) Conservation/Recycling/Efficiency/ report may include recommendations Chairman Kris Mayes. The panel Energy Nexus; and 5) Economic/ for changes to policies and rules and/ consists of 40 members representing Funding. The public is invited to or propose legislation. legislative leadership, state agencies, participate at the working-group

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19 Tucson Audubon Field Trips For the latest or expanded Darlene Smyth | Field Trip Coordinator field trip information visit www.tucsonaudubon.org or call us at 520-629-0510 Going North to: Do you live way north of Tucson, want to bird General Information with Tucson Audubon, but find it to be frustrating Tucson Audubon field trips are free. For general because trips seem to always head south, information call field trip coordinator Darlene N ative S eeds / e ARCH making it difficult for you to meet for early Smyth 297-2315. For specific information about carpooling? The Field Trip Leaders are making a trip, contact the leader of that trip. a real effort to include our valued northern Please dress appropriately for your field trip. members at least once per month as we offer Always wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and use sun “Going North to:” trips. Please look for protection. Bring plenty of snacks and water these trips to be listed each month and, if you for yourself. Always bring your binoculars, like the idea, please encourage the leaders by field guide, and for most trips a scope can be dropping them a note. useful. Bring money to cover your share of the carpooling and any required entry fees (eg for March state parks). Native Seeds / Search Farm in Patagonia March 2—Tuesday 6 a m Arrival Times Patagonia Lake State Park tour we’ll explore a short section of new trail that Please arrive before listed departure times. We’ll look for waterbirds, flycatchers, passes through the farm, and then head over to Trips will leave promptly at the time given. gnatcatchers and whatever else we can find. Patons’ to view the feeders and enjoy our lunch. We’ll walk a couple of miles on mostly level Back to Tucson by 2 p m . Limited to 15 birders. Carpooling Sites but not always clearly delineated trails. Expect Please contact the leader, Vivian MacKinnon, at u NW Tucson: Ina and Via Ponte—commuter mud, so wear appropriate footgear. Bring lunch [email protected] or 323-6452 to sign up. parking lot one block west of Oracle and and park fee or pass. We may visit other sites March 9—Tuesday 7 a m Ina, south side of Ina. in Patagonia and/or Nogales as well. Meet at Going North to: Catalina State Park v SW Tucson: I-19 and Irvington—Fry’s the Fry’s at Irvington and I-19 at 6 a m or at the We’ll welcome in Bell’s Vireos and Lucy’s Warblers parking lot. Green Valley McDonald’s (Continental Road Exit) with a visit to this park that combines a great mix w Green Valley: I-19 and Continental Rd exit before 6:30 a m . 140 miles roundtrip. Leader: Dave of desert, riparian, and foothill habitats. We’ll 63—McDonald’s parking lot. Dunford (571-0535) or [email protected] be going on dirt trails with some up-and-down x NE Tucson: Tanque Verde Rd/ Catalina March 6—Saturday 9 a m to 10:30 a m walking, so wear sturdy footgear. Bring a lunch. Hwy—McDonald’s parking lot. Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing Done by 2 p m . Meet at Tucson Audubon carpool Tucson Audubon strongly encourages Series (first Saturday of every month) site #1 (commuter parking lot one block west of Ina carpooling and for some trips it may be Do you enjoy sharing the joy of outdoor activities & Oracle, south side). State park fee area, so bring required. Check the trip listings for meeting/ with your children or grandchildren? A new your pass if you’ve got one. Leader: Larry Liese carpooling sites. You are expected to reimburse series of monthly field trips will connect children (743-3520) [email protected] the driver for the actual cost of fuel. Drivers and (ages 4–14) and their families with ecology, trip leaders are not expected to contribute. March 14—Sunday 8:30 a m to 11:30 a m nature, conservation and BIRDS! Join Tucson SPECIAL EVENT! Audubon and Sunnyside School District’s Student Rare Bird Alert Bird with Jon Dunn at Urban Naturalists as they provide guided and Listen to the latest rare bird alert at Sweetwater Wetlands independent activities for families. Join the 798-1005. Report rare birds to the RBA Jon Dunn, one of the chief editors of National activities anytime between 9 and 10:30 a m . A compiler at 798-1005 or rarebirdalert@ Geographic’s Field Guide to the Birds of North parent or grandparent must accompany each child tucsonaudubon.org America (he actually wrote nearly the entire book) present. Leader: Deborah Vath at dvath@hotmail. is in town for a book-signing at the Tucson Festival com or 490-4835 After Your Field Trip of Books (U of A) and has generously agreed to Don’t forget to stop in the Tucson Audubon March 7—Sunday 8 a m meet in the field with local birders for a few hours Nature Shop to check out new books, Native Seeds / SEARCH (NS/S) Farm of relaxed birding. Bring along your field guide and see wonderful nature items, and chat with in Patagonia he will be happy to sign it. Meet in the parking lot volunteers. NS/S farmer, Chris Lowen will give us a short tour of Sweetwater Wetlands to take advantage of this of the farm where Native Seeds/ SEARCH grows wonderful opportunity to meet this author, lecturer, out the seeds in its collection. Along the way we’ll and senior tour guide for WINGS. Leader: Jon enjoy the many species of birds that visit the farm Dunn. Contact person: Darlene Smyth dsmyth3@ located just north of Patagonia proper. After our comcast.net

don’t Forget to stop in our Nature Shop for your field and ID Guides, and other birding supplies. S ara P ike

20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 March 16—Tuesday 6:30 a m Leaders: Kendall Kroesen 971-2385, kkroesen@ Tubac Black-Hawk Liftoff tucsonaudubon.org, Frank Rose, and Jim Verrier. A well known annual event, join Tucson March 27—Saturday TBA Audubon for one of southeastern Arizona’s Tucson Audubon Young Birders marquee avian highlights. We’ll watch Club Field Trip Destination: TBD for migratory Common Black- The destination of this trip will be decided by the Hawks (and other raptors) lifting Young Birders Club members. More information off from and soaring over the may be found by checking www.tucsonaudubon. forest along the Santa Cruz org/fieldtrips.html, or contact one of the leaders River from the Tubac bridge. Tucson Audubon Young Birders Club field trip listed below. Subsequent trips are planned Kendall Kr o esen A walk north of the bridge will for the fourth Saturday of each month. Those complete the morning. Meet at 303 off I-10, drive about 1 mile south; Safeway with an interest in birds, from age 8 to 18, are 6:30 a m at the Fry’s on Irvington and and Wendy’s are on the right. Approx. 100 miles invited to come along. Leaders: Robert Payne I-19 (leader not present) or at the Green Valley roundtrip from Tucson. Leader: Lainie Epstein [email protected] 867-0490. Scott

McDonald’s on Continental Road at 7 a m . Back by Ro bert S hantz [email protected] 720-8976 Olmstead [email protected] 840-9567 noonish. Roundtrip of 100 miles. Leader: Clifford A. April 3—Saturday Cathers [email protected] March 27—Saturday 11 a m Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing Beginning Birding at March 20—Saturday 7 a m Series (first Saturday of every month) Sweetwater Wetlands Tubac Bridge Rescheduled to April 10 this month only due to the If you have always wanted to try birding, now is Celebrate spring by walking along the De school’s spring break. your chance! We will chat about anything that Anza trail looking for migrating raptors, especially interests you about birds. The leader will have a April 6—Tuesday 5:30 a m Black- and Gray Hawks. Easy pace on uneven scope for viewing some of the more cooperative Madera Canyon Environs dirt trail. Meet at 7 a m at the Fry’s parking lot on birds. At the end there will be an opportunity for Heck, it’s always a good idea to visit this Irvington just east of I-19 or at 7:30 a m at the Green those who so desire to accompany the leader to jewel of southeastern Arizona (and on a Sunday Valley McDonald’s. Done before noon. Round-trip the Nature Shop to try out some binoculars and for something different)! We’ll start in the low of 100 miles. Leader: John Higgins 578-1830, birding equipment. Register with the leader for desert, climb through the grasslands, check the [email protected] specifics and to determine if you will need loaner Proctor Road area and end up in the canyon for a March 23—Tuesday 7 a m binoculars. Leader: Darlene Smyth 297-2315 morning sampling of spring’s progression. Meet at Mt. Lemmon Life Zones—Desert to [email protected] 5:30 a m at the Fry’s on Irvington and I-19 (leader Mt. Lemmon not present) or at the McDonald’s in Green Valley March 30—Tuesday 6:45 a m Bird five life zones in one day! Meet at McDonald’s at 6 a m . About 90 miles roundtrip from Tucson. Going North to: Boyce at Tanque Verde and Catalina Hwy at 7 a m . About Leader: Clifford A. Cathers [email protected] Thompson Arboretum 60 miles roundtrip. Leader: Richard Carlson This trip will include a leisurely walk around the April 10—Saturday 9 a m to 10:30 a m [email protected] beautiful and usually birdy grounds of Boyce Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing March 27—Saturday 6:30 a m Thompson Arboretum State Park. Wintering birds Series (changed to 2nd Saturday in April due to Esperero Canyon: Botany and Birds and migrants are possible. We may visit one Spring Break) Tucson Audubon and the Arizona Native Plant or more locations in Pinal County on the way Do you enjoy sharing the joy of outdoor activities Society jointly host this field trip to a dramatic, back to Tucson, possibly including Oak Flats with your children or grandchildren? A new limited-access canyon. We will be looking for Campground and Kearny Lake. Late afternoon series of monthly field trips will connect children resident and migrant birds, spring wildflowers and return. Bring State Park pass if you have one. (ages 4–14) and their families with ecology, other unique vegetation of the lower Santa Catalina Limited to 11 participants in three vehicles. About nature, conservation and BIRDS! Join Tucson Mountains. Tucson Audubon owns 15 acres here, 200 miles roundtrip. Sign up with leader Philip Audubon and Sunnyside School District’s Student between Ventana and Sabino Canyons. Done Kline beginning March 15. [email protected] Urban Naturalists as they provide guided and by noon. Mileage negligible from meeting place. 419-5086 independent activities for families. Join the Limit of 20 participants, who must be sure-footed activities anytime between 9 and 10:30 a m . A enough to do negotiate the rocky canyon bottom. April parent or grandparent must accompany each child Contact leader to sign up and learn where to meet. present. Leader: Deborah Vath at dvath@hotmail. April 3—Saturday 6 a m com or 490-4835 Benson Birding Trail, St David Monastery April 10—Saturday 7 a m This trail can have some exciting birds and Pima Canyon the property abuts the San Pedro River. Come Scenic Pima Canyon, in the Santa Catalina explore and enjoy this fairly short trail, then off to Mountains, is popular with hikers. It also holds St David Monastery to enjoy more riparian habitat. much of interest to birders. We’ll have the We will return to Benson and check out the Wilcox opportunity to observe residents of the Sonoran Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bring snacks and Desert, as well as migrants. We’ll ascend the lunch. Meet at Houghton Road just north of I-10 to canyon to at least the “First Dam” and possibly carpool at 6 a m . (Leader not present) or at 6:30 a m higher. The trail is rocky and of uneven tread. Esperero Canyon at the Safeway parking lot in Benson. Take exit There may be wet stream-crossings. Return by Kendall Kr o esen

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21 Tucson Audubon Many of the breeding birds should be back and Field Trips many migrants will be coming through, so it is an exciting time to go up the mountain. About 60 miles roundtrip. Back by 2 p m . Leader: Bob Bates 296- 5629; [email protected]

May

May 1—Saturday 7 a m Century Run

M att G riffiths Honeybee Canyon Have you ever seen 100 bird species in a day? If not, maybe you’d like to join Larry as he celebrates, visiting migrants. A Great Horned Owl has nested leading his 100th Tucson Audubon field trip with under the bridge for the last several years. a Birdathon event, trying to see 100 bird species. Special attention will be given to beginning birders. It’ll be a more-the-merrier event that should be lots Honeybee Canyon is located 3 miles west of of fun! To accomplish our goal we’ll keep moving, Oracle Road on Rancho Vistoso Blvd. in Oro

Kendall Kr o esen Pima Canyon but at an unhurried pace. Some easy trail walking Valley. The park and parking lot are on the south involved. We’ll start at Sweetwater Wetlands and side (left) of Rancho Vistoso Blvd. There are no make a loop south to Madera, Rio Rico, then up to signs into the park. After crossing the bridge over the Patagonia area. Participants are expected to Honeybee Canyon, make a U-turn at the first get $100 in Birdathon pledges to attend. Tucson interchange and proceed back over the bridge into Audubon will be providing refreshments at our the parking lot. Leader: Dick Sauer sweetsauers@ finish in Patagonia. To sign up, contact Jean yahoo.com Barchman or Erin Olmstead of Tucson Audubon at April 24—Saturday TBA 622-5622. Leader: Larry Liese Clark’s Grebe J ames Pr u dente Tucson Audubon Young Birders May 1—Saturday 9 a m to 10:30 a m Club Field Trip Destination: TBD Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing 2 p m . Contact the leader for further details and The destination of this trip will be decided by the Series (first Saturday of every month) to sign up. Leader: Ethan Beasley 300-0049 Young Birders Club members. More information Do you enjoy sharing the joy of outdoor activities [email protected] may be found by checking www.tucsonaudubon. with your children or grandchildren? A new April 13—Tuesday 8 a m IBA org/fieldtrips.html, or contact one of the leaders series of monthly field trips will connect children Sabino Canyon listed below. Subsequent trips are planned (ages 4–14) and their families with ecology, We will walk trails and paved roads looking for the fourth Saturday of each month. Those nature, conservation and BIRDS! Join Tucson for typical desert birds and spring migrants. May with an interest in birds, from age 8 to 18, are Audubon and Sunnyside School District’s Student walk up to 3 miles and will finish by lunch time. invited to come along. Leaders: Robert Payne Urban Naturalists as they provide guided and USFS fee area. Meet inside the parking lot close [email protected] 867-0490; Scott independent activities for families. Join the to the entrance booth. Limited to 10 participants Olmstead [email protected] 840-9567 activities anytime between 9 and 10:30 a m . A so please contact the leader Mary Ellen Flynn April 24 to 26—Saturday–Monday parent or grandparent must accompany each child [email protected] 797-1743. Saracachi Ciénega and Rancho La present. Leader, Deborah Vath at dvath@hotmail. com or 490-4835 April 17—Saturday 6 a m Brisca, Mexico Going North to: San Carlos Lake Tom Van Devender (Arizona Native Plant May 4—Tuesday 4:30 a m When it is full San Carlos L., located on the San Society, Sky Island Alliance) and Robin Baxter Fort Huachuca Carlos Apache lands east of Globe, is one of (Tucson Audubon) will lead a camping trip in the Birding on foot in some of the canyons on Fort the largest lakes in Arizona. It is home to a large Saracachi Ciénega and Rancho La Brisca area Huachuca. Because the Army limits the number of year-round population of aechmophorous grebes. near Cucurpe, Sonora on April 24 to 26. They will participants on the trails, this trip will be limited to We’ll look for waterfowl, waders, early shorebirds, visit a few cultural areas, do some birding and twelve participants (including the leader) in three gulls, and possibly a few Bald Eagles. Most of the some botanizing in scenic areas. Observations will high-clearance vehicles. Contact the leader by traveling will be by car, but there may be some go into SIA’s Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity email to reserve a place. All participants must have walking to get nearer to mudflats. Expect mud so Assessment (MABA) database (Madrean. a government-issued picture ID, and all drivers wear appropriate footgear. Bring lunch, $10 each org/maba/symbfauna/). For more information must have drivers license, car registration, and for day pass onto the reservation, and scope if you contact Tom ([email protected], 887-6401). proof-of-insurance. If you are not a U.S. citizen, have one. Trip is limited to 12. Sign-up will begin Registration is limited to 20 campers. please let the leader know when you make your April 1. About 220 miles roundtrip. Leader: Doug reservation. Be prepared to hike on rough rocky April 27—Tuesday 6 a m Jenness (909-1529) or [email protected] trails that are steep in places. Bring lunch. 160 Mt. Lemmon miles round trip. Leader: Jim Hays jhays@iname. April 20—Tuesday 7:30 a m Meet at 6 a m in the parking lot at the NE corner com (preferred) or 895-3299 VF Going North to: Honeybee Canyon of Tanque Verde and the Catalina Highway. We will walk for 2+ hours in Honeybee Canyon Bring lunch, water, and a pass for the national in sometimes heavy sand looking for familiar forest. We’ll bird our way slowly up, from Mexican desert and canyon birds and hopefully some birds at the bottom to Canadian birds at the top.

22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 including San Isidro, Wild Sumaco, and Sacha Birding Travel Lodge which has the only canopy walkway in the country. Tropical Birding’s main office is in Quito, from our Business Partners so we know this wonderful country like no one else, and our tour leaders are second to ­none. Adventure Birding C­ ompany interesting trips to this region, combined with great www.adventurebirding.com birds, and the best food and lodging anywhere VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. [email protected] • 495-0229 in Sonora. In Alamos, we stay at our out own hotel, El Pedregal Nature Lodge, where you can www.ventbird.com Big Bend National Park: West Texas Birds and sit in the shade of your portal and enjoy the birds (512) 328-5221 • [email protected] Scenery. April 28–May 2, 2010, $1065. Leaders: and the beautiful natural setting. Leader: David John Yerger and/or Keith Kamper. Big Bend is North Carolina. May 29–June 5, 2010; $2,795 Mackay. See such birds as Elegant Quail, Black- perhaps the most remote birding hotspot in the in double occupancy from Wilmington. Our first- throated Magpie Jay, Mexican Parrotlet, Blue United States, and hosts spectacular scenery. This ever North Carolina tour focuses on specialty Mockingbird, Russet-crowned Motmot and many is the only place in the U.S. to find Colima Warbler, landbirds and waterbirds of the southeastern more. Upcoming departure to Alamos: April 8–13, our main target. Ideal for those desiring lots of birds United States. We’ll search hardwood swamps $1500. Check the website for additional 2010 dates on limited vacation time. Painted Buntings and and pine forests for such prizes as Red-cockaded Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are among the other Yucatan Endemics and Biospheres. October Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Swainson’s goodies we’ll seek on this fun-filled adventure! 9–17, 2010. $2800. Leaders: David and Jennifer Warbler and Bachman’s Sparrow. On the famed Mackay. This new itinerary to the Yucatan Outer Banks we should see a diversity of coastal South Texas: Specialties and Migrants in Peninsula focuses on the endemics and other specialties such as Piping Plover, Sandwich Tern, the Lower Rio Grande Valley. April 3–11, rarities of the region, most of which are found and Seaside Sparrow. Two pelagic trips into the 2010, $1890. Leaders: John Yerger and/or within the vast biosphere reserves that have been Gulf Stream should produce up to 10 species Keith Kamper. Join us in “the other” premier established to protect the rich natural habitat of of seabirds, including Black-capped Petrel, and U.S. birding destination, with guides who have the Yucatan. Starting in Cancun, we visit botanical possibly other oceanic creatures such as dolphins, lived and birded there. With specialties like gardens, Tulum ruins, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Sian whales, sea turtles, and sharks. Michael O’Brien, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay and Altamira Oriole, Ka Biosphere, Laguna Bacalar, Calakmul biosphere co-author of the acclaimed Shorebird Guide, and how can you miss? We’ll sample all habitats and ruins, Sabancuy wetlands, Campeche, one of the continent’s top field observers, leads. from tidal mudflats to subtropical thornscrub Celestun biosphere and end our trip with a night to prime Chihuahuan Desert. Visit both classic Grand Alaska: Gambell/Nome. June 2–10, 2010; outside of Merida. We will offer a pre-trip extension hotspots and lesser-known local secrets for rarer $4,295 in double occupancy from Anchorage. Early to Cozumel for the island endemics. Contact us residents like Clay-colored Robin and Hook-billed June is the best time to visit these remote outposts. for more information and a detailed itinerary. Kite. This trip is timed to catch loads of spring Highlights include cliffs filled with nesting seabirds, migrants, and probably a few Mexican rarities! and lakes, ponds, and arctic tundra hosting raptors, Tropical B­ irding shorebirds, jaegers, buntings, longspurs, and Nature Treks and P­ assages www.tropicalbirding.com more. The spectacle of thousands of breeding and www.naturetreks.net. [email protected] • 1-800-348-­5941 migrating birds makes for one of North America’s ­[email protected] • 781-789-8127 Eastern Ecuador: High Andes to Vast Amazon.­ most sensational birding experiences. Bristle- Rancho Esmeralda Birding and Nature March 5–19, 2010. $3690 from ­Quito. Starting thighed Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Bluethroat, Weekend. April 2–5, 2010, Join Pinau Merlin and from the magnificent high Andes dotted with ­snow- Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Arctic Warbler, and Larry Liese for 4 pleasurable days of exploring ­capped volcanoes towering over 18,000 ft, we Northern Wheatear, are specialty birds found the beauty and diversity of Rancho Esmeralda head all the way down to the ­ultra-­diverse Amazon nowhere else. Other attractions include spectacular in Sonora, Mexico. During the bountiful spring lowlands. Well over 1,000 bird species occur in scenery and chances for moose, caribou, and season, we’ll enjoy birds, plants, butterflies, this region, but we can see them in comfort as musk ox. Kevin Zimmer and David Wolf lead. VF reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife on we stay in some of the best lodges in Ecuador, our daily hikes and night walks. Includes transportation, 3 nights at the Rancho Esmeralda Lodge, all meals and guides. $1049.00 pp. Alaska: Birding from Denali to the Sea. June 7–17, 2010. Tour several of Alaska’s prime birding spots: Anchorage, Denali National Park, Denali Highway, and the Kenai Peninsula including Seward. Anticipate seeing a number of bird species and hopefully all of the “Big 5” large mammals - grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves. June is a spectacular month to view Alaska’s returning and breeding birds, along with the early vibrant blooming summer flowers. $4399.00 pp. Rancho E­ smeralda www.ranchoesmeraldanogales.com 326-9686 ext. 19 Solipaso T­ ours www.solipaso.com • [email protected] Sonora in the Spring and Summer! Solipaso is offering several departures to Sonora this spring and summer. Having lived in and lead Lo is M an o witz trips throughout Sonora for the last 15 years, we This leucistic Vermilion Flycatcher enchanted and entertained many viewers at Hidden Pond in Sweetwater Wetlands in can offer our guests the most in depth, thorough, Tucson. First reported on December 26, 2009, it was still present towards the end of February.

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23 The TAS-ifieds Join Tucson Audubon at the second annual Classified ADs Tucson Festival of Books Classified and display ads are accepted from individual members and members of our Birds Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14 on National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of & Business Alliance. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/ the University of Arizona Campus North America, 5th Edition. vfly for rates or contact Matt Griffiths mgriffiths@ The Tucson Festival of 4–5 p m Book signing with tucsonaudubon.org to book an ad. Books is a celebration of Elizabeth Rosenthal at the literacy, where authors Tucson Audubon Booth. Birding Buddies Looking for three people for gather to speak about their Rosenthal’s Birdwatcher: the a March 8–21, 2010 trip to Cana in the Darien work and sign books. This Life of Roger Tory Peterson Province of Panama. Please contact Sue Kozacek free event features writing has been described by birding at 520-979-9100. workshops, panel presentations, children’s guru Kenn Kaufman as a activities, storytelling, artists, musicians, and a Education Support Specialist needed “wonderful biography, bold food court. The 2010 Festival promises to be by Tucson Audubon. We seek a part-time and surprising and lively, even bigger and better than last year’s, with more (20h/week) person to support our growing crackling with the adventures of the man who education program. The successful applicant will than 400 authors and a wide range of both local did more than anyone else to create the modern assist in the coordination of administrative aspects and national book vendors, including our Tucson popularity of birdwatching.” of our environmental education program classes Audubon Nature Shop. In addition, a number and events. You can find a full job description and of this year’s events will focus specifically on Sunday, March 14 application instructions on our website at www. promoting environmental literacy. A sampling of 1–2 p m Book signing with tucsonaudubon.org. events is listed below. For a full schedule visit Lynn Hassler at the Tucson tucsonfestivalofbooks.org. Audubon Booth. Hassler, a EL PEDREGAL Nature Lodge—Alamos, Sonora, volunteer coordinator at the Mexico—Five luxurious guest casitas and central Saturday, March 13 Tucson Botanical Gardens, lodge set on 20 acres of intact tropical deciduous 11:30–12:30 a m “Unquenchable: America’s Water has been birding for over forest. Delicious regional cuisine, unrivaled local Crisis and What To Do About It”, featuring author knowledge and warm hospitality. Birding tours, 25 years. Her most recent Robert Glennon, Professor of Law and Public river trips, yoga classes and more available. book is The Raven: Soaring Policy at the University of Arizona. Special Tucson Audubon package available. For through History, Legend & more information: www.solipaso.com 1–2 p m Book signing with Jon Dunn at the Lore, and she is the co-author of Hot Pots: Container Gardening The Oasis at Way Out West B&B/Private Tucson Audubon Booth. Dunn was chief in the Arid Southwest. Nature Preserve. A secluded trail side location consultant to the National offers close-up wildlife observation and colorful Geographic Society’s Hassler’s other books include mountain sunsets. Bird our trails (135+ House List) Field Guide to the Birds Roadrunners, Gambel’s or the Catalinas. 20+ feeding stations, Naturalist/ of North America, as well Quail, Birds of the American Photographer on-site, Wi-Fi, Hydrotherapy spas, as host and editor of Southwest, and Hummingbirds Bike rentals, Eco-Excursions. WOWArizona.com. Hummingbirds of North of the American West. 520.825.4590. America, and co-writer 2:30–3:30 p m “Birds and Birding II, Writing about Patagonia Birding Investment. Arizona and host of the two-video Birds,” with Stacey O’Brien, Wesley the Owl, birder seeks business partners for joint ownership set Large and Small The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His of a significant Patagonia-based birding location. Gulls of North America. Girl; Lynn Hassler, The Raven: Soaring Through Please send your contact details to Paul Green History, Legend, & Lore; and Sheri Williamson, A [email protected], Executive Director of 2:30–3:30 p m “Birds and Birding I, Field Guides Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America. Tucson Audubon, who will forward the information Past, Present and Future”, with Elizabeth to the interested party. Rosenthal, Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory All the books pictured here are available for Peterson, and Jon Dunn, chief consultant for the sale at the Nature Shops. VF Volunteer Needed: The Arizona Important Bird Area Program had a great database volunteer, but no longer. So, we could again use help with the data management side of our AZ IBA Program? Do you like to learn about what Wanted: Volunteer Garden birds were seen where, across our Arizona IBA Coordinator to manage the Mason Center survey network and all the species specific data gardens including irrigation maintenance, pruning, collected? Then the AZ IBA Program could use replacement planting, mulching and other tasks help with IBA bird survey data entry at the TAS- as agreed upon with Mason Facilities Coordinator. IBA office possibly one day a week (3 hours, Must be experienced in Sonoran Desert, native Tuesday or Thursday afternoon would be ideal). plant gardening and willing to work under the You must have a willingness to delve into the sustainability principles promoted by Tucson technical language of ornithological surveys Audubon. Must be able to work at the site at least and be open to learning our database structure one day a week throughout the year. Contact Lia and codes. Call Scott Wilbor, AZ IBA Program at 971-6238 or [email protected] for

VF Conservation Biologist, at (520) 628-1730 to help. more information and to apply. Rainwater harvesting cisterns at the Mason Center Kendall Kr o esen

24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Tucson Audubon thanks Tucson Audubon’s our Birds & Business Alliance Members, who have Birds & Business alliance shown their support for bird 2010- 2011 conservation through annual contributions and in-kind donations. Please show Please welcome our newest Birds & Business Alliance Member them you appreciate their support for us by supporting them. Please choose these progressive companies when you need a service. Visit www. tucsonaudubon.org for more information about our Birds & Business Alliance members, including links to their websites. * New member Sterling Adventure Birding Company S ilver • 520-495-0229 • www.adventurebirding.com Nature Treks & Passages • 781-789-8127 • naturetreks.net Rancho Esmeralda • 326-9686 • www.ranchoesmeraldanogales.com Solipaso Tours • www.solipaso.com Tropical Birding • 800-348-5941 • www.tropicalbirding.com Victor Emanuel Nature Tours • 800-328-VENT • www.ventbirds.com Loews Ventana Canyon has partnered guests the unique aspects of the Sonoran Desert Silver with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson that visitors sometimes don’t have the opportunity Botanical Gardens, Friends of Sabino Canyon, to enjoy. It’s an opportunity to really learn about the *Loews Ventana Canyon • 520-299-2020 • www.loewshotels.com and now Tucson Audubon Society to create an flora and fauna that live in our own backyard.” on-property educational nature trail featuring a As the newest Birds & Business Alliance Silver The Oasis at Way Out West hummingbird and butterfly exhibit and indigenous member, the resort is excited to be teaming up with • 520-825-4590 • www.wowarizona.com plant life, with guest appearances from native Tucson Audubon Society to create even more bird- Snell & Wilmer • www.swlaw.com birds, reptiles and mammals. Throughout the trail friendly and birder-friendly amenities. Tucson Electric Power • www.tep.com visitors will find signs with detailed information Located at 7000 North Resort Drive and Copper about the plants and animals of the area, as well nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountain foothills, as the stories of the geology of Tucson, the life of a the 398-guestroom resort features two Tom Bed & Bagels of Tucson • 520-760-5595 saguaro and the history of the resort. Fazio-designed PGA golf courses, a full-service Lou Benson Construction • 520-797-1237 “As our property was built with nature in mind, spa and fitness center, lighted tennis courts, and Brooklyn Pizza Company • 520-622-6868 we decided to find ways that we could expand hiking trails. The AAA Four-Diamond resort was Buffalo Exchange • 520-795-0508 on this legacy,” said Brian Johnson, the resort’s named #2 in Sunset Magazine’s Top 10 Hotels for Casa Adobe B&B in Rodeo, NM • 877-577-2275 managing director. “The Loews Ventana Canyon Nature Lovers! Visit www.loewshotels.com or call Casa de San Pedro B&B • www.bedandbirds.com Window Trail allows us to share with all of our 299-2020. VF Coyote Wore Sideburns • 520-623-7341 Desert Toyota of Tucson • 520-296-8535 Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441 Economy Birding Services • 520-762-3201 Sustainability Corner! El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association Farhang & Medcoff, PLLC How much water do you use? In a city where 75% of water use is residential, Financial Architects • www.financial-architects.com this is a crucial question to all who value wildlife. Although less than half Fiore Tile Works • 520-971-0677 of our potable water currently comes from groundwater, pumping is still Greenfire Ecological Landscaping • 520-429-7306 unsustainable and has killed our major rivers. About 60% now comes from Heartstone Mountain Ranch • 877-562-2955 the Colorado River, where we are taking it from the wildlife of that river Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341 system, especially in the river’s delta. Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408 To calculate your monthly use of potable water, consult your water bill Lori Pascarella, Financial Consultant • 520-747-6167 and find how much water you have used in the past month (it’s rounded off to N ic o le K ehler Naturalist Journeys • 866-900-1146 the nearest 100 cubic feet, or 748 gallons). By looking at the current and previous Ravens-Way Wild Journeys • 520-425-6425 dates when your water meter was read, figure out the number of days in the month. Riverpark Inn • 800-551-1466 Divide the total gallons used by the number of days in the month. Then divide that Salt River Project by the number of people in the household. San Carlos Aquatic Adventures Average residential use in Tucson is currently a bit below 100 gallons per person per day (GPD). Southern Arizona Paving & Construction While this is somewhat lower than many other western cities, it is still unsustainable. How do you Spirit Tree Inn B&B • 520-394-0121 stack up? Much lower numbers are possible. I know people who have reduced their usage to 20–30 Sundance Press • 800-528-4827 GPD. The target for most large cities in Australia is 35 GPD. I’ll write more about what you can do to TyrannoTours • 520-577-6546 lower your water use in future issues! VF The Lodge at Ventana Canyon

Kendall Kroesen, Restoration Program Manager Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson • 520-795-995 VF

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25 Support Tucson Audubon... Tucson Audubon Become a Friend Today! Nature Shops Annual Membership subscription ‰‰$35 ­Individual Contributor $100 q Tucson Audubon’s Nature Shops provide for your needs in natural history books and ‰‰$50 Family Supporter $25­0 q guides, birding optics and accessories, and gifts right here in Tucson. We offer a great ‰‰$35­ Senior Supporter* Guardian $500 q selection, the best prices, and member discounts. Remember to shop locally. ‰‰$25­ Senior Discount* Steward $1000 q ‰‰$25 ­Student* Leadership Circle $2500 q Get geared up for Birdathon! The Nature Shops *Individual can help. Below are some items to consider when planning your Birdathon: Name

Address

City / State / ­Zip

Email

Phone ‰‰ New ­membership q Renewing ­membership • Binoculars! The Nature Shop can help you get »» Tucson Audubon’s Checklist to Birds of ‰‰ Please email me about Tucson Audubon set up with a pair that is right for you to enhance Southeast Arizona — Keep track of your events ­and conservation ­issues. your Birdathon day with great views of the birds! bird sightings on Birdathon with this easy ‰‰ Please do not share my contact ­information. ‰‰ Please do not mail me Vermilion Flycatcher. • Where to go? How to plan your Birdathon? checklist. Purchase one for I’ll read it online. These tools can help: every member of the team and use to compare notes at »» A copy of Finding Birds in Southeast Donation the end of your Birdathon ‰‰I would like to support Tucson Audubon Arizona — This will get you everywhere you day! 75 cents Society with ­an additional contribution of need to go for an official Big Day, or for a q $25 q $50 q $100 q $­250. fun-filled day with friends. $24.95 ($22.46 for • Don’t forget the essentials ‰‰ Tucson Audubon Frequent ­Flyer Monthly members!) for birding in the southeast Donor ­Program: I authorize the charge of »» Arizona Atlas and Gazetteer — The best Arizona desert $____ per month for ____ months to my road map for your vehicle — it covers all the »» A Sunday Afternoon credit card ($10/month minimum). Tucson Audubon Society will ­use the full amount of your ­tax-­deductible main streets and the back roads — and all of sun protection hat. gift for its environmental, educational and recreational ­programs. those nooks and crannies to find the birds! $20 and up. UPF 50! Method of ­payment $19.95 »» A Sunday Afternoon ‰‰ Check (payable to Tucson Audubon Society) »» Looking for a simple guide that highlights the sun protection ‰‰ MasterCard q Visa q AMEX main birding locations in southeast Arizona? shirt for men or Pick up a copy of the Southeast Arizona women. $59 and Birding Trail map. It will highlight for you the $56. UPF 40! Credit Card No. main birding hot spots and the main roads to »» A Tucson Audubon get there for your Birdathon planning. $3.00 stainless steel Expiration Date Amount $ • New to birding and the Birdathon? These items water bottle to keep will get you started in identifying the birds and hydrated. $22.00 Signature tracking them on your Birdathon day: Please send your application with payment ­to »» A birding field guide — Your choice from Tucson Audubon ­Society, the classic Peterson or Kaufman guides to 300 E. University Blvd, #120, more recent versions of National Geographic, Tucson, AZ ­85705 Sibley, or Princeton. Any are sure to help you (Attn: Jean Barchman, in making a positive identification. $18.95 Membership Coordinator) and up. OR join, renew or ­donate online at www.tucsonaudubon.org Kendall Kr o esen

26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Bookends

Watching Warblers West Gray, Hermit, Grace’s, Red-faced and Olive The film can also be viewed with natural sounds Judy Fieth and Michael Male. 2009. DVD. warblers flitting overhead. that make the DVD even more versatile, and has $35 in Tucson Audubon Nature Shop Watching Warblers West is a beautifully filmed enough visual information on the screen to follow Several years ago documentary of 24 warbler species that breed along. Other options include an alphabetical index we visited Magee in Texas and west of the Great Plains (U.S. and to find a segment on a particular bird and a chorus Marsh Wildlife Canada), and is a companion to the 2004 DVD segment that shows a selected bird singing. Area in northwest Watching Warblers East. The photographers give Other DVDs in this series, available in the Ohio to witness the viewer an exceptional experience for either Nature Shop, include Watching Waders, Watching the spectacular educational or recreational purposes. The western Warblers East and Watching Sparrows. Fieth spring migration warblers are incredibly diverse and have adapted and Male have also made films for National of warblers and to some of the most magnificent areas in the world Geographic, Nature, and the BBC. VF other species as including deserts, mountains, boreal forests and Sheryl Kistler and Susan Birky they reached the the arctic. southern shore of The profile of each warbler lasts several Lake Erie to feed minutes with gorgeous, close-up photography. Available in our and rest before attempting the Each shows a singing male for its species in its Nature ­Shops flight across the lake for Canada and beyond. It did habitat, along with three-dimensional range maps not disappoint, and we never looked at warblers showing breeding and winter range, and migration The San Pedro River, A by Roseann the same way again. It made us want to know routes. For each species it gives the habitat Discovery Guide more about each beautiful bird, where it came preferences and discusses the particular nesting Hanson. $17.95. The University from, where it was going, how it survives. This DVD and foraging habits, in addition to distinguishing of Arizona Press. markings and features. Also a comparison is made answers these questions for the western warblers The Ribbon of Green by between the male and female plumage, and the by showing the beauty and life history of each Robert H. Web, Stanley A. narration includes basic facts along with little- species. Although the western U.S. does not have Leake, and Raymond H. known and interesting information on each species. areas of such pronounced migration, the western Turner. $75. The University Judy Fieth and Michael Male are outstanding warblers are no less beautiful or interesting. Who of Arizona Press. can forget a spring day in Madera Canyon with photographers who have done in-depth research Painted Redstart, Townsend’s, Black-throated on each species.

Mark Your Calendars! Tucson Audubon Nature Shops For two special days in the Nature Shop When you support your local Tucson The Green Generation Audubon Society you are supporting birds Green Day Sale! and bird habitat conservation. Thank you! Wednesday, March 17th only Earth Day Sale! 17% off entire purchase It’s Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary and we plan to SHOP HOURS For any customer who: pass the celebration to you! Main Shop • Wears green clothing Thursday April 22nd only Monday–Saturday 10 a m –4 p m , • Arrives at our shop via foot, bicycle, bus or 20% off entire purchase of $40 or more except Monday & Thursday until 5 p m hybrid vehicle 15% off purchases under $40 Phone: 629-0510 On the southeast corner of University Blvd and 5th Avenue. • Purchases a recycled bird seed feeder* For any customer who: • Purchases a recycled-cotton Tucson Audubon • Arrives at our shop via foot, bicycle, bus, or Agua Caliente Park Shop T-shirt* hybrid vehicle March & April: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, • Purchases a reusable, stainless steel Tucson • Purchases a recycled bird seed feeder* 9 a m –3:30 p m Phone: 760-7881 Audubon water bottle* • Purchases a recycled cotton Tucson Audubon From Tanque Verde Rd and Houghton, continue east on • Purchases a copy of Rainwater Harvesting for t-shirt* Tanque Verde 2 miles. Turn left (north) onto Soldier Trail, Dry Lands* • Purchases a reusable, stainless steel Tucson continue north for 2 miles. Turn right (east) onto Roger Rd, • Purchases a pair of Nikon EcoBins compact Audubon water bottle* continue ¼ mile to the park entrance on the left (north). binoculars* • Purchases a copy of Rainwater Harvesting for Thursday Bird Walk 8:00 a m

J im & D eva Bu rns / www .J imb u p h o t s . c m Dry Lands* Loaner binoculars available, meet in front of • Purchases a pair of Nikon EcoBins compact the ranch house. For more information call binoculars* Pima County Parks and Rec. 615-7855. *while supplies last For permit requests and general information about park rules and regulations call 749-3718

When you need a book, think of Tucson Audubon Nature Shops first! Support your local book store. 520-623-3476

Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, AZ 300 E University Blvd, #120 PERMIT #1345 Tucson, AZ 85705

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Vermilion Flycatcher Volume 55, Number 2 March–April 2010 The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of the Tucson Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society. National Audubon Society members and members of other chapters may receive the Flycatcher by joining the Friends of Tucson Audubon. See membership at www.tucsonaudubon.org.

Top 5 reasons to Birdathon this season! Excuse to go birding, and better yet, involve others in birding! 5. Get your friends together for a fun day’s birding and help increase appreciation for birds and wildlife habitat in Southern Arizona! 4. Your own personalized fundraising page. Set a pledge goal I ll u strati o n d nated by R ic k W heeler and track your progress online! Get the word out to your family and friends the easy (and painless) way by sharing your link.

Limited edition t-shirt! Raise at least $50 and earn this cool souvenir 3. featuring local artist Rick Wheeler’s Cactus Wren and Nest!

Great Prizes. Go for the Grand Prize: an exciting Ecuador 2. Birding trip for two from Tropical Birding!

TAS All-Star Birdathon teams: something for everyone! Don’t 1. miss out on the chance to go birding with Tucson’s own professional S cott O lmstead tour leaders. Treat yourself to one of these fun team outings!

WE’RE COUNTING ON YOU! The more the merrier, and the better for birds! See page 4 for more details!

Register online at www.tucsonaudubon.dojiggy.com or call Erin Olmstead at 622-5622. Kendall Kr o esen

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for event updates • See page 10 for Living with Nature / Membership Meeting details.

28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Ma r c h –Ap r i l 2010