Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org Vermilion f l y c a t c h e r September–October 2010 | Volume 55, Number 5 Closing the Circle

12 Ash-throated Flycatcher and Riparian Areas 9 sea of Cortez in southeast Arizona 10 Take A Seat 11 what’s in a Name? cedar Waxwing 14 barrio Kroeger Lane

PLUS a special Education Programs pull-out

Tucson Audubon’s bi-monthly News Magazine Features Tucson Audubon Society | tucsonaudubon.org 9 Identification of Sea of Cortez–like Habitats in Southeastern Arizona VERMILION FL YCATCHER September–October 2010 | Volume 55, Number 5 10 Take A Seat Closing the Circle

11 What’s in a Name? Cedar Waxwing 12 Ash-throated Flycatcher and Riparian Areas Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving 9 Sea of Cortez in 12 Ash-throated Flycatcher and Southeast Arizona the quality of the environment by providing Riparian Areas 10 Take A Seat education, conservation, and recreation programs, 11 What’s in a Name? Cedar Waxwing environmental leadership, and information. Tucson 14 Barrio Kroeger Lane—A Two-year 14 Barrio Kroeger Lane Audubon is a non-profit volunteer organization of Experiment people with a common interest in birding and natural history. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a library, and nature shops in Tucson, the proceeds of which Departments benefit all of its programs. 3 Commentary Tucson Audubon Society 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 4 News Roundup 629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) 8 Events and Classes All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated. PLUS a special Education Programs pull-out

www.tucsonaudubon.org 8 Events Calendar TUCSON AUDUBON’S BI-MONT HLY N EWS MAGA ZINE Board Officers & Directors 15 Conservation and Education News President Herb Trossman 17 Field Trips Vice President Mich Coker Front cover: Gilded Flicker by Bruce D. Taubert. Secretary Robert Merideth 20 Birding Travel from our Business Partners Bruce has been photographing wildlife for more than Treasurer Lindsey Quesinberry 40 years. He now spends his spare time teaching Directors at Large Richard Fray, Sandy Elers, Julie Gordon, 21 Birds & Business Alliance photography, leading workshops for Friends of Arizona Linda Greene, Neil Markowitz, Liz Payne, Cynthia Pruett, 21 Classified Ads Jessie Shinn, Linda Stitzer Highways, and taking as many photographs as he can. Board Committees Conservation Chris McVie, 22 Nature Shops Development Sandy Elers, Education Cynthia Pruett, 23 Bookends To have your photographs considered for use in the Membership Jessie Shinn, Finance Lindsey Quesinberry, Vermilion Flycatcher, please contact Matt Griffiths at Personnel Mich Coker, Nominating Vacant Programs & Activities [email protected]. Field Trips Darlene Smyth 297-2315 Library David West 629-0510 Membership Meetings Jean Barchman 629-0510 Rare Bird Alert Andrew Core | Report Rare Birds 629-0510 Staff (unless otherwise stated, dial 629-0510 plus extension) Closing the Circle Executive Director Paul Green ext 7001 Finance and Operations Brad Paxton ext 7014 A guest opinion by Greg Butcher, Director of Bird Conservation, National Audubon Accountant Michelle Bourgeois ext 7003 Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman ext 7002 I started birding when I was 11. I was captivated to document regional Special Projects Erin Olmstead ext 7009 by birds in many ways—primarily their colors and breeding status. While Education & Outreach Specialist Matt Brooks ext 7007 IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor ext 7004 behaviors, the challenges of finding them and then participating in the IBA Program Assistant–Biologist learning to identify them. One of the reasons I’ve preparation of atlases, I have Jennie MacFarland ext 7005 Restoration Program Manager Kendall Kroesen ext 7006 stuck to birding is more practical: birding provides a learned a lot about the habitat Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 great escape from the rest of life, where I get stuck needs of birds. Some atlases have been repeated Restoration/Communications Specialist indoors—reading the newspaper or the computer 20 years later, documenting a surprising amount of Matthew Griffiths 971-7924 Mason Outreach Coordinator Lia Sansom ext 7013 screen, sitting firmly in my chair. range change over that relatively short time period. University Shop Manager Sara Pike ext 7008 However birding hasn’t turned out to be the Many of these range changes are due to habitat Volunteer Coordinator/Agua Caliente pure escapism that I had expected. I got started loss or climate change. Shop Manager Becky Aparicio ext 7011 Tucson Audubon Nature Shops in citizen science projects just because they were Recently, many birders have helped to identify 300 E University Blvd #120 ext 7015 another way to go birding. Like most birders, my Important Bird Areas (IBAs) across the country. 623-3476 fax / 629-0510 Shop Manager first citizen science project was the Christmas Bird Now that these sites have been identified, we have Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a m –4 p m (5 p m Mon & Thu) Count, and I don’t think I’ve missed a Christmas a clear call for birders to add citizen stewardship to Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881 Hours: 9 a m –3:30 p m Thu only (Se p t e m b e r ); count in 45 years. I also got involved in the our citizen science. Many of these IBAs need our Thu, Fri, Sat (Oc t o b e r ) Breeding Bird Survey. Today, those two surveys help—whether to remove invasive species, plant provide much of the information we know about native plants, or improve bird’s access to water. Vermilion Flycatcher is published bi-monthly. For address the status and trends of bird species. While some Birds need our help in other ways, too—from changes or subscription problems call 629-0510, or write to Membership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E. species have increasing populations, a disturbing improving our backyards to reaching out to University Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Submissions are number are decreasing. Some are on one or more politicians about clean air, clean water, or global due the 1st of the month, two months before the date of the endangered species lists. climate change. It’s important for the birds, but it’s issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF documents, or plain text files, to Matt Griffiths at mgriffiths@ I have long been a fan of breeding bird important for human quality of life as well. VF tucsonaudubon.org. atlases. They focus on the study of bird behavior Coordinator Matt Griffiths 971-7924 Proofreaders Jane & Warren Tisdale 749-2139 and Tucson Audubon staff and board members Design/Layout Eng-Li Green © 2010 Tucson Audubon Society

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, part of the new Sonoran Desert Borderlands IBA (see p 5) M att G riffiths

2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Commentary Herb Trossman, Cynthia Pruett, and Paul Green Closing the Gap

This is budget season for Tucson then we work out how we Audubon. can close the gap between During the summer months, even costs and income. While we can Your grassroots support as we are planting trees, educating our be fairly sure of costs, determining our gives Tucson Audubon decision makers and future leaders, sources of income (including grants from its influence. Turning leading field trips, planning future foundations) is much more difficult and that support into action activities, producing our newsletter and estimates must be conservative. requires resources. doing many other things, we are also These are rather dire economic budgeting programs for the new fiscal times, so our funding options are more Inevitably, unless we increase income, year, beginning September 1. limited than in the past. Some of our some things staff want to do will not get Of course our dedicated volunteers larger funding sources have reduced the done. Some things that members feel play a significant role in helping us amounts that they have made available passionate about will have to be dropped. achieve our mission. For example, our to us. Likewise, as many non-profits are That’s the nature of our current financial entire field trip program is run by expert experiencing, donations from individuals state. volunteers—thank you Darlene! (See the have decreased. Accordingly, we find that We need more income. Were you next issue of the Vermilion Flycatcher for since our income forecast for the coming able to give to our summer or year- a full listing of our volunteers). But in our year falls more than 20 percent short, end appeal? About 200 of our 3500 or organization, our hardworking staff take we must reduce our costs by 20 percent, so members did. To those 200 we are the lead in most programs and events. even as we explore creative new ways to grateful. But this leaves a great deal of It should come as no surprise that staff increase our income. capacity within our membership to make costs make up more than half of our total How do we close the gap? Certain up the difference. In simple terms, if you expenditures. projects are funded and we are obligated haven’t given, even a small donation As part of the budgeting process the to perform the work. No cuts there. now will help assure that we can go on staff must closely analyze their programs Overhead costs are also relatively fixed addressing your ecological and bird- to determine the full cost of their time so little can be extracted there. Next are related priorities. devoted to a program or project. This activities that are important but receive no If you believe in what we do, please includes salaries, benefits, and overhead funding. For example, the committees we make a generous donation according to costs, such as rent and utilities. This sit on that help guide the work of the City your ability. Our capacity to work for birds, process helps us understand our costs so of Tucson, Pima County, the University wildlife, water, natural open spaces—and that when we undertake projects, we can of Arizona, and others. They will be cut ultimately your quality of life—depends make sure that we fully cover the costs of or, in some cases, attended by staff on directly on your ability and willingness to the work we do. their own time. What about the things give to the cause. During these past few months the staff our members want? There may be some Visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/who- have analyzed the estimated costs of compromises here too. Ultimately, the we-are/finance.html to view our 2009 our important programs for the coming number of hours we can pay our staff summary financial information VF year. We make estimates of income and depends upon the income we receive. i NSET PHOTO J im & D eva B urns , www .J P hotos . com M att G riffiths Yellow Warbler (left) is common and widespread especially among willows in wet areas such as along the Lower San Pedro River (above). Help us keep them common and widespread. Our capacity to work for birds and their habitats depends on your support.

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3 Tucson Audubon A Day in the Field with Jon Dunn and the News Roundup Tucson Audubon Young Birders Rob Payne Teamwork Drives Flycatcher Production Matt Griffiths, Restoration and Communications Specialist

A frequent question we get here at Tucson Kendall Kroesen Audubon is, “How in ight the world do you guys produce one Vermilion

Flycatcher,let alone Both Photos bECKY aPARICIO Rick Wright / R an issue every two Left months?” The Left: Jon Dunn (left) and young birders in Madera Canyon. short answer is Right: Youth Birding Club leader Rob Payne works with a young birder at Reid Park. teamwork. The longer answer There are a few birdwatchers out looks at the continuing Berylline provides a glimpse Above: Matt Griffiths reviews a possible cover; there whose names alone can attract Hummingbird. We also had a vibrant into this fun and Inset (clockwise): Kendall a crowd. It is always a gift when one male Hooded Oriole and the newly organic process. Kroesen, Erin Olmstead, and of these “celebrities” goes well out of arrived pair of Violet-crowned As coordinator of the Matt Griffiths view page spreads onscreen with Eng-Li Green. their way to lend a hand for a good Hummingbirds. A few cooperative Flycatcher, I am the pilot for cause. Tucson Audubon’s Young White-breasted Nuthatches allowed this “flight,” so I have a pretty With the edited material returned, Birders got to experience just that. Jon the time to point out the good bird’s-eye view (pun intended) I begin organizing it and the artwork, On Saturday, July 17, Jon Dunn, distinguishing features that might one of the creation of every issue which readying it for delivery to our graphic author of the National Geographic day lead to a split into three species. begins almost two months before designer, “the magician,” Eng-Li Field Guide to the Birds of North It was quiet by late morning as the publication date. Staff meets Green. Eng-Li transforms our content America, decided to extend his post- we walked up the Carrie Nation Trail. to discuss potential themes and to into the beautiful layout you see each tour stay in Arizona to take a small An Elegant Trogon called in the create a page-by-page breakdown of issue, and at our next meeting we group of enthusiastic young birders distance and a handful of Sulphur- content. It is at this time that feature go over her preliminary draft. This for a half-day in Madera Canyon. The bellied Flycatchers made periodic article topics, news items, special is the exciting moment we choose day started at the Santa Rita Lodge appearances. The quiet time gave pullout sections, and potential cover the issue’s cover photo by looking at where Jon and I were met by five us a chance to brush up on our subjects are determined. mock-ups of the photos I have found. youngsters and their parents. After herpetology knowledge. While waiting With our assignments in hand, Usually a clear winner rises to the top, a brief introduction and a couple of for a trogon, both a Clark’s and staff members prepare some of the but we have used a democratic vote in book signings, we were off to the Yarrow’s Spiny Lizard posed for study. articles and ask outside authors to times of heated discussion! good stuff—birding. It was nice to get It was a great day and everybody prepare others. At this time I begin The meeting also illuminates started with a male Western Tanager learned something new. Many thanks the exhaustive search for artwork what work we have left to do about coming in to the water fountain, as to Jon Dunn for going the extra mile to be used in the issue, particularly a week or two before sending the well as the two local grosbeaks that for our young birders. He made this the all-important cover photo. I’ve job to our local printer, the wonderful are always crowd pleasers. a memorable experience for all in built up an extensive cadre of Sundance Press (a Birds & Business Jon and I then took the kids attendance. avian photographers (see a list at Alliance member). Once all the pieces up to the now-famous Kubo Bed See pages 18 and 19 for details tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/links. have been put into place, a draft is & Breakfast. Within a few minutes of upcoming field trips for Tucson html), and I rely on them to help keep produced and sent out to authors and the group had clear, although brief, Audubon Young Birders. each issue fresh. Tucson Audubon our second invaluable proofreader, also has a very large image library Board Secretary Robert Merideth, that I utilize for photos of staff and and is circulated amongst staff. A The Rillito Comes Alive—Bat Night 2010 program events. multitude of edits is relayed to Eng-Li The Rillito River Project presents Bat Night 2010 featuring a collaboration with The less glamorous part of the before the job is sent off to the printer. the University of Arizona (and co-sponsored by Tucson Audubon) to bring the job is keeping everyone on task A few different proofs are produced riparian “disappeared” back to the riverbed, along with a large sandbox where by reminding (some may say, by Sundance, and we give them one children will be encouraged to use the sand to explore their imaginations, and “pestering”) staff of their assignments. final look-over before the magazine Scott Wilbor will talk about Yellow-billed Cuckoos. At sunset, 40,000 bats will Eventually content is sent to me, is printed. fly out from underneath the bridge to forage for food. Tucson’s urban bats are a and I then pass it on to our first set By the time the new issue hits natural treasure and we welcome everyone to meet their nocturnal neighbors. of proofreaders, Jane and Warren your mailbox or computer screen, the Bat Night 2010 is free and open to the public. Please bring a flashlight, Tisdale (who have been working on Flycatcher team is already getting a blanket to sit on and your own drinking water. Saturday, September 11, the Flycatcher since 1990s). ready for the next “flight”! at 5:30 p m in the Rillito riverbed, east of Campbell Avenue bridge. For more information on the Rillito River Project, please visit www.RillitoRiverProject.org.

4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Three New Important Bird Areas Approved! Inventory IBA bird surveys continue for Patagonia Mountains in September Scott Wilbor, IBA Program Conservation Biologist

The Arizona IBA Program’s Science Hummingbird, Abert’s Towhee, Committee met July 15, 2010 in Loggerhead Shrike, wintering

Phoenix at the Nina Mason Pulliam Brewer’s Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, and riffiths G M att photos Rio Salado Nature Center. IBA staff Sage Thrasher. Also recognized were B oth (Tucson Audubon and Audubon the upper and lower Sonoran Desert Arizona) presented nominations, outstanding vegetative communities data, maps, and other information and associated bird community for proposed Important Bird Areas assemblages. Key conservation Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (above) and (IBAs), for which we have been threats are desert landscape Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (right); sites where our “backcountry” IBA Team bird surveys compiling information and conducting habitat damage by immigrants, drug occurred in 2009 & 2010, which provided significant IBA surveys to collect bird population smugglers, and the U.S. Border Patrol new avian data resulting in the identification of the data. Tucson Audubon’s IBA Avian interdiction efforts through its off-road new Sonoran Desert Borderlands IBA. Science Initiative has coordinated vehicle travel. In this process of our bird data collection for IBA inventory bird survey efforts and nominations Sierra Madre Occidental have found Conservation-status bird species and monitoring since 2002. We are we developed new partnerships this habitat, and have spent time at that breed in this IBA include the pleased to announce that three of our with the National Park Service, U.S. the site, including: Sinaloan Wren, above two species, plus Red-naped four nominated areas were selected Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Rufous-capped Warbler, Plain- Sapsucker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, as Important Bird Areas. The number Department of Defense. capped Starthroat and Black-capped American Three-toed Woodpecker, of IBAs in Arizona now stands at Gnatcatcher. Key conservation issues Western Purple Martin, Flammulated 40; for more IBA information see Patagonia-Sonoita Creek are invasive plant species, re-creating Owl, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Virginia’s www.aziba.org (Arizona’s program Preserve IBA historical conditions for floodplain Warbler and Grace’s Warbler. The info) or www.audubon.org/bird/ Located between the Patagonia dynamics (to provide for the next site also is an outstanding habitat iba (site descriptions). It is through and Santa Rita mountains in a generation of riparian trees), Sacaton for an exceptionally diverse suite of this Audubon recognition that bird verdant floodplain valley, Sonoita grassland management, and cienega cavity-nesting birds (14 species). population conservation awareness Creek is a perennial stream in this conservation. We continue to have an Key conservation issues are climate is increased for these areas, and reach with dense riparian habitat excellent partnership with The Nature change (more severe and longer conservation/protection values for containing large, old cottonwoods, Conservancy in Arizona. drought duration) and an increased the recognized essential habitat Goodding willows, velvet mesquite, impact of herbivory by elk and other for these species is given scientific net-leaf hackberry, walnut, and ash. Mogollon Rim Snowmelt ungulates. We have developed peer support—both of which we Within this site a cienega (a rare Draws partnerships with the two National believe will lead to continued or southwestern wetland type) can be A series of northward-draining draws Forests encompassing this site. enhanced avian habitat stewardship found. The Nature Conservancy’s located on the Coconino and Apache- by the responsible land management Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Sitgreaves National Forests, all within IBA volunteers (or those with entities. Descriptions of three new is extremely important avian habitat 8 km of the edge of the Mogollon Rim previous bird survey program Arizona IBAs follow: supporting an exceptionally diverse in north-central Arizona, were also experience) are needed to help us assemblage of riparian-associated identified as a new IBA. The edge of continue our Patagonia Mountains Sonoran Desert Borderlands bird populations, and high densities the rim has a narrow band of moist bird population inventory studies IBA of nesting individuals of these vegetation (e.g., maple) associated this September 17–18 (primitive This largely intact, undeveloped, and populations. Overall 275 bird species with greater precipitation formed by camping). We will be in valleys, unfragmented, landscape-level IBA have been recorded. Certain species the upward deflection of air at the rim canyons, and on mountain trails encompasses Organ Pipe Cactus of conservation status breed and nest face. A long-term study (since 1986 by as we survey all birds in the area, National Monument, Cabeza Prieta within the preserve in very dense Dr. T. Martin, Univ. of Montana) of this with a focus on owls and Whip- National Wildlife Refuge (combining numbers and include: Gray Hawk, high-elevation riparian ecosystem and poor-wills (Friday night), Elegant two of our nominations), and the Sonoran Yellow Warbler, Lucy’s bird community has demonstrated the Trogons, Montezuma Quail and Barry M. Goldwater Range, East Warbler, Abert’s Towhee and Bell’s complex effects of climate impacts on Arizona Woodpecker among and West Units (pending military Vireo. Other species of conservation this ecosystem. The maple and aspen others (Saturday). Contact the acceptance). The new IBA was status, with smaller populations, groves in the draws offer important Tucson Audubon-IBA office, Scott recognized for Le Conte’s Thrasher also occur, including: Northern nesting habitat to a variety of bird or Jennie, 629-0510 ext. 7004 or (the population center for the United Beardless-Tyrannulet, Yellow-billed species. MacGillivray’s Warbler and 7005 to get signed up. Another States!), Gilded Flicker, Elf Owl, Cuckoo and Black-bellied Whistling- Red-faced Warbler in Arizona are IBA bird survey adventure is Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (one Duck. A Great Blue Heron rookery particularly dependent upon the maple likely in this remote and sparsely of the few remaining U.S. population has been present as well. In recent tree component of the vegetation explored range. centers), Bendire’s Thrasher, Costa’s years species from the southern community contained within this IBA.

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5 Tucson Audubon News Roundup Tucson Audubon’s Third Year of TogetherGreen Funding Blogging for Birds! Tucson Kendall Kroesen, Restoration and Urban Program Manager Audubon Launches Blog Tucson Audubon strives to excel in keeping our members informed of

current program activities and regional M urray B olesta K endall roesen conservation events. Our website, e-newsletters, Vermilion Flycatcher magazine and our Facebook page are chock-full of information that changes daily. Can you believe all of these outlets For the third year in a row Tucson still don’t convey the full range of Audubon is receiving TogetherGreen exciting and valuable work (and play!) funding from National Audubon to that we are up to? Well, now our new host a series of volunteer work days. Left: Girl Scouts remove giant reed along blog is up and running and ready to These work days are designed both to Sabino Creek. Right: Some tough fountain fill in the gaps and provide you with Visit the blog today and let us grasses to remove at Esperero Canyon confront local ecological issues and to even more coverage of the Tucson know what you think! recruit new volunteers and members Audubon community! blog.tucsonaudubon.org into the Audubon movement. National by pulling buffelgrass and helping Audubon’s TogetherGreen program is to clean up illegal target-shooting funded by Toyota. sites. We team up for this event Water for Natural Areas In the first two years of funding with Ironwood Forest National Tucson Audubon is now represented environment rather than to facilitate the volunteer days mostly involved Monument and Friends of Ironwood on a new advisory board to the new development. Kendall Kroesen removing invasive plants and picking Forest National Monument. If you’ve Conserve to Enhance (or is our representative on this board, up trash at a variety of sites including never visited IFNM, this is a great “C2E”) program. This group has and Kendall may also soon be the Esperanza Ranch conservation opportunity. representatives from a variety of non- serving on a board—not yet officially easement, Sabino Creek, and October 9, 8 a m –noon profit organizatons, the University constituted—that addresses how the Esperero Canyon. Tree Planting at Atturbury Wash of Arizona, government agencies, Tucson area can protect groundwater In the third year we will be We partner with a neighborhood and other community interests that resources. These are still on overdraft expanding to new sites and more association and The Local Trust to are working to shape and implement in spite of our use of Colorado River tasks. Please consider coming to one plant trees and sequester carbon the Conserve to Enhance concept water. An Arizona Department of or more of the volunteer work days, dioxide at the Atturbury-Lyman Bird developed by the university’s Water Water Resources report shows and please bring along friends who and Animal Sanctuary along Atturbury Resources Research Center. The that it is unlikely the Tucson Active have not volunteered before! Wash at Lincoln Regional Park. We idea is to create a mechanism that Management Area will reach the 1980 To sign up and get directions to will build small rainwater harvesting assures people that if they conserve Groundwater Management Act’s “safe any of these events, call Kendall at basins in which to plant the trees. water, that water will go to the yield” goal by the target date of 2025. (520) 971-2385. Come see how it is done!

September 11, 8 a m –noon October 23, 8 a m –noon Fountain Grass Removal at Fountain Grass Removal at Flycatching Around the World Esperero Canyon Tanque Verde Creek Corporate volunteers recruited This is National Make a Difference Tucson Audubon volunteers Hyatt through a United Way program will Day! This year we will remove Simpson and Daryl Herman have help remove invasive fountain grass fountain grass—a major riparian been exploring the United States and at Tucson Audubon’s property in invader—on Tanque Verde Creek. Canada this entire summer in their RV Esperero Canyon. We will probably The creek is being considered for “Roadzilla.” This is a new need some extra help! Come see this Important Bird Area designation. adventure for them and dramatic canyon located between Come help us be stewards of this their two sidekick cats, Ventana and Sabino Canyons. important riparian area! Digger and Chloe. Always ready to garner support September 25, 8 a m –noon December 4, 8 a m –noon for their favorite non-profit Buffelgrass Removal and Robb Wash Cleanup group, they’ve been sharing Cleanup at Ironwood Forest Help us help the community around the Vermilion Flycatcher National Monument Robb Wash clean up an important throughout the trip. See you This is National Public Lands Day! wash and riparian area. Save the soon, Hyatt and Daryl. Help us celebrate our public lands date—more details to come.

6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Volunteer News Roundup VOLUNTEER OF THE Month Becky Aparicio, Volunteer Coordinator Robert Merideth has served on the Tucson Audubon board of directors New Volunteers roster of dedicated folks who stopped since 2002. He is editor in chief at Jennie Duberstein—Youth Birding in to help with some time. the UA’s Udall Center for Studies in Dennis LeBlond—Restoration Save the Date Public Policy. He began birding in Olga Harbour—Mailing Volunteer Orientation 1987 (on a winter trip to Tucson), is Happy New Year! Wednesday, September 29, 9:30 a m – an intermediate birder, and keeps This month begins Tucson Audubon’s 11:30 a m . All current and prospective a life list (about 1200). For seven new fiscal year, and with it a volunteers are invited to attend. years he has been a member of the mixture of memories of the past and Meet the staff of Tucson Audubon, Birdathon team, AveVentura. anticipation for the future. More learn about their programs and enjoy than 300 active Tucson Audubon some morning refreshments. The reason I volunteer for Tucson

volunteers have given us nearly Meg Quinn, author and volunteer Audubon is quite simple: I have l IZ p AYNE 10,000 hours of assistance. Eight of program coordinator for Pima County benefited in many ways from these volunteers give time in three Natural Resources, Parks and the time and effort others have Sweetwater Wetlands, or helping on or more departments, and 32 divide Recreation will be our special guest contributed before me to various an IBA count (with Jean and Mark their help in two departments. We speaker. Meg has been a long-time nonprofit and community groups. Hengesbaugh). We also like to bird couldn’t complete our work without member of Tucson Audubon and will So it’s just a matter of me doing in the back garden of Liz’s mother, you. Many thanks to Liz Harrison and present a program on birds, butterflies my fair share to keep that chain Jean Payne, near Sabino Canyon, Rick Edwards for their hard work at and plants. RSVP to Becky: 629-0510 of volunteerism connected and where we see plenty of raptors and this year’s Southwest Wings Birding x7011 or 760-7881. energized. hummingbirds. But the annual Birdathon is the and Nature Festival. Eight volunteers Volunteer Needs I’m amazed at all the great best excuse for me to get out birding and six staff members completed the Living with Nature Lecture Series: things Tucson Audubon’s talented locally. Each spring I look forward Two volunteers are needed to greet and dedicated staff is doing, and to spending the day outdoors with and sign in guests for this series which it’s pretty easy to find a way to help Liz, our teammates (Linda Stitzer, begins in September 2010 and runs them and to have fun, too. Kathy Jacobs, Susan Randolph, and through May 2011. Contact Becky: But, the best thing about serving Richard Fray), and the 100 or more 629-0510 x7011 or 760-7881, or email on the board is that that’s how I bird species we typically see. [email protected]. met my wife, Liz Payne, who is also a board member and was named The dream birding trip for Liz Invasive Species Removal: volunteer of the month in March and me will be to Australia and September 11 and 25, October 9 and 2009. So I am honored to be able to New Zealand. But in the meantime, 23. Removal of invasive species is an Volunteers extraordinaire, Rick Edwards follow in her footsteps and to learn there’s plenty of fine birding to do and Liz Harrison, at Southwest Wings. ongoing necessity as is trash removal from her. in southern Arizona. And plenty on our public lands. Kendall Kroesen We try to go birding each week, of good volunteer work to do for is looking for many hands to work in whether it’s up Mt. Lemmon, around Tucson Audubon. Esperero Canyon, Ironwood Forest National Monument and Atturbury Wash. What a satisfying way to enjoy fall’s cooler temperatures and be an environmental activist as well. Contact Welcome new members! Kendall at 629-0510 x7006 or email:

B oth photos ecky A paricio Bill Amundsen, Judi Lynn Anderson, Kim Baker, Yvonne Bir, Michael Marcee Sherrill, volunteer, modeling the [email protected]. See Bookman, Gayle and Barham Bratton, Jefferson Carter, John and Jamie latest KOWA scope at Southwest Wings. p 6 for details. Davenport, Barbara Domnick-Price, Kyle Elliott and Marcia Paris, Fermin Garcia, Jr., Joanne Garver, Carol Gawrychowski and Julie Miller, Stan Granger, Gary Gustafson and Donna Marchinetti, Michael Hall, Sharon Happy Birthday! Hickey, Jan Hilton, Carter Matthew Hyde, Loisanne Keller, Allen and Margaret Kienitz, Donald and Theda Kret, Lisette LeCorgne, Kathleen McBride, Beth Best wishes to our September birthday members: Susan Morgan, Bill and Tricia Pohnert, Elain Powers, Louis Prawitz, Bob and Birky, Matt Brooks, Carrie Dean, Jane Erikson, Eng-Li Green, Chris McVie, Christina Morse, Mary Jo and Bruce Radell, Warren Resell, Jarrod Schrader, Doug McVie, Neal Patronsky, Brad Paxton, Lorel Picciurro, Peggy Smith, Constance Sharp, Flory Simon, Rita Smalling, Kenyon and Sally Stebbins, Brian Walsh, Brian Walker, Marion Weber, Bob Wenrick, and Scott Wilbor. Kent Taylor, Susan Waters, Trudi Wieduwilt and Nancy Wieduwilt, Margaret Wilch, Bill Willmering, David Wootten family Best wishes to our October birthday members: Rosie Bennett, John Donoghue, Patricia Monahan, Kathy Olmstead, Barb Schneidau, David West, Trudi WELCOME NEW BIRDS & BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEMBERS Wieduwilt, and Gary Wilson. R. W. Morse Company as a Copper Level member VF Tucson Audubon wishes to thank Michelle Bourgeois and Jean Barchman for their donation to the birthday fund. Jean Barchman, Membership Coordinator

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7 Tucson Audubon Events Calendar September 1 & 4. Specialty Events and Classes Workshop: Warblers (details pull-out p 1) Tucson Audubon’s Living with Nature Lecture Series September 8 & 11. Specialty Workshop: Flycatchers (details pull- Tucson Living with amenities of pick-up trucks with the copies of his latest book, Birds of out p 1) Nature Lecture Series / changing outputs and roles of wildlife Southeastern Arizona (covering September 10–11. Go Batty (details Member Meetings agencies, some understandings all of the regularly occurring birds pull-out p 3) DuVal Auditorium, NE section of the of wildlife agencies like Game and in this area as well as all of the September 11. Rillito Bat Night University Medical Center Bldg. 501 Fish can be illuminated. Join us as Mexican specialties) which will be (details p 4) N Campbell Ave. Program begins at we kick off the 2010/2011 lecture available for sale before and after the September 11. Fountain Grass 7 p m , second Monday of each month series with a timely presentation presentation. removal, Esperero Canyon (details p 6) September through May. by Bob Hernbrode, recently-retired October 16 • Green Valley Chair of the Arizona Game and Fish September 13. Living With Nature Landscaping for Wildlife lecture (Tucson): A Case for Parallel Green Valley Living Commission, who will share his and Sustainability Evolution of Pick-up Trucks and with Nature Lecture Series thoughts on caring for wildlife, and Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N with Kendall Kroesen State Wildlife Agencies with Bob the present and future role of the Hernbrode (details left) La Canada Dr. 594-5295. Program Local populations of many bird AZGFD. September 15. Wild & Scenic begins at 10 am, third Saturday of species are in decline, but the October 11 • Tucson Environmental Film Festival On each month October through May. Tucson Bird Count and other Tour, Loft Cinema (details p 20) Mexican Marauders: Contact Jean Barchman, 622-5622 university research, showing how September 16 & October 21. Birds Arizona’s Next Wave or jbarchman@tucsonaudubon. these species are distributed around & Beer, Sky Bar of Avian Arrivals org for more information or visit our area, have begun to suggest September 17–18. IBA Patagonia with Richard Cachor Taylor tucsonaudubon.org. specific landscape characteristics Mountains survey (details p 5) Southeastern Arizona is one that determine presence or absence. September 23. Nature By Night, September 13 • Tucson of the most exciting regions for Just as a landscaping revolution Mason Center (details pull-out p 3) birding in North America, with such previously replaced lawns with September 25. Buffelgrass removal, beauties as Elegant Trogon and xeriscapes and sprinklers with Ironwood Forest National Monument Five-striped Sparrow occurring drip irrigation, a new revolution is (details p 6) regularly nowhere else north of the necessary to replace sparse, rocky September 29. Volunteer Mexican border. Recent incursions “zeroscapes” with lusher native Orientation (details p 7) of Mexican birds have delighted landscapes that can provide food, October 11. Living With Nature the entire U.S. birding community. shelter and nesting opportunities for lecture (Tucson): Mexican Among the most glamorous have birds, and resources for other small Marauders with Rick Taylor (details left) been Rufous-capped Warbler and animals. October 6–November 12. Tucson A Case for Parallel Flame-colored Tanager. What will What steps can you take to Audubon Naturalists training be the next Mexican stray to follow attract birds and other wildlife Evolution of Pick-up Trucks (details pull-out p 2) and State Wildlife Agencies the watercourses and ridgelines to your yard? What ecological October 9. Tree planting, Atturbury with Bob Hernbrode straddling the border? (Perhaps issues can be addressed through Wash (details p 6) Great Black-Hawk, White-striped sustainable landscaping? How can The first years of the 20th century October 13–November 10. Moving saw the first pick-up trucks on the Woodcreeper, Mountain Trogon, or we reconcile the needs of people to Mastery class (details pull-out p 1) Elegant Euphonia?) with the needs of wildlife in the road and the beginnings of western October 16. Living With Nature wildlife agencies. Since then, the Author, tour leader, and expert places we live and work? Kendall lecture (Green Valley): Landscaping ways in which Americans perceive birder Rick Taylor will share his top Kroesen, Tucson Audubon’s Habitat for Wildlife and Sustainability with and use wildlife and wild places has picks, plus tips on identifying some Restoration & Urban Sustainability Kendall Kroesen (details left) changed dramatically. These uses possible avian invaders from south of Program manager, will answer these October 23. Fountain Grass and perceptions continue to evolve. the border. Join us for a fun evening questions and more as he covers the removal, Tanque Verde Wash (details p 6) By comparing the uses, users and of fantasy birding! Rick will sign basics of “naturescaping”. October 30. Bugging Out, Mason Center (details pull-out p2) December 4. Robb Wash cleanup (details p 6) November 12 & 13. IBA Bird Monitoring Workshop for S. Arizona & W. Arizona IBAs (details at aziab.org) November 11–14. Audubon Chapters’ Learning Conference (details p 21). VF G reater R oadrunner and L esser | ick T aylor P hainopepla | D oris E vans

8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 southeast Arizona Habitat Types Identification of Sea of Cortez–like Habitats in Southeast Arizona

Rick Taylor A ll photos R ick T aylor Left and right: Avocets, curlews, and Wilson’s Phalaropes at Lake Cochise in Willcox. Middle: Elegant Tern at Lakeside Park.

Roger Tory Peterson famously appearance at Tucson’s Lakeside Park. Expansive shallows are necessary to jabbed his portraits of birds with needles Not all Elegant Tern records in accommodate a gawky juvenile Reddish to indicate key features essential for southeast Arizona come from the greater Egret’s startle-and-chase hunting style. identification. Biogeographical affinities Tucson area. In 2001 another Elegant The list goes on. can be highlighted in similar ways, Tern dipped into the Whitewater Draw Locations: Fortunately, most of although the arrows might shift on the Wildlife Area north of Douglas a few those microhabitats exist at one or map, since some are actually living birds. days after the appearance of the Avra more of southeastern Arizona’s major In southeastern Arizona there are Valley bird, and in 2009 Elegant Terns impoundments. Look for fishing species physical components that identify all of were simultaneously discovered at like Ospreys at Tucson’s Agua Caliente our biogeographical regions. Topography Patagonia Lake and the Benson sewage Park, Peña Blanca Lake, and Patagonia and plant communities are as important ponds a day before they showed up at Lake near Nogales. It’s an understatement in determining the ecology of a landscape Lakeside Park. This year this species to say shorebirds flock to Avra Valley as bill, wing, and foot shape are in placing has already appeared at Patagonia Lake, Ponds and Lake Cochise at Willcox. The birds into the correct family. But no field as well as 100 miles north in the greater tropical herons usually show up in ponds character is more critical than the species Phoenix area. and lakes with reeds or trees on the of birds that either live in or visit an area. From Least through Caspian, in truth banks, such as Patagonia Lake or even Birds: For me no bird evokes the any tern in southeast Arizona probably Reid Park in Tucson, while a vagrant Sea of Cortez more than an Elegant originates from the Sea of Cortez. Terns Reddish Egret is more apt to be found at Tern. With over 90 percent of the world’s have prodigious powers of flight. So, of a body of water lacking significant cover, Elegant Tern population breeding on course, do almost all shorebirds. Before such as Tucson’s Lakeside Park. the desert salt pan of little Isla Raza arriving here most of our shorebirds fatten The 700-mile-long arm of the Sea of in the Midriff Islands, the species is up on the beaches and estuaries of what Cortez lies almost due south of Arizona nearly endemic. In May of 2001 I had many marine ecologists consider the and only 50 miles south of the border at the very good fortune to visit Isla Raza richest gulf in the world. For these birds, its nearest approach. The northern apex and personally witness the spectacle too, a few-hundred-mile flight across the of this remarkable gulf is at almost exactly of 200,000 birds almost paving the flat waterless Sonoran Desert is probably not the same latitude as Green Valley. For a surface of the island’s interior. To this much of a stretch, especially if they’re disoriented Elegant Tern winging north day it’s easy to recall that writhing, en route to potholes on the north slope across the desert, the scattered little screeching, living blanket of white—ringed of Alaska. The majority of Arizona’s reservoirs that dot the broad valleys of and besieged by a dark perimeter of shorebirds are also emblematic of the southeastern Arizona must look almost hungry Heermann’s Gulls. Sea of Cortez. as familiar—and as welcoming—as its Two months later I found a lone Habitats: Just as on the Sea of Cortez, birthplace on nearby Isla Raza. VF Elegant Tern at the Avra Valley Ponds microhabitats abound at our desert oases. west of Tucson. Just seeing that single Brown Pelicans and Ospreys prefer lakes See Rick Taylor in Tucson (details p 8)! bird brought back the whole Isla Raza with fish; Snowy and Black-bellied Plovers experience. There had been two previous like alkaline flats; Marbled Godwits and Rick Taylor is Managing Director of Borderland records over a decade earlier from the old, Long-billed Curlews require soft deep Tours www.borderland-tours.com. His new long-since-emptied wastewater treatment mud for probing; Tricolored and Little Blue photographic field guide, Birds of Southeastern pond off Camino del Cerro. More Herons want estuarine-like conditions with Arizona, has just been released (see p 27 for recently, in 2009, Elegant Terns put in an water-edge vegetation for concealment. a review).

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9 Where to Go, Birds to See Take A Seat Rick Wright

It happened again last Saturday. That’s the idea behind the “Big Sit,” Rained out of California Gulch, our friend a venerable birding game recently Lori and I had stood on the shores of institutionalized as an international Peña Blanca Lake for a little over an hour, fundraising event. And it’s the idea admiring the usual feathered wonders of behind the informal puddlewatch, monsoon time. one of my favorite ways to spend an But no grebes: The torrent crashing autumn afternoon in southeast Arizona. down Peña Blanca wash had swept their Sit quietly, watch carefully, and you’ll brand-new nest away, and the birds discover more than you ever thought was themselves must have left in despair. out there. J im & D eva B urns , www .J P hotos . com As we turned to follow suit, there was It helps, of course, to tilt the odds by Results from recent Atascosa Highlands Christmas Counts suggest that birders should be on the lookout for movement in the muck—and two Least choosing your spot well. Birders know rarities such as Red-breasted Sapsucker. Grebes emerged from their hiding place to take advantage of the “edge effect,” beneath the overhanging willow branches. which concentrates birds where two or is often dry, but even when it isn’t Ask any birder and she’ll tell you story more habitat types meet; especially here flowing it exercises an irresistible pull after story of birds that showed up at the in Arizona, making sure that one of those on southbound migrants in search of an last minute. Or worse, story after story habitats is a wet one vastly increases oasis. The steep, thorny hillsides above of birds that showed up just after the last your chance of success. Ponds and lakes the wash contribute another, different minute, when all but the die-hardest had such as those at Agua Caliente Park or suite of avian possibilities, and someday, trudged back to the cars. It happens too Sweetwater Wetlands, streams and rivers someday, a lucky sitter is going to record often to be just coincidence, doesn’t it? at such sites as the Tubac bridge or the a Five-striped Sparrow or an even rarer The strategy the ambitious birder must Dudleyville crossing of the San Pedro, “Mexican” specialty there, just a few yards adopt is obvious. marshes and puddles at Arivaca and off the pavement. Never leave. Sonoita: taking a quiet perch on the edge Farther east, Ruby Road beyond Patience is the birder’s prime virtue, at any of these locations will produce a Arivaca Lake (itself another good site for and it stands to reason that the infinitely good combination of desert birds, aquatic a sit) crosses several cottonwood-lined patient birder will see infinitely many species, and transients. washes, all of which can be attractive birds. Practically speaking, it may be All of those sites are well known to birds on their fall migration and all difficult to linger at a promising spot and obvious, but Arizona is full of of which play host to a good variety of forever—even birders are subject to the localities that haven’t made it onto the resident birds. The results from recent inconvenient laws of physiology—but time ornithopilgrimage route—but still promise Atascosa Highlands Christmas Counts, and again the principle proves itself: the a great experience for the seated birder. which cover many of these areas, suggest longer you wait, the more you’re likely The well-treed wash below Sasabe, that birders should be on the lookout for to see. just this side of the border crossing, rarities, too, from Crested Caracara to Red-breasted Sapsucker. Rarities, by definition, can occur anywhere, and so can a productive session of seated birding. My current favorite? My own yard, where a Western Tanager has just flashed past my chair and a family of Verdins is scouring the hackberries in search of whom they might devour. It may not be a big sit, but it’s a comfortable one, and one I can repeat every day—and without worrying about the birds that show up just after the last minute. VF

Rick Wright ([email protected]) is Editor and Senior Leader at WINGS Bird Tours. He lives

V ivian M ac K innon in Tucson and in Vancouver, BC, with his wife, Linger longer and discover the unexpected on a group big sit (Agua Caliente Park) or a solo puddlewatch. Alison, and their chocolate Lab, Gellert.

10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 What’s in a Name?

Interesting stories about birds with interesting ­names Cedar Waxwing

Larry Liese

As the cooler months arrive one of them are quickly overwhelmed by flocks the much enjoyed bird species we look over a certain size. forward to seeing is the Cedar Waxwing Have you ever seen drunken waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum). These beautifully strung out on a wire, tipping over and plumaged birds seem to arrive suddenly even hanging upside down? I myself have in flocks adorning the tops of small trees not, but have been told by those who like Christmas ornaments. Their silky- have that it’s quite a funny sight. Not so looking plumage with colored accents funny is that individuals sometimes fall makes them a fun find on any birding and are mortally wounded upon colliding outing. Closely related to the silky-flycatchers, waxwings are medium-sized birds of open Have you ever seen Mark Sharon woods, hedgerows, and orchards. They drunken waxwings eat berries year-round, supplemented by strung out on a wire, as the birds age. The same pigments insects in summer when more available, tipping over and even also produce red or yellow coloration in the feathers of other birds such as House and as a protein source when feeding hanging upside down? young. These birds breed very late Finches and Northern Cardinals, but no in the year to match the availability of other bird sequesters the pigments in summer-ripening fruits. Non-territorial with the ground. Studies have shown such a concentrated manner as the tips of and quite social, they are almost that the birds should be able to detect these waxwing feathers. Other carotenoid always seen in flocks that can number that individual berries have fermented, so pigments color the tail tips yellow; but with hundreds to thousands of individuals. they’ve only themselves to blame! the introduction of plants such as non- This strategy works well as fruit sources The scientific name of the Cedar native honeysuckles, if consumed at the are often abundant when found, and Waxwing (Bombycilla right time the birds will have more orange territorial birds such as cedrorum), comes from tail-tips. mockingbirds Latin or Greek “bombyx” So—where to see a flock of these guarding meaning “silk,” and an beautiful birds? They are nomadic and erroneous use of cilla irruptive by nature, and will be seen on for “tail,” as a former most any winter outing some years, yet common name for be quite hard to find in others. Keep your this bird was “Silk tail.” eyes open for stretches of trees and The Latin suffix illa is the bushes with good berry crops, and look feminine diminutive form, so for the birds right in the tip-top branches the more proper choice would of the tree. I usually notice them as two have been caudam (in use or three individuals fly in and land, quickly cauda). The Latin cedrorum followed by more. I’ve seen them leave “of the cedars” pertains to an area in the same manner—a small the bird’s partiality to the group taking the lead as they move out, berries of the eastern with others taking their time to follow and redcedar. rejoining as a flock in midair. If I’m trying The descriptive to make a quick identification, I look for “waxwing” is used for the yellow tail tips if they’re moving and G eorge W est the bright red coloring their crests if they’re perched. Also listen of the bare shafts of for their high-pitched whistling calls to the tips of some of the find them. Two places I’ve seen them secondary wing feathers repeatedly are Catalina State Park and which resembles the the fruiting trees around the railroad color of sealing wax. They tracks in Continental. Take a look there are colored by carotenoid sometime this winter and maybe you’ll pigments from the birds’ encounter some. Good luck! VF diet and increase in number

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11 Sustaining Bird Populations Ash-throated Flycatcher Rachel McCaffrey and Riparian Areas

In my previous articles, I’ve focused on how individual homeowners can help native birds by doing things like planting thorn trees and cacti, and generally

encouraging R obert S hantz Above: Ash-throated Flycatcher; below top to bottom: Ladder- Ash-throated Flycatchers are part of the Myiarchus native backed Woodpecker and Bewick’s Wren, two species that compete with Ash-throated Flycatchers for nest cavities. genus in the Tyrant Flycatcher family. While Ash-throated vegetation. Flycatchers are the most common member of the These actions can have a big impact in Myiarchus genus found in Tucson, we also have Brown- sustaining birds that are closely linked to habitat crested and the much rarer Dusky-capped Flycatchers. features that occur at this small, backyard While differing in size and some field marks, these birds scale; but it turns out that there is another group can be very difficult to tell apart and often can only be

of species that requires action at a broader A

l definitively identified by their vocalizations! a

n level. Among these birds is the Ash-throated

D

.

W Flycatcher, which responds particularly strongly

i

l s o to one of our most important broad-scale cavities are limited by the number of trees and

n

,

w w landscape features—riparian washes. shrubs with branches or trunks thick enough to w

. n In fact, when controlling for all other factors, serve as substrates (though saguaro cacti are a t u r the number of nearby washes explained 42 a popular substitute!), and suitable plants like e s p ic per cent of the variation in these flycatchers’ willows, cottonwoods, hackberry, desert willow, s o n lin occurrence among sites in residential areas of and mesquite tend to be clustered along washes. e.c om Tucson, and this was more important than any Typically, as the number of washes in an area other factor at any scale. While Ash-throated increases, the amount of riparian vegetation Flycatchers can be found in a variety of habitats, increases, and there are more nest cavities including desert scrub, higher densities are available. It should be noted that competition

J for these cavities can be fierce and, in addition

a typically found in riparian areas. When you m

e s consider what we know about the nesting to within-species struggles, there are records

P r u requirements for this species, this relationship of Ash-throated Flycatchers clashing with d e n t Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Bewick’s Wrens, e makes sense. Ash-throated Flycatchers are secondary cavity nesters, which means that and European Starlings for access to nesting they rely mainly on other birds (in our area, cavities. In my research, there was a direct, chiefly Gila Woodpeckers and Gilded Flickers) to linear relationship between the number of excavate nest cavities, which they then occupy washes present in an area and the chances of once abandoned. In the Sonoran Desert, nest detecting an Ash-throated Flycatcher at a site

12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Continued on p 13… Tucson Audubon’s Education Programs • 2010 / 2011

Cost: $110 per course for members; $145 per Delivering Top Quality Education Programs course for non members, includes membership Tucson Audubon’s Education Program strives to bring top quality educational activities Contact: education@tucsonaudubon. to its members and the general public. Each year we seek to offer a diversity of classes, org; 629-0510 x7012 workshops, the lecture series in Tucson and Green Valley, programs at the Mason Center, Birding by Ear and other events to engage the community. We continue to add new activities and hope you An opportunity to hone your will peruse this pullout and take part in a great new experience. These listings are subject identification skills based on to change. Please check out the education page on the Tucson Audubon website at www. vocalizations! An evening session tucsonaudubon.org for more details and contact the person listed with any questions. followed by a Saturday field trip, this course is limited to 10 with preference given to former Moving to Mastery students. Registration LIFELONG BIRDING Intermediate required. Instructor: Homer Hansen When: Class session is SERIES Moving to Mastery Wednesday, May 4, 6-9 This course is designed for adults with some pm; Field trip TBD Beginners birding experience and skills. Over a period Where: Class session held at the of 5 weeks, learn to identify some of the more Historic Y; Field trip TBD Friday Morning Birdwalks difficult species groups, how to use technical Cost: $125 for members; $175 for non members reference works, understand bird topography, Learn the very basics of birdwatching and how Contact: education@tucsonaudubon. and other detailed topics. This class will launch to identify the backyard birds commonly seen in org; 629-0510 x7012 the Tucson area. A brief presentation is followed your birding knowledge onto a new plane! by a slow stroll around the ½-mile trail at the Course includes 5/ 3-hour class sessions Mason Center. No reservations required. and 4 field trips taught by expert birder,

Homer Hansen. Registration required. C ommon Y ellowthroat | J im B urns When: Every Friday! September & April-May: LIVING WITH NATURE 7:30–9 am, October-March: 8–9:30 am (We When: Class sessions are Wednesdays, P Special Special 4-page hope to offer Saturday walks soon. Check October 13-November 10, 6-9 pm. Field trips LECTURE SERIES ull-Out the Tucson Audubon website for updates.) are Saturdays, October 16-November 6, 7 am. This series takes place in Tucson and Green Where: Tucson Audubon Mason Center, SW Where: Classes held at the Historic Valley, serving as the monthly Tucson Audubon Corner of Thornydale and Hardy Roads Y. Field trip locations TBD meetings for each location. Each program features a slideshow presentation on birding or local Cost: FREE! Cost: $250 for members; $285 for nonmembers, includes membership ecological topics. This is also a great opportunity Special 4-page Contact: [email protected]; 971-6238

to hear about upcoming events and issues with P

Contact: [email protected]; ull-Out Tucson Audubon and to meet and mingle with 629-0510 x7012 Beyond Backyard Birding other members! No reservations required. Learn your backyard birds and more and all Specialty Workshops about the diverse and beautiful birdwatching Tucson These individual workshops focus on options of southeastern Arizona. We’ll address When: 2nd Monday of every month, identification details of specific birding groups. how to separate birds by habitat, seasonal September–May, 7–9 pm occurrence and behavior, as well as identification Each workshop is comprised of a Wednesday Where: UMC DuVal Auditorium, NE by field marks and vocalization. Course evening classroom session followed by a section of UMC, 501 N. Campbell Ave. includes 3/ 2-hour classroom sessions and Saturday field trip. Each course is limited to 2 half-day field trips taught by expert birder, 10, with preference given to former Moving to Cost: Free Lynn Hassler. Registration required. Mastery students. Registration required. Contact: [email protected]; When: Class sessions are Wednesdays, Warblers: September 1 & 4. 629-0510 x7009 January 12, 19 & 26, time TBD. Field Instructor: Homer Hansen Topics: 9/13—Bob Hernbrode, “Pick-up Trucks trips are Saturdays, January 15 & 22 Flycatchers: September 8 &11. and State Wildlife Agencies” • 10/11—Rick Where: Classes held at Instructor: Homer Hansen Taylor, “Mexican Marauders” • 11/8—Anne the Mason Center. Field R ed - tailed H awk | D oris E vans Sparrows: January 26 & 29. Peyton of Liberty Wildlife • 12/13—Jennie trip locations TBD Instructor: Homer Hansen Duberstein, “Youth Birding” and Holiday Potluck • 1/10—Sally Johnson, “Ecuador: Andean Cost: $135 for members; Raptors: February 2 & 5. Adventure” • 2/14—TBD • 3/14—Jim Cornett, $185 for nonmembers Instructor: Homer Hansen “Roadrunners: Almost Human” • 4/11—John Contact: education@ Ducks and Geese: February 16 & Alcock, “Sonoran Desert Seasons” • 5/9—TBD tucsonaudubon.org; 19. Instructor: Larry Liese 629-0510 x7012 When: All classes held 6-9pm; Field trip times TBD Green Valley Where: Class sessions held at the When: Third Saturday of each Historic Y; Field trip locations TBD month, October–March, 10 am Where: Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N. La Canada Dr. Cost: Free Contact: [email protected]; 629-0510 x7009 Topics: 10/16—Kendall Kroesen “Landscapes for Wildlife & Sustainability” • 11/20 Homer Hansen “Winter Birding in Southeast Arizona” • 12/18— TBD• 1/15—TBD • 2/19—TBD • 3/19—TBD

¬ For up-to-date information, visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/education.html ¬ 1 Tucson Audubon’s Education Programs • 2010 / 2011 SONORAN DESERT ECOLOGY PROGRAMS 41st Annual Institute of Desert Ecology S ara P ike Join other nature enthusiasts and local experts during a four-day outdoor learning experience focusing on Sonoran Desert ecosystems. Classes and activities emphasize the dynamic relationships among birds and other animals, plants, and the physical elements of the desert. The Institute takes

place at Catalina State Park in S ara P ike the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. Registration is When: 4th Saturday of each month required and the cost includes park entrance Cost: Free fee, camping fee, instruction, and all meals from Thursday breakfast to Sunday lunch. Contact: kkroesen@tucsonaudubon. org; 629-0510x7006 Where: Catalina State Park *An additional option for youth birding is When: Thursday, April 27–Sunday, May 1, 2010 provided by Sunnyside School District’s Student Cost: $425 for members; $460 for Urban Naturalists in conjunction with Tucson nonmembers, includes membership Audubon at Sweetwater Wetlands, located just Contact: [email protected]; west of the Aufmuth car dealer on Sweetwater 629-0510 x7012 Drive. This event, called Sweetwater Wetlands

M att G riffiths Family Outings, takes place the 1st Saturday Tucson Audubon Naturalist of each month. Contact Deborah Vath at animals, and a whole lot of fun at this event! The [email protected] or 490-4835 Training D oris E vans festival takes place in the morning. An evening music event, the Ironwood Jam, takes place later Bugging Out! in the day, with food, drink, music and dancing! Come to the Mason Center Where: Mason Center to see John Rhodes from the When: Saturday, May 7, 8 am–12 noon. Sonoran Arthropod Studies The Jam takes place 6–9 pm. Institute present live, cuddly, ull-Out P Cost: The Ironwood Festival is Free! The creepy, exciting bugs from

Special 4-pageSpecial Jam is $8 in advance, $10 at the gate the Sonoran Desert and the Contact: [email protected]; 971-6238 tropical rainforests of the world. Bugging Out has 25 live arthropod exhibits, many of them hands-on. Our D oris E vans arthropods include millipedes, centipedes, Become a trained volunteer Naturalist for YOUTH PROGRAMS tarantulas, vinegaroons, scorpions, walking sticks, Tucson Audubon Society and help us lead beetles, aquatic arthropods and praying mantises. education programs, research projects and Tucson Audubon Young Birders And just in time for Halloween—an Arthropod more! Trainees will learn all components of Costume Contest! No reservations required. Sonoran Desert Ecology and be taught how to Where: Mason Center present this information in various public forums When: Saturday, October 30, 9 am–12 noon including Mason Center programs, schools and neighborhood associations. Naturalists must Cost: Free commit to 40 hours per year of education program Contact: [email protected]; 971-6238 volunteer service for a minimum of 2 years. Where: Mason Center Smile with a Reptile! When: Wednesdays and Fridays, October It’s hot and the reptiles love 6–November 10, 10 am–2 pm it! Visit the Mason Center Cost: $180 for members; $215 for and encounter snakes, nonmembers, includes membership lizards, tortoises and even For kids 8 to 18 years old with an interest a Gila monster with local Contact: [email protected]; herpetologists explaining their 629-0510 x7012 in birds and birding! These structured and unstructured learning situations and birding ecological importance in the Sonoran Desert. Activities, trail Ironwood Festival 2011 field trips augment students’ formal education by connecting kids to nature using birds as the walks and more educational fun Tucson Audubon’s annual education festival focus. Half-day birding field trips led by adult will make this a great way to enjoy a features fascinating programs for adults and great mentors are scheduled on the 4th Saturday of warm Saturday morning! No reservations required. hands-on activities for kids and the young-at-heart. each month. Children must be accompanied by Where: Mason Center A variety of local nature-advocacy groups come an adult. Check the website for specific locations When: Saturday, April 16, 9 am–12 noon together under the blooming ironwood trees to and trip leaders. No reservations required. Cost: Free celebrate the uniqueness of the Sonoran Desert, Where: Various locations in the Tucson area its plants and its critters. Expect trail walks, live Contact: [email protected]; 971-6238

2 ¬ Visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/education.html for full updated details and Signup information for all our Education Programs ¬ Tucson Audubon’s Education Programs • 2010 / 2011 RESOURCES FOR Go Batty! Sandhill Cranes Excursion Come watch nectar-eating bats gorge at Observe in style the amazing spectacle of EDUCATORS hummingbird feeders as they prepare to thousands of Sandhill Cranes flocking to migrate south. Enjoy a light repast and view Whitewater Draw Preserve Resource Kits bats, using infrared imaging, literally attacking from their feeding grounds. Tucson Audubon offers a variety of resource kits the feeders after dark. Presented by Dr. This educational excursion for teachers and other education professionals Ronnie Sidner of the University of Arizona. doubles as an elegantly to check out for their education programs, free of Where: Dr. John Madden’s house, Tucson catered affair with breakfast, charge. Most of these kits are geared for kids in or Linda Pfister’s house, Nogales lunch, and afternoon wine with treats. Experts will lead 1st through 6th grades, but they may be adapted When: Tucson—Friday, September 10, 6:30 pm; small groups around the for other ages. Kits are reserved on a first-come, Nogales—Saturday, September 11, 6:30 pm preserve watching the cranes first-served basis and may be checked out for Cost: $30 for members; $45 for nonmembers up to 2 weeks at a time. Advanced reservations and looking for other wildlife. Contact: [email protected] are recommended. Educators are responsible for Where: Whitewater Draw repairing/ replacing lost or damaged materials. When: Saturday, Landscaping for Wildlife and February 12, all day Available Kits Sustainability—Introduction and Tour Cost: $75 per person, includes Hands-on Materials Only: transportation and food Learn about what makes urban and Binoculars Contact: [email protected]; suburban landscapes sustainable and 629-0510 x7002 Bird Specimens friendly to wildlife. Tour several examples Bird Nests of landscapes that meet these criteria. Saturday Morning at the Hands-on Materials and Curriculum: When: Class is Thursday, January 27, 6–9 pm. Mason Center Tour is Saturday, January 29, 8 am–12 noon Desert Birding in Arizona with Success in the Northwest! Tools and a Focus on Urban Birds* Where: Tucson Audubon Library Methods for Community Organization Arthropod Adventures Cost: $110 Listen to the tales of successful grassroots Bats Contact: [email protected], conservation efforts in northwest Tucson Herps 629-0510 x7006 including the communities of Tortolita, Oro S andhill C rane | D onna T olbert -A nderson Botany Basics Valley and Marana. Learn how to take part Landscaping for Wildlife and in preserving the ecological and cultural Saguaro Story Sustainability—Principles and beauty that brings people to this region. Desert Adaptations Workshop

Where: Mason Center Special 4-page Skulls

Learn important principles for implementing When: Saturday, February 26, 9 am–12 noon P Tracks and Scat ull-Out sustainable landscaping, and spend a Cost: Suggested $5 donation *Curriculum is also in pdf format Saturday morning getting your hands dirty at Contact: [email protected]; 971-6238 and may be downloaded from the Tucson a landscaping site that incorporates rainwater Audubon Education Program webpage harvesting, native plants and other techniques. When: Class is Thursday, February 17, 6–9 pm Field Trips to the Mason Center and Saturday, February 19, 8 am–12 noon Educational groups may schedule a visit to this Where: Tucson Audubon, Historic 22-acre, ironwood-saguaro habitat site for a fee Y Conference Room of $50 for a 90-minute program. Groups are Cost: $110 scheduled on Fridays on a first-come, first-served Contact: [email protected], basis and must be accompanied by a Mason 629-0510 x7006 Center staff member or Naturalist for the duration of the program. Limit of 30 students per visit. Contact for all Educator Resources: education@ tucsonaudubon.org; 629-0510 x7012

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS Nature by Night Visit the Tucson Audubon Mason Center and enjoy

an evening of nocturnal nature in the Sonoran S ara P ike Desert. Activities include watching the full moon for bird migrants, black-lighting for arthropods, and a trail walk by flashlight. Where: Mason Center When: Tuesday, August 24 & Thursday, September 23, 7–9 pm. Cost: Suggested $5 donation Contact: lsansom@ tucsonaudubon.org; 971-6238 K endall roesen

¬ Visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/education.html for full updated details and Signup information for all our Education Programs ¬ 3 Tucson Audubon’s Education Programs • 2010 / 2011 Know a Young Birder? Be a Mentor! Common Program Locations Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center The Mason Center is on the southwest corner of Thornydale and Hardy Roads. Hardy Road is 3 miles north of Ina Road. Turn west on Hardy from Thornydale. The entrance gate is approx. 100 yards from the intersection on the south side of the road.

The Historic Y Conference Room Historic Y building is on the southeast corner of University Boulevard and 5th Avenue. The Y Conference Room will serve as the meeting place for some classes and lectures. Enter the building through the main doors off of 5th Avenue between University Boulevard and 4th Street. From the main lobby, turn left and walk down the hallway, Tucson Audubon field trip leader Bill Wieboldt mentors Girl Scout birders the conference room is on the right. Parking: Please park on the east side of 5th Avenue along The way children learn best is through help from But our efforts really must begin with our the Historic Y building or south side of University adults. The best kind of help neither gives them the members. You are on the front lines of this effort. Blvd. (obey parking sign restrictions). answers nor poses challenges for which they are You are the ones helping your kids choose not ready. Instead, it nudges them to solve on their weekend activities. You are the ones entertaining DuVal Auditorium own the problems for which they are capable. the grandkids for the weekend. You are the ones Go in the main entrance of the University Medical What is true of learning in general, is true of teaching at the K-12 schools of our region or Center (UMC), which faces east toward Campbell mentoring our young birders! volunteering at the local library. Avenue. Immediately turn right down the hall. You Common sense—and increasingly academic Please consider being a mentor to one or more will find the doors to DuVal on your left. Parking: research—suggests that kids have more rewarding children. Take them to Sweetwater Wetlands The Patient/Visitor parking garage is available, but lives if they are exposed to nature. Exposure to or some other birdy locale. Lend them—or if charges a fee. Free parking is available south of nature and wildlife can teach the ability to sit quietly appropriate, buy them—binoculars. Bring them to the garage in the parking lot south of Mabel Street. and observe. It can give kids practical knowledge one of our monthly field trips for kids. ull-Out P of animal behavior and other aspects of the Most importantly, help them along in their Joyner-Green Valley Library Special 4-pageSpecial natural world that will help them when they study birding. Don’t expect them to recognize what every The address of the library is 601 N. La Canada, more abstract biological or ecological concepts in bird is, and on the other hand don’t just tell them Green Valley, AZ. Take I-19 south from Tucson. school. And it simply brings the joy of observing what each bird is. If you see a hawk, help them find Exit the freeway at Exit #69 (Duvall Mine Rd.). Go stupendously beautiful sunsets, daring acts of the right part of the field guide and encourage their right (west) on Duvall Rd. to the light at La Canada. predators, unexpected behaviors of animals, and powers of observation. Turn left at this light onto La Canada and drive ecological interactions that are part of the web And don’t forget to have a good time yourself! to the next light (sign points to Desert Bell Rd. to of life. Kids value the things that adults find important. the right). Turn right on Desert Bell Rd, go half a Tucson Audubon specializes in bringing people That’s why reading a book or figuring out a block and turn left. Stay left and you will run into closer to nature by introducing them to birds mathematical problem on your own is more the library. and birding. It is not surprising that we are now effective than telling your child to do well in school. gradually increasing our efforts to reach young They are more likely to do as you do, rather than people. For example, we now run regular field trips do as you say. for young people on every fourth Saturday of the Help us make sure birds and nature remain a month, and work with teachers in the Sunnyside part of the repertoire of childhood. School District on the Sunnyside-Audubon Student Kendall Kroesen Urban Naturalists program. Restoration and Urban Program Manager

Tucson Audubon 300 E University Blvd, Ste 120 Tucson, AZ 85705 520-629-0510 (voice) • 520-623-3476 (fax) www.tucsonaudubon.org

4 ¬ For up-to-date information, visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/education.html ¬ Sustaining Bird Populations Ash-throated Flycatcher and Riparian Areas

Dense riparian vegetation along the Lower San Pedro River (left) and Tanque Verde Wash (above).

M att G riffiths

riffiths G att M While a much more common sight in the spring and summer, data from the within that area (I used an area of about 120 to restore degraded habitat. In Tucson, where Tucson Bird Count’s Park acres to approximate the size of an average residential neighborhoods often take the form of Monitoring Program indicates residential development in Tucson, but would master-planned communities, we can support that a few Ash-throated expect this pattern to apply to other-size areas as communities that preserve riparian areas as part Flycatchers can sometimes well). In areas without any washes, Ash-throated of their development instead of cementing in the be found in Tucson in the Flycatchers were found only at 6% of the sites I channel and blading the surrounding vegetation. fall and winter. During these surveyed, whereas in areas with one wash the In neighborhoods and sites where riparian areas periods, they are almost number jumped to about 17%. In areas with 4 or have already been damaged, active restoration always found in relatively more washes, the likelihood of detecting an Ash- efforts (like the projects led by Tucson Audubon) dense vegetation along throated Flycatcher rose to 39% (see graph for are key to returning the area’s ecological value riparian areas. more details). for Ash-throated Flycatchers and many other Unlike some other habitat features in our species. There are examples from all over the residential neighborhoods that we can modify in country of neighbors working together to protect Available in our an attempt to help support birds, the presence or and restore riparian areas, and a recent study Nature ­Shops number of washes in an area is not something done by economists at the University of Arizona Do you want to turn your yard that can be easily changed. Fortunately, indicates that the value of these efforts goes into an inviting habitat for given the importance of riparian areas to Ash- beyond birds—the presence of high quality wildlife, but don’t know where VF throated Flycatchers (and a myriad of other riparian habitat adds value to nearby homes! to start? In our shops we have native species in the Tucson area), there are a wide selection of books other steps we can take to ensure that this Rachel McCaffrey has served as coordinator of the on landscaping with native crucial habitat remains available. Chief among Tucson Bird Count since 2003, and completed her habitat and wildlife in mind. these actions is supporting the conservation doctorate at The University of Arizona. Her research of riparian areas, by encouraging projects that has focused on issues related to urban birds. protect intact riparian areas or those that work

45 38.9 40 35 31.8 30 25.0 25 20 17.2 15

Percent sites of with 10

Ash-throated Flycatchers 6.0 5 0 0 1 2 3 4+ Number of washes

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13 Urban Habitat Restoration Barrio Kroeger Lane—a Two-year Experiment By Kendall Kroesen, Restoration and Urban Program Manager a LL PHOTOS k ENDALL ROESEN L to R: 18th Street looking east before year 2 work; 18th Street looking east—work almost done; One of the basins installed in front yards in year 1; Two Southwest Conservation Corps middle school “learn and serve” volunteer workers, Oriah Lopez and Marlene Effiwatt.

Is it only a pipedream? Or can we of-ways. Another major partner was the to do really transform our urban environment Southwest Conservation Corps, whose some of the into one that uses much less water and teams of volunteer middle school students legwork we had energy, and that creates new habitat for finished the basins (originally roughed out originally planned— birds? by a city contractor), planted trees and getting to know people and developing To achieve this goal we have shrubs, and spread mulch. relationships. developed a new paradigm for How successful have we been? Still, our successes are real. A core landscaping that addresses ecological Our first year was successful enough group in the neighborhood is very, very goals. And we have begun to develop a to attract the City of Tucson and the enthusiastic about the work that has tool kit to help people implement change. Southwest Conservation Corps to partner been done. And we believe there is But we also need to engage a diverse with us this year. This has given our work tacit support, if not active participation, audience in this new paradigm. How do a higher profile. from many of the neighbors. And we we do this? We have provided a new landscaping have provided a very visible template Over the last two years or more I model for the neighborhood—in the form for people to follow should they want to have spoken to many neighborhood of demonstration rain gardens and new implement rainwater-based landscapes associations and clubs, and at the streetscapes. They do not contain all the that provide for birds and other wildlife. University of Arizona’s Desert Horticulture elements of a domestic or commercial We have reached scores of people Conference. We have also run two landscape, but they provide a powerful with our message, including not only courses on Landscaping for Wildlife and demonstration to neighbors of the key neighborhood members but the kids Sustainability. principles of rainwater harvesting and working with the Southwest Conservation But one of our most important outreach native plants. Corps, other volunteers, city workers and efforts over the last two years has been at Have we reached new audiences? contractors. It may be that these are the Barrio Kroeger Lane. In the first year we We feel we have not realized the level seeds of big future changes. VF spent quite a bit of time at neighborhood of neighborhood-wide interest for which association meetings and then built, with we originally hoped. I attribute this to the help of volunteers, 17 “rain gardens” a couple things. First, Barrio Kroeger Tucson Audubon’s participation in this year’s in the front yards of people’s homes. Rain Lane is a lower-income neighborhood. work was funded by TogetherGreen, a program gardens are small-scale demonstrations Many people I have met there work long, of National Audubon funded by Toyota. City of how homeowners can harvest sometimes irregular hours at a variety of of Tucson Department of Transportation rainwater and grow native wildlife-friendly jobs. At the best of times this population was funded by Highway User Revenue vegetation. would have fewer resources than others Fund obtained for the project by City Council This year we partnered with other to put into investing time and energy in a Member Regina Romero’s Ward 1 City Council groups and agencies to do even more. new way of doing things. This has been Office. The Southwest Conservation Corps’ We put in extensive rainwater-harvesting exacerbated by the current economic participation was funded by a Learn and Serve basins along the edges of 18th and 19th downturn. grant from the Corporation for National and Streets. We coordinated with Tucson In addition, the funding we received Community Service. Desert Survivors Nursery, Department of Transportation, which was never near the levels we had located near the neighborhood, provided shrubs oversees such work along street right- originally sought, making it impossible at a reduced cost.

14 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Ornithology, and Audubon’s annual Conservation and Education News Christmas Bird Count will also provide Chris McVie, Paul Green, Kendall Kroesen, and Scott Wilbor information needed to interpret impacts on species populations. Over the next six months, Audubon will watch wandering birds and newly Oil Well Dead?—Concern for Birds and Habitat arriving migrants to see if they get Still Alive as Focus Shifts To Gulf Restoration oiled and if they find enough food to support themselves. Monitoring during Perhaps 210 million gallons of oil “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels Bay and other Gulf locales suggest next year’s breeding season will spewed out of the ruptures in the on EPA’s Air Quality Index. that many more will succumb to a show whether populations return to Deepwater Horizon well on the floor The oil will persist for weeks or variety of stresses, from poisoning nesting grounds and if species heavily of the Gulf of Mexico since around longer, posing threats to beach and to inadequate parenting—whole affected by oil will breed successfully. 10 a m on April 22, two days after marsh habitats that provide breeding generations could still be lost. For the Gulf itself, Audubon and the BP-leased rig exploded. That’s grounds and stop-over sites for many Special monitoring efforts focusing conservation colleagues have issued approaching twenty times the amount bird species. There remains serious on the two top-ten lists and other a Louisiana restoration prescription leaked from the Exxon Valdez tanker concern about the oil’s impact on the species impacted by the spill are that will aid birds, other wildlife and in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in marine food chain vital to birds and already underway in Gulf States local communities by improving the April 1989. other Gulf species. through Audubon’s volunteer Coastal health of coastal ecosystems. The permanent capping of the Images of oiled birds, including the Bird Survey. Birders are submitting Macondo well (the remnant of the Brown Pelican—just recently removed reports to eBird for analysis by oil platform explosion) has not killed from the Endangered Species List— Audubon and the Cornell Lab of concern about the disaster’s long-term raised public awareness and concern. toll on birds. Issues of habitat health Unseen in low casualty figures are remain. Parts of many nesting islands birds that simply disappeared below and important habitats—including the water and those that could not Important Bird Areas across the be recovered without risk to healthy Gulf—still fouled by oil remain birds. Sightings of oiled birds and

susceptible to unknown amounts their young on islands in Barataria B rown P elicans / C allie owdish on or below the water surface. In addition, BP announced it could burn up to 420,000 gallons a day, causing air pollution that the EPA reported Coins for the Coast! had produced levels of ozone and Hi! I am Meagan Bethel. I am 13 years fliers to neighbors’ houses in the 107º particulates ranging from “good” to old and live in Tucson, Arizona. On Arizona heat and spread the word to June 23, 2010, I went into the Tucson anyone I met. And I used the media to Audubon Society Office to donate a reach people quickly and spread the Gulf-Breeding Species check for $1,378.50. I asked that the word most efficiently. funds be directed to the rescue efforts Rather than build a lemonade Brown Pelican of birds affected by the oil spill in the stand, which I thought would only American Oystercatcher Gulf of Mexico. bring in local donations, I used all Wilson’s Plover I did this because I am passionate types of media to reach people Reddish Egret about animals and I am concerned around the globe quickly. I conducted Least Tern about what will happen in the months four television interviews and two Black Skimmer to come to the many species caught in newspaper interviews. And I put the Roseate Spoonbill the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of newer social media such as emails Clapper Rail Mexico. I wondered what I could do to and my parent’s Facebook to work. I Seaside Sparrow Megan counting coins (top) and presenting help the oil-soaked animals, especially then determined which agency was a check to Tucson Audubon Operations Mottled Duck the birds that are affected as they actually trying to help the animals Manager, Brad Paxton. Migratory Species are diving for food. Rather than just affected, so that my collected funds Caribbean. I originally hoped for $500, Lesser Scaup watching the news and feeling terrible, would go to those who were actually so I surpassed that goal. And I will Blue-winged Teal I wanted to actually DO something. I in the field, helping with the rescue keep working as long as people want Common Loon knew there were lots of other people and cleanup efforts. And the Audubon to help! American White Pelican across the US who care about wildlife Society won out! Northern Gannet but just did not know how to help. So My efforts to help the animals Peregrine Falcon I began a campaign called “Coins for brought in donations from coast to Tucson Audubon has passed these Northern Harrier the Coast” to support bird rescue and coast, from Hawaii to New Jersey. And and other funds that Megan has Piping Plover clean-up efforts. I asked people to the news also brought in donations collected to National Audubon with Sanderling gather their jars of coins and spare from across the globe, from Scotland, the instruction that they be applied to Red Knot change for my cause. I delivered the Czech Republic, Australia and the relief efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15 The 2010 environmental voting Conservation & record for Arizona politicians is now Education News available from the Arizona League of Conservation Voters at http://www. azlcv.org/scorecards.php. Elections: It’s How We Make a Difference Arizona is ripe for a more forward- As Arizona’s midterm elections NPS as being in noncompliance with thinking style of leadership and I approach, each of us is faced with Federal requirements, jeopardizing believe that voters are up to the prioritizing those issues that we care LWCF funding and reimbursements, challenge this year. When we make most about. What will we look for and potentially impacting other the effort to carefully consider our when we vote on ballot measures? Federal grant programs, reinforcing candidates and ballot measures and Which candidates will we choose the notion that park closures among vote our values, we improve Arizona and why? With so many important other measures are “penny wise, dollar both today and for future generations. programs at risk from budget foolish.” Please take the time to review p 15 Patagonia Sonoita Creek Preserve cuts at the state and local level, I Our state environmental agencies K endall roesen of the July-August 2010 Vermilion know I will be prioritizing Arizona’s have been decimated. The Arizona Flycatcher to remind yourself about future in the form of protecting our Department of Environmental Quality join me in thoroughly researching the the Propositions before the electorate natural environment, including our (ADEQ) and the Department of Water voting records of incumbent elected this November that have implications state parks, moving away from our Resources (DWR) have absorbed officials and the campaign promises for our natural environment. addiction to foreign oil (we import significant budget cuts (70 percent of challengers. I also hope that you Steve Arnquist. Executive Director significantly more than half of what of ADEQ’s budget has been cut over will spread the word and share it with Arizona League of Conservation we use), and building a 21st century the last five years, DWR has lost 60 your friends, family and co-workers. Voters and Education Fund green economy for Arizona. percent of its staff this year) and are Without clean air, clean water barely functioning. They are often and our natural heritage, the future unable to process permits in a timely Santa Cruz River Victory of Arizona looks grim. Since Arizona fashion, let alone perform the due became a state 98 years ago, people diligence to protect our air and water. The Santa Cruz River won a big jurisdictional status of the remainder have visited from around the world; In these tough economic times, victory in court, when a judge ruled of the river remains pending. many stayed because of our healthy many claim that our environment is on August 18 against the National In March 2009 the NAHB, in environment and the natural beauty a luxury that must be sacrificed to Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)! conjunction with the Southern Arizona that Arizona offers. Sadly, we have not benefit our economy, but that couldn’t During 2008 we reported on Homebuilders Association (SAHBA), been the best stewards of these gifts. be further from the truth. Arizona’s challenges to the protection of the filed suit against the EPA and the Arizona’s air quality, which was environment and our economy are Santa Cruz River and of its tributaries Corps challenging the navigability heralded as a cure for respiratory closely linked in ways that politicians under the Clean Water Act. Since determinations for the segments of the ailments as recently as 30 years ago, sometimes choose to ignore. When the 2005 Rapanos Supreme Court Santa Cruz that had been assessed continues to violate health-based choosing places for new or relocated decision, few navigable waters have to date. On December 30, 2009, the standards for particulates and ozone offices or production centers, been formally identified, and little District Court of Columbia denied the pollution. Phoenix was rated the worst corporations consider the potential guidance is available on how to EPA’s motion to transfer the matter city in the US for dust pollution and quality of life for their employees, identify navigable waters, especially in to the 9th Circuit. On August 18th, 11th worst for ozone pollution in 2010 knowing that natural beauty, arid areas. EPA’s motion to dismiss the case was by the American Lung Association. recreational opportunities, and clean In early 2008 the Army Corps granted by the court. Our state parks system includes air and water contribute greatly to the of Engineers (Corps) Los Angeles The EPA continues to evaluate some of the most beautiful places in quality of life, health, and well-being District found two segments of the complex issues around which Arizona. Since the Arizona Legislature of potential employees. Environmental Santa Cruz River navigable. Members segments of the river are navigable, swept $10 million dollars from the tourism is one of the major drivers of Congress and citizens groups, on what other grounds jurisdiction Heritage Fund, took the dollars from of Arizona’s economy, and visitors Tucson Audubon included, criticized might be asserted (for example, park entrance fees, and also swiped flock from all over to revel in our the narrow nature of these decisions. crossing state or tribal borders), and State Lake Improvement dollars, state’s beauty. State parks alone Meanwhile the Corps headquarters how tributary jurisdiction should be counties, cities and parks friends drive $260 million dollars of economic suspended the district’s decisions evaluated. EPA jurisdiction over the groups have stepped in to raise activity and bring in more tax revenue based on concerns they were Santa Cruz River and its tributaries funds so that a total of 23 of 30 state through these activities than they cost too broad. remains of critical importance parks remain open, at least for the to operate. (Parks currently get no The Environmental Protection in protecting our riparian areas short term. We need a permanent general fund appropriation.) Agency (EPA) assumed responsibility from destruction by inappropriate and protected funding source for our We live in a democracy, and our for the navigability and jurisdictional development, protections that the parks. The National Park Service responsibility as citizens is to hire and decisions for the river on August 17, homebuilders association would (NPS) has warned Governor Brewer fire our elected representatives and 2008. On December 3, 2008, EPA like to see removed as part of a that closure of any state park or to right the course of our state if we HQ affirmed the District’s original larger strategy. See our website historic site that has received Land feel it is headed in the wrong direction. determination of navigability for for the context of this ruling: www. and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) With Arizona’s environmental future the two segments. A final decision tucsonaudubon.org/news-events/96- assistance would be viewed by the on the ropes, I hope that all of you will from the Office of Water on the consnews/193-scrnavigable.html. VF

16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Tucson Audubon Field Trips For the latest or expanded Darlene Smyth | Field Trip Coordinator field trip information visit www.tucsonaudubon.org September or call us at 520-629-0510. Note: All phone numbers use the 520 area September 4—Saturday 7:30–10 a m code unless otherwise stated.

Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing M att G riffiths Series (first Saturday of every month) General Information Share your love of birding with your children or Tucson Audubon field trips are free. For general grandchildren at one of the “birdiest” places in information call field trip coordinator Darlene Tucson. Borrow our backpacks filled with fun family Smyth 297-2315. For specific information about birding activities, field guides, and binoculars. This a trip, contact the leader of that trip. Please dress appropriately for your field trip. monthly outing is self-guided; bring your children Tanque Verde Wash and take as long as you like! The Family Outings Always wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and use sun protection. Bring plenty of snacks and water are developed in conjunction with Sunnyside lot at 6 a m . Bring water, sun protection and snacks. School District’s Student Urban Naturalists, Expect to return to Green Valley by noon. About for yourself. Always bring your binoculars, who seek to promote an understanding of the 140 miles round trip from Tucson. Leaders: Mark field guide, and for most trips a scope can be environment through hands-on birding and nature and Farrish Sharon [email protected] useful. Bring money to cover your share of the activities. An adult must accompany children. carpooling and any required entry fees (eg for Leader: Deborah Vath [email protected] September 11—Saturday 6 a m state parks). 490-4835 Plants and Birds of Miller Canyon Arrival Times September 4—Saturday 8 a m Tucson Audubon joins with the Arizona Native Please arrive before listed departure times. Madera Canyon Monsoon Plant Society in the spectacular Miller Canyon Trips will leave promptly at the time given. Nature Walk (Proctor Loop) in the Huachuca’s. After strolling up the canyon Friends of Madera Canyon Education Director to check out plants, we will go to Beatty’s Guest Carpooling Sites Doug Moore will lead a “monsoon” nature walk in Ranch to view the hummers feasting during u NW Tucson: Ina and Via Ponte—commuter lower Madera Canyon. Summer rains transform migration. Wear sturdy shoes, bring lunch, and parking lot one block west of Oracle and the canyon, producing a fascinating display of note that there is a $5 per person fee to use Ina, south side of Ina. plants and animals, particularly wildflowers and Beatty’s facilities. For those who can remain v SW Tucson: I-19 and Irvington—Fry’s insects. We will look for birds, but the focus will into the evening, Joe Cicero has volunteered parking lot. be to explore the nature encountered on the to set up a black light starting at dusk in the w Green Valley: I-19 and Continental Rd exit Proctor Nature Loop. Limit of 10. Contact leader to National Forest to attract insects. Register with 63—McDonald’s parking lot. register starting August 25. Leader: Doug Moore the leaders beginning September 1. 150 miles x NE Tucson: Tanque Verde Rd/ Catalina [email protected] round trip. Co-Leaders: Doug Ripley (AZNPS) Hwy—McDonald’s parking lot. [email protected] and Arlene Ripley (Tucson Tucson Audubon strongly encourages September 7—Tuesday 5:30 a m Audubon) [email protected] 212-6077 (H) Arivaca Cienega carpooling and for some trips it may be Join us for a morning of exploring the 419-7801 (C) required. Check the trip listings for meeting/ carpooling sites. You are expected to reimburse beautiful Arivaca Cienega. The monsoon September 14—Tuesday 7:30 a m the driver for the actual cost of fuel. Drivers and rains will turn this area into a wonderland Tanque Verde Ranch trip leaders are not expected to contribute. of blooming sunflowers. Migrants and a mix We have permission to visit this private guest of summer birds will be expected. Meet at the ranch located at the very end of East Speedway. Rare Bird Alert Fry’s on I-19 and Irvington at 5:30 a m (leader not We will bird along Tanque Verde Wash with 2 Listen to the latest rare bird alert at present) or at the Green Valley McDonald’s parking ponds, mesquites and cottonwoods. Done by noon. 629-0510 ext. 3. Report rare birds at 629-0510 Restrooms and snack break midway at the cars. A or [email protected] good trip for beginning birders and those who have things to do later in the day. Meet at McDonald’s After Your Field Trip located on the NE corner of Catalina Hwy and Don’t forget to stop in the Tucson Audubon

M att G riffiths Tanque Verde Rd. Leader: Bill Wieboldt 885-1227 Nature Shop to check out new books, [email protected] see wonderful nature items, and chat with volunteers. September 18—Saturday 8 a m Avra Valley: Fall Migration for Beginners Those who are new to birding are especially invited to look for shorebirds, swallows, Swainson’s Hawks Arivaca Cienega don’t Forget to stop in our Nature Shop for your field and ID Guides, and other birding supplies. S ara P ike

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17 Tucson Audubon September 28—Tuesday 6 a m Field Trips Going North to: Catalina State Park An early morning stroll through this park should and other birds headed south. Easy walking on give us some nice looks at resident Sonoran dirt. Bring a scope if you have one. Bring money for Desert species, perhaps some passing migrants, carpooling. Meet at Mission Library on NW corner or birds just arriving for the winter. Meet at the Ina of Ajo and Mission. Return by noon. Round trip Rd. and Via Ponte carpooling lot. State park pass of 50 miles. No need to sign up but call leader or fee required. Leader: Darlene Smyth dsmyth3@ with questions. Leader: John Higgins 578-1830 comcast.net 297-2315 [email protected] October September 21—Tuesday 6 a m Santa Cruz Migration October 2—Saturday 8–10 a m We’ll explore the important riparian Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing corridor along the Santa Cruz River, walking the Series (first Saturday of every month) Sonoita Creek Anza Trail at Tubac and Tumacacori in search of Share your love of birding with your children or J ohn H offman interesting migrating birds as well as our regular grandchildren at one of the “birdiest” places in residents. Anything is possible at this time of year Tucson. Borrow our backpacks filled with fun family of the Santa Cruz River. Our purpose will be the so we’ll determine our exact route depending on birding activities, field guides, and binoculars. This exploration of its riparian and adjacent habitats recent news. Expect a wide range of birds and monthly outing is self-guided; bring your children for lingering breeding birds and any migrants that maybe something unusual. 100 miles round trip. and take as long as you like! The Family Outings may be around. There is great natural and human Leader: Richard Fray [email protected] are developed in conjunction with Sunnyside School history in the area. 110 miles roundtrip. Trip limited 323-4234 District’s Student Urban Naturalists, who seek to 10 participants. Contact leader to reserve a to promote an understanding of the environment spot starting October 1. Leader: Robin Baxter September 25—Saturday 7 a m through hands-on birding and nature activities. An [email protected] 394-2625 Tucson Audubon Young adult must accompany children.Leader: Deborah October 12—Tuesday 7 a m Birders Field Trip: Madera Canyon Vath [email protected] 490-4835 With migration in full swing the young birders Going North to: Boyce- will once again travel to Madera Canyon in the October 2—Saturday 6 a m Thompson Arboretum Santa Rita mountains. We’ll be on the lookout Arivaca We will drive straight to Boyce-Thompson for hummingbirds, warblers, and whatever We will walk the two-mile trail at Arivaca Arboretum, hoping to arrive right at 9 a m . 2 miles else strikes our fancy on this half-day outing. Cienega followed by possible stops at Arivaca of walking on good paths. Bring plenty of water. Bring hat, sunscreen, lunch, and water. Back Creek, Arivaca Lake and the Buenos Aires National Wear good walking shoes. Our lunch will be at by 1pm. Contact the leaders for meeting place Wildlife Refuge. We will look for lingering summer the Oak Flat Campground before heading back to and any other details. Leaders: Scott Olmstead residents, recently arrived winter residents, Tucson via Superior. This time of year should be [email protected] 840-9567 and Jennie migrants, and permanent residents. The trip will exciting with the northern migrants arriving. Meet in Duberstein [email protected] 309-1995 be like a box of chocolates where you never the carpooling lot at Ina and Via Ponte (one block know what you will find! Dress for the weather. west of Oracle on the south side of Ina). 225 miles. September 25—Saturday 6:30 a m Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Meet at Leader: Melody Kehl [email protected] 245-4085 Pena Blanca Lake State Park the Fry’s at Irvington and I-19 at 6 a m or at the Here’s hoping this refurbished habitat has taken October 17—Sunday 7 a m Green Valley McDonald’s (Continental Road Exit) on lake-sized proportions once again for a Tucson Tubac De Anza Trail before 6:30 a m . (about 130–160 miles roundtrip Audubon field trip. It is always good birding in Join Tucson Audubon for a stroll along from Tucson). Leader: Dave Dunford 909-1809 the fall here at the Red-naped Sapsucker capital this natural migration corridor for a sampling [email protected] of southeast Arizona. Meet at the Green Valley of birds on the move. Eastern vagrants have McDonald’s on Continental Road at 6:30 a m . October 5—Tuesday 6–8:30 p m become an almost annual event here and the Leader: Clifford A. Cathers [email protected] Star Party resident species are fun to look at too! Meet at the Come enjoy crescent Venus through a Green Valley McDonald’s on Continental Road at 7 scope. Jupiter will be visible at low elevation in the a m . Leader: Clifford A. Cathers [email protected] east. Sunset is about 6 but come anytime you like. October 19—Tuesday 6:30 a m Instructions will be given on how to spot Venus in Whitewater Draw the daytime the following week (using the crescent We will check this fabulous wetland in the Sulphur Moon as a guide). Bring binoculars if you have Springs Valley for migrating shorebirds, ducks and them and questions galore. Meet at the top of other birdlife. Will visit the Benson STP on the way Campbell Avenue north of Skyline Drive. Leader: back. Meet at Houghton Rd. on the north side of Michael S. Smith [email protected] I-10 for carpooling (leader not present). Meet the October 9—Saturday 5:30 a m leader at the Benson Safeway about 7 a m . (Exit Santa Fe Ranch, Nogales 303, drive about a mile south on W. 4th St.) Bring This will be Tucson Audubon’s first field trip to lunch and snacks, and a scope if you have one. this education and conservation-minded ranch 250 miles roundtrip. Leader: Lainie Epstein 720- Santa Fe Ranch (www.santaferanchfoundation.org/) on the banks 8976 [email protected] A rlyn J ohnson

18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Mountain Plovers often aren’t seen until the New anything of value in your vehicle. Although Border Year but sometimes the first flush passes through Patrol is monitoring this area vigilantly, there is no early, so we’ll certainly look for those, along with reason to make it easy for someone. Meet at the other shorebirds, raptors, sparrows, thrashers and McDonald’s in Green Valley (Continental exit off more. Birding will be largely from or near vehicles, I-19). 200 miles. Leader: Melody Kehl: outdoor1@ but please note there are no restrooms in the area. cox.net 245-4085 About 100 miles round trip. Leader: Richard Fray [email protected] 323-4234 Special Trips November November 18–22 Vancouver, British Columbia, San Rafael Grasslands November 2—Tuesday 4:30 a m M att G riffiths Canada San Rafael Grasslands We’ll begin at one of North America’s most famous October 23—Saturday 7:30 a m This trip provides an opportunity to see raptors and urban birding spots, Stanley Park. Iona Beach and Tucson Audubon Young Birders grassland sparrows. The number of bird species its renowned sewage ponds are less than an hour Field Trip: Sweetwater Wetlands we will see is not large, but we hope to see some south. Jericho Park, “Vancouver’s Mount Auburn,” As the temperatures begin to drop and the birds not easily seen elsewhere. Mostly birding is right in Vancouver. Westham Island is the home migrants start to flow through, Sweetwater will from cars, but some walking through tall grass of the amazing Reifel Refuge. On our final day, become the place to be in Tucson! The young and over rocky slopes. If you don’t have a high- we’ll take a mini-pelagic trip from Tsawassen birders will spend the morning searching this clearance vehicle, plan to carpool with someone to Swartz Bay and back. Passport required. favorite local birding site for migrant warblers who does. Bring lunch. Scope may be useful. Meet Participants’ share of resident leader’s expenses and other songbirds, and we’re sure to find an at Houghton Road north of I-10 before 4:30 a m is minimal. Leader: Rick Wright, birdaz@gmail. impressive variety of waterbirds as well. Bring (150 miles roundtrip). Leader: Jim Hays 895.3299 com. For complete itinerary contact Darlene Smyth hat, sunscreen, snack, and water. Done by 11 (email preferred) [email protected] [email protected] a m . Contact the leaders for meeting place and November 6—Saturday 8–10 a m any other details. Leaders: Scott Olmstead May 3–10, 2011 Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing [email protected] 840–9567 and Jennie Migration in Southwest Ohio II Series (first Saturday of every month) Duberstein [email protected] 309-1995 Tucson Audubon, in conjunction with Economy Share your love of birding with your children or Birding Services, Inc., is pleased to again offer October 23—Saturday 6 a m grandchildren at one of the “birdiest” places in an extended fieldtrip to southwest Ohio during Sonoita Creek State Tucson. Borrow our backpacks filled with fun family the peak of the 2011 eastern migration. This Natural Area birding activities, field guides, and binoculars. This little-birded section of our country offers a wealth Take a hike along Sonoita Creek to look for monthly outing is self-guided; bring your children of birds, lush deciduous forests, comfortable late migrants, wintering birds and year-round and take as long as you like! The Family Outings and inexpensive accommodations and good residents. This hike may include some walking are developed in conjunction with Sunnyside School food. Clifford Cathers will reveal the local hot in shallow water, so wear shoes you won’t mind District’s Student Urban Naturalists, who seek birding spots in search of 125 or more species, getting wet. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Trip to promote an understanding of the environment including up to 35 potential warbler varieties. You limited to 10 participants and preregistration through hands-on birding and nature activities. An can read about last year’s trip online at www. (starting October 11) is necessary as well as $3 adult must accompany children.Leader: Deborah economybirding.com/trips02.html. Interested? permit fee. Leader: Michael Bissontz 577-8778 Vath [email protected] 490-4835 Contact Clifford at [email protected] or 762–3201 [email protected] November 6—Saturday 6:30 a m or Darlene Smyth, Tucson Audubon Field Trip October 26—Tuesday 6:30 a m Sycamore Canyon Coordinator at [email protected] or 297- Santa Gertrudis Lane We will descend approximately one mile 2315 for a detailed trip description, bird checklist This is an area that can be rewarding if into this beautiful canyon along the Mexican border and registration form. Registration for this trip is searched slowly and carefully with a small group hoping for lots of birds. The terrain is uneven and $150, your total share of the leader’s expenses. of birders willing to spend time quietly sitting and rugged. Wear hiking shoes, bring plenty of water Register soon!!! Minimum 8 participants; maximum watching the vegetation lining this lane and the and lunch for in the canyon. Do not plan to leave 16 participants accepted. VF edges of the Santa Cruz River at the crossing. Bring a small folding seat and be prepared to spend a relaxed, quiet, still morning. Register with leader beginning October 19. 80 miles roundtrip. Additional Bird Leader: Darlene Smyth [email protected] Walks in Tucson and 297-2315 Southeast Arizona October 30—Saturday 6:30 a m For information on weekly regional bird Santa Cruz Flats One of SE Arizona’s classic winter birding walks from Agua Caliente Park to Ramsey hotspots, we’ll take an early look to see if we can Canyon Preserve, please see our website, turn up a surprise or two. Many of the wintering www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/ species may not have arrived, but a variety of birds birding/128.html. can be encountered at this interesting time of year. Sycamore Canyon K endall roesen D oris E vans

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19 Birding Travel Available in our Nature S­ hops from our Business Partners Birds of Southern Africa. Ber Van Perlo. $29.95. A Adventure Birding C­ ompany Search for neotropical birds in the Sinaloa www.adventurebirding.com thorn forest and tropical deciduous forest, conviently sized field guide to [email protected] • 495-0229 and regional birds on the Rio Mayo river and the Birds of South Africa at mangrove estuaries on the Sea of Cortés. South Texas: Specialties and Migrants in the Mammals of Costa Rica. Charming local restaurants! $1599pp. Lower Rio Grande Valley. April 1–9, 2011, $1890. Mark Wainwright. $29.95. Leaders: John Yerger and/or Keith Kamper. Join Belize: From Savannah to Rainforest. January A great field guide for any us in “the other” premier U.S. birding destination, 19–26, 2011 For birders from beginners to naturalist traveling in Central with guides who have lived and birded there. With “obsessed!” Tour includes diverse bioregions America specialties like Great Kiskadee, Green Jay and of Belize, from savannah to rainforest. Two Altamira Oriole, how can you miss? We’ll sample outstanding Mayan ruins! One of the most exciting Birds of Costa Rica. all habitats from tidal mudflats to subtropical countries a birder can visit; over 550 bird species, Richard Garrigues and thornscrub to prime Chihuahuan Desert. Visit both 350 at Tikal in Guatemala alone. Belize teems Robert Dean. $29,95. classic hotspots and lesser-known local secrets for with other wildlife including jaguars, rumas, Another good field guide to rarer residents like Clay-colored Robin and Hook- tapirs, and monkeys. We stay at comfortable the birds of a popular birding billed Kite. This trip is timed to catch loads of spring inns and “jungle lodges.” Small groups of 12 destination migrants, and probably a few Mexican rarities! with 2 guides ensure that everyone enjoys the best possible wildlife viewing. $3499pp. Tropcial Plants of Costa Big Bend National Park: West Texas Birds and Rica. Willow Zuchowski. Scenery. April 27–May 1, 2011, $1065. Leaders: Solipaso Tours $35.00. A wealth of John Yerger and/or Keith Kamper. Big Bend is www.solipaso.com perhaps the most remote birding hotspot in the information for the tropical United States, and hosts spectacular scenery. This Yucatan Endemics. October 9–15, 2010. $1950. traveler is the only place in the U.S. to find Colima Warbler, Leader: David Mackay. This weeklong trip in the our main target. Ideal for those desiring lots of birds Yucatan focuses on the endemics of the peninsula. on limited vacation time. Painted Buntings and We start in Merida then make our way to the Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are among the other Celestun Biosphere for Mexican Sheartail, Yucatan goodies we’ll seek on this fun-filled adventure! Wren and Bobwhite, among others. Then up to the Rio Lagartos Biosphere for another chance Nature Treks and P­ assages at the coastal endemics as well as the beautiful www.naturetreks.net. American Flamingo. On the Riviera Maya we islands—Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai—you’ll ­[email protected] • 781-789-8127 visit the Jardin Botanico for Yucatan Vireo, Rose- throated Tanager and much more. We end the trip visit Hawaii’s best birding areas and most famous Alamos, Mexico. November 12–17 and in Cozumel for the island endemics. Join us for landmarks while viewing some of the world’s December 10–15. Guided Cultural and Historical great Yucatecan food, ruins, biospheres and fun! rarest birds. Highlights include visits to Hawaii Tour. Journey to colonial Alamos in southern Volcanoes National Park, the Kona Coast, Waikiki Sonora, Mexico, known for its charming Tropical B­ irding Beach, Kapiolani Park, Waimea Canyon, and colonial architecture and elegant ambiance. www.tropicalbirding.com Kilauea Point. Among this tour’s avian prizes are [email protected] • 1-800-348-­5941 Hawaiian honeycreepers, with good chances for Aki, Akepa, Palila, Apapane and I’iwi. Other target South Africa: Fairest Cape to Kruger 7–23 species include White-tailed Tropicbird, Hawaiian January 2011; Rand/38,705. South Africa Hawk, Bristle-thighed Curlew, and White Tern. VF is a spectacularly beautiful country, rich in wildlife. In the southwest there are two unique habitats, the stark heath-like fynbos and the expansive semi-desert Karoo. In the northeast, South Africa metamorphoses into golden- Wild & Scenic green grasslands and tropical savanna where Join the Coalition for Sonoran Desert species diversity increases dramatically. We can Protection when it hosts the Wild & Scenic expect to see over 400 species on this tour. Environmental Film Festival On Tour at Costa Rica: The Introtour 11–21 February 2011; the Loft Cinema on September 15. The $2590. This tiny Central American country has Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival far more than its share of beautiful scenery, not to mention a rich assortment of birds unequalled On Tour brings together a selection of films by any other country its size. This short tour from the annual festival held each January in takes in the top birding spots in comfort and style, Nevada City, CA. The chosen films not only and is timed to maximize your vacation time. highlight environmental concerns but also provide solutions, reaching people through VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. beautiful imagery, and inspiring local individuals www.ventbird.com to get involved in “Conserving the Wild & 512-328-5221 • [email protected] Scenic Places Close to Home.” For more Hawaii. October 19–27, 2010. $3,295 in double

M att B rooks information: Contact Gabe Wigtil, gabe.wigtil@ occupancy from Honolulu. Join Bob Sundstrom Near El Pedregal Nature Lodge in Alamos, Sonora, sonorandesert.org, 520-388-9925 or visit www. is Mentidero Wash (with Alamos Mountains in the for an autumn survey of the fabulous birds and sonorandesert.org/. background). scenery of our 50th state. In focusing on three

20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Tucson Audubon thanks our Birds & Business Alliance Tucson Audubon’s Members, who have shown their support for bird conservation Birds & Business alliance through annual contributions 2010- 2011 and in-kind donations. Please show them you appreciate Welcome to our new Birds & Business Alliance Members their support for us by supporting them. Visit www. tucsonaudubon.org for more information about our Birds & Business Alliance members, including links to R. W. Morse Company Correction: In the Birds & Business Alliance their websites. special centerspread pullout in the July/August Publisher of Regional Bird Guides Gold www.rwmorse.com Vermilion Flycatcher, the Loews Ventana N ew Canyon email address should be malexander@ Swaim Associates Ltd Architects AIA * PO Box 12302, Olympia, WA 98508-2302 • 520-326-3700 • www.swaimaia.com 360-943-8600 Phone loewshotels.com. [email protected] Sterling We specialize in publishing regional, photographic Adventure Birding Company bird guides written by local experts. Our newest • 520-495-0229 • www.adventurebirding.com C op eer title, Birds of Southeastern Arizona, features Nature Treks & Passages photos by many local photographers and is the Just Released! • 781-789-8127 • naturetreks.net photographic companion for Rick Taylor’s A Rancho Esmeralda • 520-241-7072 Birder’s Guide for Southeastern Arizona. • 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 Silver The TAS-ifieds Loews Ventana Canyon Classified ADs • 520-299-2020 • www.loewshotels.com The Oasis at Way Out West Classified and display ads are accepted from • 520-825-4590 • www.wowarizona.com individual members and members of our Birds Snell & Wilmer • www.swlaw.com & Business Alliance. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/ Tucson Electric Power • www.tep.com vfly for rates or contact Matt Griffiths mgriffiths@ Copper tucsonaudubon.org to book an ad. Birds of Southeastern Arizona by Rick Taylor Brooklyn Pizza Company • 520-622-6868 Casa Adobe B&B in Rodeo, NM • 877-577-2275 Bookshelves Wanted! Tucson Audubon’s $19.95 Casa de San Pedro B&B • www.bedandbirds.com Executive Director seeks bookshelving for Cat Mountain Lodge • 520-578-6068 his office. He needs around 60 linear feet of Available 9/15 in the Nature Shops, bookcases or shelving. If you can help please call Desert Toyota of Tucson • 520-296-8535 Paul Green on 520.235.1796. Tucson Audubon Society Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441 Economy Birding Services • 520-762-3201 Birders, we’d like to know where • Pocket-sized photographic guide El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes Association you shop / eat / rest between birding stops. Farhang & Medcoff, PLLC • 520-790-5433 Do you have a lead on the best sandwiches in • 640 color photos of the birds Financial Architects • www.financial-architects.com southern Arizona? Favorite local watering hole? • Featuring Mexican rarities Most convenient coffee break? Contact Erin at Fiore Tile Works • 520-971-0677 [email protected] with any secret Heartstone Mountain Ranch • 877-562-2955 must-stop spots you’re willing to share. Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341 Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408 EL PEDREGAL Nature Lodge—Alamos, Sonora, Audubon Roundup Audubon Chapters’ Learning *R.W. Morse Company • www.rmorse.com Mexico—Five luxurious guest casitas and central Naturalist Journeys • 866-900-1146 lodge set on 20 acres of intact tropical deciduous Conference Ravens-Way Wild Journeys • 520-425-6425 forest. Delicious regional cuisine, unrivaled local Hosted by Arizona Audubon Council Riverpark Inn • 800-551-1466 knowledge and warm hospitality. Birding tours, November 11–14, 2010 river trips, yoga classes and more available. Join other Auduboners for an unusual learning Salt River Project Special Tucson Audubon package available. For experience in the high Sonoran Desert along Southern Arizona Paving & Construction more information: www.solipaso.com the beautiful Salt River at Saguaro Lake Ranch Spirit Tree Inn B&B • 520-394-0121 (www.saguarolakeranch.com), a full service Sundance Press • 800-528-4827 The Oasis at Way Out West B&B/Private TyrannoTours • 520-577-6546 Nature Preserve. A secluded trail side location guest facility 30 miles east of Phoenix Sky The Lodge at Ventana Canyon • 800-828-5701 offers close-up wildlife observation and colorful Harbor International Airport. Registration Fee is Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson • 520-795-9955 VF mountain sunsets. Bird our trails (135+ House List) $65 per person. Go to www.sonoranaudubon.org or the Catalinas. 20+ feeding stations, Naturalist/ to purchase or for more information. Contact: Photographer on-site, Wi-Fi, Hydrotherapy spas, Karen LaFrance, Sonoran Audubon Society, Bike rentals, Eco-Excursions. WOWArizona.com. Glendale, AZ, Together Green Fellow and Event 520.825.4590. Coordinator; [email protected] or 602-809-0947.

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21 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 Be sure to stop by the Nature Shop for books that *Individual can further your study of our feathered friends.

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Phone Now ‰‰ New ­membership q Renewing ­membership ‰‰ Please email me about Tucson Audubon back in events ­and conservation ­issues. stock! ‰‰ Please do not share my contact ­information. ‰ ‰ Please do not mail me Vermilion Flycatcher. Checklist to the Birds of the Chiricahuas. Rick ABA Triplist. $1.25. Back in stock! These popular I’ll read it online. Taylor. $7.95. An exhaustive, updated checklist— checklists can be used to keep track of up to ten Donation includes mention of rarity records and a list of different trip lists. ‰ ‰I would like to support Tucson Audubon birding sites. Bird Coloration. Geoffrey Hill. $27.50. A new, in- Society with ­an additional contribution of How Birds Migrate. Paul Kerlinger. $19.95. An in- q $25 q $50 q $100 q $­250. depth look at coloration in birds. from feathers to depth look at the mysteries surround migration. bills and skin ‰‰ Tucson Audubon Frequent ­Flyer Monthly Donor ­Program: I authorize the charge of Identification Guide to North American Birds, Molt in North American Birds. Steve Howell. $____ per month for ____ months to my Part II. Peter Pyle. $60.00. A follow-up guide $35.00. A new Peterson Reference Guide on molt credit card ($10/month minimum). to Pyle’s definitive guide on the subtleties of in birds by Steve Howell. Tucson Audubon Society will ­use the full amount of your ­tax-­deductible gift for its environmental, educational and recreational ­programs. identification of North American birds. Method of ­payment Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American ‰‰ Check (payable to Tucson Audubon Society) Birds. Paul Baicich and Colin Harrison. $29.95. ‰‰ MasterCard q Visa q AMEX A great companion to any regular field guide. Exhaustive information on a side of birding not covered in those regular guides. Credit Card No. Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. David Sibley. $39.95. Great information (by family) on Expiration Date Amount $ North American birds by renowned author and bird artist, David Sibley. Signature Please send your application with payment ­to Tucson Audubon ­Society, Coffee customers, Thanksgiving Coffee 300 E. University Blvd, #120, please note: Tucson, AZ ­85705 Company, our supplier of Fair Trade, shade- (Attn: Jean Barchman, grown organic coffee, recently suffered from Membership Coordinator) an office fire that has set back OR join, renew or ­donate online at production of their product. www.tucsonaudubon.org They hope to be up and running again by mid-September. They thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued business.

22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Bookends Tucson Audubon Nature Shops When you support your local Tucson Audubon Society you are supporting birds and bird habitat conservation. Thank you! SHOP HOURS Main Shop Monday–Saturday 10 a m –4 p m , except Monday & Thursday until 5 p m Phone: 629-0510 ext 7015 On the southeast corner of University Blvd and 5th Avenue. Birds of Southeastern Arizona Agua Caliente Park Shop Rick Taylor. 2010. September: Thursday only Softcover. $19.95 October: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9 a m –3:30 p m Rick Taylor has produced a fully functional field Phone: 760-7881 guide that fills a niche in North American birding. From Tanque Verde Rd and Houghton, continue east on As one of the top birding destinations in the nation, Tanque Verde 2 miles. Turn left (north) onto Soldier Trail, Watching Sparrows: A Guide to the continue north for 2 miles. Turn right (east) onto Roger Rd, southeastern Arizona has long needed a guide Sparrows of the United States and Canada continue ¼ mile to the park entrance on the left (north). created specifically for its special array of birds. Michael Male and Judy Fieth. 2010. In this pocket-sized book, Taylor worked in 410 Thursday Bird Walk 8:00 a m DVD. $35.00 species of birds, and included almost every species Loaner binoculars available, meet in front of the ranch house. For more information call you could conceivably see in this corner of the Never again will they just be “LBJs” (Little Brown Pima County Parks and Rec. 615-7855. state. Taylor’s introduction at the beginning of the Jobs). Sparrows spring into detailed view and full For permit requests and general information about book makes a heartfelt case as to why southeastern song on this astounding DVD. Newly re-mastered park rules and regulations call 749-3718 Arizona is so special for birds and birding. and updated, this product is back on our shelves at The timeliness of this guide means that the nature shop. recently added species such as Sinaloa Wren and Why “astounding?” you ask. Michael Male and Brown-backed Solitaire are included. Taylor also Judy Fieth spent three breeding seasons traveling AZFO State Meeting anticipated the species split of both Winter Wren 40,000 miles throughout the US and Canada to Prescott, 8–10 October and Whip-poor-will, and gives appropriate info gather footage for this work of art—no small feat. The fourth annual Arizona Field for each. Most species photos are clear and well- Many of these birds are famous for their shy and Ornithologists (AZFO) statewide suited for basic identification purposes. skulking ways, yet here they are captured in plain meeting promises to be an exciting and The guide employs a color-tab organizational view and available for our appreciation and study. rewarding event. Participate in workshops, system that is similar to Kaufman’s field guides. The quality of the audio and video is excellent— mini-field expeditions and attend the Saturday A unique bar graph system is employed for crisp, clear, and varied. We are treated not only to night dinner featuring Carl Tomoff, Professor more than 80% of the species in the book. The the sparrows themselves, but also to their habits of Environmental Studies at Prescott bar graphs take a little getting used to, but are and habitats. We see and hear them bringing life College. The Saturday session will feature self-explanatory and quite ingenious. They to prairies, tundra, desert and woods as they nest, presentations on birdlife and research in simultaneously give information on elevation and feed, mate and more. Three-dimensional motion Arizona: Wintering Gray Vireo and Elephant seasonality, as well as giving an example of a range maps are included for each of the 46 species Tree by John Arnett; Status of Common Black- location at each elevation. There are no range covered. Hawk of the Verde River by Matthew Johnson; maps but, because the distribution of most species Watching Sparrows delights as it educates. Avian monitoring and restoration efforts on in this region are defined by elevation and habitat The DVD includes important information about the lower Colorado River by Chris Dodge; type, the maps would have been unnecessary. environmental threats to (and the conservation Statewide colonial aquatic bird nest counts Taylor’s species accounts are concise and clear, of) these and other species. The intimate details by Troy Corman. For more information go to: and I particularly like the inclusion of “noteworthy” provided by the close-up shots of this excellent www. azfo.org facts for many species. DVD cannot help but increase our love of these WFO announcement A guide on the birds of southeastern Arizona birds and nature, inspiring us in our efforts to The 35th Annual Meeting of Western Field has long been at the top of a list of frequently protect our resources. Watching Sparrows is highly Ornithologists takes place at the Embassy requested but unavailable products at our Nature recommended. VF Suites Hotel, Palm Desert, California, October Shops. With this worthy addition to our product line Marcee Sherrill, Nature Shop Volunteer 13–17, 2010. More information at www. we will finally be able to fulfill those requests. westernfieldornithologists.org/conference.php Matt Brooks See Rick Taylor in Tucson (details p 8)!

When you need a book, think of Tucson Audubon Nature Shops first! Support your local book store. 520-629-0510

Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23 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 5 September–October 2010 © 2010 Tucson Audubon Society 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.

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For sponsorship and other information about the gala, contact Erin Olmstead at [email protected] or 520-629-0510 x7009 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for event updates • See p 8 for Events Calendar and Living With Nature details

24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher Se p t e m b e r –Oc t o b e r 2010