THE QUARTERLY NEWS MAGAZINE OF TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY | TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG

Vermf li yl ci a to c hn e r January–March 2012 | Volume 57, Number 1

Connections Connecting the Dots: IBAs Provide a Conservation Framework Migration: Southern Arizona’s Year-round Spectacle What’s in a Name? Ring-necked Duck Features The QuarT erly News MagaziN e of TucsoN a uduboN s ocieT y | TucsoN auduboN .org 11 Migration: Southern Arizona’s Year- round Spectacle Vermf li yl ci a to c hn e r 12 Connecting the Dots: IBAs Provide a January–March 2012 | Volume 57, Number 1 Conservation Framework

Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving 17 What’s in a Name? Ring-necked the quality of the environment by providing education, Duck conservation, and recreation programs, environmental leadership, and information. Tucson Audubon is a non-profit volunteer organization of people with a Departments common interest in birding and natural history. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a library, and nature 3 Commentary shops in Tucson, the proceeds of which benefit all of its programs. 4 Events and Classes Tucson Audubon Society 5 Events Calendar 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 8 News Roundup Connections 629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) Connecting the Dots: All phone numbers are area code 520 unless otherwise stated. IBAs Provide a Conservation Framework 18 Conservation and Education News Migration: Southern Arizona’s Year-round Spectacle www.tucsonaudubon.org What’s in a Name? Ring-necked Duck Board Officers & Directors 21 Field Trips President Cynthia Pruett Vice President Sandy Elers 24 Birding Travel from our Business Partners FRONT COVER: Wood Duck at Fort Lowell Park in Secretary Ruth Russell Tucson by Tom Ryan. View more of his images at: flickr. Treasurer Richard Carlson 25 Birds & Business Alliance Directors at Large Gavin Bieber, Jennie Duberstein, com/photos/thomasryan. 25 Classified Ads Sandy Elers, Debra Finch, Richard Fray, Bob Hernbrode, To have your photographs considered for use in the Linda Greene, Jessie Shinn, Linda Stitzer, Herb Trossman, Claire Zucker 26 Nature Shops Vermilion Flycatcher, please contact Matt Griffiths at Board Committees Conservation Chair Chris McVie, [email protected]. Development Mich Coker, Education Jennie Duberstein, Finance Richard Carlson, Outreach Vacant, Nominating Linda Greene, Personnel Cynthia Pruett Programs & Activities Field Trips Kate Reynolds Library 629-0510 Membership Meetings Jean Barchman 629-0510 Why There is No Balance of Nature Rare Bird Alert Andrew Core | Report Rare Birds 629-0510 Prof. John Kricher, Wheaton College, Massachusetts. 2012 Gala Speaker Staff (unless otherwise stated, dial 629-0510 plus extension) Executive Director Paul Green ext 7001 Accountant Michelle Bourgeois ext 7003 Any form of biology is, in reality, a branch of through a period of rapid climate Finance ext 7014 Membership Coordinator Jean Barchman ext 7002 evolutionary biology. Failure to have some changes, a change that is likely Development Manager Erin Olmstead ext 7009 understanding of how evolution works makes forced by anthropogenic Volunteer and Development Coordinator understanding biology, and today, understanding actions. The natural world Kara Kaczmarzyk ext 7011 Environmental Education Coordinator Bété Pfister ext 7012 what is happening in the world, very difficult. of the twenty-first century IBA Conservation Biologist Jennie MacFarland ext 7004 Ecologists study how Earth’s ecosystems function. may bear little resemblance Habitats Program Manager Kendall Kroesen ext 7006 The relevance of this information goes well beyond to that that of recent Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 Communications / Habitat Restoration the ivory towers of academe. It should be part of centuries. We have entered Matthew Griffiths 971-7924 every educated citizen’s understanding of his or the Anthropogenic era in which Operations / University Shop Manager Sara Pike ext 7008 University Shop Manager Matt Brooks ext 7007 her world. human influence is pervasive in all Tucson Audubon Nature Shops A couple of years ago I wrote a book. It was ecosystems. 300 E University Blvd #120 ext 7015 called The Balance of Nature: Ecology’s Enduring I hope to set you on the path to understanding 623-3476 fax / 629-0510 Shop Manager Myth. I wrote it for a broad audience, particularly the connections between evolution, ecology, and Hours: 10 am–4 pm, Monday–Saturday Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E Roger Rd 760-7881 readers who thrive intellectually by seeing other areas of human thought and the realization Hours: 10 am–2:30 pm , Thursday, Friday, Saturday connection among various disciplines such as that “nothing endures but change.” However, some (January–March) philosophy, history, and the sciences. Ecology has changes are better than others, and the deep philosophical roots, especially in the study of great virtue of being human, at least in natural history, and has enjoyed a vigorous growth theory, is that we have a choice. Our Vermilion Flycatcher is published quarterly. For address changes or subscription problems call 629-0510, or write in the previous century. Hopefully it will distinguish destinies are largely under our control to Membership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E. itself in the present century. if we seize that control. Ecology University Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. Submissions are I have studied and taught ecology for nearly is no longer the arcane study of due the 1st of the month, two months before the date of the issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF four decades and I am opinionated about it. I tell natural history. Ecology, in the documents, or plain text files, to Matt Griffiths at mgriffiths@ my students that questions dealing with ecology twenty-first century, may be tucsonaudubon.org. will accompany their lives throughout the present the key to human destiny Coordinator Matt Griffiths 971-7924 Proofreaders Robert Merideth, Tucson Audubon staff, century. The Earth’s collective biodiversity is in the twenty-second and volunteers experiencing its sixth major extinction event since century and Design / Layout Eng-Li Green multicellular life first evolved. It is also passing beyond. VF © 2012 Tucson Audubon Society

2 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 COMMENTARY PAUL GREEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Connections Migrating Birds Show the Way

It is a real thrill for a bird bander to migration are the result of human receive news of any recovery or recapture activities. As conservationists, we need to and education work. Arizona’s 42 of a bird they have banded (especially understand how we can be most effective Important Bird Areas become linked with when the bird is found alive). Can you at helping birds by identifying and those in other states, and in nations south imagine how Fred Dietrich felt when he addressing these threats. of our border, and become focal points for got the news that a Rufous Hummingbird Of course, what we observe in Arizona support of bird species targeted as being he had banded in Tallahassee, Florida, is a small part of a much larger process. in need of special conservation action. in January of 2010 was found later that While our conservation actions are Chapters in neighboring states can year in Chenega, Alaska? The bird’s flight necessarily local in implementation they work together through their IBA programs breaks all previous distance records for have to be at least continental-scale in to help sustain migration routes for birds. migrating hummingbirds. One wonders planning. For example, the long-distance The draft National Audubon plan what route it took to get from Florida to flights of birds depend upon energy stores builds on this Flyway-IBA framework with Alaska. for flight and most species need to stop some additional “cross cutting” initiatives. This one specific migration record is to refuel on their journey. Knowing the These include Creating Bird-Friendly a point of light in the hugely amazing most important stopover sites for each Communities (Urban Oases), Supporting phenomenon of bird migration in our species, and protecting these sites and Healthy Climate for Birds and People region during which millions of birds move their productivity, has to be a key element (addressing climate change), and Putting BURNS, WWW.JIMBURNSPHOTOS.COM RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, JIM & DEVA between their breeding and wintering of any strategy to help migratory birds. Farms, Ranches, and Forests to Work grounds each year. Every species How does Tucson Audubon become an for Birds. All of these feature in Tucson studied yields unique and fascinating effective player on the continental scale? Audubon’s draft Strategic Plan that will be stories of how animals adapt to changing In a happy coincidence, major completed this winter. circumstances. Arizona has some rather planning efforts by National Audubon The Florida to Alaska migration of the interesting phenomena around migration, and by Tucson Audubon have been Rufous Hummingbird was an inspiration including the importance of suitable happening in parallel over the last year. for our appeal to you to help build the stopover sites for birds that interrupt their Understanding the unrealized potential of strength of the Important Bird Areas migration to molt. Jennie MacFarland, our the chapter network, the new leadership program, as well as the education and Important Bird Areas (IBA) Coordinating team at National Audubon has been conservation work that will become an Biologist, presents some of these facts piecing together a new framework for increasing focus on these sites. Thank on p 14. We’ll be inviting those in our collaboration to create a more effective you for your donations, which have been community who know most about bird conservation network. very generous this season. migration through Arizona to write for A new vision puts migration pathways We know that many of our members these pages in the coming issues. central to a coordinated approach to have yet to make a gift to Tucson Bird migration is a process fraught grassroots bird conservation, with our IBA Audubon to support our work in with danger for birds, and many of the program providing the sites where people conservation and education. I encourage threats to the completion of a successful connect with birds through conservation you to give it a go this year. A small gift, of $10 or $25, contributes to the welfare of our birds and your quality of life. You’ll feel great when you mail your check (just try it and see, and you can deduct it from your income tax!). Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you at Dr. Bill Mannan’s talk on

, HTTP://BNA.BIRDS.CORNELL.EDU/BNA, MAINTAINED BY CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY | RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD: JOHN KENNEDY | RUFOUS BY CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY MAINTAINED , HTTP://BNA.BIRDS.CORNELL.EDU/BNA, urban birds of prey on Monday, January 9 at 7:00 pm at the University Medical Center at 1501 N Campbell Ave. in Tucson to thank you in person. And don’t miss Dr. Jonathan Overpeck’s talk on Climate Change and Tucson on February 13; see p 7 for details of both talks. VF BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA ONLINE BIRDS OF NORTH MAP:

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 3 Protecting the Health and TUCSON AUDUBON Habitat of Hawks and Owls in eBird Workshop EVENTS AND CLASSES Urban Tucson: March 21 & 24 in Tucson with Bill Mannan March 24, 2012. $25. This workshop will cover basic biology Reservation required. Tucson Audubon’s and ecology of the large predatory Specialty Workshops birds that live in Tucson— the You’ve probably been February 1, 2012 – May 2, 2012 Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, hearing a lot about Harris’s Hawk and Great Horned Owl. eBird (www.ebird.org) lately, the The classroom session will focus on website and online birding tool that is the challenges that predatory birds changing the face of modern birding. face when they live in urban areas; eBird is an internet-based checklist the timing of nesting activities; how to program, built for birders by birders, locate nests; and the field methods whose goal is to harness the power of for capturing and marking predatory both birding and science. birds for the purpose of monitoring eBird allows you to keep track of populations. The workshop will your bird records online and share include a field trip to visit 4–5 study them with the birding community, sites where you will learn about while making them available for field methods and how to actively science and conservation efforts. participate in a local, long-term eBird allows birders to post sightings, ongoing raptor monitoring program. keep life lists, and manage their personal records. eBird is also a Full Specialty Workshop remarkable tool to learn more about Schedule for 2012 birds and birding. Sparrows: February 1 & 4: $110 We have invited eBird Project members/$145 non-members Leader Brian Sullivan to teach Intended as stand-alone classes, urban environments, how we monitor Raptors: February 8 & 11: $110 this workshop which we present these workshops are a great their populations, the inherent members/$145 non-members in partnership with the Arizona opportunity to focus on a specific challenges hawks and owls face in Ducks and Geese: February 15 & 18: Field Ornithologists. At the half-day group of birds and brush up on your our city, and opportunities to engage $55 members/$90 non-members workshop you will learn what eBird is, identification skills. Instructors go into in their protection. Both workshops Protecting the Health of Hawks and why it’s important for you to add your detail on similar species, identification include a classroom and field trip Owls in Urban Tucson: March 21 & checklists, what it can do for you as a techniques, and vocalizations. Each component. SIGN UP FOR BOTH 24: $55 members/$90 non-members birder, and how to get started. HARRIS’S HAWK, JOAN GELLATLY; SAVANNAH SPARROW, LARRY SELMAN, MOSTLYBIRDS.COM; WOOD DUCK, JOAN GELLATLY SELMAN, MOSTLYBIRDS.COM; LARRY SPARROW, SAVANNAH JOAN GELLATLY; HARRIS’S HAWK, class consists of a Wednesday AND RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT Birds of Mt. Lemmon: April 21 & 28. We look forward to welcoming you evening class followed by a Saturday THROUGH JANUARY 31ST! $90 members/$125 non-members as we experience this remarkable field trip. Pick and choose several! Birding by Ear: May 2 & 5: $110 tool. It’s a great way to make your Instructors: Homer Hansen, Larry Raptors: February 8 & 11 members/$145 non-members observations count! Liese (Ducks and Geese), William with Homer Hansen See our website for class times, eBird is a project of National Mannan (Protection of Raptors in A favorite among birdwatchers, locations and registration information: Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Urban Tucson), Lynn Hassler (Birds of raptors impress us with their size and www.tucsonaudubon.org/education Ornithology. Mt. Lemmon). speed. Though there are not many The workshop is limited to 72 This spring, we are offering species of raptors, identification people. Deadline for registration is two raptor workshops that if challenges arise from variations in March 10, 2012. Register online or taken together, will give you an their plumages due to age, sub- contact Bété Pfister at bpfister@ in-depth overview of identification species or color morphs. In this REGISTRATION tucsonaudubon.org or 629-0510 x techniques, inflight, perching and workshop, you will learn to recognize 7012. nesting behaviors, life history, species apart from their plumages DISCOUNTS and learn behaviors that aid in population monitoring, and how you Register for both raptor workshops can participate in their conservation their identification. The importance and receive a 10% discount and protection. Both workshops of a raptor’s wing shape and its !

influence on flight and behavior and BROOKS MATT complement each other. First learn Receive gift certificates from our about identification and observable other physiological features will be Nature Shop when you register for behaviors with Homer Hansen in presented. This workshop covers 28 classes and workshops this spring! species of raptors that can be found February and then in March, Bill See www.tucsonaudubon.org/ Mannan will teach you about how in the southwest. workshops for details these birds have adapted to live in

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR SUITE OF EDUCATION CLASSES, PLEASE VISIT WWW.TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG/EDUCATION

4 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. EVENTS CALENDAR

January 7. Living with Nature lecture MATT BROOKS MATT MATT BROOKS MATT (Green Valley): Ecuador: Andean Adventure with Doug Moore (see p 7) January 9. Living with Nature lecture (Tucson) Urban Birds of Prey with Dr. Bill Mannan (see p 7) January 11–15. Wings Over Willcox (see p 25) Tucson Audubon’s Flagship Tucson Festival January 14–February 18. Backyard Birding and Beyond (see below) Education Program: of Books January 14 More Trees Please (see p 6) March 10–11, 2012 January 16. Martin Luther King Jr. Day The Institute of Desert Ecology Volunteer Project (see p 6) Tucson Audubon Society will once April 19–22, 2012 January 28. Beat Back Buffelgrass Day again be participating in the ever If you have ever thought about and a sense of wonder at the desert (see p 6) growing Tucson Festival of Books enrolling in the Institute of Desert surrounding us. This is a wonderful February 1 & 4. Specialty Workshop: at the University of Arizona. This Sparrows (see p 4) Ecology, this is it! Inspiring people chance for you to interact with like- year, you will find us in two different February 4. Living with Nature lecture for 42 years, the Institute of Desert minded, inquisitive adults in the parts of the event! We will have a (Green Valley): Where the Chicks Hang Out Ecology takes a small number of unique landscape of southern Arizona. tent representing our Nature Shop with Pinau Merlin participants on a journey of discovery In our 42nd year, our amazing faculty and Membership and the vast array February 7. Tucson Audubon’s Fourth through the Sonoran Desert’s continues to teach Sonoran Desert Annual Gala (see p 8 & 28) of birding and nature books and dynamic and surprising ecological ecology to people from around the February 13. Living with Nature lecture gifts we carry. Our other tent will be relationships. The program and continent. Join us for a once-in-a- (Tucson): Climate Change: What Does it part of the newly expanded Science Mean for Tucson and the Southwest? with instructors have been described by lifetime educational experience. Pavilion in the “Citizen Science” area. Dr. Jonathan Overpeck (see p 7) past participants as: “Life changing…”, Space is limited, so sign up today! At the Citizen Science tent, you can February 8 & 11. Specialty Workshop: “An unforgettable experience…”, Don’t miss the opportunity! We will learn all about how volunteer bird Raptors (see p 4) “Teachers with warmth, humor, not be offering another Institute surveyors are vital to the Important February 15 & 18. Specialty Workshop: brilliance…” Ducks & Geese (see p 4) of Desert Ecology until 2014! Bird Areas Program and how birders The faculty of eminent scientist- For more information, contact Matt February 17 & 18. Great Backyard Bird who enter their sightings on eBird are teachers have ten to forty years of Brooks, Institute Director, at 629-0510 Count at Mason Center (see p 6) contributing to the knowledge base experience with the institute. They x7007 or education@tucsonaudubon. February 25. Ash Canyon B&B Volunteer of ornithology and bird conservation. Project (see p 6) lead small groups into the field org. Online sign-up and more We will also have information about March 3. Living with Nature lecture during a 4-day workshop in the information is available at www. how folks participating in the Tucson (Green Valley): Urban Birds of Prey with Catalina Mountains to examine the tucsonaudubon.org/ide. Cost $425 Bird Count, Christmas Bird Counts Dr. Bill Mannan (see p 7) interactions of the native wildlife, Tucson Audubon member, $460 non- and the Great Backyard Bird Count March 10 & 11. Tucson Festival of Books plants and landscape. Whether you member. All meals and camping fees (see left): are contributing using citizen science. consider yourself an expert or a rookie included. Forty hours of professional March 12. Living with Nature lecture Learn how you can participate in a naturalist, you will come away from development credit available through (Tucson): The Secret Life of Quail with long-term urban raptor monitoring Kirby Bristow (see p 7) this program with new knowledge the University of Arizona. program in collaboration with March 21 & 24. Specialty Workshop: scientists at the University, as well Protecting Raptors in Urban Tucson as other educational opportunities (see p 4) offered by Tucson Audubon. So come March 24. eBird Workshop (see p 4) on out and join us for this terrific April 3. Living with Nature lecture (Green Valley): Sea Birds and Marine Mammals in event. There will be a special bonus Your Backyard! with Tad Pfister (see p 7) for those who visit both Tucson April 9. Living with Nature lecture (Tucson): Audubon tents! Live Birds with Anne Peyton of Liberty

BOTH PHOTOS SARA PIKE SARA BOTH PHOTOS Wildlife (see p 7) April 19–22. Institute of Desert Ecology CURVE-BILLED THRASHER, JOAN GELLATLY CURVE-BILLED (see left) Backyard Birding and Beyond April 20–29. 25th Annual Birdathon January 14–February 18, 2012 (see p 10) April 22. Earth Day at Tumacacori National birder, educator, and noted author Don’t miss your last chance to Field trips: Historical Park (see p 6) provides a through overview of birding sign up for our beginning birding class! Saturdays, April 21 & 28. Specialty Workshop: Birds of The New Year is upon us! It is time to for new birders. Come discover the January 21, Mt. Lemmon (see p 4) get out there and start birding! Learn interesting characteristics, adaptations, February 18; locations/times TBA May 2 & 5. Specialty Workshop: Birding the basics of birding from identifying and charms of our local birds! Cost: $135 for Tucson Audubon By Ear (see p 4) species to how to use field guides Classroom sessions: Saturdays, members, $170 for non-members. May 3–6. Santa Cruz Nature and Heritage Festival (see p 9) and binoculars and where to go to January 14, January 28 (NO CLASS), Contact: education@tucsonaudubon. watch birds in southeastern Arizona. February 4, 11, 9:00–11:00 am; TAS June 16–24. Special Birding Trip to Ecuador org or 629-0510 x 7012. for Tucson Audubon Members (see p 23) Instructor Lynn Hassler, longtime offices on University Ave.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 5 TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS & CLASSES

Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) February 17th and 18th at Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center

The Great Backyard Bird Count count and then lead a guided trail (GBBC) is a great way for you to walk through ironwood-saguaro forest learn about counting birds, and to habitat. We will enter our sightings contribute to bird conservation. GBBC into the national database where takes place every Presidents Day they will be compiled with information weekend for four days (February gathered from other citizen scientists 17–20, 2012) and is for birders of across our region and across the TogetherGreen Volunteers all ages and experience. The goal continent. You can take what you Making a Difference is to create a real-time snapshot of learn home with you and continue the how our birds are distributed across count from your backyard or favorite TOP AND LOWER INSET: KENDALL KROESEN; UPPER INSET: MARY BELLIN MARY KROESEN; UPPER INSET: KENDALL AND LOWER INSET: TOP Tucson Audubon volunteers have the continent, and we do this by birding destination! again been doing great work for the having many thousands of people out On February 17th, we will be environment at our TogetherGreen counting birds over the weekend. You hosting a count for youth birders volunteer days. Tucson Audubon can spend as little as 15 minutes on (ages 12–18) from 8 am–12 pm. has a TogetherGreen grant (for the one day, or you can count for as long On February 18th, we will host fourth year in a row!) from National as you like each day of the event. a count for the general public from Audubon for cool-season volunteer Then, you enter your checklist into 8 am–12 pm. You need to register efforts. TogetherGreen is a program of pond at Ft. Lowell Park. This in an the GBBC website (www. birdsource. for the event, for which there is a fee National Audubon funded by Toyota. effort to improve habitat for ducks and org/gbbc). You can see your results of $5. There have been five volunteer days other birds. appear almost immediately. Your If you enjoy GBBC, then you so far this year. On December 3 we worked with participation is critical in helping should take part in our more On October 1 we worked with volunteers from Arizona Native Plant scientists document the distribution advanced eBird training session Pima County Natural Resources, Society and the Sierra Club, with and movement of hundreds of on March 24, 2012, being offered Parks and Recreation Department support from the BLM, on a habitat species in a short span of time. The by Tucson Audubon, Arizona Field to help install a trail along the south restoration project in Ironwood Forest information that we collect can help Ornithologists, and the Cornell Lab of side of Arthur Pack Park. This trail National Park. Several students answer important questions regarding Ornithology (see p 4). is just across the street from Tucson from the U of A Department of Soil, the health of specific populations Come join us and make an Audubon’s Mason Center, so it is an Water and Environmental Science of birds. Year by year comparisons important contribution to bird additional natural trail amenity for us participated as well. yield fascinating outcomes that you conservation! Contact Bete Pfister as well as for park patrons, and also can custom view through the GBBC at [email protected] or gives a safer place for Tortolita Middle Upcoming TogetherGreen website. 520-629-0510 x 7012 to register or for School students to walk to and from volunteer days include: Tucson Audubon is making sure more information. school. We received a nice thank Saturday January 14, More Trees that the birds from southeast Arizona The Great Backyard Bird Count is you letter from Supervisor Ann Day Please at the El Rio Open Space will be well represented in the count led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology acknowledging our participation. Monday January 16, Martin Luther by offering two opportunities at our and National Audubon Society, On October 15 we fielded a small King Day with SASUN at Julian Wash Mason Center to learn about and with Canadian partner Bird Studies crew to remove invasive fountain Saturday January 28, Beat Back participate in the GBBC. Staff and Canada and sponsorship from Wild grass at Tucson Audubon’s 15-acre Buffelgrass Day at Esperero Canyon experienced volunteers will be on Birds Unlimited. property in Esperero Canyon. We Saturday February 25, Ash Canyon hand to give an orientation to the PHAINOPEPLA, JOAN GELLATLY made progress toward finishing our B&B work day first sweep through the canyon bottom Sunday April 22, Earth Day at and set us up for a return trip on Beat Tumacacori National Historical Park Back Buffelgrass Day, January 28. NOTE: For details, directions, and November 12 saw a big effort to sign up for any of the above at Prickly Park. The park is an events, contact Kara Kaczmarzyk at area being planted in a naturalistic 520-629-0510 x7011 or volunteer@ fashion by the Tucson Cactus and tucsonaudubon.org. All volunteers Succulent Society next to the Pima will sign a liability waiver. Please County Natural Resources, Parks wear appropriate work clothing, work and Recreation building. We planted shoes, and hat, and bring a water an area that is to be a hummingbird- bottle and gloves if you have them. We friendly garden. will provide additional water, snacks, On November 20 we worked with gloves, and all the necessary tools. volunteers from Friends of Ft. Lowell Park and St. Gregory School to plant Kendall Kroesen native grasses and shrubs next to the Habitats Program Manager DORIS EVANS

6 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. TUCSON AUDUBON EVENTS & CLASSES Tucson Audubon’s Living with Nature Lecture Series

TUCSON Living with March 12 • Tucson Nature Lecture Series and NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE: Member Meetings Arizona-Riverpark Inn, Traditional venue of DuVal Auditorium 350 S. Freeway (NE section of the University Medical

Center, Bldg. 501 N Campbell SPEEDWAY Ave) may change. Please check JOAN GELLATLY COOPER’S HAWK, I-10 UNIV. OF AZ tucsonaudubon.org for updates. CONGRESS Program begins at 7 pm, SECOND CONVENTION CTR. MONDAY of each month October TUCSON through April. INT’L AIRPORT

January 9 • Tucson THE SECRET LIFE OF QUAIL GREEN VALLEY Living SELMAN, MOSTLYBIRDS.COM THRASHER, LARRY CURVE-BILLED with Nature Lecture Series URBAN BIRDS OF PREY: LIVING desert birds “unincubate” their with Kirby Bristow THE CITY LIFE WITH LARGE Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N eggs, how turkey vultures defend Did you know that during favorable HAWKS AND GREAT HORNED La Canada Dr. 594-5295. The Green themselves, how cavity nesting years, female Gambel’s Quail will OWLS with Dr. Bill Mannan Valley talks will now be at 10 am on birds keep the nest clean and much lay up to 15 eggs in a nest and the FIRST SATURDAY of the month, Over the last two decades, predatory more. Join us for a fun look at the leave them with a male while she November through April. birds have become common life histories and breeding biology of courts and nests with another male. residents of towns and cities across Northern Caracaras, Burrowing Owls, For more information, contact Bété Backyard birdwatchers first described the United States. Their presence gnatcatchers, Gila Woodpeckers, Pfister, 520-629-0510 x7012 or this polyandrous behavior. Learn has increased the likelihood that Gambel’s Quail, Cactus Wrens, [email protected], or visit much more about our quail species birds and people will interact. Dr. Roadrunners, Phainopeplas and tucsonaudubon.org. with Kirby Bristow, a Research Mannan and his students at the many other species. Biologist with the Arizona Game and University of Arizona have been January 7 • Green Valley February 13 • Tucson Fish department. His studies have studying these birds in Tucson for focused on productivity, behavior, ECUADOR: ANDEAN ADVENTURE: CLIMATE CHANGE: WHAT over 20 years. Come learn about the and habitat selection patterns of a HUMMINGBIRDS, ORCHIDS, DOES IT MEAN FOR TUCSON life histories of hawks and owls, how variety of wildlife, and he has worked COMMUNITIES AND THE SOUTHWEST? with to monitor their populations, inherent on quail research projects in Arizona, with Doug Moore Dr. Jonathan Overpeck challenges in their survival and in About the size of Texas, and Sonora, Mexico, over the turn, opportunities for you to engage Last year’s increase in carbon Arizona, Ecuador past 12 years. in their protection. emissions to our atmosphere, an boasts one of Bill Mannan is a Professor estimated extra half-billion tons, April 3 • Green Valley the highest levels of Wildlife Ecology in the School was almost certainly the largest ENCORE PRESENTATION: SEA of biodiversity on of Natural Resources and the absolute jump in any year since the BIRDS AND MARINE MAMMALS IN earth, including Environment, University of Arizona, Industrial Revolution, and the largest YOUR BACKYARD! with Tad Pfister 25,000 plants percentage increase since 2003. and Chair of the Wildlife and Join us as we explore the Gulf of species, 1600 This trend of ever-rising emissions Fisheries Resources Program. California and its islands. Be amazed bird species will make climate change an He and his graduate students are by its diversity of marine life including and thousands increasing challenge in coming currently working on a variety of whales, dolphins, sea lions and of butterflies and decades. What are the particular subjects, but the focus is on habitat seabirds, and the islands that support moths. The country possible outcomes for Tucson and quality and population dynamics of nesting seabirds such as Brown boasts 130 species the southwest? Water supply, food birds in the urban environments of Pelican, Black and Least Storm of hummingbirds security, fire risk, habitability for Tucson, Arizona. Petrels, and Yellow-footed Gull. and more orchid people and wildlife will all be affected. February 4 • Green Valley Tad Pfister has been exploring the species than Dr. Overpeck, an author in the Gulf of California for more 25 years anywhere else! WHERE THE CHICKS HANG OUT: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate as a student, teacher, researcher, With stunning A GUIDE TO NESTING BIRDS Change’s Fifth Assessment, will tell naturalist and boatman. Tad has photography, the with Pinau Merlin us more. worked with Mexican researchers program explores natural habitats Southern Arizona is one of the March 3 • Green Valley to study fin, sperm and blue whale and life in the west and east birding meccas in the U.S., with over ENCORE PRESENTATION: movement patterns in the Gulf as cordilleras of the Andes flanking 15 species of hummingbirds, and URBAN BIRDS OF PREY: LIVING well as assisted in sea bird research the capitol of Quito, from Tropical everything from Elf Owls to Elegant THE CITY LIFE WITH LARGE projects on San Pedro Martir, Rasa Cloud Forest to Páramo Alpine Trogons. Many species from Mexico HAWKS AND GREAT HORNED and Alcatraz Islands. Tundra. Here, local people work to reach their northern limit in southern OWLS with Dr. Bill Mannan provide a heritage for their children Arizona and are not seen anywhere April 9 • Tucson by conserving their lands and living else in the United States. Discover See the Tucson January 9 listing LIVE BIRDS with Anne Peyton of sustainably with nature. why quail nest on the ground, why above for details. Liberty Wildlife. VF TOP TO BOTTOM: GOLDEN-TAILED SAPPHIRE, WIL SUM; BOOTED-RACKETTAIL, M. KRAJEWSKI; GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL, MASA SUM; BOOTED-RACKETTAIL, SAPPHIRE, WIL GOLDEN-TAILED BOTTOM: TO TOP

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 7 TUCSON AUDUBON Gala Returns NEWS ROUNDUP Our Changing World WELCOME NEW MEMBERS with Special Guest John Kricher Dan Adams, Ann Aust, Bed and Bagles of Tucson, Joseph Brinnig, David February 7, 2012, 5:30pm • Loews Ventana Canyon & Rosemary Brown, Hal Busch & Ruth Morton, Jill Cartwright, Carmen & Change is the one constant in natural systems. Our guest speaker John Walt Christy, David Clark, Judith & John Clark, Kathy & Kenny Cook, Tanya Kricher, noted researcher, teacher, and author, has made change the central Curington, Kathryn DeBoo, Ray Deeney, Elinor Engelhard, Ronald Feller, theme to one of his recent books. In fact, as he will share with us in his Nelson & Margaret Gingerich, Janice & John Gisler, Joan Goodenough, Carol address at the Gala, the balance of nature is no more than an enduring myth. Hegre, Fern Hieb, Twila Hulbert, Pam Hyde-Nakai, Inn at San Ignacio Condo Constant change is the reality of nature. Hotel, Doug Johnson, Kara Kaczmarzyk, Allen Klus, Travis Knowles, Amanda Kulberg, Marlene Lasko, Ana Lockhart, Curt & Alice Lund, Deanna MacPhail, Please join us as we celebrate our 4th Annual Gala on Tuesday February Stanley Magill, Alan McBride, Bette McKolskey, John McLain, Metropolitan 7 at the fabulous Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. A no-host cocktail hour, Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Marge Mora-Brown, Vic Nelson, Nancy live music by Entre Peruanos, and an exciting silent auction Nevitt & Vladimir Kaczkurkin, Kendu Outlaw, Lorinda Paca, Erika Parrino, will precede a gourmet dinner in the Grand Ballroom. Enjoy Lisa Partin, Robert & Patricia Pearson, Marlene Peterson, Timothy Preso, Liz a live raptor free-flight, great company, and a thought- Prohaska, Elizabeth Record, Clark Rogers, Mavis Rosell, Art Schaub, Elsa provoking keynote presentation by John Kricher, author of Schaub, Molly Scheffe, Alan Schmierer, Karen Simms, Joseph Sitter, Kim The Balance of Nature. We hope you will become a part of Skavaril Mary Lu Sketchley, Sandra Smith, Maia Stark, William Stewart, Mary this special Tucson Audubon tradition. Strohm, Karen Swenson, Brad Tatham, Tortolita Middle School, Mike Walstad, Tickets are $150 each and $1500 tables for 10 are Carolyn Webb, Charles & Carole West available only to Friends of Tucson Audubon. Corporate We welcome the Bed and Bagels of Tucson, Metropolitan Tucson Convention sponsorship packages are offered from $2000. and Visitors Bureau, and the Inn at San Ignacio Condo Hotel as Copper Level To reserve your seats, please call Jean Birds & Business Alliance members. Barchman at 520-209-1802 or Erin Olmstead Jean Barchman, Membership Coordinator at 520-209-1809 today!

Happy Birthday! Mason Center Windows Dedication Best wishes to our January birthday members: Maia Stark, Paddy Walsh, Wanda Wynne, Ann Roscoe, Becky Aparicio, Joan Blumberg, Mary Bogus, Art Weiner, Gayle Brown, Stella Hotchkiss, Jerry Ogden, Joeine Green, Scott Olmstead, Joel Gilb, Mark Nall, Jan Bell, Ann Penton, Ferran Eales, Craig Marken, Alta Sailer, Betty Blackstock, Stephen Herron, Janice Shaughnessy, Janet Baker, Sarah Prasek, Judith Reeve, David Robinson, Nate Gwinn, Carol Gawrychowski, Diane Monnier, BOTH PHOTOS CRAIG MARKEN BOTH PHOTOS Emily Rhoads, Holly Finstrom, Sue Robinson, Helen Hensley, James Weiss Best wishes to our February birthday members: Carl Conney, Donald Edwards, Martha Anderson, Paul Green, Vic Nelson, Pacifica Summers, Jean Close, Betty McAnany, Marilyn Ruckman, Gary Gustafson, Joanne Hogan, Margaret Pearson, Dennis Weeks, Sam Campana, Sarah Grubaugh, Maureen Hughes, Elaine Fass, Roger Eastman, Janice Nicol, Lynn Jarrett, Jennifer Barnacastle, Kathy Little, Ivan Whitesel, Jefferson Carter, Shawn Everingham, Pete Baum, Heather Hatch, Dar Wright, Ann Sprague, Judy Calvert, Dottie Eshbaugh, Marga Raskin, Roger Tess, Melanie Alvarez Best wishes to our March birthday members: Martha Carr, Larry Curry, Pauline Fuus, Carl Kanun, Devona Painter, Joyce Wong, Eleanor Wilkerson, Michael Habib, Samuel Blakesley, Donna Marchinetti,

Sara Pike, Bernard Cohen, Frank Kipper, John Milbauer, Michael Hall, Tory & ENG-LI GREEN PAUL Syracuse, Karen Zipser, Shirley Helmerson, Jennie Scott, Helen Clark, Patricia In January 2011 our board chair, Cynthia Pruett, challenged all members to replace the fourteen 60-year-old windows in Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center with new thermally Patten, Charles Warner, David Bass, Ray Miller, Steven Burke, Nancy Wieduvilt, efficient units. By early summer you had achieved this goal—thank you for your generosity! William Grove, James Sugg, Larry Lee, Rita Smalling, Alondra Telles-Waite On November 6 we welcomed many members who had donated funds for the windows to a thank you event at the Mason Center. Included in the group photo are Chris and We wish to thank Peter Bengtson and Brad Paxton for their generous donations Doug McVie, who have been the primary force behind the planning and development of to the birthday fund. the Mason Center site for the last 15 years. Also present were family members of the late Cynthia Lindquist who had a window dedicated to her memory. Ceramic commemorative Have you remembered Tucson Audubon Society in your estate planning? plaques were made by Tucson Audubon Birds & Business Alliance member David Fiore- Please let us know. McMahon, who also sponsored one of the new windows. This event also marked the launch of the new eighth edition of Tucson Audubon’s Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona.

8 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Volunteer News Roundup The Tucson Audubon Society is Kara Kaczmarzyk, Volunteer & Development Coordinator pleased to award Liz Harrison with the 2011 Volunteer of the Hello All Great Backyard Bird Count Year Award for her hard work and Volunteers of Tucson Audubon Feb. 17–18th — Help schools and dedication to the organization and Society are amazing! In the last individuals to count birds, enter their the field! Liz has been a Tucson two months since I was hired, I’ve finds online, and use the amazing Audubon Society volunteer since had the distinct pleasure of meeting results review tools (see p 7). the Agua Caliente Nature Shop first opened, but this year, she went many of you and seeing much of Festival of Books above and beyond the traditional the great work you accomplish. In Mar. 10–11th — Entice passing volunteer duties and the Agua return, I’m working on more ways authors, publishers and the reading bird, Liz loves Agua Caliente Park Caliente Nature Shop could not to recognize your service, getting public to learn more about Tucson because it is so close by and one have prospered without her. With more opportunities, and growing this Audubon Society during this family- never knows what might be found insight into just what makes Liz so support net. My door is always open, friendly community event (see p 5). there, especially during spring and special, Becky Aparicio says that so if you have any suggestions or fall migrations. Once, as Liz was Birdathon “She was the only one willing to take thoughts, please send them my way! releasing a pack rat from a trap near Apr. 20–29th — Many diverse up the challenge. I can’t say enough the entrance to Agua Caliente Park, Volunteer Needs opportunities to help during this about a woman who dedicates a Harris’s Hawk swooped down to Contact volunteer@tucsonaudubon. exciting week of competition and herself to us and other community catch the rat. Although the hawk org or 520-629-0510 x 7011 fundraising (see p 10). organizations so thoroughly.” Sara missed the rat, it was so close that TogetherGreen Pike adds, “Liz has a positive Santa Cruz Nature & Liz felt the swoop! Jan. 14th — Plant trees at Marana Heritage Festival attitude and cares so much about Borrow Pits May 3–6th — Join us for Tucson her volunteer work.” About the Award Jan. 16th — Second annual MLK Day Audubon Society’s first appearance at As if she’s not busy enough at Every year, the Tucson Audubon Buffelgrass removal, all ages! this festival. Tucson Audubon Society, Liz also Society selects one volunteer Jan. 28th — Beat back Buffelgrass in finds time to volunteer with school to receive this honor. A number Press and Publicity Esperero Canyon reading readiness, community of factors affect the selection of Develop and spearhead publicity Feb. 25th — Ash Canyon events, as a master gardener with the unique individual. A Tucson efforts to give Tucson Audubon a See p 6 for details. the University of Arizona Pima Audubon Society Volunteer of the vibrant presence in press, radio, TV, County Extension office, and in the Year is one who has demonstrated Wings Over Willcox social media, and the web. Pima County Education department. outstanding leadership, taken Jan. 11–15th — Spread the news There are many more ways to learn, A Maryland native, Liz has lived in on a high level of responsibility, about TAS at this festival. Volunteers meet new people, and contribute Tucson for 18 years and became a volunteered in a diverse number needed to assist with outreach or to a better birding world through birder after working in our Nature of tasks, and has a significant sales. volunteering at Tucson Audubon Shop. Liz especially likes seeing impact on the organization. These Our Changing World — Tucson Society. If you have an interest, let us Phainopeplas in flight and has factors, paired with the length and Audubon Gala know and chances are we’ll have an even converted her husband Rick quantity of service, help to inform Jan–Feb — Help with silent auction opportunity for you! Edwards into a birder (he likes that one special individual who fits procurement, decorations, and setup finding hawks around town). In the bill of Volunteer of the Year. for the Feb. 7th event (see p 8) addition, Liz enjoys hiking, traveling, Our organization, and the birds, cooking, reading, and playing with environments, and communities her 2-year-old German Shepherd, in which we work, are stronger Welcome Kara Sheba. As for her favorite place to because of them.

Kara Kaczmarzyk joined Tucson opportunities Audubon in the fall of 2011 as to witness Volunteer and Development and appreciate Nissan Leaf Raffle Coordinator. Before this, Kara worked the nature that Supports Local Charities in a number of development positions surrounds us here. at nonprofit organizations in Arizona, Kara is new to birding, but is You could win a 2012 Nissan Leaf the giant gas New Jersey and New York City. starting to identify southeastern from Jim Click Automotive! Tickets hogs I saw With a background in the arts, Arizona birds outside her window at are $25 or 5 for $100, and Tucson advertised. My Leaf is comfortable, Kara works to get new people our Mason Center. She is excited to Audubon keeps the proceeds of the peppy, and fun to drive. It can go from a variety of backgrounds learn all she can about birding and tickets we sell. Find more details and about 100 miles between charges. engaged in Tucson Audubon’s goals work with the dedicated, passionate buy your tickets online. The trunk holds an amazing amount of conservation, education, and Tucson Audubon volunteers! Kara Curious about this 100% electric of stuff, and my 6’3” son even fits in recreation. A lifelong vegetarian, received a Bachelors Degree in Art vehicle? Volunteer Laura Cotter the back seat! Best of all, it’s quiet Kara grew up in rural Arizona and is History and Italian Language from the gushes: “I love my Leaf! I wanted a and a really normal car to drive.” constantly amazed by the everyday University of Arizona. car that was more eco-friendly than

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 9 TUCSON AUDUBON NEWS ROUNDUP 25th Annual B irdathon The Birdathon “Big Week” April 20–29, 2012 promises to be unlike anything you have seen before.

Birdathon is not just collecting pledges and counting bird Spot a bird? Send in a donation! species! Go out to eat, take photos, visit a Many of the birds you see favorite birdy spot, or spend time with family What are your goals everyday are surviving thanks to while supporting birds and bird habitat during Birdathon 2012! for the 25th Annual the efforts of Tucson Audubon Birdathon? Society and our dedicated What you turn to And some things that Let’s get communities. Birdathon is an

MOSTLYBIRDS.COM; WESTERN KINGBIRD, ROBERT SHANTZ; PYRRULOXIA, LOIS MANOWITZ; GRAY HAWKK, LEN BLUMIN HAWKK, SHANTZ; PYRRULOXIA, LOIS MANOWITZ; GRAY WESTERN KINGBIRD, ROBERT MOSTLYBIRDS.COM; 25 people each year: might surprise you: a day donating, annual fundraising event that 25 celebrates the importance of • Expert-led outings & beginner • Big Week challenge Birdathon teams, 25 birds and conservation. The bird walks • TogetherGreen volunteer day first-time birdathoners, and… we’ll think of money we raise • A Big Day & a Big Sit • Local restaurants with during Birdathon • Birdathon 2012 t-shirt Birdathon specials 25 more ways to make Birdathon 2012 a week 2012 will be used for • Prizes for most money raised, • A 6-hr count, tribute to our to remember! local conservation most birds recorded, and more! first-ever Birdathon! and education

• Fun activities for the whole family • Juried photo contest programs. VF

For details on all things Birdathon, visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/birdathon BIRD PHOTOS: ACORN WOODPECKER, LARRY SELMAN, ACORN WOODPECKER, LARRY BIRD PHOTOS: PIKE GRIFFITHS, SARA MATT TEAM PHOTOS: BIRDATHON

10 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. Migration: Southern Arizona’s

Year-round Spectacle SEE BIRDS TO RICHARD FRAY

The first three months of the year are to overlook, but preserving habitat for mostly a time for classic winter birding. birds on migration is just as important as Our grasslands and wide agricultural protecting sites for breeding and

valleys host raptors, sparrows, thrashers wintering. Thanks to the Important WHERE TO GO and cranes, and this keeps everyone Bird Areas (IBA) Program, large thoroughly entertained. Many birders stretches of the San Pedro and Santa head out to the Sulphur Springs Valley Cruz corridors, which constitute critical and Santa Cruz Flats in search of breeding and wintering grounds as well as Mountain Plover, Crested Caracara, life-saving oases for migrants, are already Ferruginous Hawk, Sandhill Crane, Sage recognized as IBAs. As you will read in Sparrow and a variety of waterfowl at this magazine, work continues to protect lakes and ponds. Early morning in San more of these valuable ecosystems. Rafael Valley gives the chance of Baird’s The annual raptor migration is always Sparrow, along with White-tailed Kite, a highlight of early spring, with hawks Chestnut-collared Longspur and more and vultures heading north, following exciting winter grassland species. We’re the San Pedro and Santa Cruz rivers. It fortunate to have such great winter varies year to year, but any day in early

birding. to mid-March is worth a try. Common BURNS, WWW.JIMBURNSPHOTOS.COM JIM & DEVA BOTH PHOTOS: It’s also a time to look forward to spring Black Hawk is the big prize, but Zone- Any given year can begin or end with Tree Swallows moving through southeast Arizona. As Ruby-crowned and the wonder of migration. In fact, tailed, Gray and early Swainson’s Hawks Kinglets start their journeys northward in spring, Zone- migration of some sort is evident almost could all be mixed in with the more usual tailed Hawks are taking up residency in the region. year round in southeast Arizona. The Turkey and Black Vultures streaming first swallows often arrive in January. A overhead. Raptors are not generally early Finally, back to winter birding briefly. small influx of Tree, Violet-green, Barn risers, so mid-morning is when the largest Every year, usually in early March, and even a Cave Swallow in Tucson concentrations of birds are on the move. sections of dense cattails and bulrushes in December 2011 was evidence of Pick any vantage point giving views over at Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson are swallows on the move this winter. one of these corridors. In recent years, burned, to open up the habitat and allow Migration is most noticeable along it’s become traditional to watch from the it to regenerate. It’s a very effective traditional routes such as the San bridge on Bridge Road in Tubac. Last process which has helped create the Pedro and Santa Cruz rivers. It’s easy year there were a few occasions when too verdant and lively environment we have many birders congregated on the bridge at Sweetwater, but there’s an additional and local residents complained. With this benefit for birders. In the week or two in mind, a better vantage point is Ron after the burn, several difficult-to-see Morriss Park just to the south of Bridge species, most notably Sora, can be found Road, which has bathrooms, plenty of with some ease as they wander about, space and uninterrupted views of the wondering where all the cattails went. raptors and vultures. Listen for news of this year’s burn and Many more birds are on the way north get to Sweetwater soon afterward. Pick in March. Familiar summer residents a likely-looking spot where you can view such as Lucy’s Warblers, Cassin’s and exposed mud at the edge of the cattails, Western Kingbirds and Bell’s Vireo arrive and wait quietly. Eventually you should on territory in the lowlands. Further up be able to say you saw a Sora, as well as canyon, Painted Redstarts and Black- Common Yellowthroat, Marsh Wren and throated Gray Warblers share oak maybe a Virginia Rail or Swamp Sparrow woodland with the plentiful Ruby-crowned if you’re lucky. VF Kinglets passing through. Orioles add a splash of summer color Richard Fray is a birding guide and tour along riparian corridors and at feeding leader for Fun Birding Tours, offering custom sites. Likewise, hummingbirds pour into birding trips in SE Arizona and birding tours the state by the end of the month, turning to Belize in February 2012. Please visit www. feeding stations at Ash Canyon B&B, funbirdingtours.com or call 520-394-0132 for Paton’s in Patagonia and Madera Canyon more information. into ‘must visit’ attractions. TOP TO BOTTOM: LARRY SELMAN, MOSTLYBIRDS.COM; SCOTT WILBOR SCOTT SELMAN, MOSTLYBIRDS.COM; LARRY BOTTOM: TO TOP

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 11 Connecting the Dots:

BIRD AREAS IBAs Provide a Conservation Framework

JENNIE MACFARLAND | IBA CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST

IMPORTANT Below, top to bottom: Bell’s Vireo breed in large The Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program in the Americas numbers in the Lower San Pedro IBA; Salt/Gila Riparian aims to identify and protect a key site network for birds and Ecosystem IBA was the first Arizona IBA to qualify for Global IIBA status; Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw biodiversity, through joint efforts of governmental and non- State Wildlife Area IBA governmental organizations and the public in general by engaging communities close to those sites IBAs are priority areas for the conservation of globally threatened,

range restricted and congregatory birds. Our data demonstrate that IBAs DOMINIC SHERONY are excellent indicators of biodiversity richness and are therefore also important for a wide range of species. Given that we know more about birds than any other wildlife group, IBAs enable us to identify priority areas for conservation based on a simple globally agreed to criteria. In Arizona, community-led site support groups will work with staff from Tucson Audubon and Audubon Arizona to: identify conservation threats to the sites; identify appropriate actions to combat those threats; and then implement conservation actions. We are opening the way to do this locally at our newly expanded Tanque Verde Wash/Sabino Canyon IBA close to Tucson.

A Matter of Perspective. Arizona IBAs at Very Different Scales

Arizona’s Important Bird

Areas are part of a global DERRICK BOSTROM network, with more than 200 countries participating. The massive size and multi-layered nature of this program make it very interesting to look at IBAs at different scales. To become a state-level IBA, a site must have significant populations of either species of conservation concern— species with a very restricted range—or species that are vulnerable because they congregate in high densities. An independent committee of researchers and managers from around the state decide if an area meets these state-level criteria. A Global IBA is part of a much bigger picture. To qualify as a Global IBA, a state IBA has to support a specified number LADY CLIFF LADY

12 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. JPC RALEIGH Global and Connecting the Dots: Continental IBAs When an IBA is designated a Global or Continental IBA it has been recognized IBAs Provide a Conservation Framework as one of the highest priority sites for conservation actions. A Global IBA supports a significant portion of the JENNIE MACFARLAND | IBA CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST world population of a species from a special list. This list of A1 Threatened Species is specific to the IBA Program and includes species such as Spotted Owl, Bell’s Vireo and Pinyon Jay. A site can be elevated to a Continental IBA in a similar way using a different list of B1 Threatened Species including Elf Owl, Lucy’s Warbler and Le Conte’s Thrasher where a significant portion of the continent’s population utilizes the habitat in that IBA. There are Global and Continental IBA Science Committees that review proposals to elevate state level IBAs to higher status and decide if the provided data is significant enough to justify such a high designation. Arizona currently has 8 IBAs with Global Status and one of those also has Continental Status.

that qualified for Global Status for the high numbers of Bell’s Vireos that breed there. The last, but not least, Global IBA in Arizona is the Chiricahua Mountains Top to bottom: Chiricahua Mountains IBA qualified for Global IBA status for the numbers of breeding Spotted Owl (inset)that have been documented there; the Sabino/Bear Creeks IBA IBA which qualified for the numbers of was expanded to include the Tanque Verde Wash and renamed the Tanque Verde Wash/Sabino breeding Spotted Owls that have been Canyon IBA; the Arizona IBA program is supported by the Arizona Game & Fish Department. documented in the range. On a much closer scale, there is news of individuals from any of an explicit list IBA both of which qualified for the huge regarding a part of a single IBA. At its DERRICK BOSTROM of species. An IBA can also qualify if a numbers of Sandhill Cranes that famously last meeting in October, the Arizona certain proportion of the species’ global winter there. Both are located within IBA Science Committee approved the population can be found in that location. the Sulphur Springs Valley southeast of expansion of the existing Sabino/Bear The Arizona IBA team recently Tucson and act as “loafing” sites—places Creeks IBA to include the Tanque Verde requested that several of our State IBAs to assemble while not feeding—for Wash, and it was renamed the Tanque be considered for Global IBA status. Sandhill Cranes that forage during the Verde Wash/Sabino Canyon IBA. Three new Global IBAs were designated day in nearby agriculture fields. This latter IBA offers a valuable in Arizona, raising the total number to The remaining Global IBAs in Arizona proximity to urban Tucson and ease eight. are scattered throughout Arizona. Marble of access, and illustrates the concept The first newly elevated IBA is the Canyon IBA, which qualified because of that urban habitat can still be valuable Salt/Gila Riparian Ecosystem IBA, the California Condors in residence there, for native birds if it is preserved and which qualified for the numbers of Yuma is north of the Grand Canyon. Anderson enhanced. We look forward to working Clapper Rail and Neotropical Cormorant Mesa IBA is south of Flagstaff and was with local birders and conservationists present. This IBA is very close to Phoenix made a Global IBA for its population of in developing threat assessments and and is a particularly productive and Pinyon Jays. Bill Williams NWR IBA is conservation actions to enhance this area beautiful riparian area within easy visiting a marvelous riparian area located near for birds. It is an excellent place to bird distance of a large metropolitan area. Lake Havasu and qualified for Global and very easy to visit year round. There The other two new Global IBAs are Status for both Bell’s Vireo and Black Rail. are IBAs all over the globe and right in Whitewater Draw State Wildlife Area Closer to Tucson, the Lower San Pedro our own backyard and we hope to engage IBA and Wilcox Playa/Cochise Lake River IBA is a well-known riparian area you in their protection.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 13 IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS MARK SHARON 14 attempt toclaimthebestnestingsites as aracetothebreedinggroundsinan Spring migrationcanbecharacterized spring andfallmigrationinthewest. several distinctivedifferences between nature ofhabitatsinthewest. in theeastandnaturallyfragmented geographic barriers,suchasthosefound coming aboutthroughtherelativelackof in theSouthwestareunique,perhaps revealed thatpatternsofbirdmigration relatively well-known,recentstudieshave migration ineasternNorth America are in the American West. Whiledetailsof This isespeciallytrueoffallmigration shown thatmigrationisfarmoresubtle. this simple.Recentresearchresultshave migration wasgenerallythoughttobe return againinspring.Foryears, resources. A neverendingcycle,they to warmerlatitudesandmoreabundant the longanddangerousjourneysouth difficult tofind. frosty andfoodbecomesmuchmore As theyearwanes,weatherturns breathtaking spectacles. is oneofnature’s most our state,springandfall, numbers ofbirdsthrough The migrationoflarge the in Migration Fall Move! onthe Birds andArizona DOTS CONNECTING THE Recent investigationshaveshown As aconcept, itseemssimpleenough.

Tucson Audubon

Significance of ImportantBird Areas To survive,birdsundertake

Vermilion Flycatcher

J anuary and toensureyoungareinthenest journey southinamuchlesshurried breeding isover, birdsbegintheirreturn larger groupsthanintheirfallreturn. After spring migrantsheadnorthquickly, andin survival ratethanthosefledginglater. So fledge earlierintheseasonhaveahigher In partthisisbecauseyoungbirdsthat during atimeofpeakfoodavailability. –M arch 2012 Visit that riparianareas arevitaltomigration Conservationists havelongemphasized west anddiffer betweenspringandfall. popularly known,arecomplex inthe of timeduringthefallmigration. stopovers andstoppedforlonger periods headed northinthespring,made more on amuchbroaderfrontthanwhenthey Hawks showedthattheymigratedsouth A satellitetrackingstudyofSwainson’s way andinafarmoredispersedpattern. Western Tanager(top). show interruptedmoltandmigrationpatternssuchas IBAs provideimportantstopoversitesforspeciesthat species thathasexperiencedarapidpopulationdecline. in thenearfutureasitisavitalwinteringhabitatforthis numbers andwilllikelyqualifythissiteasaGlobalIBA found (andphotographed!)byIBA surveyorsingood was theChestnut-collaredLongspur(left)which search ofwinteringbirds. A targetspeciesforthissurvey Rafael Grasslands,oneof Arizona’s newestIBAs,in Two IBA surveyors(above)scanthehorizonofSan The routes,or“flyways”asthey are tucsonaudubon.org forupdates andmore.

JENNIE MACFARLAND JIM & DEVA BURNS, WWW.JIMBURNSPHOTOS.COM and hummingbirds especially,

KENNY WILKINS KENNY have been observed traveling north through low elevation riparian areas in the spring and in the fall returning south through the Sky Islands such as Chiricahua Mountains Global IBA. Our Sky Island habitats are also vital to those western fall migrants that have an interrupted molt strategy. More eastern species tend to complete their molt on their breeding grounds before heading south. Some LOIS MANOWITZ western species, however, leave their breeding grounds and head south and then interrupt their migration to stop in favorable habitat to molt their feathers. Our Sky Islands, such as the Huachuca Mountains IBA and Santa Rita Mountains IBA, are two such molting areas. This pattern of interrupted molt and migration is more prevalent in birds of the west--with approximately 50% of species and subspecies using this strategy--than the east where only about 10% exhibit this behavior. It is thought that this difference is due to arid conditions found

LOIS MANOWITZ throughout the west in early summer which diminishes available food when birds are undergoing this physiologically demanding process. The abundance of food found in the Sky Islands during the late summer and fall fill the gap in available resources and the birds travel to these areas to take advantage of these resources. These birds are following a

BRANDON KEIM chain of stopover sites and we need to Top to bottom: Golden Eagle in Aubrey Valley; Wilson’s preserve the integrity of this chain to Warbler (inset); Rufous Hummingbird (inset); Huachuca Mountains; Santa Rita Mountains ensure their survival. Some of the species that show interrupted molt and migration are Lazuli Bunting, Painted Bunting, Riparian areas that usually flow year- Western Kingbird, Lucy’s Warbler, round, such as Lower San Pedro River Western Tanager, Lesser Goldfinch and Global IBA, can remain somewhat Bullock’s Oriole. productive into the summer, but such Migration and molt are very taxing on habitats are increasingly scarce in the birds, and for some species migration is American West. Higher elevation habitats, the time of greatest mortality. However,

JOHN HENDRICKSON which may not be very productive early the benefits of superabundant resources in spring, remain productive longer into and decreased competition at distant in the arid West and serve as the general summer and fall than low elevation breeding locations outweigh the high pathway the birds follow. While this areas due to cooler temperatures and costs of migration from winter quarters. seems to be generally true for spring higher retention of moisture at the higher The success of this gamble, however, migration, it is less so in the fall. In the locations. These conditions result in depends on suitable migratory stopover spring, riparian areas are productive when the plants at these higher elevations sites along the way. conditions are relatively cool and moist at flowering later in the season, providing low elevations. In late summer and fall, food in the form of nectar and insects for Special Thanks to University of Arizona the productivity of these areas is heavily migrants in the late summer when food Professor Charles Van Riper III for his dependent on structure of habitat and resources are far less abundant at lower help with this article. availability of water. elevations. Many species, passerines

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 15 CONNECTING THE DOTS BIRD AREAS IMPORTANT

IBAs and eBird Exciting 2012 Season for the While the Arizona IBA Program has a Arizona Important Bird Area Program large network of dedicated volunteer surveyors, we cannot survey every IBA in Arizona every year. We bridge The purpose of the Important road surveys, the standouts being the the gap in our data by looking for Bird Area Program is to Chestnut-collared Longspurs wintering other bird observations and eBird is identify a network of sites in large flocks. This little bird is an IUCN by far the biggest source. Sightings Near-Threatened species which may help of birds entered into eBird help us that maintain the long- this grassland become a Global IBA in term viability of wild bird monitor existing IBAs and identify the future. The importance of this area to areas that we should survey as KENNY WILKINS PHOTOGRAPHY KENNY populations while engaging many species of conservation concern potential new IBAs. To learn how the public to conserve those and the growing rarity of intact grasslands to use eBird to its full potential and areas of critical habitat. led to the San Rafael Grasslands being help the IBA program gather the This has been a busy season for unanimously approved as an IBA by the most information please consider the Arizona Important Bird Areas Science Committee. attending our eBird workshop on (IBA) Program with many exciting These areas could not have become March 24 (see p 4 for details). developments to share! First of all, this IBAs without volunteer surveyors who collected the information necessary to past October, we added two new IBAs to Main photo: Aubrey Valley and Cliffs was recently made show how important they are to birds. Arizona bringing the total to 42. an IBA due to high numbers of raptors, especially Golden If you are interested in putting your Eagles, migrating through the area every year. The first is Aubrey Valley & Cliffs birding skills to use to conserve the Inset, top to bottom: IBA volunteer Kelly Fleming IBA located north of Seligman on Route surveying in the Patagonia Mountains; Golden Eagle and habitat of native birds, consider training 66. This beautiful sweeping valley, Ferruginous Hawk soaring over Aubrey Valley IBA; IBA as a volunteer IBA surveyor. The next back-country crew relaxing after a day of surveying. lined with rugged and majestic cliffs, training workshop is on January 12 and is unfamiliar to most Tucsonans and 14 (please see www.aziba.org for more complete their molt before continuing birders in general. It was made an IBA information and to sign up!). south to wintering grounds. We will do because of its importance to migrating one more driving survey in the San Rafael raptors, especially Golden Eagles and Upcoming Survey Season Valley this February to upgrade this state Ferruginous Hawks. The thermals that This upcoming survey season has IBA to Global status. rise from the cliffs have made this a many exciting survey destinations in One of the more exciting expeditions natural jumping-off point for these raptors store. We hope you will want to become this season will be to the Pinaleño during their migration. The cliffs also involved. We will again be surveying the Mountains, a new area for IBA surveys. provide nesting habitat for a small local BHP property along the San Pedro River This area came to our attention for breeding population of Golden Eagles. that is normally closed to the public. We the unusually large number of nesting The second new Important Bird Area will be surveying this lush riparian area for Spotted Owls reported. We will be in Arizona is the San Rafael Grasslands, upland desert birds and nocturnal birds surveying for all bird species to get a located near the town of Patagonia. It is a such as Elf Owls, as well as Yellow-billed clearer picture of how important this area well-known birding hotspot and important Cuckoos in the summer. is for all native birds before applying for habitat for wintering sparrows and other We will also be surveying the this area to become an IBA this summer. grassland birds. An IBA survey team Patagonia Mountains, with a special Do please join us for our field work, found many bird species of conservation emphasis on migratory species that and we welcome your financial donations concern here during three recent use this area as a stop-over site or to for the IBA program. VF

16 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. Interesting stories about birds with interesting ­names Ring-necked Duck

LARRY LIESE IN A NAME

Ring-necked Duck… one glance at latter are only used

a drake of this species and one can tell underwater for WHAT’S birders didn’t get to name it! Beginning emergency avoidance birders are sometimes befuddled by many of aerial predators. fairly easy to identify bird species with Diving ducks cannot names that don’t seem obvious from what pop up out of the water they are seeing in their binoculars. Other directly into flight the notables I’d include in this list are Band- way dabbling ducks tailed Pigeon, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, can—they must patter Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Northern across the water surface Rough-winged Swallow, Orange-crowned before launching into flight. Warbler, and White-crowned Sparrow. To dive, they first exhale, then But the early ornithologists who did name tilt their heads down, entering these birds had specimens in hand—a the water with a forward and Their far cry from the challenge of a fleeting upward leap. back is glimpse of a bird in foliage overhead. When still ducklings these birds black which Needless to say, we’re stuck with these consume mostly insects, but then switch also can be seen from a names but if we could just change this to seeds and tubers of aquatic plants as distance and helps distinguish them from bird’s name to Ring-billed Duck we’d be they age. They sometimes feed similarly scaups. Very common in small to medium happier! to the dabbling ducks, but in their more numbers on still water almost anywhere The scientific name of this bird is normal mode they dive for their food. in southeast Arizona, they can be found Aythya collaris. Aythya is Greek for “a They usually keep within 1.5 meters of from October through March with thinning kind of waterbird” and is mentioned the surface but can go deeper. A fun numbers a month to either side. in Homer’s Odyssey and Aristotle’s comparison can be made while watching So, now that you’re intrigued, how do Natural History. Collaris is from Latin for them feed—they will resurface quite close you go about seeing that pretty ringed “collared,” referring to the ringed neck. A to where they submerge while grebes neck? The males have this feature for hard to see field mark, the ring is a faint may reemerge tens of meters distant. all but the summer months so unless line of lighter color at the base of the Typical dive times are ten to fifteen they’re just arriving or getting ready to neck. The word duck is from Anglo-Saxon seconds in duration with between two and leave you should be able to see it with a duce, meaning “diver.” three dives per minute. little preparation. The trick is to first pick a Ring-necked ducks are one of the Ring-necked Ducks are an easy spot where these ducks are reliable and typical diving ducks. They sit lower duck to find on small ponds and close approach is possible. City parks in the water than dabbling ducks and lakes, particularly those bordered with where the ducks are used to people and have bodily adaptations geared towards vegetation such as at managed locations sometimes looking for handouts work feeding underwater. Feet are placed more like Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson. best. Pick a sunny day and position rearward and underwater locomotion They are easy to distinguish from similar yourself with the sun at your back and is achieved using double-footed kicks species even from a distance by the white take a close look at the base of the neck, without the use of their wings. The vertical crescent just forward of the wing. just above the black chest. The ring is a nice warm brown a little wider than a pencil. I read it sometimes doesn’t quite finish all the way around the nape, but is clearly visible in the front under good conditions. Two good local sites here in Tucson are the small pond on the north side of the parking lot in Fort Lowell Park or either pond at Reid Park. When you do get a look you’ll enjoy it. Good luck! VF

Join Larry Liese for a Specialty Workshop on Ducks and Geese, February 15 & 18, 2012. See p 4 for details. ALL ARTWORK BY GEORGE WEST BY ARTWORK ALL

January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 17 CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION NEWS CHRIS MCVIE, PAUL GREEN, KENDALL KROESEN

Raptor Electrocution Has Happy Ending BOTH PHOTOS TUCSON PARKS & REC TUCSON PARKS BOTH PHOTOS Well, there was no happy ending was contacted immediately because for three poles in the pecan grove for the Great Horned Owl. It was of our long-standing cooperation area (one of which was the pole where electrocuted on a power pole and fell with TPR and the Friends of Ft. the owl was found) and five other to the ground dead, still clutching its Lowell Park. We have been working poles in or near the north side of the prey. Large birds—mostly hawks and with both entities to envision park park. The modifications were made owls—are sometimes electrocuted upgrades and maintenance— in a matter of days. We congratulate Great Horned Owl, still clutching its prey, when landing on power poles since especially around the park’s both TPR and TEP for their quick found electrocuted at Ft. Lowell Park. their wingspan allows them to pond—that make it friendlier to birds. attention to this matter. We hope the On closeup, note points of contact on touch the widely spaced live wire At a meeting with the Friends pole modification program can be both wings. and ground simultaneously. The group and TPR we described the accelerated so that we reach a point To learn more about the challenges electrocution of this owl happened TEP retrofit program and encouraged when birds are no longer subjected to that large hawks and owls face in on an unmodified power pole in the TPR to document the electrocution death through electrocution. urban environments and how you pecan grove at Ft. Lowell Park. There and ask for pole modification. The If you find a dead raptor near a can be an active participant in their are thousands of dangerous poles parks department was also in touch power pole please call TEP or Trico protection, come hear Dr. Bill Mannan around the Tucson area. Tucson with Locana de Souza, urban wildlife Electric, depending on your service speak at our Living with Nature lecture Electric Power (TEP) and Trico specialist with the local office of the area. You can also report raptor nest in Tucson on January 9th at UMC and Electric Cooperative both have teams Arizona Game and Fish Department. locations. Both companies prioritize take his workshop on March 21 & 24. gradually working to retrofit poles with TEP personnel visited the park retrofitting poles near nests because See pages 4 and 7 for details. insulation that protects birds. and found that several of the power a University of Arizona study—led Tucson Parks and Recreation poles in the park had already been by former board member Dr. Bill Tucson Electric Power Customer (TPR) personnel found the owl and modified. However, he wrote a Mannan—found that electrocutions Care: 520-623-7711 notified supervisors. Tucson Audubon “protection order” are more common near nests. Trico Electric Cooperative Dispatch: 520-744-2944 x2

Carbon Offset River Pathways

Most of us will be traveling this holiday also Regeneration Audubon Arizona and the Bureau Creek. Students can also receive season, which means more release of Credits that go beyond your footprint, of Land Management (BLM) have information and counseling about carbon to our atmosphere. Last year’s so you don’t just keep a zero pioneered an education program to career opportunities in resource global increase in carbon emissions, balance—you help rebuild a healthy provide high school students with a management and professions an estimated extra half-billion tons, clear path to ecological understanding, in environmental sciences. Most world. You can designate your offsets LYNN GILDED FLICKER, WARREN was almost certainly the largest to provide trees that Tucson Audubon stewardship, and careers in land and importantly, students from highly absolute jump in any year since the plants to provide habitat for WatchList resource management. urbanized areas will receive Industrial Revolution, and the largest birds like Gilded Flicker, Costa’s Tucson Audubon will pilot this opportunities to experience nature. percentage increase since 2003. This Hummingbird and Lucy’s Warbler. program in Tucson public schools this In these ways, students may trend of ever-rising emissions will Your neighborhoods will enjoy their spring. The River Pathways program become the much needed stewards make climate change an increasing new trees! introduces students to Arizona’s of our natural world. For more challenge in coming decades. Visit thelocaltrust.org to calculate riparian areas through hands-on information, contact Bété Pfister at Tucson-based The Local Trust your carbon emissions and purchase classroom activities, a local field [email protected] or 520- offers Neutralizing Credits to offset offsets that will increase urban trip to Sweetwater Wetlands and 629-0510 x 7012. your travel, whether you flew to a ski habitat for birds that are at risk while opportunities to take part in BLM resort or drove to a trailhead, and sequestering your carbon emissions. monitoring efforts on Las Cienegas

Clean Water Act In the past, the Army Corps of the watershed. The 2006 Rapanos The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Engineers has interpreted the Clean Supreme Court Decision forced ruled on Dec 9 that the National Water Act to apply to the Santa Cruz the Army Corps of Engineers to Association of Home Builders did not River and desert washes that feed reconsider this, by requiring protected have standing to pursue claims that into it. This has allowed the Corps waterways to have a significant the Environmental Protection Agency “traditional navigable waters” (TNW) to regulate developments that affect connection to “navigable waters of the wrongly designated two reaches of under the Clean Water Act (NAHB v. riparian habitat and that might pollute United States.” the Santa Cruz River in Arizona as EPA, 10-5341, D.C. Cir.).

18 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 SunZia Southwest Proposed Rosemont Mine—Comments Needed! Transmission The Public Comment period on the of the water table in the Green Valley discharged into Barrel Canyon on the Project Update Draft Environmental Impact Statement area; possible degradation of the “waters of the U.S.” At issue is the being prepared by the Coronado pristine water of Davidson Canyon, impact the fill and its consequences Although official public comment on National Forest for the proposed an “outstanding water” of the state may have on Davidson Canyon, the SunZia Southwest Transmission Rosemont open pit copper mine in of Arizona; the impact of increased Cienega Creek and beyond. Project ended on June 10, 2010, the Santa Rita Mountains ends on sky glow on Mt. Whipple Observatory Their comment period is short: it the BLM has delayed release of the January 18, 2012. To date, there have (the glow would increase 23% at ends on 5 January 2012. Comments draft environmental impact statement been five public hearings, and one 30 degrees above the horizon and can be based on the values you (DEIS) some three times now, with more is scheduled for January. The would negatively impact astronomical place on the eastern foothills of the the official release date now being January hearing will be Saturday, research)? Santa Ritas that would be completely mid-February 2012. This date seems January 14, 1–5 pm, at Sahuarita The Draft is over 1,000 pages long covered by waste and tailings piles to be real, as the DEIS was distributed High School, 350 W. Sahuarita Rd., and is not light reading. But, please as well as the values you place in October to cooperating agencies for Sahuarita. take the time to read the Executive on Davidson Canyon itself. These comment, including the Arizona State If you haven’t yet written a Summary, available at www. can include water quantity, water Land Department and the Arizona comment to the NFS or participated RosemontEIS.us. Email comments quality, floodplain values, aesthetics, Game and Fish Department. in a public hearing, please do so. can be sent to CoronadoNF@ recreation, cultural resources, flood In a presentation to the Southwest The purpose of the hearings is for RosemontEIS.us. Comments can also hazards, etc. Area Transmission Planning Group the Coronado National Forest staff be mailed to: Rosemont Comments, Email comments to: on November 15, 2011, SunZia to receive your comments on the PO Box 4207, Logan, UT 84323. [email protected]. revealed that Arizona routes have Draft. For example: What are the In addition, the Army Corps of mil, or mail to: U.S. Army Corps of been reduced to three: (1) crossing omissions? What are the deficiencies? Engineers must issue or deny a permit Engineers, Attn. Marjorie Blaine, the Galiuro Mountains at Aravaipa, Has the geographical scope been too to Rosemont under Section 404 of the Tucson Resident Office, 5205 E. (2) following the east side of the San narrow? If so, where? Has enough Clean Water Act. Their decision will be Comanche St., Tucson, AZ 85707. Pedro River, or (3) following the west attention been paid to: the lowering based on the impacts of fill material side of the San Pedro River. The west-side San Pedro route differs Ask Game & Fish to Save somewhat from that presented for Climate Change Committee public comment, being farther west the Least Grebe from the river. On September 6, 2006, Tucson’s City of Tucson to at least seven Peña Blanca Lake is the site of the On October 5, 2011, the Obama Mayor and Council adopted percent below 1990 levels by 2012. first substantiated breeding record administration announced that it had the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection However, between 1990 and 2006 for Least Grebe in Arizona. Breeding selected SunZia as one of seven Agreement. In 2008, Tucson’s Mayor GHG emissions rose 47 percent in was noted in 2010 and 2011 following transmission projects to fast track and Council established a Framework Pima County as a whole, 28 percent the renovation of the lake. Large- in a pilot program. In a united front, for Advancing Sustainability. One in the City of Tucson, and 14 percent mouth bass have yet to be restocked. nine federal agencies endorsed this component of the Framework is nationally. Restocking would be detrimental to program. It is unclear if this initiative the creation of a Climate Change The CCAC report recalibrated successful breeding by Least Grebe will involve state agencies also or Advisory Committee, (CCAC) which the emission reductions to 2020. since the bass (which are sometimes whether it is restricted to cooperation first met in 2009, and on which Tucson The adopted proposals in the best- caught using bird lures) would likely between federal agencies. This Audubon has a seat. The CCAC was case scenario, would reduce GHG eat the young grebes. sharply increased concern about the tasked with developing a Climate emissions by less than 50 percent of Many birders now travel to Arizona project. When this announcement Change Mitigation and Adaptation the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection to see Least Grebe and bring their was made, the Western Area Power Plan that includes recommendations Agreement goal. The goal itself dollars with them. In addition, the Administration (WAPA) revealed that to achieve the City’s greenhouse has however become inadequate Arizona Game and Fish Department it had already committed around gas (GHG) emissions reduction and outdated. The broad scientific is responsible for managing all $250 million dollars in federal loan commitments along with strategies consensus now is that developed wildlife species in the state and the guarantees to build SunZia, this some and actions needed to address the nations must reduce their 2000 level establishment of a new breeding site two years before the BLM will make effects of climate change on the City’s emissions by 80 percent by 2050 in for this species should be protected. a final decision on the project. Rep. infrastructure and operations, as order that temperature rise and the We encourage you to write to the Tom McClintock, Republican from well as its ecological, economic, and resulting climate change remains in a Director and each Commissioner to California, has sponsored a bill, HR social capital. range to which humans will be able GREBE, LOIS MANOWITZ LEAST express your opinion on this 2915, that would revoke WAPA’s On Tuesday December 20, to adapt. The proposals topic. Contact details funding authority, although the bill 2012, the Mayor and Council voted recommended today, if are at AZGFD.gov. would likely encounter opposition in unanimously to adopt the initial set of fully realized, would More information the Senate. recommendations towards reducing get us close to one- at tucsonaudubon. When the DEIS is released in mid- our community’s carbon footprint. fifth of the way to this org/conservation. February, the public will have 90 days The original goal was to reduce updated target. to comment. For more details, visit the emission of GHG within the cascabelworkinggroup.org.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 19 CONSERVATION & EDUCATION NEWS

Sign up for Tucson Audubon’s eNews Whitewater Draw On October 17, 2011, the Arizona was the lack of runoff of water from under water. However virtually no Tucson Audubon sends out a Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) the mountains following this year’s amount of pumping from one well is weekly email of news updates to announced that the first Sandhill monsoon. Whitewater Draw depends going to cover more than 400 acres a list of around 2,500 people. In Cranes had arrived at the Whitewater on heavy rainfall which produces of practically flat ground in a foot of addition, we send our supplemental Draw Wildlife Area, in the Sulphur runoff that flows down to the area. water. emails to this list, for example for Springs Valley in Cochise County. This big shallow playa depends AZGFD told us that the well that urgent conservation action, or Their numbers built to 10,000 birds almost entirely on runoff from big is “out” would be used to pump to special invitations. by mid December, and 20,953 were storms as the evaporation rate and the moist soil units on the south You can sign up for this list in counted on January 10, 2011. The infiltration rate is faster than a pump end, established by a North America a number of ways. The easiest is annual census is scheduled for the can supply. Water is still low even Waterfowl Conservation Act (NAWCA) to go to tucsonaudubon.org and first week of January, so we’ll get a after the rains in December. and Ducks Unlimited agreement click on the link that says Sign-Up better idea of total population and Tom Wood of the Southeastern (see www.ducks.org) that is used for E-newsletter. Otherwise send an distribution among the SSV roost Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO) waterfowl hunting, and for food crop email to pgreen@tucsonaudubon. sites then. reports that following the dry winter irrigation. org with your first and last name, or In mid November a post appeared and spring of 2010–11, they recorded In short, the only “fix” is for the call Jean Barchman on 520-209- on the AZ-NM listserv asking “why less than half the average rainfall at drought to end so we get adequate 1802 and she will take your details. isn’t the Draw ready for them?” their place in Bisbee. Those rains rainfall and runoff into the wildlife area. The post went on to say “…what were of the slow, infiltrating kind; Tom It’s not clear how our changing climate has happened… where’s Tucson recalls only one big storm producing might affect the draw, with increased Audubon Society…who (messed) up? runoff. temperature, higher evaporation Why wasn’t the birding community AZGFD tell us that the well used rates, decreased rainfall and more notified?” to pump water for the cranes is in extreme rain events. This situation A rumor spread that a well-pump working order. This well also provides also raises again the need for a way used for pumping groundwater into water for the moist soil units and for the wildlife watching community the Draw was broken and that the irrigation (see below). The pump to provide a funding mechanism for AZGFD did not have the funds to fix was run for five months continuously watchable wildlife in our state so that it. In fact, the major factor determining which only maintained the existing we can have a greater say in land

SANDHILL CRANES, LOIS MANOWITZ SANDHILL the reduction of water in the Draw fingers. It did little to increase the area management.

Conservation Corner!

What’s the poop on the and purification of drinking water require huge energy inputs. energy-water nexus? Tucson Audubon is helping to The energy-water nexus refers to the publicize the energy-water nexus, fact that every time you use water and is leading the local effort to short- you use energy, and every time you circuit this vicious cycle. use energy you use water. Huge Not the least of our efforts is our quantities of water are used in energy composting toilet system at the Mason generation, and the diversion, delivery Center. This is the “poop” on the energy-water nexus! Flush toilets in homes and businesses are getting more Read more about water and efficient. But because there energy issues at Western Composting toilet building at Tucson are so many homes and Resource Advocates: www. Audubon’s Mason Center. Inset: Former businesses, and because employee Lia Sansom demonstrates the westernresourceadvocates. toilets are used several times toilet’s inner workings. org/water/energy.php. Western

every day, they still contribute a KROESEN KENDALL Resource Advocates is expanding lot to water use. its “nexus” research to Arizona and more about conserving scarce potable As the Mason Center begins to at some point will publish more water by not pooping in it! VF host more and more visitors and human waste that are sanitary and details about how the nexus plays events, one of our priorities will be reduce water use. Contact us to come Kendall Kroesen, out here. to educate about ways of handling see the composting toilets and find out Habitats Program Manager

20 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. WEEKLY BIRD WALKS TUCSON AUDUBON FIELD TRIPS KATE REYNOLDS | FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR Thursdays—7:30 am Wake Up With the Birds at Agua Caliente Park. A stroll through the bosque and January along the ponds. Loaner binocs available, January 7—Saturday 7:30 am meet in front of the ranch house. For more Sweetwater Wetlands info call Pima County Parks and Rec., Meet at the parking lot on Sweetwater Drive at 520-615-7855. 7:30 am. Winter is a great time to visit Sweetwater Saturdays—8–9:30 am to view ducks and waterfowl along with other Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center. species. Plan to spend a couple of hours of easy Families and birders of all skill levels walking. Bring water and snacks as needed. are welcome. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/ Please note that due to road construction, the masoncenter for details. Prince exit will not be open. See tucsonaudubon. org/sweetwater for the latest information and directions. Participants limited to 10 people. Trip MORE FIELD TRIPS ARE leader: Janine Spencer [email protected] AVAILABLE ONLINE. 520-245-6200 Visit tucsonaudubon.org/ January 14—Saturday 8:00 am

Hawks for Beginners: Avra Valley fieldtrips for more trips and Spend a relaxed morning driving on paved and Bendire’s Thrasher the latest or expanded field trip JIM & DEVA BURNS, WWW.JIMBURNSPHOTOS.COM JIM & DEVA graded dirt roads looking for wintering raptors information or call us at 520-629-0510. perched on power poles. Easy walking on dirt.All January 28—Saturday 7:00 am ages and birding abilities invited. Bring scope if Florida Canyon you have one. Meet at Mission Library on the NW General Information Let’s see if we can find any strange and corner of Ajo Way and Mission Road. Return by Tucson Audubon field trips are free. For general unusual warblers. Meet in Green Valley at the noon. Mileage 40 miles. No need to sign up, but information call 520-629-0510. For specific McDonald’s at 7:00 am. This area can be very call leader if questions. Leader: John Higgins 520- information about a trip, contact the leader of uneven… clamoring over boulders and walking 578-1830, [email protected] that trip. in the streambed. However, the birding can be Please dress appropriately for your field trip. January 17–18—Tues/Wed 7:00 am rewarding. Plan about 3 hours unless the birding Always wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and use sun Winter birding in Portal is overwhelming. Bring plenty of water and protection. Bring plenty of snacks and water Focus on lesser-known “hotspots” in and lunch. A visit to the Madera Canyon feeders after for yourself. Always bring your binoculars, around the Chiricahua Mountains. Some great our adventure. 35 miles. Leader: Melody Kehl field guide, and for most trips a scope can be spots are hardly visited at any time of year, like [email protected] 520-245-4085 useful. Bring money to cover your share of the Fort Bowie or San Simon Cienega. We may detour January 31—Tuesday 8:00 am carpooling and any required entry fees (e.g. for for any good birds found on the Portal CBC. May Crossroads Park, Marana state parks). also traverse a route from Willow Tank to Paradise, Join us for a stroll through one of Marana’s which can yield special species from Bendire’s “birdiest” parks along the Santa Cruz River. Likely Arrival Times Thrasher to Black-chinned Sparrow and Juniper sightings include egrets, ducks, shorebirds as Please arrive before listed departure times. Trips Titmouse. Longest walk: 3 easy miles round-trip well as wintering sparrows and warblers. We’ll will leave promptly at the time given. (if sufficient interest). Otherwise, only short level walk along a multi-use pathway where rarities walks. Prepare for cold! 350 miles roundtrip. RSVP have occasionally been spotted and check out the Carpooling Sites Leader: John Yerger, [email protected] or willow trees by the river’s edge. Crossroads Park Tucson Audubon strongly encourages 520-558-0019 is off Silverbell Road west of the Santa Cruz River, carpooling and for some trips it may be required. Check our website for frequently used January 21—Saturday 7:00 am south of Cortaro Road. Leader Kendall Kroesen carpooling sites. You are expected to reimburse El Sewer de Tucson [email protected], 520-971-2385. the driver for the actual cost of fuel. Drivers and Meet at 7:00 at the Fry’s parking lot corner of Ina trip leaders are not expected to contribute. and Thornydale (Gold Canyon Plaza). Take an February oderiferous tour of some of the Tucson area’s February 4—Saturday 8:00 am Rare Bird Alert more bird-friendly watering holes. We will look Sabino Canyon Listen to the latest rare bird alert at for wintering waterfowl, raptors, sparrows and We’ll bird Sabino Canyon Recreation 520-629-0510 ext. 3. Report rare birds whatever else happens along. Dress for the Area walking a loop that includes both Sonoran at 520-629-0510 or rarebirdalert@ weather, bring water, snack, lunch and scope, desert uplands and Sabino Creek riparian areas. tucsonaudubon.org if you have one. Nose plugs/clothes pins at the The 4-mile walk includes rocky uneven trails. discretion of participants. I can’t guarantee specific Meet at the ramada by the Visitor’s Center at Don’t forget to stop in our Nature Shop species but will promise a garderobe at every 5700 N Sabino Canyon Road. $5 parking fee. for your field and ID Guides, and stop. Back by 3:00 pm. Leader: Michael Bissontz Return by noon. Sunhat, water and walking shoes other birding supplies. [email protected]

Visit tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips for updates and more January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 21 FIELD TRIPS

The 4-mile walk includes rocky uneven trails. Meet at the ramada by the Visitor’s Center at 5700 N Sabino Canyon Road. $5 parking fee. Return by noon. Sunhat, water and walking shoes recommended. Leaders are Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists. Please email to reserve a space, limit 12 participants. Leaders: Jean & Mark Hengesbaugh ([email protected])

March 13—Tuesday 6:00 am Patagonia Lake State Park We’ll look for waterbirds, flycatchers, gnatcatchers and whatever else we can find. We’ll walk a couple of miles on mostly level but not always clearly delineated trails. Expect some mud so wear appropriate footgear. Bring lunch Whitewater Draw and park fee or pass. We may visit other sites in Patagonia and its surroundings as well. Meet at the Fry’s at Irvington and I-19 at 6:00 a.m. recommended. Leaders are Sabino Canyon not go to the zoo entrance. No need to sign up or at the Green Valley McDonald’s (Continental Volunteer Naturalists. Please email to reserve a before the trip, but call leader if questions. Road Exit) before 6:30 am. (140 miles roundtrip). space, limit 12 participants. Leaders: Jean & Mark Leader: John Higgins 520-578-1830. jghiggins@ Leader: Dave Dunford 520-909-1809 or ddunford@ Hengesbaugh ([email protected]) comcast.net dakotacom.net. February 7—Tuesday 6:00 am February 28—Tuesday 8:00 am March 17—Saturday 6:30 am Whitewater Draw/Sulphur Crossroads Park Marana Sycamore Canyon Springs Valley Spend the morning birding Marana’s Crossroads We will descend approximately one mile We will begin at Whitewater Draw walking the Park along the Santa Cruz river. Easy level into this beautiful canyon along the Mexican border dykes around the permanent ponds looking for walking. Limited to 10 participants so please hoping for lots of birds. The terrain is uneven and waterbirds and sparrows and also checking nearby contact the leader for details or directions. Leader: rugged. Wear hiking shoes, bring plenty of water roads for thrashers. Later, we will visit other spots Mary Ellen Flynn 520-797-1743 or me.flynn@ and lunch for in the canyon. Do not plan to leave depending on what is being seen, likely including comcast.net anything of value in your vehicle. Although Border the Faria Dairy Farm and a search for Mountain Patrol is monitoring this area vigilantly, there is no Plovers if present in the Valley this winter. March reason to make it easy for someone. Meet at the Raptors should keep us busy between locations. March 3–5—Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Time TBD. McDonald’s in Green Valley (Continental exit off 180 miles roundtrip. Late afternoon return. Bring $75 fee to cover leader expense I-19). 200 miles. Leader: Melody Kehl: outdoor1@ lunches and scopes if you have one. Limited to 11 Rosy-Finch at Sandia Crest, cox.net 520-245-4085. participants. Please contact the leader beginning Albuquerque, New Mexico January 28 to sign up. Leader: Philip Kline March 27—Tuesday 7:00 am Depart Tucson early Saturday morning arriving in [email protected] Crossroads Park, Marana Albuquerque for dinner and a good night’s sleep. Another walk through one of Marana’s “birdiest” February 18—Saturday 5:00 am Sunday, up Sandia Crest in quest of all GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH, JIM & DEVA BURNS, WWW.JIMBURNSPHOTOS.COM JIM & DEVA ROSY-FINCH, GRAY-CROWNED parks along the Santa Cruz River. Likely sightings Le Conte’s Thrashers three species of Rosy-Finch, even include egrets, ducks, shorebirds, wintering A long trip for some great birds. With any luck we if that means coming back the sparrows and early spring migrants. should have Sage Sparrow, four species next day. Time permitting, We’ll walk along a multi-use pathway of thrasher with the Le Conte’s as the dessert we’ll enjoy some of the between the park and Ina Road to entice us.Terrain is uneven and you will want area’s other birding where rarities have occasionally been good walking shoes. On our way back, we will hotspots. Monday we’re spotted and check out the willow trees take a side trip into Santa Cruz Flats. Meet at Ina back to Tucson via a by the river’s edge. Crossroads Park Road and I-10 on the northeast side in the Motel 6 quick trip through Bosque is off Silverbell Road west of the Santa parking area behind the Jack in the Box at 5:00 am. Del Apache. Limited to 12. Cruz River, south of Cortaro Road. 400 miles. Leader: Melody Kehl melodysbirding@ 1200 miles. Contact leader Leader Kendall Kroesen, kkroesen@ cox.net 520-245-4085 for more details, sign up after TucsonAudubon.org, 520-971-2385. Feb 2nd. Leaders: Vivian MacKinnon February 21—Tuesday 10:30 am 520-323-6452 or [email protected] and Reid Park April Lainie Epstein. We will ramble around the park for two hours April 7—Saturday 8:00 am looking for wintering waterfowl, warblers, am March 3—Saturday 8:00 Sabino Canyon woodpeckers and raptors. Easy pace on flat Sabino Canyon We’ll bird Sabino Canyon Recreation Area walking ground. All ages and birding abilities invited. Meet We’ll bird Sabino Canyon Recreation a loop that includes both Sonoran Desert uplands in front of Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, Area walking a loop that includes both Sonoran and Sabino Creek riparian areas. The 4-mile walk which looks like a big white tent near the zoo. Do desert uplands and Sabino Creek riparian areas. includes rocky uneven trails. Meet at the ramada

22 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips for updates and more FIELD TRIPS

Superstition Mountains ALAN ENGLISH Special Trip for by the Visitor’s Center at 5700 N Sabino Canyon June Road. $5 parking fee. Return by noon. Sunhat, Tucson Audubon water and walking shoes recommended. Leaders June 22–24—Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 am are Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists. Please Q Ranch/Mogollon Rim Members Only email to reserve a space, limit 12 participants. Friday drive to Q Ranch. About 150 bird species June 16–24, 2012 (Saturday–Sunday) have been identified, including Pygmy and Red- Leaders: Jean & Mark Hengesbaugh (jhhenge@ Ecuador: The Northern Andes, led breasted Nuthatches and nesting Mountain yahoo.com) by Scott Olmstead

Bluebirds. Expect lots of other wildlife. Dark clear OLMSTEAD SCOTT BY PHOTOS ALL ANTPITTA. GOLDEN-HEADED QUETZAL, GREEN VIOLETEAR, OCHRE-BREASTED BOTTOM: TO TOP April 21—Saturday 6:00 am night skies mean plenty of stars. Combine birding $2295 per person from Quito, based on double Superstition Mountains with brief hikes to cool and scenic locations. Tour occupancy; $160 single supplement We’ll bird Forest Service Rd. 287A on the edge of the 1000-year-old Q Ranch Pueblo. Depart Sunday Group size will be limited to the Superstition Wilderness Area, an area forested after brunch. Ranch is cell phone dead zone, 8 people. with junipers, pines, and oaks. Expect to see scrub- but Verizon service available within a few miles. Just one space remains jays, Juniper Titmice, lingering winter thrushes, All meals included. $135/person/night for shared on this special Tropical sparrows. Bring water and lunch. Not much hiking. room. $175/person/night for single. Down payment Birding tour, led by Scott Trip limited to 12. We’ll carpool from the north side due May 18. For reservations (due May 10) and Olmstead. Don’t miss this of Basha’s parking lot in Catalina (NE corner of more info contact Matt Griffiths (Mgriffiths@ fabulous opportunity to intersection of Oracle and Golder Ranch Roads). TucsonAudubon.org). Leader (present at Q Ranch explore the Andes of Ecuador 300 miles roundtrip. Contact leader after April 1 to only): Ken Furtado, [email protected] with other Friends of Tucson sign up. Doug Jenness [email protected], Audubon. An additional departure 520-909-1529. close to these dates is a possibility if there is enough interest. For a full itinerary, visit tucsonaudubon. org/Ecuador. For more information and reservations (or to join the waiting list) please contact Tropical Birding directly at 1-800- 348-5941. VF

ADDITIONAL BIRD WALKS IN TUCSON AND SOUTHEAST ARIZONA For information on weekly regional bird walks from Agua Caliente Park to Ramsey Canyon Preserve, please see our website, www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/ birding/128.html. Bald Eagles near Q Ranch KEN FURTADO DORIS EVANS

Visit tucsonaudubon.org/fieldtrips for updates and more January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 23 San Blas! We have run more than 40 trips to this BIRDING TRAVEL area …and it shows! Starting in Mazatlan, we go up the Durango Highway for the Tufted Jay FROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS among many others. In San Blas, we stay at the wonderful family run Hotel Garza Canela and ADVENTURE BIRDING COMPANY­ nosed Coati, Mountain Lion, Collared Peccary, bird the many hot spots of this famous tropical www.adventurebirding.com and more! Contact: Vincent & Claudia Pinto birding destination. Great guides, great birds, [email protected] • 520-495-0229 (520)425-6425 [email protected] lots of fun and delicious food throughout! Colima and Jalisco: West Mexican ROCKJUMPER—WORLDWIDE BIRDING SOUTHWESTERN RESEARCH STATION— Endemics from Beaches to Volcanoes. ADVENTURES BIRDING AND NATURE TOURS March 10–18, 2012, $2295. Leader: Keith Kamper [email protected] research.amnh.org/swrs • [email protected] and John Yerger. The states of Colima and www.rockjumperbirding.com Jalisco comprise perhaps the most biologically Chiricahua Mountains, Portal, Az. tours Birding Denmark & Sweden 2012: 22–28 April; 5–11 May; 23–29 May; 9–15 diverse region in Mexico, where the mountains 20 May–1 Jun 2012 (13 days) Price: of the Sierra Madre Occidental meet with the Sept. Our experienced guide, P.D. Hulce, is a US$5820 • £3670 • €4160 • SEK38,000 (Single local of the area and will take you on daily field central volcanic belt. This volcanic belt bisects Supplement: $850.00). Please note: these prices Mexico on an east-west axis, straddling a trips, optional owl walks at night, and provide talks are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations. The on the natural history of the region. Our rates boundary along the northernmost or southernmost Scandinavian countries of Denmark and Sweden edge of many species’ ranges. By scouring are $1250 per person, double occupancy; $100 offer unbeatable temperate zone birding, spectacular single supplement, when space allows: Single this region from its unspoiled coastlines up to scenery, cities and villages steeped in history, and volcanoes with cloud-enshrouded montane participants may be assigned a same-gender wonderfully welcoming people. Our comprehensive roommate to qualify for double occupancy rate. forest, we should see upwards of 40 endemics tour is timed for the prime spring period and and specialties, including Balsas Screech Owl, encompasses a wide variety of habitats, so we can Birding Tour: The Chiricahua Mountains Red-breasted Chat, Chestnut-sided Shrike- expect to notch up most of the region’s important of S.E. Arizona afford some of the best birding Vireo, and Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer. species. Our accommodations are very comfortable in the United States. Each tour is limited to 10 Big Bend Nat’l Park, Texas: Colima Warbler throughout and we can expect long summer days persons or 5 couples. Tours include: Roundtrip short tour May 2–6, 2012, $1065. Leader: John surrounded by incredible landscapes and birds! This transportation from Tucson airport, double- Yerger. Big Bend is one of the most remote birding tour can be linked with a 6-day Finland Extension for occupancy in our newly remodeled rooms with hotspots in the U.S., and home to some of its most the ultimate European birding experience. kitchenettes, professional guide, and three full meals daily. We offer a newly added day trip to spectacular scenery! It’s the only place in the U.S. Philippines — Endangered Endemics to find Colima Warbler, the focus of one long day historic town of Bisbee. For itinerary see above 22 May–08 Jun 2012 (18 days) Price: contact information or call 520-558-2396. hike. A surprising number of habitats and oases US$4600 • £2890 • €3280 • ZAR31,500 (Single are found within Park boundaries. Ideal for folks Supplement: $500.00). Please note: these prices TROPICAL BIRDING­ desiring lots of birds and sightseeing on limited are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations. www.tropicalbirding.com vacation time. Lucifer Hummingbird, Painted This fabulous tour explores the Philippines’ [email protected] • 1-800-348-­5941 Bunting and Golden-fronted Woodpecker are just a three largest islands in search of some of the Costa Rica: The Introtour. February 10–20, few others we’ll seek on this fun-filled adventure! world’s most beautiful and highly threatened 2012. $2990. If you are looking for your first birds. We can expect around 150 endemics RAVENS-WAY WILD JOURNEYS venture into the Neotropics Costa Rica is the and many other spectacular migrants and www.ravensnatureschool.com perfect destination. 11 days covering the best residents. Some of the great species we search sites in the country will yield many of the bird Sonoita Creek State Natural Area and for include Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Stripe- families that define this region from multicolored Patagonia Lake. May 4–6 or May 18–20. headed Rhabdornis, Scale-feathered Malkoha, tanagers to dazzling hummingbirds to confusing Tour Price $425 (includes camping & food). Join Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, Azure-breasted woodcreepers and striking antbirds. However, the Naturalist Vincent Pinto in Sonoita Creek State and Whiskered Pitta, Chocolate Hawk-Owl, star of the show is likely to be the Resplendent Natural Area. It hosts an array of birds, including Giant Scops Owl, Wattled Broadbill, Philippine Quetzal, arguably one of the most stunning birds many “Mexican Specialties”—Gray Hawk, Zone- Trogon, and, our primary target, the magnificent in the world. Comfortable lodges, a bird list of tailed Hawk, Common Black Hawk, Montezuma Philippine Eagle! This tour can also be linked

to learn more about the products and services offered by our Bird & Business Alliance partners more than 350 species, in a tour that covers Quail, Elegant Trogon, and Varied Bunting. You’ll with our 7-day Visayan Islands Extension. also search nearby aquatic habitats for waterbirds everything from the northernmost paramo on and unusual migrants and learn about native plants SOLIPASO TOURS Earth down to the lowland jungles of La Selva! and wildlife. Tuition includes food and camping www.solipaso.com Sri Lanka: Ceylon Sojourn. February 21–5 in Luxury Safari Tents at 42-acre Raven’s Nest Alamos…Two Ways! Come to Alamos and March, 2012. $3600. Easy birding awaits in the Wildlife Sanctuary. Contact: Vincent & Claudia enjoy the great hospitality of El Pedregal, the “teardrop of India”, where we are likely to see all Pinto (520)425-642 [email protected] beautiful Spanish colonial town and the many of the 30 or so Ceylon endemics from striking Sky Islands Bird Tour. August 16–20. Tour endemics birds! In January, we offer a unique Red-faced Malkohas, to stunningly indigo Ceylon Price $650 (includes transportation, food, & trip that combines birding with the annual Music Magpies, and the Ceylon Junglefowl. For those camping in Luxury Safari Tents). Based on a Festival. In April, we go up to mountain town of looking for an introduction to Asian birds, Sri Lanka beautiful & private 50-acre Nature Sanctuary, Yecora then to Alamos and the coast for a provides relaxed birding, great photography you’ll explore an array of habitats in search of complete sierra to sea tour! No one runs opportunities, and many endemics for the the incredible birds of the Sky Islands Region tours to Sonora like Solipaso! Alamos dedicated lister. Other attractions include in southeastern Arizona. Traveling through Birds and Music: January 22–28, jewel-like Indian Pittas, streamer- Desert Scrub, Grasslands, Madrean Evergreen $1900. Yecora-Alamos: April 14– tailed Asian Paradise-Flycatchers, Woodland, and up into high elevation Conifer 22, $2250. Leader: David Mackay. and cryptic Ceylon Frogmouths. Birds are not the only thing on offer, Forests, we’ll possibly see Elegant Trogon, Red- Durango Highway and San tucsonaudubon.org/alliance as herds of Asian elephants and faced Warbler, Mexican Spotted Owl, Greater Blas: February 4–13, $2850. leopards are very real possibilities. VF Peewee, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Zone-tailed Leader: David Mackay. We live Visit Visit Hawk, Golden Eagle, Montezuma Quail, White- in Alamos, but our second home is CEYLON MAGPIE, THIMINDU GOONATILLAKE CEYLON MAGPIE,

24 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. Tucson Audubon thanks our Birds & Business TUCSON AUDUBON’S Alliance Members, who have shown their support for bird BIRDS & BUSINESS ALLIANCE 2010- 2011 conservation through annual contributions and in-kind WELCOME TO OUR NEW BIRDS & BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEMBERS donations. Please show them you appreciate their support for us by supporting them. Visit BED AND BAGELS OF TUCSON famous birding hotspots of Madera Canyon, Arivaca tucsonaudubon.org/alliance for more Cienega, and Buenos Aires NWR, plus history, art, Bed and Bagels is an east side Tucson bed and information, including links to member websites. breakfast with a special welcome mat for birders. shopping, and more birding at nearby Tubac and With feeders, field guides, birding info and early Tumacacori. The Inn is adjacent to San Ignacio GOLD Golf Club and other top courses are minutes away. morning “breakfasts to go,” your host Sharon Birding Specials and Golf Packages available. www. Riverpark Inn • 800-551-1466 NEW

Arkin will enhance your birding experience and * innatsanignacio.com 1-888-450-5444 Tucson Electric Power • www.tep.com pamper you with homebaked treats and gourmet COPPER breakfasts. Guest computer, wifi, bikes, hot tub, METROPOLITAN TUCSON CONVENTION & STERLING kitchen and laundry facilities available. Discount for VISITORS BUREAU Adventure Birding Company long stays and mention of Tucson Audubon. Pets The MTCVB is an independent, non-profit • 520-495-0229 • www.adventurebirding.com and children welcome. www.bedandbagels.com organization dedicated to promoting the Tucson Rockjumper BirdingTours • [email protected] 520-603-1580. area as a convention, visitor and film production • www.rockjumperbirding.com destination. It is financially supported by the City Southwestern Research Station INN AT SAN IGNACIO CONDO HOTEL of Tucson, Pima County, the Town of Oro Valley • 520-558-2396 • research.amnh.org/swrs The Inn at San Ignacio in Green Valley features and more than 600 individual and business beautiful and spacious villa rooms and condo style partners. 100 S. Church Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701. Solipaso Tours • www.solipaso.com luxury villa suites. The Inn is convenient to the VisitTucson.org Tropical Birding • 800-348-5941 • www.tropicalbirding.com SILVER Loews Ventana Canyon • 520-299-2020 • www.loewshotels.com THE OASIS AT WAY OUT WEST B&B/Private The Oasis at Way Out West THE TAS-IFIEDS Nature Preserve. A secluded trail side location • 520-825-4590 • www.wowarizona.com CLASSIFIED ADS offers close-up wildlife observation and colorful Pima Federal Credit Union • 520-887-5010 mountain sunsets. Bird our trails (135+ House List) Classified and display ads are accepted from or the Catalinas. 20+ feeding stations, Naturalist/ COPPER individual members and members of our Birds Photographer on-site, Wi-Fi, Hydrotherapy spas, *Bed and Bagels of Tucson • 520-603-1580 & Business Alliance. Visit tucsonaudubon.org/ Bike rentals, Eco-Excursions. WOWArizona.com. Brooklyn Pizza Company • 520-622-6868 vfly for rates or contact Matt Griffiths mgriffiths@ 520.825.4590. tucsonaudubon.org to book an ad. Casa Adobe B&B in Rodeo, NM • 877-577-2275 CARPOOLING! Reduce your carbon footprint, Casa de San Pedro B&B • www.bedandbirds.com simplify parking, and meet new birding buddies Cat Mountain Lodge • 520-578-6068 BIRDS & BEER Third Thursdays at Sky Bar: by carpooling lectures, field trips, and volunteer Down By the River B&B • 520-720-9441 5–7 pm. Get a free slice of pizza (from Brooklyn outings! Use this space to connect with other Pizza) and beer at happy hour prices. Bring your Friends of Tucson Audubon! Send an email to Farhang & Medcoff, PLLC • 520-790-5433 bird photos on a USB stick or disk to share. Matt Griffiths with the bare minimum details (your Farmers Investment Co (FICO) • sahuaritafarms.ocm SMALL COUNTERTOP REFRIGERATOR name, the part of town where you live, whether Financial Architects • www.financial-architects.com needed for the environmental education classroom you’re looking for a ride or passengers, and a Fiore Tile Works • 520-971-0677 at Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center. If you can way to reach you) and we’ll list you here, space Hughes Federal Credit Union • 520-794-8341 permitting! Don’t forget our Facebook page as help please call Jean Barchman on 520.629.0510 *Inn at San Ignacio Condo Hotel • 1-888-450-5444 ext 7002. another fun way to network. Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor • 520-237-1408 Leica Sport Optics 19th Annual The Living Fence • 520-795-5300 *Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Wings Over Willcox 2012 Visitors Bureau • VisitTucson.org Birding & Nature Festival Mindo Bird Tours • www.mindobirdtours.com January 11 – 15, 2012 Naturalist Journeys • 866-900-1146 Arizona’s mecca Quailway Cottage • 520-558-0019 for wintering • Banquet with Keynote Speaker: Ted Floyd Radisson Suites Tucson • 520-721-7100 - Editor of Birding, the flagship publication of Sandhill Cranes, the American Birding Association Ravens-Way Wild Journeys • 520-425-6425 Raptors & • Free Nature Expo with live animals Shaffer Dry Cleaning & Laundry • shafferdrycleaning.com Sparrows • Birding, Geology, History & other tours Sierra Vista Ranch • Sasabe, AZ • Free Seminars on Birding, Astronomy & more Spirit Tree Inn B&B • 520-394-0121 Online registration: Sundance Press • 800-528-4827 www.wingsoverwillcox.com Swaim Assoc. Ltd Architects AIA • www.swaimaia.com Photo by Peta-Anne Tenney Call 1-800-200-2272 for brochure Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson • 520-795-9955 VF

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 25 Support Tucson Audubon... TUCSON AUDUBON Become a Friend Today! NATURE SHOPS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION ‰‰$35 Individual­ Contributor $100 q Tucson Audubon’s Nature Shops provide for your needs in natural history books and ‰‰$50 Family Supporter $250­ q guides, birding optics and accessories, and gifts right here in Tucson. We offer a great ‰‰$30­ Senior Supporter* Guardian $500 q selection, the best prices, and member discounts. Remember to shop locally. ‰‰$25 Student*­ Steward $1000 q Leadership Circle $2500 q A few weeks ago, my brother sent me a copy of Pleasure of Observing” *Individual Field Notes on Science and Nature. He hoped by George B. Schaller, the book would provide insight regarding methods “Untangling the Bank” by for recording my own observations. It did. Beyond Bernd Heinrich, “In the Name catching my attention with its beautifully designed Eye of the Beholder” cover, the book engaged me with its content. In by Jonathon Kingdon, Address each of the twelve essays, the authors thoroughly “Why Sketch?” by Jenny describe their own personal approach to keeping Keller and “Letters to and organizing natural history observations. the Future” by John City / State / ­Zip While this book does not read as a “how-to” D. Perrine and James guide for field note-keeping, it does provide a L. Patton. Schaller and Heinrich do an Email number of important considerations for the design, excellent job of describing how fulfilling it is to keep management and discipline of keeping field notes. good notes, while Kingdon and Keller make strong Phone A chapter that immediately caught my attention arguments for why sketching is an effective tool for ‰‰ New membership­ q Renewing membership­ is Kenn Kaufman’s “One and a Half Cheers for List- recording important information and even making ‰‰ Please email me about Tucson Audubon keeping.” Here, Mr. Kaufman discusses his own discoveries. Finally, Perrine and Patton show us events and­ conservation issues.­ love for, and criticisms of, list-keeping. In his own the value of in-depth note-keeping for long-term ‰‰ Please do not share my contact ­information. words, “The listing game has repeatedly provided ecological research. ‰‰ Please do not mail me Vermilion Flycatcher. me with a stimulating and effective framework One of the most pleasant aspects of this book is I’ll read it online. for learning about the diversity and current how each chapter reveals the personality of author. DONATION classification within a group and for getting out to This is interesting given that most chapters touch ‰‰I would like to support Tucson Audubon encounter some of these things in the field.” He at least briefly on the importance of maintaining Society with an­ additional contribution of continues by cautioning, “By the time you come to a balance between detailed observation and q $25 q $50 q $100 q $250.­ your senses and stop, you will have learned a lot.” personal commentary. While conveying information ‰‰ Tucson Audubon Frequent ­Flyer Monthly Ultimately, I think the biggest virtue of this chapter is of primary concern for scientific use, the Donor Program:­ I authorize the charge of is in its encouraging stance toward the value of personal discovery associated with the process $____ per month for ____ months to my amateur observation. The author points out how is what makes this topic enjoyable to learn about. credit card ($10/month minimum). Tucson Audubon Society will ­use the full amount of your tax-­ ­deductible the efforts of list-keeping in the form of Christmas Gaining a greater understanding of the nuance and gift for its environmental, educational and recreational programs.­ Bird Counts and eBird have given us a greater motivation of so many accomplished observers METHOD OF ­PAYMENT understanding of our world. Reading this got me provides much to think about. ‰‰ Check (payable to Tucson Audubon Society) very excited about making more of an effort to Although some chapters kept my attention ‰‰ MasterCard q Visa q AMEX keep accurate, accessible lists of bird diversity and better than others, I felt that every part of the density on my walks. book is worth reading. Not only does it provide What makes Field Notes on Science and compelling arguments regarding the importance of Credit Card No. Nature so appealing to me is that at the end of field note-keeping for any naturalist, Field Notes each chapter, I got more excited about keeping on Science and Nature captures the spirit of active Expiration Date Amount $ good records of my daily observations. In addition engagement with one’s surroundings. to Kaufman’s, other standout chapters include “The Scot Pipkin Signature Please send your application with payment ­to $35.00 Tucson Audubon Society,­ 300 E. University Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705­ AVAILABLE IN OUR NATURE SHOPS­ (Attn: Jean Barchman, Follow Red Rufous on his miraculous Membership Coordinator) journey from his birthplace in the Pacific OR join, renew or donate­ online at Northwest to southern Mexico where he www.tucsonaudubon.org spends the winter.Share this tiny hummer’s adventures as he makes such a long migration during his first year of life $40.00

26 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012 $9.95 Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. Comparison Chart of Mid-sized Binos vs. their Full-sized Counterparts Maker/Brand Size Price Weight (oz) Field of View (ft) Close Focus (ft) Eye Relief (mm) Dimensions (in) Nikon Monarch 8X36 $233.96 19.8 367 8.2 17.0 4.9 X 5.1 8X42 $279.86 21.5 330 8.2 19.6 5.7 X 5.0 Eagle Optics Ranger 8X32 $289.99 19.2 393 3.0 16.0 4.9 X 4.8 8X42 $299.99 21.8 341 5.2 19.5 5.8 X 5.1 Kowa Genesis 8X33 $1,160.00 20.8 420 5.0 15.0 5.6 X 4.9 8.5X44 $1,385.00 33.5 366 5.6 18.3 6.5 X 5.4 Leica Ultravid HD 8X32 $1,899.00 18.9 404 6.9 13.3 4.6 X 4.6 8X42 $2,099.00 27.9 389 9.8 15.5 5.6 X 4.8 Mid-sized Binoculars but “Full-sized” Performance

With the recent addition of the Leica Ultravid 8X32 A key feature (and the most important thing binoculars to the offerings at the Tucson Audubon which you don’t hear about from manufacturers) Nature Shop (as well as the planned introduction is optical performance, or what it is actually like to of the Swarovski SLC 8X32s in January 2012) we look through them. Given their smaller objective now offer a diverse line of binoculars in the “mid- lenses and the fact that they are going to collect TIM HELENTJARIS sized” range. At the more economical end, we less light, would you expect the view through these Leicas, they’ll probably also be the last binocular have the Eagle Optics Ranger 8X32s and Nikon smaller binoculars to be noticeably different? My you’ll ever buy and well worth the investment. Monarch 8X36s. In the mid- to upper-end (and expectation was that in daylight conditions, not Full disclosure here, I own Leica 8X42 Ultravids with more features), the Kowa Genesis 8X33s so much, but under low-light conditions (dawn- for my own use but a year ago, purchased the complement the Leicas. dusk, deep shadows, etc.) it should be obvious. Nikon Monarch 8X36’s for my wife. We’re both very When considering purchasing a mid-sized To answer this, I tested both mid- and full-size happy with the latter. VF binocular, consider their pros and cons vs. their full- versions of the EO Rangers and the Leicas at the Tim Helentjaris sized siblings. Who wouldn’t appreciate less bulk Tucson Audubon Nature Shop. Other staff and I and weight around their necks while out in the field both agreed that we couldn’t see any significant (not to mention usually saving a few bucks)? These difference between the mid- and full-sized versions TUCSON AUDUBON mid-sized binoculars have the same general design, in normal daylight. Under lower light conditions, we NATURE SHOPS workmanship, glass elements, and engineering as still didn’t see any difference and we had to darken When you support your local Tucson their full-sized versions, but are no more fragile or the room considerably before we could convince Audubon Society you are supporting birds less functional. For those who are more data-driven ourselves the larger versions provided more detail. and bird habitat conservation. Thank you! in their choices, I put together this table to compare The time of day this effect would be evident would SHOP HOURS the metrics that most folks want to know about in be so short (around dawn/dusk) that it would rarely binoculars. Surprisingly, the smaller versions are come into play for most users. I have to admit I MAIN SHOP better in most categories. Check out field of view: was surprised at how small the difference was in Monday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm, the Kowa (8x and 10x33) and Leica (8x32) are optical performance between the mid- and full- Phone: 629-0510 ext 7015 On the southeast corner of University Blvd and 5th Avenue. significantly better than their x42 counterparts— sized versions. almost equivalent to a 7-power binocular. And In conclusion, these smaller versions deserve AGUA CALIENTE PARK SHOP close-focus: the EO Rangers focus down to 3 ft a look when you’re thinking about new binoculars, Jaunary–March: (wow!); great for those butterflies who have chosen particularly if you are considering spending the Thursday, Friday, Saturday to land on your shoe! In fact the only area where money on one of the premium brands where the 10 am–2:30 pm Phone: 760-7881 the mid-sized optics give up anything to their larger weight/size difference is greatest. Their general From Tanque Verde Rd and Houghton, continue east on siblings is in eye relief. This would be important to construction is identical to their larger siblings and Tanque Verde 2 miles. Turn left (north) onto Soldier Trail, those who prefer to look through their glasses when their optical performance is often as good (or even continue north for 2 miles. Turn right (east) onto Roger Rd, using binoculars, but anything 12mm or greater is better) in some aspects. You might think of getting continue ¼ mile to the park entrance on the left (north). considered sufficient, so I don’t think this will be an a pair as a “second” but my guess is once you When you need a book, think of issue for any user. All in all, these smaller binoculars have them around your neck, they’ll be the pair you Tucson Audubon Nature Shops first! stand up very well to comparison. reach for most often. If they’re the Kowas or the Support your local book store.

Visit tucsonaudubon.org for updates and more. January–March 2012 Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon 27 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, AZ 300 E University Blvd, #120 PERMIT #1345 Tucson, AZ 85705

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Vermilion Flycatcher Volume 57, Number 1, January–March 2012 © 2012 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 becoming a Friend of Tucson Audubon. See membership at www.tucsonaudubon.org.

HELP KEEP ARIZONA’S MIGRATORY Ca ll J ea n STOPOVER SITES OPEN Ba rc TUCSON AUDUBON’S WINTER APPEAL hm an a t 5 2 0 - 2 0 9 - 1 8 0 2 t Silent Auction o ma Live Birds ke y our ta Live Music x - d Banquet e d HUMMINGBIRD: JOHN KENNEDY | RUFOUS BY CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY MAINTAINED , HTTP://BNA.BIRDS.CORNELL.EDU/BNA, u Presentation by c t Prof John Kricher, ib author, researcher, birder le d o n

a AMERICA ONLINE BIRDS OF NORTH tio n to MAP: Our Changing World day. TUCSON AUDUBON’S FOURTH ANNUAL GALA • FEBRUARY 7, 2012 • LOEWS VENTANA Reservations from $150. For sponsorship info or to reserve your place, contact Erin Olmstead 520-209-1809 or [email protected] EVENTS CALENDAR page 5 • LIVING WITH NATURE page 7 • Visit tucsonaudubon.org for event updates

28 Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher January–March 2012