Volume 51, Number 6 March 2007 I S S N 1 0 9 4 - 9 9 0 9 VermiliFonlycatcher

Tucson Audubon Society www.tucsonaudubon.org Leaders in Conservation & Education since 1949 Inside this issue Introducing the New Executive 6 Audubon Afield Director! by Susan Randolph, Board President 12 Audubon Shops News 3 Bashas’:Thanks a Million! If the Tucson Audubon Society Search 13 Binocular FAQs Committee had gone into Aboriginal 12 Book Reviews Dreamtime, the “time before time,” 4 Calendar of Events & More they could not have dreamt a better fit 9 Carpooling for Tucson Audubon than Paul Green. 10 Conservation Update Paul was chosen from a field of highly qualified and attractive candidates and 2 Director’s Perch we are pleased to make a formal 17 Education News announcement that he will start as our 8 Fieldtrips! new Executive Director on March 12, 5 Green Valley Member Mtg 2007. 7 Habitat Restoration Paul’s résumé contains a large network New Executive Director Paul Green 18 Important Bird Areas of interrelating parts that have 14 Institute of Desert Ecology prepared him over the years to take the helm at Tucson Audubon, to continue our mission 16 Mason Center News of preserving the environment through recreation, conservation, and education. Educated 23 Membership Form in England and Scotland, his academic career started with undergraduate degrees in psychology and biology. As you might expect, the birds won out, and he got his PhD in 12 Product Review zoology (in bird behavior/ecology), with a specialty in the feeding behavior of Rooks, and 17 Riparian Family Institute then four years post-doc working on Jackdaws. 23 Seeking Your Silly Photos 22 Thanks Paul’s next stop took him to Malaysia where he taught and did field research on Blue- throated Bee-eaters. At the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Paul started developing 20 Travel Opportunities skills that would prepare him for active conservation work—the work that would clearly 23 Tribute to Harvey Lance become a passion for him. Later, during a long stint at the British Trust for Ornithology, he 4 Tucson Area Birding honed his skills in membership recruitment, marketing, and communications as well as 24 Tucson Member Meeting fundraising and business partnering. 19 Urban Birds Luckily for us, Paul turned his attention westward toward America. A new job in Colorado 3 Volunteer Opportunities with the American Birding Association was bringing him closer to Tucson, Arizona. There, 21 Welcome New Members he spent a number of years working as Director of Conservation and Education, and later 22 Wishes President of ABA Sales, and President and Chief Executive Officer. At ABA, Paul continued to work on building membership, strategic planning, sales, management of staff and, of

The Vermilion Flycatcher is published monthly course, education and conservation. except for combined May-June, July-August, and December-January issues. For address changes or Most recently, Paul has worked at the National Audubon Society as the Director of Citizen subscription problems call 629-0757, or write to Science, and during his first year also as the Interim Director of Audubon at Home. Paul Membership Coordinator, Tucson Audubon, 300 E. University Blvd., #120, Tucson, AZ 85705. has worked with well-known backyard conservation issues, conservation of species, Submissions for the April issue are due Mar. 1. fundraising, grantwriting, and growing the Citizen Science programs. Please send submissions as Microsoft Word or RTF documents, or plain text files, to Matt Griffiths at [email protected]. Besides having a remarkable repertoire of experience, Paul is modest, a good listener and, of Coordinator, Matt Griffiths 206-9900 course, he brings his charming British accent with him. Paul wants to be back in the Proofreaders, Jane & Warren Tisdale 749-2139 Southwest, and he wants to be where he can see that he is making a difference in Layout Editor, Julie St. John continued page 2 Tucson Audubon Society is dedicated to improving the quality of the environment by providing education, conservation, and recreation programs, Landscapes, habitats, and ecology: how do and the man who environmental leadership, and information. those rocks, soils, climate, weather, plants suggested the name Tucson Audubon is a non-profit volunteer and animals interact to produce the living ‘United States of organization of people with a common system that becomes this eternal America’ for a then interest in birding and natural history. classroom? This puzzle produces a new country. Tucson Audubon maintains offices, a library response that is at once spiritual and Following a and nature shops in Tucson, the proceeds of rational: an indescribable feeling of wonder meeting with which benefit all of its programs. coupled with a desire to understand how Benjamin Franklin Tucson Audubon Society the parts work together. From the Sonoran in London, Paine 300 E. University Blvd. #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 Desert in the Americas to the Dipterocarp left Thetford and 629-0510 (voice) or 623-3476 (fax) forests of Malaysia, the range of survival sailed for the New All phone numbers use the 520 area code strategies one encounters is, to me, a most World in 1774. I www.tucsonaudubon.org wondrous thing. followed 222 years Board Officers & Committees later and made my home in Colorado. Messages 622-5622 I grew up on the edge of the fens of East President Susan Randolph Anglia, in the city of Cambridge, England. I remember well my first encounter with Vice President Chris McVie The landscapes that were familiar to me the landscape of the Sonoran Desert in Secretary Julia Gordon were flat, at or below sea level, and the 1997, how traveling companions and I Treasurer Barbara Heineman habitats agricultural. Much of East Anglia tumbled out of a car and stood for several Conservation Chris McVie Education Doris Evans is a giant fenland basin, 2500 square miles minutes in awe-struck silence. It was the Development Susan Randolph in size, a former wetland drained by a beginning of a new lifelong quest to learn Nominating Robert Merideth Dutch engineer in the 1600s, with the peat more about the Sonoran Desert and its Finance Barbara Heineman shrinking up to 20 feet as it dried and varied communities. While birds have been Additional Directors at Large: Clark Blake, Mich Coker, degraded. One tiny island of the original the focus, an awareness of the complex Don Eagle, Sandy Elers, Kathleen Escalada, Julia Gordon, Lisa Harris, Craig Marken, Robert fen survives as Wicken Fen, one of Britain’s processes that support them has always Mesta, Bill Roe, Herb Trossman, Bob Wenrick oldest nature reserves, and a wonderful been paramount. It’s the habitat that is place of childhood exploration. Maintained important. Programs & Activities by clay-lined “lodes” or watercourses, the Field Trips Darlene Smyth 297-2315 fen stands 8 feet above the drained land Jacob Needleman, reflecting on the wisdom Library David West/Peggy Smith 629-0510 of the founding fathers, suggests that the Membership Meetings Vivian MacKinnon 629-0757 around it, and is the landscape of Hen freedoms enshrined in the constitution Rare Bird Alert Keith Kamper 798-1005 Harriers and Bearded Tits in winter, and Report Rare Birds 798-1005 Sedge Warblers and Grasshopper Warblers come with a responsibility to something in summer. Happy years in Scotland and bigger than the day-to-day materialism of Staff modern life. Caring for our fragile Executive Director Paul Green 622-5622 Malaysia followed my fenland childhood. environment must surely be part of that Operations Manager Michael Monyak 629-0757 Then, in the 1990s, I found myself back in Bookkeeper Jeff Burrows 629-0757 the fen-edge sandy heaths of the brecks, equation, starting with the simple choices Education Program Manager Carrie Dean 622-2230 with their Stone Curlews, Nightjars, and we make daily. Tucson stands on a Membership Coordinator Vivian MacKinnon 629-0757 threshold: it could go the way of many fast- Administrative Assistant Mandy Katz 622-5622 Woodlarks. On my daily morning cycle growing cities or be a model of ecologically IBA Conservation Biologist Scott Wilbor 628-1730 ride from the train station to the British Restoration Program Mgr. Kendall Kroesen 206-9900 Trust for Ornithology offices (housed in a sensitive urban development, driven by Field Supervisor Rodd Lancaster 256-6909 former twelfth century Nunnery in integrated community-based conservation Restoration Specialist Matthew Griffiths 206-9900 action beginning with the individual. Mason Outreach Assistant Lia Sansom 971-6238 Thetford), I passed the bronze statue of Tucson Audubon can make a difference Environmental Educ. Specialist Matt Brooks 622-2230 Thomas Paine, corset-maker’s son, radical University Shop Manager Sara Pike 622-2230 revolutionary, author of Common Sense, and I’m honored to be part of it. Assistant Shop Manager Heather Hatch 622-2230 VF Agua Caliente Shop Mgr. Becky Aparicio 760-7881 Nature Shops Audubon Nature Shop 300 E. University Blvd. #120 629-0510 Our new Executive Director Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10a.m.–4p.m. from page 1 (10a.m.–5p.m. Monday & Thursday); closed Sunday 623-3476 fax / 622-.2230 Shop Manager conservation. The beautiful Sonoran Desert and Tucson Audubon should be a Tucson Audubon at Agua Caliente perfect home for him. Paul: On behalf of the Tucson Audubon Society, I extend a Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Park 12325 E. Roger Rd. 760-7881 warm welcome to you and your wife Eng-Li. We are very happy to have you here, Hours: Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday, 9:30a.m.–3:30p.m. and we all look forward to a long and mutually fruitful partnership with you. 1st & 2nd Sundays, 10a.m.–3p.m. VF

2 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 Phone System Update Huge Library Overstock Book Sale Some of you may already be aware that our phone system has been lacking voice mail and the Rare Bird Alert for some time now. We wanted In memory of Harvey Lance to issue a formal apology to all of our members who use the Rare Bird Alert March 31, 11a.m.–2p.m. in the on a regular basis, or who have tried to contact us and have not been able courtyard at the Main Nature Shop to leave messages. We are fully aware of our phone system problems and are actively working to return our system to normal. Calling All Bibliophiles! Come and celebrate your In the meantime, should you need access to the Rare Bird Alert, please love of books and Tucson Audubon by prowling visit our website at www.tucsonaudubon.org, click the “Birding” link on the through our FIRST ANNUAL LIBRARY SALE for left, and choose “RBA” from the top menu bar. Or, you can always call our Bargains, Bargains, Bargains! We love it when you shop at 629-0510, and we’ll be happy to read the current Alert to you. donate your used natural history books to us for use Should you be having trouble contacting a staff member, please do so by our library. But space is limited and the generosity by email or call us between 10a.m.–4p.m., and someone should be available of our members is astounding, leaving us up to our to answer the phone or take a message for you. We sincerely appreciate eyeballs in good books that need good homes. Hope your patience and support! To See You Here! VF

Support Tucson Audubon Join Tucson Audubon! by Shopping at Bashas’ Benefits of membership include: Tucson Audubon has joined the Bashas’ THANKS A MILLION for All funds are used locally! Organizational Friends and Neighbors program, where raising money is as easy as grocery overhead is low. Subscription to Vermilion shopping! THANKS A MILLION is a hassle-free fundraiser where Bashas’ will donate 1 percent of sales linked to Tucson Audubon, up to a $2,500 Flycatcher. 10% discount in our Nature donation. THANKS A MILLION runs through March 31, 2007. The first Shops. Conservation bulletins by email. time you shop at Bashas’, please ask the cashier to link Tucson Audubon’s Monthly membership meetings! ID number to your Bashas’ Thank You Card. That ID number is 27286. It’s as simple as that! So, start shopping and helping to contribute to Tucson See page 23 to join! Audubon’s ongoing leadership in conservation and education programs.

Volunteer at Tucson Audubon! Cruz River, Cienega Creek, Tucson Contact Vivian MacKinnon at 629-0757 or area special events. All materials are Audubon properties, and along the Santa [email protected] about provided, and this is an easy and Cruz River in Santa Cruz County. IBA these two important volunteer opportunities: extremely important way to help Tucson Bird Monitoring Workshop February 23 Audubon get the word out about our Tucson Membership Meetings Co- & 24! Call Scott Wilbor at 628-1730 by organization while enjoying a variety of chair February 15 to RSVP. outings around southeast Arizona! One spot left! Program Co-chairs share Mason Audubon Center duties equally and work closely with the Birding Field Trips Volunteers needed for outdoor service Membership Coordinator. Duties include Volunteers to lead birding field trips. projects. There are many projects brainstorming about programs and Instructions and help are available. Yes, available. Call Lia Sansom at 744-0004. presenters, contacting potential presenters, you can do it! Call Darlene Smyth at soliciting or writing program descriptions University Nature Shop 297-2315. for the Flycatcher and attending A good volunteer or two to help with membership meetings in Tucson. Education Program garden maintenance once or twice a month. Contact Heather Hatch at Special Events & Tabling Assist with environmental education 622-2230 or [email protected]. Opportunities programs for children and adults. Call We are looking for a cadre of talented Carrie Dean at 622-2230. Agua Caliente Nature Shop Volunteer to help out at the new Nature people willing to donate their time to Important Bird Areas Program Shop at Agua Caliente Park. Call Becky specific special events including but not Collect data about potential IBAs. Survey Aparicio at 760-7881. limited to staffing membership tables at birds near Tucson at Sabino Creek, Santa

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 3 Calendar of TUCSON AREA BIRDING:

Mason Audubon Center “Beginning Birding Walks” Second Wednesday & 3rd Saturday of the month, 8a.m. For SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 9a.m.–NOON information, contact Lia Sansom at 744-0004 or Living with Urban Wildlife: Feliz Paseos Park [email protected]. In lieu of the March Public Tour at the Mason Audubon Center, Bird Walk in the Foothills First Thursday of the month, please join us at Feliz Paseos Park for a Living with Urban Wildlife 7:30a.m. Beginning birders meet at La Encantada parking lot, day. Located at the base of the Tucson Mountains, come off Campbell, north of Skyline. For information, contact Michael experience urban wildlife and enjoy nature walks in this newest Smith at [email protected] or 299-0122. addition to the Pima County park system. Feliz Paseos Park is located at 1600 N. Camino de Oeste. For more information, Wake up with the Birds at Roy P. Drachman Agua contact Katy Goudschaal at 877-6032. Caliente Park Every Tuesday, 8:30a.m.. Pima County guided bird walks for beginners and families. Binoculars available. Meet SATURDAY, MARCH 10 at the Visitor Center. For information, call 877-6111. Volunteer Work Day at Esperanza Ranch Sam Lena Park & Kino Ecological Restoration Project Help with habitat restoration work on the conservation easement Bird Walk 4th Saturday of the month, 8a.m. Bird walk for at Esperanza Ranch. For more information or to sign up, contact beginners and families at Sam Lena Park. For more information, Kendall Kroesen at 206-9900 (office), 971-2385 (cell) or contact Kendall Kroesen at [email protected], [email protected]. 206-9900, or 971-2385 (cell). Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Birdwalks every day at SATURDAY–SUNDAY, MARCH 24–25 8:30a.m., October–April, at museum entrance. Call 883-2702. Riparian Family Institute Free with admission. Join us for this year’s Riparian Family Institute and learn about Catalina State Park Fall/Winter bird walks led by Denis Wright the rich plant and animal life found streamside along the beautiful on Fridays, 7:30–10a.m. at the first picnic area — time will change San Pedro River near Winkelman. See page 17 for details. in 30-minute increments as weather/light conditions require. Open daily 5a.m.–10p.m.; fee. Call 628-5798 for information SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 11a.m.–2p.m. about walks. Huge Library Overstock Book Sale Calling All Bibliophiles! Come to the Main Nature Shop on Sabino Canyon Birding and nature hikes. Parking fee. University Blvd. and celebrate your love of books and Tucson Call 749-8700. Audubon at our FIRST ANNUAL LIBRARY SALE in memory of Saguaro National Park Call 733-5153 (East) or 733-5158 Harvey Lance. See page 3 for details on the book sale and page 23 (West) for scheduled bird walks. for our tribute to Harvey. Tohono Chul Park Birding walks at 8:30a.m. Monday, PICK A DAY, ANY DAY, FROM APRIL 13 TO MAY 6 Wednesday & Saturday. Open 8a.m.–5p.m. daily; entrance fee Birdathon — Save the Date! (free 1st Tuesday of every month). Call 575-8468. Spring is in the air, get out there and bird for a cause during Tucson Botanical Gardens Open 8:30a.m.–4:30p.m. Tucson Audubon’s Annual Birdathon fundraiser. Pick any 24-hour Entrance fee. Call 326-9686. period between April 13 and May 6 and “bird, baby, bird!” Watch OTHER AREAS this space next month for full details! Arizona State Parks—Birding and other walks; PICK A MORNING, ANY MORNING, FROM APRIL 15 TO MAY 15 www.pr.state.az.us. Fee. Call (602)542-4174. Tucson Bird Count! Buenos Aires NWR—Refuge, including Arivaca Cienega, open 24 If you can identify the birds species of the Tucson area, and can hours a day; 823-4251 x1. Arivaca Cienega Saturday bird walks spend a morning (of your choice!) between April 15 and May 15 run from November through April at 8a.m. Call 823-4251 x116. counting birds, adopt a route for the 2007 count. See page 11 for Boyce Thompson Arboretum—Open 8a.m.– 5p.m. daily (last details! admissions 1 hour before closing). Call 689-2811. Bird sightings posted at ag.arizona.edu/BTA/events/birdwalks.html. THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, APRIL 19–22 Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve—Open 6:30a.m.–4:00p.m. Institute of Desert Ecology April 1 to Sept. 30. Closed Mon. & Tues. Fee. Call 394-2400. There’s still time to register… don’t delay! This is a great way to Ramsey Canyon—Open every day 8a.m.–5p.m. Fee. become more intimate with the landscape throughout southern Call 378-2785. Arizona. See page 14 for details. VF Southern Arizona Bird Observatory—Tours of birding sites available; fee. Call 432-1388 or go to www.sabo.org.

4 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 Congratulations Green Valley to Moez Ali! Membership Meeting Moez Ali, well-loved volunteer field Saturday, March 17, 10a.m.* trip leader and guest speaker for Green Valley Public Library (directions on p. 24) Tucson Audubon, will soon be *ARRIVE AT 9:30A.M. FOR COFFEE AND COOKIES putting his skills to the test on a wider scale with our newest tour SEE “WILD UTAH” operator business member, Birding “Wild Utah” is a multi-media slideshow documenting citizen efforts America (see page 21). to designate public lands in southern Utah’s spectacular canyon Moez has been curious about birds country as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This and nature since he was knee-high 20-minute journey through redrock splendor invigorates and to a grasshopper. Growing up in Nairobi, he spent his motivates viewers to participate in the movement to protect these early years birding East Africa and exploring Kenya’s unique lands. world-famous national parks. His father, Hussein Ali, is “Wild Utah” was made possible through the generous donation of a naturalist and photographer, and together they led photos, music and words from concerned Utahns who wish to pass field trips for the East Africa Natural History Society this heritage on to future generations, including narration by Robert and the ornithological department of the National Redford. Museum of Kenya. In conjunction with a presentation on the current status of the Utah But it was tennis, not birds that finally brought Moez to wilderness movement by Bob Brister, Interregional Outreach the US. 1n 1999 he arrived in Alabama on an athletic Coordinator for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, this scholarship and wasted no time getting right to the inspirational and informational event is a must-see for people birds. “My first weekend in the US was spent birding wishing to become personally involved to make the difference in this with the Shoals Audubon Society in northwest Alabama, tremendous American public lands conservation effort. ticking off life birds while acclimating to the crisp temperate winter,” Moez remembers. During college he Directions: The public library is at 601 N. La Canada. From I-19 traveled the Southeast searching for new birds and take exit #69, Duvall Mine Rd., go west to Duvall Rd., go left on La leading field trips in Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. Canada, right on Desert Bell Rd. Go 1⁄2 block, turn left and stay left for the library. In 2003 Moez moved to Tucson to work as a research assistant with the University of Arizona, where he coordinated research investigating the birds of Arizona’s sky islands and riparian areas. He also quickly became Buenos Aires National involved with Tucson Audubon and gained a reputation as a great local guide. Wildlife Refuge When the 2005 ABA convention was set for Tucson, Arizona’s Yellow Brick Road: Moez was asked to lead field trips to Mt. Lemmon for Lions and Ringtails and Bats, Oh My! ABA. This turned out to be just the break he needed, Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 11a.m. Join mammalogist Ronnie and during the convention he caught the eye of Tropical Sidner as she discusses some of her favorite Arizona mammals. Birding with his impressive leadership and gentle These are native furbearers, big and small, many of which make enthusiasm. When the idea surfaced for a new domestic their home on the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. This talk branch of Tropical Birding, offering tours in the US, at the Joyner-Green Valley Public Library is FREE and open to the Moez was the obvious choice. public. Sponsored by the Friends of Buenos Aires. When asked about guiding, he cites his family’s Ronnie is a self-employed ecological consultant conducting field encouragement and “the enjoyment of sharing birds, studies on mammals, and most especially on bats. She has wildlife, and knowledge with others” as major catalysts completed projects at Saguaro National Park, Kartchner Caverns in his path to becoming a professional leader. Moez will State Park, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, the Coronado, begin leading Birding America tours of southeast Coconino, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and she is Arizona, Southern California, and the Oregon Cascades continuing a long-term monitoring program to determine changing in 2007. Please join Tucson Audubon in extending our resource use by endangered lesser long-nosed bats and other species congratulations to Moez Ali. (To learn more about on Ft. Huachuca (AZ). Dr. Sidner teaches summer school as adjunct Birding America, see p. 21.) faculty in the UA Ecology Department, and she also lectures VF frequently on environmental topics.

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 5 While Tucson received a dusting of snow(!) Red-tailed Hawks of all flavors, 16 in January, and winter residents—avian Ferruginous Hawks, Cooper’s and and human—remained, signs of spring Harris’s Hawks, and two falcon species: were becoming evident. Northern Merlin and American Kestrels. Philip Mockingbirds and Curve-billed Thrashers Kline’s trip to the Santa Cruz Flats were in full song. Harris’s Hawks began to afforded participants with many ‘lifers’ lay eggs, while neighborhood Great (as many as 12 for one participant!). Horned Owls were calling nightly. Tucson Raptor highpoints were five Crested Audubon fieldtrip leaders provided the Caracaras, 25 Black Vultures and 4 always interesting mix of trips to scattered Prairie Falcons. Mountain Plovers, a birding hotspots, both close to home and Sage Thrasher and Sage Sparrows were more distant. In addition to our already also observed. impressive variety of avian residents and visitors, a few surprises were discovered. Patagonia Lake State Park—a very popular spot for birders and non- Worm-eating Warbler seen in Tubac. Courtesy Darlene Smyth led 25 birders, including an birders alike—was the location for Clifford Cathers. avid 11-year-old Canadian, along the Clait Braun’s January 16 trip. When the David Yetman Trail on a frosty late- group arrived at the lake, the temperature December morning. While birds were was a chilly 22 degrees; ice had formed including a fair number of blue morphs. somewhat subdued by the cold, everyone around the edges of the lake in shallow A great noisy Snow Geese fly-off enjoyed the cooperative Green-tailed water areas. The birders were treated to a Saturday morning was a real treat. Some Towhee bathing in a puddle. Denis Wright ‘three phoebe day’ and had ample or all of the group saw Mountain led an early January trip to the rugged opportunity to sort out the mix of Bluebirds, Ross’s Geese, Harris’s French Joe Canyon. The ten intrepid wintering empids. Several fortunate Sparrow, Slate-colored Junco, Canada birders braved the cold, the snow, and the observers caught a glimpse of an Elegant Geese, White-fronted Geese, White- incredibly rough and rocky road into the Trogon flying through the trees. Black- tailed Kite, Merlin, Peregrine, and White- canyon. An interesting mix of species was chinned Sparrow was voted ‘bird of the throated Sparrow. Great scope-looks of found including a female Williamson’s day,’ followed closely by Common Ground- a Bald Eagle eating a duck and ducks Sapsucker, a Golden Eagle and Hammond’s Dove. flying side-ways in the wind were among and Dusky Flycatchers. the more unusual sights. Some birders Another immensely popular birding went up to Water Canyon for a snowball Raptors were the stars of the show on the hotspot—Madera Canyon—was the site fight. The ride back afforded the group trips to Sulphur Springs Valley on the 13th for Bev Postmus’s January 30 outing. the spectacle of 200 pronghorn near and the Santa Cruz Flats on the 27th. Ned Twenty-four people, some local and some Magdalena. Harris’s trip to the former site tallied 56 visiting from Montana and Georgia, turned out on this cloudy, sometimes rainy, and The most unusual find in January was cold-in-the-canyon day. Avian highpoints that of a Long-billed Thrasher in East Local Birding Closures in the canyon included Hammond’s Whitetail Canyon in the Chiricahua Flycatcher, several Arizona Woodpeckers Mountains. This is the first record for Avra Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant this species in Arizona. A Worm-eating — The plant may be closed to birders and a Townsend’s Warbler. The sighting of a coati was by far the most exciting find on Warbler in Tubac was observed by until May 1. It should be closed for many many—quite a feat considering it moved months for an initial upgrade, and then the trip. A stop at the Green Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant (you knew we around considerably, both to the south it may open again for a while before of and as far as 3/4 of a mile north of the being closed again for a major expansion. had to have at least one stop at a local sewage lagoon!) produced 21 species, bridge over the Santa Cruz River. It was For up-to-date info, contact Laura Hagen often with a mixed-species flock that Fairbanks 740-6532. including the long-staying Ross’s Goose, which was a lifer for some. contained two additional unusual Arivaca Cienega — Public access to the species: a Black-and-white Warbler and a Arivaca Cienega parking lot, trail, and John Higgins led 28 birders on his annual lingering Greater Pewee. Common rest rooms is closed for most of February trek out to Bosque del Apache National Grackle was recorded in Bisbee; a Pine and March 2007, with possible earlier Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. The Warbler was discovered in the under- opening. The parking lot will be open for intrepid group endured wind, dust, rain, birded Patagonia Mountains. Patagonia the Saturday guided bird walks, however. snow and icy roads in their pursuit of the Lake State Park held Rose-throated For more information, call the Buenos avian treats the refuge affords. Sightings Becard, Louisiana Waterthrush and the Aires National Wildlife Refuge include seven Bald Eagles, thousands of persisting Black-capped Gnatcatchers. (520)823-4251 x108. cranes, and twenty thousand Snow Geese continued next page

6 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 Cool New Wheels We would like to extend a most sincere and heartfelt “thank you” to an anonymous donor who contributed $10,000 for equipment costs of the restoration program! The bulk of the donation has paid for a new utility vehicle, a Polaris Ranger. The Ranger can carry 850 pounds of cargo in its rear dump box, tow a 1,500-pound trailer, clear obstacles in the roughest road, and get out of any fix with its on-demand all- wheel drive. It will go just about anywhere we need it to, and will greatly multiply our capacity for moving equipment, planting plants, hauling seed, and any number of other restoration tasks. At the same time it will relieve our private vehicles (2-wheel-drive pickups, mostly) from going into areas where they are at risk of getting stuck or having flat tires. Boy, that’s a relief! TOP Rodd Lancaster tests out the new Ranger. Courtesy Kendall Kroesen. BELOW Paul Branson at the Martin Farm. Courtesy Matt Brooks. Intrigued? Rides are not free but can be exchanged for your volunteer labor! I hope you’ll come out and see it in action.

Farewell to Paul Branson Paul Branson, head of Earthwise Technologies, is leaving town to begin anew in Colorado with his wife Teresa and step- daughter Carolena. Paul has been a consultant for the restoration program for the past two years. Earthwise has played a critical role in our restoration program. Paul has provided subcontracted labor to help us get work done in the cool months, when need for our fieldwork arises. He has designed and implemented large, complex irrigation systems at the Simpson Farm and Martin Farm sites. He was key to helping us get started with rainwater harvesting earthworks and other strategies at the Esperanza Ranch site. More than this, Paul has been a constant source of bright ideas and insights about the land we work on and the way we work. He constantly hones his understanding of restoration ecology principles and refines his holistic approach to the Earth, while at the same time learning lessons on the ground from the specific ecological context in which he’s working. Red Phalaropes were found at the Green Valley Wastewater Paul has had an enormous impact in these early years of the Treatment Plant and at Whitewater Draw. Two Horned Tucson Audubon restoration program—an impact I believe will Grebes were cooperative at Kennedy Park in Tucson. Less continue to be felt in the many years of habitat restoration to cooperative was the Tundra Swan that made sporadic come. VF appearances in Benson. During March we bid farewell to some species and welcome back Swainson’s Hawks, Bell’s Vireos and Lucy’s Upcoming Habitat Restoration Events Warblers. Desert species are busy launching new broods, while sparrow numbers noticeably drop. With all this at Esperanza Ranch activity, it is truly a great time to be out in the field. To sign up for these events, contact Kendall at 206-9900 Perhaps I’ll see you there! (office), 971-2385 (cell) or [email protected]. VF March 10 Volunteer work day April 14 Birding fieldtrip (see April issue for details)

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 7 For the latest field trip information, visit us online at www.tucsonaudubon.org

MARCH 3—SATURDAY 8a.m. for Canyon Loop, Romero Canyon, to find the local canyon birds and also to Reid Park and Zoo Birding, and other trails. We’ll gather at look for lingering migrants. It’s hoped that picnic tables across from restrooms. we will find Painted Redstart, Fox Sparrow, Urban parks and zoos attract a surprising Drivers will need Arizona State Park Pass Hammond’s Flycatcher, Townsend’s variety of wild birds, particularly in the or pay $6 fee (per car). Leader has pass Solitaire and, who knows, the little winter when food and water can be scarce. and could arrange to pick up 3 birders at Whiskered Screech Owl may be sitting in We will take a short stroll around Reid Park a local carpool site. Contact leader for the sun outside his hole. With luck we before starting our “zooventure” where we more info. (local) might even see the wintering Elegant will observe, identify and discuss both the Leader: M.E. Flynn (520) 797-1743 or Trogon. If we have the time we can drive captive birds and their uncaged cousins on [email protected] up to the Kubo Cabins or the Chuparosa the zoo grounds. Please bring a notebook Inn where, with good fortune, we might and pencil, water, a snack to eat outside the MARCH 10—SATURDAY 6:30a.m. find Magnificent, Blue-throated, Anna’s zoo, and $6 for zoo admission; dress for the el Sewer de Tucson and Broad-billed Hummingbirds. Wear weather. Assemble to the left of the good hiking boots, bring snacks and water, admission booth outside the zoo entrance. We will visit the more fragrant water holes and prepare to have a good time. Back by Plan to be done by noon, or linger in the in the Tucson area, including Sweetwater noon. Meet at the Central Tucson carpool zoo as you please. (local) Wetlands and Silverbell Lake, looking for location for a 7a.m. departure (leader not Leader: Rick Wright [email protected] waterfowl and raptors. Bring scopes, present), or at the Green Valley water, snack and lunch, comfortable McDonald’s (exit 63 off I-19) at 7:30a.m. MARCH 6—TUESDAY 7:30a.m. footwear, and dress for the weather. Meet Limit 10 people, please contact leader Catalina State Park at the Ina Rd. and Via Ponte commuter starting March 9. (80 miles round trip) parking lot one block west of Oracle and Join us on a 2.3 mile birding walk of the Leader: Sally Johnsen 399-4050 or Ina, on the south side of Ina, for a [email protected] Canyon Loop Trail in beautiful Catalina 6:30a.m. departure. Return by 3p.m.. State Park. We will take our time and the Restrooms at every stop! Air freshener MARCH 17—SATURDAY 7:30a.m. elevation gain is minimal (about 200 feet). optional. (local) We’ll look for early spring migrants, Leader: Michael Bissontz 577-8778 or St. Patrick’s Day at Sweetwater lingering wintering birds and residents. [email protected] Wetlands May finish by 11a.m. or noon, but birds Sweetwater Wetlands is a rich birding and pace of group will determine exact MARCH 13—TUESDAY 7a.m. resource for beginning as well as advanced time. We stop for birds and slow walkers. birders. Let’s scour the ponds, probe the Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Madera Canyon wetland edges, and peer at the sky to find Bring binoculars, plenty of water, sun hat We will first drive slowly up towards the as many birds as we can—this is a lucky and or lotion, and snack if you like. Meet at canyon to look for the grassland sparrows. day so maybe we’ll find something special. the last parking lot at the end of the access After parking at Proctor, we will take a Join us for a slow, easy walk which is a nice road into the park across from trailheads leisurely hike up to the Santa Rita Lodge way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Bring binoculars (a scope would be great, too). Wear a little something green to celebrate Now available in Spanish! A Neotropical Companion: An Introduction “a bit o’ the Irish” and receive a surprise! Meet at 7:30a.m. at the Sweetwater Wetland to the Animals, Plants and Ecosystems of the New World Tropics parking lot for a prompt start (don’t be Birders’ Exchange, a program of the American Birding Association, is pleased to late—the leprechauns won’t like it). We’ll announce the availability of its Spanish language version of the highly acclaimed book, A finish by 10a.m. Sláinte! (local) Neotropical Companion, An Introduction to the Animals, Plants and Ecosystems of Leader: June Scroggin 546-1381 or the New World Tropics by John Kricher. [email protected]

Birders’ Exchange plans to distribute copies of the book at no cost to individuals and MARCH 20—TUESDAY 6:30a.m. organizations throughout the Neotropics. Copies of the book will be distributed by King’s Canyon in Tucson Mt. Park volunteer couriers in the U.S. traveling to Latin America. This is a trip for those who enjoy hiking For information on how to obtain a copy (or copies) of the book please contact: and birding. Participants are encouraged to wear good hiking shoes as we will be Betty Petersen, Birders’ Exchange Program Director, at [email protected] walking cross-country over rock and sand or Elissa LaVoie, Birders’ Exchange Coordinator, at [email protected] and climbing up some small rockfalls. We’ll

8 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 hike within the canyon itself for about 1 winter denizens, and perhaps a few early returning, and migrating birds. This trip mile, and there will be a little rock- migrants. Rufous-crowned Sparrows, will be strictly limited to 12 participants. hopping. There should be some water Black-chinned Sparrows, and Crissal Call the leader after March 5 to sign up and flowing if there have been recent rains. Our Thrashers are resident, but sometimes receive further instructions. (Approx. 80 route will take us about 1 mile up the elusive. Meet at the trail-head parking lot miles round trip) canyon from the trailhead at Kinney Rd., at the eastern end of Magee Road east of Leader: Darlene Smyth 297-2315 or and then another 1.5 miles up the upper Oracle Road. We should be back between [email protected] King’s Canyon trail to a saddle. This is an noon and 2p.m. Bring plenty of snacks VF exploratory hike looking for spring arrivals and water. Sturdy footwear with good such as orioles, warblers, and maybe an ankle support and sun-screen are a must early bunting, as well as several desert and a hat is highly recommended. Scopes CARPOOLING: species and raptors. This area has are not necessary. Dress in layers for a archeological significance as there are cool early morning and a possibly hot General Information petroglyphs in the canyon. Meet at the midday. This trip is limited to 7 Tucson Audubon field trips are free. The Mission Library parking lot at the participants, so please email or call the field trip coordinator is Darlene Smyth northwest corner of Mission and Ajo Rds. leader to reserve a place beginning on (297-2315). at 6:30a.m. Limited to 10 people. Contact March 10. the leader after March 9 to sign up. (local) Leader: Philip Kline (419-5086 or Carpooling Site Leader: Norma Miller 578-1399 or [email protected]) Tucson Audubon strongly encourages [email protected] carpooling. Unless noted otherwise, the MARCH 31—SATURDAY 6:30a.m. “carpooling site” is the parking lot behind MARCH 24—SATURDAY 6:30a.m. Upper Santa Cruz River and the First Baptist Church. It is on the west Oracle State Park side of 5th Ave., 1.5 blocks south of Patagonia University Blvd and the Audubon Nature This under-birded oak-juniper habitat a Celebrate spring by checking out the Shop. Be aware that if there are two or few miles to the east of the town of Oracle returning riparian birds, such as Gray more meeting sites for a field trip, you may attracts winter sparrows, bluebirds, and Zone-tailed Hawks, warblers, tanagers be the only person to use one of them. Every thrushes, etc., some of which should still be and kingbirds. We’ll stop at Tumacacori, person arriving for a trip should be lingering, as well as other local residents Kino Springs, Roadside Rest and Paton’s prepared to drive, or make other such as Black-chinned Sparrow, Rufous- yard. Hopefully we will have Mexican arrangements prior to meeting time. For crowned Sparrow, Western Scrub-Jay, poppies to look at this year. Bring sun more information about carpool Crissal Thrasher, Bushtits, and sometimes protection, water, lunch, NPS pass or fee locations, visit www.tucsonaudubon.org/ Juniper Titmouse. We’ll also be looking for money, and a sugar fund donation. Meet birding/carpool.htm early spring arrivals. There will be some 6:30a.m. at Fry’s parking lot on Irvington up-and-down walking. Bring a lunch. just east of I-19, or 7a.m. at McDonald’s Driver Reimbursements Dress in layers, as the early morning will be west of I-19 and Continental Road in We recommend that each passenger cool. If you have an annual state park pass Green Valley. Back by 2p.m. LIMITED TO reimburse the driver 10¢ per mile. Each please bring it. We’ll carpool from Ina Rd. TEN BIRDERS: Sign up by calling leader trip description includes estimated trip and Via Ponte, the commuter parking lot on Sunday, March 25 at noon (no email mileage. one block west of Oracle and Ina, on the sign-up). (150 miles round trip) Arrival Times south side of Ina. (65 miles round trip) Leader: John Higgins 578-1830 or Please arrive before the departure time Leader: Doug Jenness 909-1509 or [email protected] listed in the trip description. Trips will [email protected] leave promptly at the time given. APRIL 3—TUESDAY 7a.m. MARCH 27—TUESDAY 6:30a.m. After your Field Trip Las Cienegas NCA Pima Canyon Don’t forget to stop in the Audubon Spring means the return of many species Nature Shop after your trip to check out This will be a birding hike into Pima to this interesting location. Several new books, see wonderful nature items, Canyon. We will travel about 3 miles into habitats can be visited in this area and chat with volunteers. the Canyon for a 6-mile round-trip on including high desert grasslands, a marsh fairly rough, rocky, and occasionally steep that varies in quality, a riparian area Rare Bird Alert terrain. The trail is well-maintained, bordering a perennial stream, mesquite Listen to the latest rare bird alert at however, and is not overly strenuous at a bosques, and juniper-oak woodlands. We 798-1005. To report rare birds call the moderate pace. We will hope to see the will do our best to visit as many of these same number, or write to RBA compiler resident pair of Golden Eagles, lingering areas as possible to look for resident, [email protected].

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 9 First and foremost, we would like to take and southern Utah, Colorado and application to the Arizona Game and Fish this opportunity to welcome Paul Green as California ranked as the fifth most Department (AGFD) for assistance from the new Executive Director of the Tucson threatened bird habitat in the United the Cooperative Endangered Species Audubon Society! We look forward to States. Priority species include Least Bell’s Conservation Fund for the SDCP/MSCP working with him to advance the mission Vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, regional ecological monitoring plan. An and projects of our society. and Yuma Clapper Rail. The report early draft is posted on the January 9 encourages excluding cattle from riparian agenda (www.pima.gov/cob/eagenda/ We also wish to recognize and congratulate areas. 01092007/ 01092007AG.pdf). The Tucson’s own Representative Raul Grijalva current draft is in review at AGFD and (D-7th AZ) on his appointment as ABC notes that bird watching and other USFWS. Under the grant proposal Chairman of the House Natural Resources wildlife viewing by 66 million Americans submitted by Pima County, the Committee’s Subcommittee on National contribute $43 billion annually to the monitoring plan would be finished by Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, an nation’s economy, according to a 2006 November 2008, allowing the permit important subcommittee for land report by the Outdoor Industry application for the multi-species conservation issues. During his tenure on Foundation. Retail sales of birding gear, conservation plan to go forward for the Pima County Board of Supervisors, birding trips, and state and federal tax federal review and process in December Raul spearheaded efforts to save Canoa receipts comprise a substantial portion of 2008. The agenda is ambitious—the Ranch, expand the Tucson Mountain Park, this. county will host four regional monitoring create the county’s award-winning Sonoran partnership meetings in December 2007, Desert Conservation Plan, and facilitate the Actions by the Board of and March, June, and September 2008, designation of the Ironwood Forest Supervisors: according to County Administrator National Monument. His appointment is The Pima County Board of Supervisors Huckelberry’s January 24 letter to the well-deserved and well-earned, as he has has resolved to oppose copper mining in Board of Supervisors. Mr. Huckelberry proven, over his years of local and national the Coronado National Forest, specifically attached a draft-proposed MOU (Memo service, that he is willing to work at the Augusta Corporation’s proposed of Understanding) between the USFWS collaboratively to safeguard our natural Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita and Pima County, for the Board’s review and cultural heritage. He recently honored Mountains. The Board is seeking and approval. our own departing Executive Director, Congressional assistance with the issues of Sonja Macys, with a tribute in the mineral withdrawal and possible In his letter to the Board, Mr. Huckelberry Congressional Record. Just type in acquisition. suggests that the county’s “need for a “Grijalva” and scroll down to Sonja at federal endangered species permit has www.gpoaccess.gov/crecord/search.html The Board directed Pima County staff to diminished” because the City of Tucson adopt new water policies, which would has “annexed land most likely to We look forward to continuing to work require information of rezoning experience urban/conservation conflicts with Raul in the coming years. applicants about the source and impacts involving the Pima Pineapple Cactus” of water use. The proposed policies are (PPC) and Marana has annexed land Most Threatened Bird Habitats posted on the web at involving Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Significant portions of the American www.rfcd.pima.gov/Recharge/ (CFPO) issues, currently moot due to landscape are no longer providing WaterResourcesCompPlan.pdf. Policies delisting. Still, Mr. Huckelberry seems to adequate habitat for many native bird include consideration of impacts to acknowledge that the county has some species, according to the Top 20 Most groundwater-dependent ecosystems. responsibility for permitting impacts to Threatened Bird Habitats in the United state species of concern, and federal States, a new report by the American Bird Sonoran Desert Conservation threatened and endangered species, Conservancy (ABC). ABC’s report is Plan Updates: existent within the county’s jurisdiction available online at www.abcbirds.org/ and avoiding problems inherent in the On August 14, 2006, Pima County’s draft habitatreport.pdf. The primary causes for possible future listing of species of Multi-Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) the loss of these habitats include invasive concern when he says “Yet, it is reasonable and Environmental Impact Statements species, sprawling development, fire to continue to develop the Section 10 (EIS) were issued (www.pima.gov/sdcp/). suppression, agriculture, deforestation, permit in anticipation of future The County has a revised timeline for poor habitat management, overgrazing, endangered species issues. County submitting the final MSCP application for pesticides, and water diversion. The report residents will benefit from a federal a Section 10 Permit from the United identifies threats in each habitat, lists birds permit and a local-federal partnership States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS of high conservation concern, and offers that prevents future listings of endangered or Service). County staff and the county’s solutions and opportunities to restore lost species, including the disruption these consultant, RECON, have prepared a habitat. Southwest Riparian Habitat in listings cause to local plans and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) grant Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, west Texas, investments. The attached draft

10 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 agreement is designed to secure the partnership with Madera Canyon Fundraiser the United States Fish and Wildlife Service so we can Friday March 30th, 2007 7p.m. complete our plan in a manner that avoids problems at the UMC Duval Auditorium that have led to criticism of—and litigation against— regional Section 10 permits. The agreement would Show your support by attending this fundraiser hosted by The Friends commit the County and the Service to a cooperative of Madera Canyon and the Defenders of Madera Canyon to stop the partnership so that the community can work its way construction of 280 home sites at the mouth of Madera Canyon. The into a successful permit program as relevant and entrance fee is $20, of which all the proceeds will go to The Defenders sufficient information becomes available through the of Madera Canyon. This money will help with the professional fees processes we facilitate.” needed to fight this issue. Though we may currently be ahead of the curve in acquisitions to mitigate for our development impacts, A photographic presentation will be given by two of the Tucson area’s the cost of land is rising as availability decreases and top professional nature photographers, Jack Dykinga and Tom Vezo, options decline. Pima County is the largest developer followed by a talk by birding extraordinaire Kenn Kaufman. Kenn was in Pima County and plans for capital improvement gracious enough to fly in from Ohio for this event because he feels it’s projects (CIPs), to improve and increase vitally important to save this critical environmental habitat. There will infrastructure, proceed at a rapid clip to catch up with be an auction of photographic prints, books and other items following the growth already permitted by the county (let alone the presentations. accommodate the folks who will move here over the next twenty years). New residential and commercial construction will require new building permits. Developers have hoped for a streamlined process that would relieve them of negotiating with the USFWS Support Tucson and other agencies on an expensive, time consuming, project-by-project basis to mitigate for their project’s Audubon! impacts. Conservationists have hoped to be relieved of One hundred percent of “Friends” membership dues watch-dogging the county to ensure its compliance support Tucson Audubon’s goals of protecting habitat, with its own guidelines and principles. educating about the environment, and supporting We concur with the desire to develop a defensible and birding in southeast Arizona. To become a member or comprehensive adaptive management and monitoring donate, see page 23 or visit www.tucsonaudubon.org plan. And Mr. Huckelberry is correct when he says the community has “expectations for certainty.” The promise of certainty was what motivated both the regulated community (developers) and the taxpayers (you and me) to volunteer thousands of hours, over 9 years, to help craft the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. Mr. Huckelberry wishes to avoid problems that might lead someone to criticize or litigate against the county for a legally inadequate permit, and we would agree. An adaptive management and monitoring program In the spring of 2001 a group of intrepid birders participated in the requires funding. In Loggerhead Turtle v. Volusia inaugural Tucson Bird Count (TBC), counting birds at sites throughout County 120 F. Supp.2d 1005 (M.D. Fla. 2000), the the Tucson area. After 6 years, thanks to the ongoing efforts of our Court held that, with certain caveats, where the county volunteers, the TBC has grown into the world’s only ongoing, citizen- committed to fund the HCP through future science based urban bird count, and this year, we need YOU! If you can appropriations, “adequate funding” criterion was met. identify the birds species of the Tucson area, and can spend a morning We have a new window of opportunity to strengthen (of your choice!) between April 15 and May 15 counting birds, adopt a our permit application. If and when the county route for the 2007 count. There are routes available all over the city and addresses the issue of adaptive management and surrounding areas, ranging from urban neighborhoods to national monitoring, with a commitment to “adequate parks! To find out more about the TBC, sign up to participate, and view funding”, he, and we, will have less cause for concern. the results so far (including Tucson-area distribution maps for more VF than 200 species), visit us on the web at www.tucsonbirds.org, or call Rachel McCaffrey at 730-3218.

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 11 Main Shop on University Blvd. News move everyone down the hall into a bigger our little shop on the up-and-up! I by Sara Pike, Manager conference room and even then we attended retailing workshops, talked with overflowed out into the hallway! All in all, it binocular vendors, came back with a The year 2007 started off wonderfully was a wonderful day. Mr. Yetman has a plethora of ideas I’m hoping to implement, for the Main Nature Shop. On January 6, dazzling way of capturing the audience and met many great people and made some we had a very special visit from everyone’s drawing them in. He stayed for quite a while good contacts. I also had the pleasure of favorite cactophile and host of the to answer individual questions and signed listening to Pete Marra, Smithsonian critically acclaimed “The Desert Speaks,” over 50 of his books. A BIG THANKS to scientist and expert on the Avian Flu, as he David Yetman, to present his new book Mr. Yetman! The Organ Pipe Cactus is gave an informative presentation on the The Organ Pipe Cactus. We had our small available in our shop for just $9.95. current standing of Avian Flu in our library/conference room all set up for as country. For more details on his research, many people as possible. We had over 65 In mid-January, I attended the Birdwatch you can visit the Smithsonian National Zoo in attendance! We were overflowing out America trade show held in Atlanta, website at: into the shop, into the kitchen and down Georgia, a tradeshow especially for nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Birds/ the back hallway. We ended up having to backyard/nature retailers. I felt this show Newsevents/Avianinfluenzainfo.cfm. was important to attend in order to keep And, of course, a tradeshow always gives the attendees a first look at new and exciting products that are available—so we do have some wonderful new things in the shop! We are continually rotating our merchandise to bring you new natural history books and gifts on a regular basis. I invite to you come in and take a look around! VF PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT Swarovski EL 8.5 Book Reviews BY HEATHER HATCH, ASSISTANT x 42 binoculars SHOP MANAGER BY SUSAN RANDOLPH It’s February and I’m in love. That is, I’m in love with my National Geographic Swarovski EL 8.5 X 42 binoculars. When buying Field Guide to Birds of binoculars, conventional wisdom says buy the best you North America, Fifth can afford. Being neither conventional nor wise, I started Edition out with a gift of Nikon Travel Lites, then graduated to a beautiful pair of Zeiss 10 X 40s. My fatal step was trying Fully revised with thumb tabs Karen McBride’s Swarovskis circa 2000. Bitten by the EL for easy access to “every species bug, I parried my desire for seven years. Now the proud in North America,” including owner, I can say unequivocally that I love the Swarovskis. 16 pages of accidentals and They measure up for feel, ease of focus, and brightness. information on some extinct Birding is better and more rewarding. The competitive species, this is probably a good pricing of the Nature Shop’s inventory, and the charming, bet for the serious birder even if enthusiastic, and well-informed personnel you have previous editions. It is are highly recommended. Happy birding! worth the price just to keep up with changes in the birding Manufacturer’s Suggested Price: $1,998.89 world. $24 Price through our Nature Shop: $1,965.00 Tucson Audubon Member Price: $1,768.50

12 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 Agua Caliente Shop News by Becky Aparicio, Manager January cold snap and rains should give us a showy March Binocular FAQs spring flower display. The grounds at the Agua Caliente Park BY BECKY APARICIO would be a great place for a peek at the desert blooms on the shrubs and trees. No need to drive many miles to enjoy the The Eyes Have It, or maybe they don’t. wonders of southeast Arizona natural beauty. A Saturday We birders who are visually challenged and Nature Walk at 10a.m. or 1p.m. is a great way to enhance your need eyewear to keep from stumbling around knowledge and enjoyment, particularly if you have out-of-town inside our homes, have a unique set of difficulties when guests who will be astonished by our oasis in the desert. we are outside trying to focus on those little brown birds Remember, too, the Tuesday morning “Wake up with the Birds” and fast-moving raptors high above us. Here are a few tips. walk continues, rain, shine, sleet, or wind (which we had Wear your glasses for seeing distance and also for using aplenty in the winter). Now we should be reaping the benefits optics. Most binoculars have soft eyecups that can roll down with great birding and lots of nesting activity to observe. to get your focus closer to the lens. Many binoculars have Another history program will be presented on March 18 in the Rose Cottage Education Building at 1 p.m. with “Apache,” Jack twist-and-lock eyecups, which adjust quickly for that close Lassiter’s description of their history and culture. Come early focus. and shop in the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop and enjoy this Before going out in the field adjust the eyecups for your program afterward. We continue to expand our book and gift preference and don’t tell your buddy you’ll share your offerings to make this the best little shop on the east side of binoculars. town! Don’t wear dark glasses. I am really sensitive to light and VIPs: The following wonderful volunteers continue to assist us have super dark lenses for outdoor activity to keep the light at Agua Caliente Park: Larry Abrams, Mary Andrews, Jean out. One important function of binoculars is to maximize Basset, Alexia Bivings, Fran Cox, Shirley Davis, Joan Felleman, light transmission, so if you can tolerate the light with your Julie Gibson, Liz Harrison, Jean Scheibe and Joe Stevens. A indoor glasses, use them. special thank you to Vivian MacKinnon, membership Wear a soft hat with a nice brim. This will help keep your coordinator, for continuing to be an important part of Agua eyes shaded when not wearing dark glasses. You can always Caliente Nature Shop. roll the brim back for a better view of the subject. VF

Riparian Habitat A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Management in Arizona: Arizona by Thomas C. Brennen and Andrew T. Holycross, A Guide for Private Arizona Game & Fish Landowners Seeking Published in April, 2006, this well-illustrated field guide to Preserve Habitat for Birds includes range maps, a glossary, detailed species information and Other Wildlife and interesting facts. For example, did you know some species Tucson Audubon Society Important of small owls put live Western threadsnakes in their nests to Bird Areas Program help with parasite control? This book is a bargain! $12 The Nature Shop is proud to be Weather: A Golden Guide offering its customers this publication from St. Martin’s Press by our own IBA program and its cooperating agencies. Recently I had the The Golden Guides are simply some of pleasure of selling this booklet to a the best little books for the money. All the gentleman who was getting it as a gift titles in this series are worth scrutiny. This for a rancher friend. Your support helps one provides easily understood make this impressive work possible and information on the phenomena of this booklet, plus two others by our IBA weather, modern scientific intervention program, will make you proud to be a with the weather, and of course many member of Tucson Audubon. Funds helpful illustrations. It is a natural generated by the sale of these booklets companion for any weather watcher. go back to the IBA program. $3 $6.95

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 13 Participants look toward Pusch Ridge in the Santa Catalina Mts. Courtesy Holly Hope.

There’s still time to register… Don’t delay! group camping site, and the park has holding-tank disposal The deadline for registration for the 2007 Institute of Desert facilities. Ample, tasty meals are catered from an on-site unit, with Ecology is almost here. This is the time to make the decision to adequate choices to accommodate vegetarians. Before early field join us. Now in its 37th year, the Institute is continuing its sessions, a nutritious pre-breakfast snack is available. tradition of making the enthusiastic and inspirational teaching of our own local experts available to community members and Fee & Registration participants from around the nation. We take great pride in the The fee of $375 per person ($350 for Tucson Audubon members) fact that the annual Desert Institute now spans more than three includes park entrance fee and camping from April 18 to April 22. decades. During its history, over two thousand individuals have It also includes expert instruction and all meals beginning with come together to learn and share experiences, and to connect Thursday breakfast through Sunday lunch. The Institute ends with the natural environment in ways both intimate and Sunday, April 22 at 2:30p.m. A non-refundable deposit of $45 per profound. The 2007 Institute will be held April 19–22 at person must accompany the registration form. The balance is due Catalina State Park, located at the base of the spectacular Santa by March 9, 2007. Please make checks payable to the Institute of Catalina Mountains. Be sure to sign up soon to reserve a place! Desert Ecology. No money will be refunded for cancellations received after April 6, 2007. Registration is limited to no more Program than 65 people. Our study focuses on Sonoran Desert ecosystems with an emphasis on relationships between plants and animals, and the Participants physical characteristics of the desert rather than on Tucson Audubon membership is not required, but membership classification and identification. Our days start early, and entitles you to a discounted price! Participants should be at least optional activities such as owling, blacklighting for insects, and 18 years of age and in good health. Anyone with an interest in star talks extending into the evening hours. Participants and natural history and desert ecology can participate. No pets are faculty interact in small groups during the first three days. On allowed. Sunday, a final hike ties together the experiences of earlier sessions for the entire group. Questions? Contact Matt Brooks, Environmental Accommodations & Meals Education Specialist at (520)622-2230 Participants furnish their own tents or campers. Water is or [email protected] available but there are no electrical or water hookups. To avoid Also see online registration form at: disrupting the peaceful surroundings, operation of generators is www.tucsonaudubon.org/education not permitted. Restrooms and showers are available at the

14 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 Registration Form for the Institute of Desert Ecology A non-refundable deposit of $45 per person must accompany the registration form. The balance is due March 9, 2007. Please make checks payable to the Institute of Desert Ecology. Use a separate registration form for each participant (copy if necessary). Fill out both sides and mail to: Tucson Audubon Society, Institute of Desert Ecology, 300 East University Boulevard, Suite #120, Tucson, Arizona, 85705

Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Home phone: ______Work phone: ______Email: ______Tucson Audubon Member: _____Yes _____No ❏ I have enclosed an additional $30 ($20 students/seniors) for a one-year Tucson Audubon membership. Study Group Assignment The following information will be used to assure a mix of participants in study groups: Participants get up close and personal with desert denizens. Courtesy Holly Hope. Occupation: ______Special interests or hobbies: ______Age group: ❏ 18-35 ❏ 36-60 ❏ Over 60 Preliminary Schedule How much previous exposure to natural history have you had, on a scale of Wednesday, April 18 0 (no previous exposure) to 10 (college degree or equivalent)? ______4–9p.m. Registration and camp set-up Try to put me in the same study group with: ______No dinner served (food located near park) Accommodations Thursday, April 19 ❏ I will bring a tent and sleeping bag 6:30a.m. Registration ❏ I will bring a camper type: ______7a.m. Breakfast 7:45a.m.–5p.m. Sessions and lunch break Other Information 6:30 p.m. Dinner and optional sessions We compile a roster for distribution to Institute participants only. Friday, April 20 We will include your registration information with name, telephone, 5:30a.m. Pre-breakfast snack occupation and interests. If you do not want your information included 6a.m. Field sessions mark below. 7:30a.m. Breakfast ❏ Please do not include any of my information 8a.m.–3:30p.m. Sessions and lunch break ❏ Please do not include my telephone number 4:30p.m. Final session ❏ Please do not include my occupation or interests 6:30p.m. Dinner and optional sessions I learned about this program from: ______Saturday, April 21 In case of an emergency, notify: 5:30a.m. Pre-breakfast snack Name: ______6a.m. Field sessions Address:______7:30a.m. Breakfast City: ______State: ______8a.m.–5:30p.m. Sessions, lunch & optional Home phone (______)______workshops Work phone (______)______6:30p.m. Dinner and optional sessions If my registration is accepted, I understand $45 of the fee is not refundable. Sunday, April 22 I am at least 18 years of age, in good health and plan to participate in the 6:30a.m. Breakfast full Institute program. 7:30a.m. Hike with sack lunch 2:30p.m. Institute ends Signature: ______Date: ______

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 15 Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Ironwood Festival on Saturday, May 5, 2007, 1–6p.m. See www.tucsonaudubon.org/masoncenter/ironwood.htm for more information.

Update on Mason Center Upgrades plastic designed to allow water to drain through into the ground, rather than run off into sewers, detention ponds and to cause Many of us hear the term “county permits” and groan. Those erosion. All of these products/materials are great but they are who have gone through a permitting process through Pima relatively new to the building world and our regulatory county County or the City of Tucson have experienced mind-numbing departments. Therefore, this process has been drawn out a little frustration and long delays in order to add onto a house, build a longer than normal. We have recently made progress, though, in garage, etc. The Mason Audubon Center is now in its sixth year of the form of approval for having a composting toilet. Pima County a permitting process (perhaps this is a record?) to obtain a permit is fairly progressive in its knowledge and acceptance of some of that would allow the Center to be open to the public. This permit, these alternative technologies; otherwise there would be no hope called a Conditional Use Permit, requires that Tucson Audubon at all for our Mason Center plans. make a few improvements to the property including a driveway, a We still have more things to be approved before we can start few on-site parking places, pathways, and a public restroom, all of building and installation. Many of us are chomping at the bit to which must be universally accessible. We could have accomplished start laying some bales of straw and digging a hole for the this more quickly with an asphalt driveway, and some sort of composting toilet, but, if nothing else, this process has been a prefabricated bathroom that connects to a sewer. However, part of lesson in patience. I believe 2007 will be the year to build the the goal of this site and of this environmentally conscious restroom and driveway and I will keep you updated on our organization is to have as little ecological impact as possible. What progress. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about we are planning to build, then, is a composting toilet in a straw- the materials or design we are using, as the knowledge I have bale structure, and a Gravelpave driveway. A composting toilet gained from this experience will be nearly useless if not shared. uses no water or chemicals, and the end product can be used as mulch for non-edible Tucson Hebrew Academy Annual Volunteer Day plants. A straw-bale structure is low-cost, Thank you to the fourth graders at Tucson Hebrew Academy easy to build, has a high and their teacher, Marlene Abraham, for completing their annual insulation value and is volunteer project at the Mason Center, on February 6. These busy, made from a renewable hard-working kids helped mulch the gardens and put together a resource. Gravelpave is a new component of the plant nursery where we grow plants for the patented material used Tucson Audubon habitat restoration sites. We hope to see you next for driveways; it’s made year! Clivus Multrum Composting Toilet. from 100% recycled VF

The Mason Audubon Center is located on the southwest corner of Thornydale and Hardy Roads, with parking available on Hardy.

Carrie Dean and Tucson Hebrew Academy students. Courtesy Matt Brooks.

16 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 Grand Canyon Trust and Citizen Stewardship Council: Partnerships in Action by Kari Malen, Grand Canyon Trust Volunteer Coordinator

There is nothing like watching the sun go down over House Rock Valley after a day of hard-earned sweat and toil, especially when the effort is going to a good cause. — Volunteer, 2006

Participation in Grand Canyon Trust (GCT) working presentations to youth camps at Second Chance Center. The vacations and Service Learning Programs often generates similar campers, being budding animal activists themselves, were quite statements. GCT launched its volunteer program in 1999, interested and engaged in lively discussions of domestic versus focusing on conservation and restoration throughout the wild animals and how our responsibilities change with those Colorado Plateau. Since then the program has expanded, and designations. Discussions included current wildlife issues and how projects range from wildlife monitoring, invasive plant to help. The program concluded with the campers brainstorming eradication, scientific data collection and monitoring, habitat public outreach concepts, and creating posters to educate the restoration, archeology and beyond. The program has been community. deemed a huge success by local land managers who are grateful for the assistance because of limited budgets in their own The success and enthusiasm of this program and its programs. In 2006 alone, GCT volunteers donated approximately participants were the catalyst for the development of a more 10,000 hours of time. formal education program for the 2007 volunteer season at the Trust. We will now integrate on-site speakers as well as An essential element contributing to this growth is the Citizen educational workshops into the volunteer projects. Stewardship Council sponsored by the Arizona Community Foundation. Now in the third year of our partnership, this Reaching out to the community allows our organization to Council has enabled the Trust to work with other organizations, expand its influence. The significance of this effort has been including the Tucson Audubon Society, to establish connections recognized by the community, which would be well-served by between like-minded organizations. These fostered relationships continued investment in this type of program. enhance our ability to develop new programs and outputs that “Upon the education of the people of this country can be used by other agencies with similar goals. the fate of this country depends.” —Benjamin Disraeli A recent program spawned by this collaboration partnered To find out more about the programs offered or to apply to a GCT and Second Chance Center for Animals in Flagstaff. GCT project visit us on the web at www.gcvolunteers.org! Together the agencies developed a program to deliver educational VF

Join us for this year’s Riparian Family Institute, Riparian Family Institute March 24–25, 2007. The Institute focuses on the SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MARCH 24 – 25 rich plant and animal life found streamside along the beautiful San Pedro River near Winkelman, Arizona. One of the last free-flowing rivers joining Mexico and the United States, the San Pedro provides a green oasis in the desert and is home to hundreds of species of plants, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals; in fact, it is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Hosted in cooperation with Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation and The Nature Conservancy, families will delve into river ecology while getting up-close-and-personal with streamside flora and fauna. Price is $180 for a family of four. Camping equipment and transportation to the site are the responsibility of the participants. To register or for more information, contact Matt Brooks, Environmental Education Specialist at (520)622-2230 or [email protected]. Registration is Deadline for registration is March 9, 2007. limited to 28 participants, so register early.

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 17 Scott Wilbor, IBA Program Conservation Biologist

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Courtesy John H. Hoffman. Lucy's Warbler and Gray Hawk, two species of conservation concern. Courtesy rshantz.com.

Three new southern Arizona IBAs approved by The new Sonoita Creek State Natural Area and Patagonia Lake Science Committee! — IBA volunteers conducting bird IBA, was surveyed extensively by IBA Teams in 2005. Key to this surveys were integral to their identification effort was the help from Arizona State Parks employees and volunteers, notably Ken Kingsley and Amy Gaiennie, Steven Haas The Arizona IBA Science Committee composed of biologists, (Park Manager), Jen Parks (Park Ranger), and Joanne Roberts professors, and ornithologists from around the state met in (ASP Resources Ecologist), along with Tucson Audubon Phoenix on January 26 to review proposed new IBAs in Arizona. members. This IBA was recognized for its nesting Gray Hawks (8 With eight members in attendance and three others submitting pairs), Yellow-billed Cuckoos (11-12 pairs), and its dense comments, new IBA status was approved for the Upper Santa Cruz populations of Lucy’s Warbler (18.91/linear km. max. of 5 River, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area and Patagonia Lake, the transects), Bell’s Vireo (9.88/linear km. max.), Broad-billed Lower San Pedro River, and the Gilbert Riparian Institute (east of Hummingbird (1.64/linear km. max.), Abert’s Towhee (1.43/linear Phoenix). We now have 30 IBAs in Arizona (see km. max.), and Yellow-breasted Chat (19.75/linear km. max.). www.tucsonaudubon.org/azibaprogram/ibalist.htm)! Additionally, this IBA was identified for its support of dense The new Upper Santa Cruz River IBA, a long-time interest of concentrations of spring migrants, in particular Summer Tanagers Tucson Audubon, includes Tumacacori National Historical Park at and Lucy’s and Yellow Warblers (8.89 and 16.94/linear km. max., its south end, extending 9.5 kilometers north through mostly respectively). Rarer species also periodically occurring in the IBA private lands, and encompasses all of the Tucson Audubon-held include: Common Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Green conservation easement at Esperanza Ranch south of Amado. The Kingfisher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Elegant Trogon, and IBA encompasses the cottonwood/willow gallery forest and all Rufous-backed Robin. Patagonia Lake supports a significant intact mesquite bosques along this reach of river. Key to this site’s wintering waterbird concentration of Double-crested and identification were bird survey efforts by IBA teams at Tumacacori Neotropic Cormorants, Pied-billed and Eared Grebes, Virginia’s (led by Sue Carnahan and Curtis Smith, Cuckoo surveys by Colby and Sora Rails, and Common Moorhens. Henley), Tubac-Juan Bautista de Anza Trail (first led by Sally Johnsen and Norma Miller, later by Dennis Jex), and at Esperanza Lower San Pedro River IBA was surveyed by IBA Teams in 2006. (led by Craig Marken). Gray Hawk surveys were completed by the Audubon and agency folks worked together to survey seven sites, IBA Program with assistance from Dennis Jex. from The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Three Links Farm in the south, Bureau of Land Management, Salt River Project, Inc., and This new IBA is recognized for its concentration of nesting Gray Bureau of Reclamation properties, north to TNC’s San Pedro Hawks (6 pairs), Yellow-billed Cuckoo (~ 9 pairs), and dense Preserve at Dudleyville, AZ. Key to the approval of this IBA was populations of Lucy’s Warbler (12.5 detections/linear km. Arizona’s largest population of Southwestern Willow Flycatchers maximum at Tumacacori), Bell’s Vireo (4.5/linear km. max. at (> 40% of the nesting population in Arizona), an endangered Esperanza), Broad-billed Hummingbird (5.73/linear km. max. at species (157 pairs in the IBA), and dense nesting populations of Tubac), and Abert’s Towhee (2.05/linear km. max. at Tubac), plus Lucy’s Warbler (28 detections/linear km. max.) and Bell’s Vireo the presence of Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Varied Bunting, (13/linear km. max.), particularly at the 7B Ranch near and Rufous-winged Sparrow, all of which are special conservation Mammoth, AZ. Also, of significance was the extreme abundance status species in Arizona. Yellow-breasted Chat, a riparian obligate of Yellow Warbler (47/linear km. max.) and Bell’s Vireo (24/linear species, was notably abundant at Tumacacori NHP (14.5/linear km. max.) during the spring migration period. Nesting raptor km.). Also, notable to the committee are the occurrence of nesting populations also were recognized as significant in Arizona; they Lazuli and Indigo Buntings and Tropical Kingbird, which are rare continued next page nesting species in southern Arizona.

18 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 There’s something to be said for civilization. Do we always have to There were at least three Vermilion leave behind the “finer things” of our human environment when Flycatchers there on a pleasant we go birding? winter’s day. I don’t have to tell you that’s good luck if you’re a No! Himmel Park is a place where birds and civilization intersect. Tucson Audubon member. The park is a block south of Speedway Boulevard, bordered to the And the park is close to north by 1st Street, on the west by Tucson Boulevard, on the east everything. The Himmel Park by Treat Avenue, and on the south by a residential area. It is branch of the public library system mostly turf but is ringed by an impressive array of pines, is available for your literary needs. eucalyptus and other trees. Tennis anyone? There are eight I wouldn’t call the park a birding hotspot. A brief walk there in courts. How about a dip in the American Kestrel, a regular at January yielded 11 species. But they’re tame—used to people! pool? Like to watch kids playing soccer? Perhaps a wager on the the park. Courtesy Kendall There were stunning scope views of a female American Kestrel on Kroesen. a light pole. I made passers-by, who were walking their dogs, look team in the red jerseys? through the scope. I don’t know what they thought of me, but The strategy here—and the real value of parks like this—is to use they were impressed by the bird. it to introduce people to birds. Invite a friend to the library and then sit a while on the grass on a sunny day. When one of those Vermilions comes by, whip out the pair of compact binoculars you keep in your purse or backpack. Make him take a look! Then invite him for a cup of fine coffee at Rincon Market or another local establishment. He’ll never know what hit him. Years later when he’s an accomplished birder, perhaps visiting you after seeing his 5,000th species, he’ll have an epiphany. “Was it by chance we saw the Vermilion Flycatcher that day at the park, or did you plan that.” “What, uh, do you take me for, Sir? Purely coincidental, I assure you. More tea?” VF

Himmel Park. Courtesy Kendall Kroesen.

included: Mississippi Kite (~ 10 pairs), Gray Hawk, Common their habitat. The program works to promote the long-term Black-Hawk and Zone-tailed Hawk. The Yellow-billed conservation of IBAs by providing species and habitat Cuckoo population is also of regional significance. information to its partners, guidance on best management practices, grant support, advocacy, and participation in site The Gilbert Riparian Institute IBA, comprised of two stewardship and monitoring. wetland complexes in Gilbert, AZ. This IBA was recognized as a key shorebird concentration site during spring and fall We thank all the volunteers who continue to participate in migration periods (~ 1100 shorebirds maximum), and during our IBA teams as bird surveyors. These teams have provided the winter period (~ 800 shorebirds maximum). Most the critical data that has allowed the IBA Program to move abundant were Long-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, and new IBA nominations forward to our Science Committee. We Black-necked Stilt. A Maricopa Audubon team led data are now most excited to pursue new inventory and continued collection efforts for this IBA during 2004-2005. monitoring surveys to identify the most critical sites and habitats for our Arizona bird populations and to get our The new IBA status for these sites elevates their recognition findings out to our partners and the public. Lastly, we are within Arizona, so that landowners and managers become excited to begin outreach to landowners of these new Arizona aware of their significant avian populations. The IBA IBAs to ensure their conservation long into the future! Program is non-regulatory, voluntary, and seeks to promote VF continued and enhanced good land stewardship for birds and

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 19 Andean Adventures the Amerind Museum, overnight in Bisbee, and then on to the famous pottery village of Mata Ortiz in Mexico. Stay at a comfortable inn in the Sally Johnsen 399-4050; [email protected] middle of this rustic village. Plenty of time to watch pottery “Ecuador’s Majestic Andes…both slopes.” We are planning tour dates demonstrations and shop at potters’ homes and galleries. Visit the now; please contact us for more information. Professional guides. $1500 prehistoric ruins of Paquime and bird along the river near the Mormon inclusive from Quito, 11 days /12 nights. Visit Santa Lucia’s unspoiled town of Colonia Juarez. See the itinerary and species list at cloud forest, 394 species including the rare White-faced Nunbird, Plate- www.naturetreks.net/ billed Mtn. Toucan and Cock-of-the-Rock lek! Bird 13,500 ft. Papallacta Pass. East slopes Guango and San Isidro Lodges for Mtn. Avocetbill, Ntaba Tours www.ntabatours.com Sword-billed Hummingbird, Torrent Duck, Bicolored Antvireo, White- Toll-free (866)466-8222 or Cingular Cell (502)545-0207; bellied Antpitta…more. Nobody leaves disappointed. For more [email protected] information on the area, visit www.santaluciaecuador.com and Experience South Africa’s abundant birdlife with avid birders Rob and www.sanisidrolodge.com Stella Mountain, South African citizens now living in Kentucky. We Birding America www.birding-america.com personally lead the tours and use local professional guides. Quality accommodation, excellent cuisine, personal needs taken care of, all at a Toll-free: (800)774-6150; [email protected] sensible price! Two birding tours have been planned for 2007. Please visit “Black Hills & High Plains,” June 16–23, 2007, $2,160 per person from the above website for more information on these tours as well as other Rapid City. The Black Hills hosts a virtual cocktail of species from north, natural history tours we are taking to South Africa. south, east, and west, in addition to northern plains endemics. This must- see destination is home to Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover, Greater Rancho Esmeralda Eco-Tours www.ranchoesmeraldanogales.com Sage-Grouse, American Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers, Gray (520)548-7278; [email protected] Jay, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and a stunning mix of eastern warblers “Ed-venture Tours,” April 13–15 & 27–29, 2007, $625. Leaders: Pinau including Ovenbird and American Redstart. This unique tour visits the Merlin, Larry Liese and Randy Babb. Tours focus on the whole natural Black Hills proper and surrounding grasslands, plus the starkly beautiful history picture of this spectacular area. Three expert naturalists interpret Badlands NP and awe-inspiring Devil’s Tower. Come with us to bird the the birds, plants, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians, ecology, and the nation’s outstanding crossroads of diversity. stunning scenery of this lush rancho in Sonora. The diversity of habitats “South Florida,” April 21–29, 2007, $2,295 per person from Miami. (streams, canyons, oak woodland) support a wide variety of birds Visiting the Everglades and the Dry Tortugas in spring produces a including Rose-throated Becard, Elegant Trogon, Thick-billed Kingbird, remarkable diversity of migrants and breeders. This high-energy tour Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Varied Bunting, hummingbirds and tracks down the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo, nesting Sooty Terns and other wildlife (deer, coati, turkey, ringtail cat, etc.). Also included are night Brown Noddies, the graceful Swallow-tailed and the endangered Snail walks, blacklighting for insects, and a chance to see bats up-close with Kites as well as local specialties like Black-whiskered Vireo and Antillean Randy, our bat biologist. 546-9409; email: [email protected] Nighthawk. Gray Kingbird, Short-tailed Hawk and the endemic Florida “Horseback Riding Adventure for Women,” Scrub-Jay are also targets. A host of waterbirds in the form of Limpkin, April 20-26, 2007. Leader: Deb Thibeault, Triple T Ranch, Idaho. Ladies are Reddish Egret, Wood Stork, and Purple Gallinule, provide constant color invited to saddle up for a week-long horseback riding and birding to the region’s dazzling wetlands. adventure in the mountains of Mexico. The ranch has gentle and dependable horses for riders of all experience levels and over 50 miles of Borderland Tours www.borderland-tours.com outstanding scenic trails to bird and explore. The Esmeralda offers endless 882-7650 from Tucson, toll-free at (800)525-7753; opportunities to view the natural wonders of northern Mexico by [email protected] horseback. Lodging at the spacious guest hacienda features completely “Costa Rica,” July 1–13, 2007, $2,795. Leaders: Carlos Gómez & Chris solar and eco-friendly facilities; enjoy the heated swimming pool and Sharpe. We invite you to explore Costa Rica’s scenic network of national Jacuzzi, and outstanding Mexican cuisine provided by the ranch’s gourmet parks and wildlife preserves from lowland rain forest to the northernmost chef. For more information, contact Deb Thibeault at (208)354-8922 or páramo in Central America. We’ll visit Costa Rica’s most reliable location [email protected]. for Resplendent Quetzal, reputedly the most beautiful bird in this www.rockjumper.co.za hemisphere. Other special birds include King Vulture, Great Green RockJumpers Birding Tours Macaw, Black-and-white Owl, Snowy Cotinga, and the bizarre Three- [email protected] wattled Bellbird. Last year’s trip listed 355 species of birds, including 33 “Indian Ocean Islands: Mauritius, Reunion & the Seychelles,” hummingbirds, as well as 15 mammals and 22 reptiles and amphibians. November 18–December 2, 2007, $5,700. Sprinkled on the tropical seas off East Africa are a series of islands where paradise is defined. Join us for a Nature Treks and Passages www.naturetreks.net tour designed to maximize these idyllic isles by visiting those with the 696-2002; [email protected] richest bird life and most incredible scenery, be it rugged, forest-clad “Copper Canyon Birding,” December 1–9, 2007, $2549. See neo-tropical volcanic peaks or white beaches, fringed by warm water and teeming coral species such as Eared Quetzal and Russet-crowned Motmot. Activities reefs. We hope for an incredible 36 regional endemics including some of include a river float trip near the colonial town of El Fuerte, the the world’s rarest and most sought-after birds. spectacular Copper Canyon train to Creel, and three days in Batopilas, “Antarctica,” December 1–19, 2007, $9,335. This voyage of a lifetime will deep within the Canyon. View the itinerary and species list at take us from Ushuaia to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South www.naturetreks.net/ Shetlands and the fabled Antarctica Peninsula. While exploring some of “Birds and Pottery in Mata Ortiz,” April 12–15 and November 8–11, the world’s last pristine wildernesses we will be treated to spectacular 2007, $849. Ride by van to bird at Whitewater Draw near Willcox, visit continued next page

20 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 Adobe Desert Vacation Rentals www.adobedesert.com Birding America www.birding-america.com PO Box 85456, Tucson, AZ 85754; 578-3998 Welcome Birding America, Tucson Audubon Society’s newest tour Please join us in welcoming Adobe Desert Vacation Rentals as a new operator business member. Working with its parent company Tropical Business Member of Tucson Audubon. Beautiful handcrafted adobe homes Birding, Birding America strives to provide the highest quality, and casitas, situated on ample acreage just 30 minutes from downtown enthusiastic leaders (see Moez Ali’s story on page 5) and a diverse Tucson, offer the perfect accommodations for a Southwest getaway. selection of tours throughout North America. Located on the western slopes of the Tucson Mountains, these unique Birding America concentrates on localities that offer both high and eco-sensitive homes invite you to luxuriate in Old World charm amid diversity and many hard-to-find “specialty species”. Their tours operate pristine desert. All of the properties are conveniently located minutes from with a cap of 8 participants, ensuring you’ll get better looks and a more the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park West, and Old personalized experience. They are so confident in this approach that they Tucson Studios. will run tours with as few as two participants at no extra charge if the Blue skies, majestic saguaros, brilliant sunsets, and star-studded skies tour doesn’t fill. And in addition to a full schedule of set departure tours, can all be had at Adobe Desert Vacation Rentals. In addition to the above, they are capable of arranging custom trips across the continent. amenities include swimming pools, hot tubs, fireplaces, laundry facilities Like its parent company, Birding America believes in giving back to and covered patios. the birding community. Birding America focuses on helping to foster the Perfect for gatherings of family and friends, one, two, and three next generation of birders. Twenty per cent of their profits go towards bedroom houses are available. Extensive hiking trails, some of the world’s funding youth development programs in the US, as well as birding guide best birding, and outstanding mountain biking trails await you. Please visit empowerment initiatives in developing countries. They also offer a their website at www.adobedesert.com and tell them Tucson Audubon sent special discount (up to 25% off) to young birders. So join us in you! welcoming the new kid on the block, Birding America, and tell them Tucson Audubon sent you! Tangled Web Properties www.tangled.biz P.O. Box 253, Cortaro, AZ 85652; 204-1415 Brooklyn Pizza Company www.brooklynpizzacompany.com 534 N 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705; 622-6868 Please welcome Tangled Web Properties to our growing family of Tucson Audubon Business Members! Owners Bill and Elizabeth Eldridge Please welcome our first restaurant business member, Brooklyn Pizza moved to Tucson 2 years ago for the great weather and wonderful natural Company, located at 534 N. 4th Ave, right down the street from our surroundings. They were astounded with the abundance of wildlife and offices on University Blvd. Our staff and volunteers in the main office can stunning scenery. What started as a small business, Tangled Web Originals, tell you how delicious everything is since owner, Tony Vaccaro, is always selling note cards of nature shots and original artwork, has grown into willing to provide ‘ZA and gelato’ every time we call on him! much more. In addition to great pie, Brooklyn Pizza Company also offers pasta, Tangled Web still offers beautiful original artwork but Bill and calzones, sandwiches and salad. Be sure to check out their website (above) Elizabeth have also added a luxury self-catering condo available for a for a complete menu and coupons you can download, or give them a call home-away-from-home stay for visiting birders. The 2 bedroom 2 bath at 622-6868. But don’t just take our word for it; read what the condo is located in Oro Valley near Catalina State Park, Saguaro National professionals have to say: Park West, Mt. Lemmon, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, lots of “The soul of a genuinely scrumptious Brooklyn-style pizza doesn’t reside in restaurants, and several championship golf courses. What more could a fancy gimmicks or a host of bizarre toppings. The key to a New York pie is an visitor ask for? obsessive devotion to ingredients of the highest quality and consummate The condo is a tremendous value, providing much more space, privacy freshness. When tossed together, the result is magnificent.” and extra amenities than a traditional hotel. With a split bedroom design, —Rebecca Cook, Tucson Weekly: Brooklyn Pizza Company Pie A-Plenty two families have the privacy of their own beds, bathrooms and TVs, while sharing a comfortable living room with an entertainment center, dining “Hold everything, transplanted New Yorkers! There may not be any reason area and a fully equipped kitchen and laundry room. Common facilities to visit those sorry relatives still on the East Coast this summer, because the include an exercise room, a heated pool and spa, and free broadband only thing you truly like about the Big Apple has shown up on Fourth wireless Internet in the clubhouse. Be sure to check their website often as Avenue—Brooklyn Pizza Company, 534 N. Fourth Ave., would make its they hope to expand with more rental properties and perhaps even a namesake borough proud.” —Raina Wagner. The Arizona Daily Star traditional bed & breakfast property in the near future. VF

vistas, hauntingly beautiful icebergs and the planet’s greatest including Manu Wildlife Center. We’ll also visit the Incan ruins of concentrations of marine wildlife. Machu Picchu, rich in history as well as birds. “Galapagos Endemics Cruise,” August 22–September 1, 2007, $3400 Tropical Birding www.tropicalbirding.com per person. Leader: Iain Campbell. We have specially chartered a 16- Toll free: (800)348-5941; [email protected] passenger yacht to visit all the key islands for birds, and we have a chance to see every endemic species of the archipelago. An outstanding “Peru: Manu and Machu Picchu,” July 26–August 12, 2007, $4730 per tour for photography. This tour links up perfectly with the ABA person. Leader: Jose Illanes. Come with us to one of the most pristine International Conference in Quito from September 1–7. yet accessible wilderness areas in the world, home to a mind-boggling 1000+ species of birds. We stay in a series of delightful lodges, VF

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 21 We thank the following members and Mountain States Nursery, and especially Tucson Audubon thanks supporters for their generous donations; Peter Gierlach; Thank you for the the following community we simply couldn’t do it without you! donation of native plants to be used in the and business members for restoration program. The following folks made generous financial their continued support: donations to the Tucson Audubon Society: Dustin Goering, who donated a pair of hip waders. William Adler Alta Vista Bed and Breakfast Don Arkin & Sharon Emley Robert Merideth donated over 60 books Andean Adventures Marilyn & John Bicking and maps to the library. Arivaca Country Bed and Breakfast Beatty’s Miller Canyon Guest Ranch Mich Coker Kay & Mike Fagan donated a motion- Christine Curtis Bed and Bagels of Tucson activated singing bluebird toy, and the staff Borderland Tours Shirley Davis won’t quit playing with it! Vernita & Joseph de Rouen Comcast Cable Carol & Don Eagle Craig Fischer donated birding guides De Anza Trails RV Resort Sandy & Karl Elers and journals to the library. Down By The River B&B Sandra Findley John Hoffman donated over 15 natural Kimberlyn Drew, Realtor Michal Glines & Michael Racy history books to the library. Galeria La Sirena Julia & Mark Gordon Hughes Federal Credit Union Katharine Jacobs & David Plane Please be sure to give a big birders’ welcome Jeremiah Inn B&B Michael Jacobson to the following new members: Jordan Printing, Inc. William Johnson John Carson Lou Benson Construction Company Margaret Kidwell Robin Clark Mi Gatita Bed and Breakfast Jennifer Boice & Mark Kimble Mari Daniels Nature Treks & Passages Nila Laguana Crane Day Ntaba Tours Carolyn & Robert Long Mr & Mrs Robin Doidge Rancho Esmeralda Claire & Don Macha Theresa Foley Rockjumper Birding Tours Patricia & Jim Martin Kathy Fullin The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Barry McCormick Judy Gerlock Tropical Birding Douglas Newton Sheila Goldberg Victor Emanuel Tours, Inc. Nancy Bower & Lindsey Quesinberry Beverly Greenhow Ginny & Mel Roberts Linda Gregonis Paula Schaper Sharon Held Nan Schmidt & Joseph O’Connell Wendell Hoag Wishes: Grant Swick Allen Jahn Cynthia Thomssen & Joe Hyde Carol & Clarke Lambert University Blvd. Offices: Pat & Herb Trossman Sang-Im Lee (in North Korea!) Cushioned folding chairs, 2-drawer vertical Joan & Bob Tweit Marcia Lincoln file cabinet, Victor Emanuel Carolyn Nash Comfortable reading chair or small couch William Wieboldt Thomas Nissen Lisa & George Youngerman Andrea Payette Mason Audubon Center: In Loving Memory of Harvey Lance Victoria & Robert Peterson Medium-sized dry-erase board from Dorothy Robertson Brendan Phibbs Paula Schaper University Blvd. Nature Shop: In Honor of Peggy & John Dorio Virginia Shapiro Small TV/DVD combo player to from Jackie Powell Sharon Smalley demonstrate products The following good people have given Mary Fay & Howard Strause Nature Shop at Agua Caliente Park: Mirica Tomas generously by responding to specific needs: Sturdy folding step stool, Lockable storage Noreen & Andreas Widenfeld cabinet approximately 26” W X 16” D and at Thanks to the anonymous donor who Lars Wigert least 4 feet tall provided a new Polaris Ranger utility Barbara Wrench vehicle for use by the restoration crew. VF Habitat Restoration Program: Locking metal storage cabinet

22 Tucson Audubon Society Vermilion Flycatcher b MARCH 2007 In Celebration of Harvey Lance Support Tucson Audubon… April 15, 1916 – November 15, 2006 Become a Friend today! We ask you to join us in celebrating the life of longtime Membership Tucson Audubon volunteer Harvey Lance. Harvey moved to Tucson in the early 1970s and quickly became ❏ $30/year — Individual involved with Tucson Audubon. An avid birder with a ❏ $45/year — Family fine appreciation of the natural world, Harvey made a ❏ $20/year — Student home for himself on the Vermilion Flycatcher’s monthly mailing crew, where he was known for his quick wit and ❏ $20/year — Senior (62+) keen political savvy. Name ______He had a great love and knowledge of books and kept an extensive library ranging from poetry to natural history Address ______to astronomy and physics; Harvey read them all. When City / State / Zip ______he left this world last November he left his amazing collection to the library of Tucson Audubon. His niece, Email ______Elaine Hallgarth, has been shuttling his collection here Tel ______for the past few months and we are astounded by the sheer number of volumes! ❏ New membership ❏ Renewing membership With this in mind, we honor Harvey’s memory and ❏ Please email me about Tucson Audubon events and longtime service to Tucson Audubon by holding our conservation issues. FIRST ANNUAL LIBRARY SALE in his honor on ❏ Please do not share my contact information. March 31 (see page 3). ❏ Do not mail the Flycatcher, I’ll read it online. Donation I would like to support Tucson Audubon Society with an additional contribution. The Tucson Audubon Society will use the full amount of your tax-deductible gift for its environmental, Desperately Seeking educational and recreational programs. Your Silly Photos! ❏ $25 ❏ $50 ❏ $100 ❏ $250 ❏ ______We need your silly birding photos for a new promotion Tucson Audubon Frequent Flyer idea here at Tucson Audubon… We are hoping to gather Monthly Donor Program a series of photographs that can be used to generate ❏ I authorize the charge of $____ per month for ____ some seriously funny postcards. They will include our months to my credit card ($10/month minimum) mission statement as well as contact and membership information on the back. The postcards will be given Method of payment away free to the general public at events and at areas ❏ Check (payable to Tucson Audubon Society) frequented by visiting birders. Heck, they may even ❏ MasterCard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express become collectibles! Credit Card No. ______Candid or staged, as long as the laugh generated is genuine, your image could be just what we’re looking Expiration Date: ______Amount $ ______for. Please email your photos to Michael Monyak at Signature [email protected] or bring them to either shop on a CD. Please include your name and address so Please send this application and your payment to: we can thank you appropriately (by postcard perhaps?). Tucson Audubon Society All photos will become the property of Tucson 300 E. University Blvd., #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 Audubon, but we’ll happily credit the photographer (if Attention: Vivian MacKinnon, Membership Coordinator they want the credit that is…). Or jump onto our website to join, renew or donate: www.tucsonaudubon.org

MARCH 2007 b Vermilion Flycatcher Tucson Audubon Society 23 Tucson Membership Meeting Monday, March 12, 7p.m. in DuVal Auditorium Membership at University Medical Center Meeting Directions Tucson Parking: BATS: THE OTHER FLYING There is parking, for a fee, in the multi-tiered INVERTEBRATES Patient/Visitor parking When nature enthusiasts flock to Arizona to witness our spectacular structure close to the bird diversity, many are unaware of the remarkable diversity of our non- auditorium at UMC. feathered flying vertebrates (the ones that don’t lay eggs). Bats currently Free parking (after number 45 species in the U.S., and 60% of those occur in Arizona. Yet 5pm) is available most Tucsonans have never seen a bat. Questions abound—How long south of Mabel Street do bats live? Do bats bite? Do bats use radar because they are blind? and west of Warren. Could there have been a bat at my hummingbird feeder? What are the predators of bats? Why do bats hang upside down? What can I do to attract bats to my yard (and should I)? Do bats have rabies? Are hummingbird feeders good for bats? Dr. Ronnie Sidner has worked with bats for 27 years in Green Valley Arizona and will draw on her field experience to answer many of these questions using photos, bat calls, and video Membership clips to illustrate the answers. “Sometimes I wonder if Meeting: ‘Animal Planet’ has taught us anything beyond how cute nature is. Do we only want to protect cute things? If so, EE ILD TAH then, fortunately, bats actually are awfully cute. But they S “W U ” are oh-so-much more!” Often cautioning audiences not see page 5 for details to disturb bats by going into natural roosts such as caves Saturday, March 24, 11a.m. when bats are present, Ronnie says there are several places right in Tucson where you can go to watch bats without at Green Valley Public causing them disturbance. In addition, Tucson Audubon Library offers several programs during the year where you can see Dr. Ronnie Sidner and learn more about bats.

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

The Vermilion Flycatcher is the newsletter of the Tucson Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society. Members of other chapters may receive the Flycatcher by becoming a Friend of Tucson Audubon. See membership at www.tucsonaudubon.org.